Displaying posts labeled "Outdoors"

For today’s Sunday castle I have what is actually a villa in Sicily but it has very castle-like architecture so let’s call it a castle, shall we? 🙂 This is a beauty! Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves outside the Sicilian fishing town of Mazara del Vallo is a castle-like villa that dates back to the 17th century. Complete with turrets and towers, this fortified farmhouse was originally built as a monastery, and later became the centre of a local wine business. Now, the ground floor of this family-owned property is an elegantly furnished holiday retreat. The eclectic interiors feature pieces collected during the owners’ extensive travels across the globe: a Chinese-style library, a canary yellow living room with Brazilian ceramics, and a Moroccan-influenced suite all tell stories of a life well-lived. It’s easy to while away afternoons over long, lazy lunches within the walled orangery; there’s also a palm-fringed pool and a private tennis court. Santa Maria Villa available to stay, via The Perfect Getaway.

Looking for a magical getaway? Look what I found! The lovingly preserved, 200 year old farmhouse, is ideally nestled in rural Tuscany overlooking sloping vineyards just a few kms from the village of Montefollonico and the better-known hilltop village of Montepulciano. Surrounded by cypresses, sheep pastures, and olive groves, the once forgotten farmhouse has been beautifully restored by owners Fabio and Suzanne, offering an authentic and relaxed Tuscan experience. The country house has six beautiful suites, re-finished and furnished with unique pieces that reflect the local history and environment. Follonico offers a subdued, pastoral alternative to the vineyard boutiques and touristy guesthouses that dot the region and is the perfect place to slow down, breathe and enjoy the natural rhythms that surround you. Via The Perfect Hideaway.

“This abandoned shed in the middle of 18 acres had endless charm and character. We worked with this rustic charm and remote wooded location and juxtaposed it with a clean minimal Scandinavian-inspired design for dramatic effect.”

It’s all about contrast in this gut renovation of a cabin in the woods by Stewart-Schafer, contrast of wild forest and clean, minimalist interiors, of rustic versus modern living, dark versus light. It’s also about unity, of the Douglas fir used inside mirroring the surrounding firs, of a wall of windows bringing inside and out together. I’d happily get lost in the woods if I knew I would stumbled across this charming cabin.

This home is earthy, modern, somewhat minimalist and a touch bohemian and I adore it. Seen from the street, the crisp form of this home offers some compelling contrasts. The elevation is grounded by a plaster privacy wall, while the second floor floats beyond it. Slim cedar louvers break the otherwise solid, symmetrical façade, allowing a screened view through the upper level. Inside, the louvers cast linear shadows throughout the rooms and the glass-enclosed corridors. The L-shape footprint defines the outdoor spaces and a large atrium frames a beautiful ginkgo tree. Natural light pours through all spaces. The interior design was closely coordinated with the building design. Richly textured fabrics and floorcoverings counter the palette of hard plaster, metal, and glass. Custom furnishings maximize the usability of the spaces while their curving, organic forms complement the architecture. Designed by Woods + Dangaran. Photos: Joe Fletcher.

I love the juxtaposition of rustic and  modern, of contemporary luxury and almost monastic stone walls. While preserving the old stone house’s character by repairing and maintaining the external walls, the interiors of this country house in Spain’s Galacia is light filled, sleek and modern … well almost. Cottage in Lugo by Ventura.