
Set upon a hilltop in the French Pyrenees, Château de Gudanes is one of the most magical homes I have ever seen. And one of my favourite Instagram accounts to follow, to watch the progress of this huge restoration project and dream…
Once upon a time a thirteenth century fortress, a fifteenth century castle, and then an eighteenth century palatial château, Château de Gudanes was then left abandoned and in ruins… Until in 2013, she was discovered by a West Australian family, the Waters, who have taken on the responsibility to awaken this sleeping beauty after years of neglect – at the time they purchased the building only three of its ninety-four rooms still had floors and ceilings. Château de Gudanes still stands proudly in the south of France in the small village of Chateau-Verdun.


















If you are going to embrace colour and pattern in your home, I saw GO ALL OUT. And this is how you do it. Patterns in florals, leopard, ikat and more, and colours in the richest, yummiest shades of raspberry, teal, mustard, plum, pink…. you’d think the owners are some extravagant, eccentric, worldly couple who have lived here 80 years. This London apartment was designed impeccably by Patrick Mele. (Photos: Miguel Flores-Vianna)
















Ariel Okin is the founder of her eponymous firm, Ariel Okin Interiors, a New York based, full-service interior design firm. Ariel’s signature style can be interpreted as “traditional with a twist” – warm, livable and elegant spaces, with an edited, contemporary and practical approach. A deft use of color, emphasis on clean lines, and mix of bespoke and antique items are hallmarks of her aesthetic, yet no two projects are alike; Ariel believes every home should reflect its owner. Many of these photos are from her home in Westchester, NY which I adore for its whimsical, slightly boho and inviting vibes.
















My previous post was of the cabin at Settle. Now time to introduce the restored train carriages. Perfect for a calm, rustic, back to basics getaway. We rescued three retired railway goods carriages, sympathetically restoring them to offer luxurious lakeside retreats. Each offers two sleepyheads a lounging area by a wood fire, a well-stocked kitchen, a cosy bathroom, and a decking terrace, with a fire pit, overlooking a scenic lake.





















This is everything a cabin getaway should be. So cozy and relaxing! SETTLE is home to three beautifully restored vintage railway carriages, a handcrafted lakeside cabin and luxury canvas camping, blissfully set in our private Norfolk parkland. The Cabin. Perfect for slow living, our bespoke lakeside cabin is a truly luxurious stay… This handcrafted space was meticulously designed and built by us, combining settle’s signature palette of earthy textures and heritage materials with sleek contemporary fittings and clean lines. Flanked by mature trees and an abundance of native wildlife, this dreamy cabin overlooks the largest of our idyllic waterlily lakes. Heritage timber – one of our most prized materials – clads all the cabin’s interior spaces, its authentic textures bringing the outside ever closer. Mid-century furnishings blend with Scandinavian influences to create a calm, restorative ambiance. For colder days, a large, contemporary wood-burning stove, along with salvaged cast iron radiators throughout the cabin, ensure toasty warmth.
















