Displaying posts labeled "Outdoors"

Sydney-based architects and builders CplusC designed a modest retreat nestled high in the bushland of Sydney’s Palm Beach for a semi-retired couple and their family. Rather than imposing on the steep, rocky site, the home is lightly perched among the treetops, celebrating simplicity and nature. Built using prefabricated elements and oversized hardwood beams, it avoids excavation and embraces the landscape. Expansive timber decks and a cargo net bay offer tranquil spaces to relax, immersed in sunshine, birdsong, and breeze. The design reflects the clients’ wish for a compact, low-impact sanctuary grounded in humility and connection to place.

Photography by Murray Fredericks, Michael Lassman, Renata Dominik.

Give me all the wood-wrapped homes! This guest cottage in Tennessee is wrapped in honey-coloured hickory that adds such a warmth and makes you feel like you’re in a tree house. Other elements add to the coziness and bring more natural elements in like the sloped ceilings, smaller rooms, they left the fieldstone foundation and chimney bare, and heated stone pavers in the ground floor rooms. Designer Tammy Connor and architect Stanley Dixon really nailed this project.

Nina Freudenberger of Freudenberger Design Studio has transformed a former Californian surf shack into a relaxed and inviting retreat. Drawing on retro influences and a love of natural materials, the home is filled with warm wood tones across floors, walls and furnishings. The result is a laid-back, stylish getaway that reflects Freudenberger’s evolving aesthetic blending 70s seaside charm with her signature approach to creating spaces that feel personal, timeless, and effortlessly livable.

Photography by Chris Mottalini.

Nicola Harding & Co. reimagined this historic 1800s Tuscan villa—originally a farmhouse—for modern family living. The four-bedroom main house became a family haven, with a private suite for the couple featuring its own living room. Two outbuildings were transformed into guest cottages, and a new pool house was added in the olive grove. Inspired by English design, craftsmanship, and the local landscape, the interiors reflect warmth, story, and a strong sense of place.

On the edge of Dordogne, for sale fully restored chateau with swimming pool and guest house. The château nestles on the slopes of a small valley from which a cascade of ponds cascades down through the woods. The residence can be divided into three branches, those of a U shape. There is the dwelling, an East wing and a North wing, with a total living area of around 800sqm. The three-storey dwelling comprises two main buildings linked by an entrance porch. Its south-facing facade is flanked on the west by a round tower and a square, projecting tower. The staircase tower to the north is integrated into the facade. There are a total of 10 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The main outbuilding is a dwelling known as The Petite grange with living room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms and bathroom. The second outbuilding is the swimming pool area with a 10 x 5 m pool, heated and treated by electrolysis (salt) as well as a large pool house with shower and wc. Other small roofs complete the outbuildings: a bread oven, located between the swimming pool and the dwelling, and a garden shed, built on the edge of the pond. The grounds cover an area of around 7 acres (2.85 hectares).
I am completely smitten with this chateau, particularly the layout and how pretty it looks from above, with the courtyard and it’s stonework. The interior is loaded with character too. For sale for €1,650,000 via Cabinet Le Nail.