Spacious contemporary home with light-filled interiors

The Vineyard house is situated far away from Hong Kong’s business district in Yuen Long, with bright open spaces and a garden area surrounded by lush foliage. Designed by interior design firm S.I.D. Ltd., the clients, a couple with two sons, wished to minimize the division of indoors and out by keeping the balcony doors open as often as the weather permits. The design team customized a raised platform in the outdoor area, creating a resort feel and allowing the homeowners to enjoy a bit of sunshine. The total living space of this contemporary home is 3,458 square feet which includes the house and garden, a luxury in a high-rise-saturated Hong Kong.

The customized wall-to-wall shelving unit is a feature wall that links the living area, dining area and open kitchen. The varied orientations of the cubbies have a puzzle-like effect and provide visual interest to the room. The stairs maximize the clients’ living and common areas — always a priority in space-hungry Hong Kong, even in Yuen Long.

If you look closer at the items displayed in each cubby and you will see hints of coastal design: a starfish, a sea urchin, a shell.

Floor-to-ceiling drapes, a textured rug and vibrant blue throw pillows warm up the space.

Figurines of monks with their begging bowls occupy the floor; most other accessories are displayed higher up.

A strip of grass cloth wallpaper and a wooden plank dining table add warmth to the largely black and white space.

The grayish-brown grain of the bar countertop and stool legs contrasts with the stark white shelving and cabinetry.

Space is saved by flush mounting the appliances, allowing the homeowners to have more surface area to devote to food preparation

The bedside lanterns in the master bedroom reflect the Far Eastern context of this largely contemporary home. The light cast by the lanterns highlights the textural appeal of the grass cloth panel behind the bed. The headboard and bed frame have been custom designed by S.I.D.

The designer reinforces the strong horizontal lines of the basement in the bookshelves, desk shelves, staircase and floor panels. The oak desk has been customized for two, with plentiful drawers, shelves and leg space.

LED lights provide both mood and practical lighting in the bathroom.

Stillwater Villa in the charming village of Stirlingshire

Stillwater is a contemporary villa discovered on Savills, which is set in a remarkable position perched over a small private loch, with just over 6 acres of mature grounds and formal gardens on the edge of Killearn, a charming village in West Stirlingshire, Glasgow. It was designed by McInnes Gardner Architects and was completed in 2006, receiving recent acclaim on the television show ‘Grand Designs’. Formed over two levels and built under a slate roof, this innovative contemporary 3,453 square foot home cleverly marries traditional materials with new modern building technology. It is constructed to a specification rarely seen in this country. It features floor to ceiling glass in the main apartments and a terrace which cleverly wraps itself around the ground floor.

The kitchen is designed and manufactured in Germany by FORMAT. The mood lighting system allows for programmable sequences through the home whilst the integral sound system allows for music in the principal areas. Of particular note is the cantilevered glass staircase. Throughout the house there is polished American walnut flooring. The reception hallway is open plan with the dining area, kitchen and lounge. It has an innovative glass staircase with open risers ascending to the first floor. A change in level defines the dining area which has French doors opening to the terrace. Steps descend into the double height lounge which has a contemporary open fireplace and two sets of French doors opening to the terrace and the front garden.

This stunning property is listed for sale at $1,705,499, from here.

Steps descend from the kitchen into the sitting room which is separated from the kitchen by an impressive aquarium.

The sitting room has a free standing corner wood burning stove.

Upstairs are four bedrooms, three of which have en-suite bathrooms. The upper hallway has a gallery overlooking the reception hallway and drawing room. The master bedroom, with floor to ceiling glass wall overlookings the private loch.

There are two walk in dressing rooms and an en-suite bathroom which is semi open plan to the bedroom. It has a Jacuzzi whirlpool bath, wet room shower, twin glass wash hand basins, sauna and separate water closet.

Outside, Stilwater is equally as impressive, with a wraparound terrace at ground floor level and a substantial terrace off the master suite on the first floor. Electric gates open to the gravel driveway which sweeps towards the house and offers parking space for a number of cars. On either side of the driveway are beautiful manicured lawns.

Astounding warehouse conversion with garden oasis

This original South Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia artist’s warehouse conversion has been the longtime home and studio to a renowned painter. This rare stand alone Victorian warehouse is the perfect place to live and work on the city fringe. The property has retained not just original soaring ceiling heights and Oregon beams but the true spirit of a creative loft. Massive studio gallery, two bedrooms plus study/office, library, kitchen living space with deck, jungle oasis garden, two bathrooms and in-floor heating make the space a comfortable home. This rare find is a genuine warehouse which has escaped the developers. This unique home is listed for sale from here.

Captivating Villa Azza with Miami skyline views

The luxury Villa Azza features superb views of the Miami, Florida skyline with expansive tropical gardens and Spanish hacienda-style architecture under an intense cobalt sky. One of Miami Beach’s finest, most original waterfront luxury villas, this stunning villa offers five bedrooms and six bathrooms. The interior is truly a sight to behold with a stylish, funky interior. Offering invigorating architecture, décor and art makes every room a symphony of beauty, comfort and luxury. The villa features a great room with vaulted ceiling, fully equipped gym, office, den, bar, gourmet kitchen, home theatre, and games room. The master bedroom features a roomy walk-in closet and master bathroom both fit for a king and queen, while all of the accompanying bedrooms offer stunning views and en-suite, spa-inspired bathrooms.

The incredibly private villa features a captivating garden, pool with waterfall and Jacuzzi and a patio lined with picturesque palms, an inner courtyard, cobblestone terraces and barbeque offering plenty of outdoor living and dining opportunities. There is also a private golf putting green and par 3 hole, perfect for the golf enthusiast. There are upgraded amenities for those who desire the ultra in exclusivity, with full-time chef, bodyguards, masseurs, chauffeured limousines or the finest Miami restaurant meals delivered to your door, it can all be arranged. The level of pampering is up to you.

To stay at this exclusive luxury villa that sleeps 13 people, rates range from $5,000 – $12,900, from here.

Inspiring and tastefully designed Swedish villa

This very tastefully designed villa, which was spotted on Skeppsholmen, is situated in the coveted region of Djursholm, Stockholm County, Sweden and was designed by high profile architect Franson Wreland. The wide open 1,388 square foot (129 square meters) contemporary house has large expanses glass that opens up to a sheltered garden and cozy terrace. Inside the glass wall is a very generous sized living room with fireplace and integrated kitchen with bar solution. The room’s double ceiling height offers magnificent volume. An additional exit to the terrace with the houses L-shaped form shelters the backyard.

The living room and the rest of the lower level features a beautifully faceted concrete floor with water-borne floor heating. This level also contains a mudroom/laundry room and storage. In addition, a serene master bedroom retreat with adjacent spa, separate water closet and both walk in closet and wardrobe. There is a mezzanine level above the kitchen that hosts a beautiful home library. There is also a separate media/living room with two additional bedrooms next to an attached bathroom.

Magnificent seaside villa with rustic details in Ibiza

Blue Bay is a luxurious villa retreat with stylish rustic touches, light-filled interiors and incredible sea views in Ibiza. This magnificent Finca-style residence is set on a secluded stretch of Ibiza’s coastline. Guests will live like royalty, amidst glorious gardens, two swimming pools, a tennis court, par 3 golf course and private swimming dock. As masters of all you survey, you have the use of a Jeep Wrangler and an array of gadgets from hand-held diving jets to a 3D HD cinema room, games room and private gym with 20 Cybex machines.

Private and secluded, Blue Bay villa is not far from San Carlos village and all the beautiful beaches of northeast Ibiza. Wherever you want to go, there are two chauffeured Mercedes Vianos to take you. And, for trips out to sea the Mastercraft 220CX boat, complete with skipper and crew, is at your disposal, depending on the weather. Not only does Blue Bay have a private chef, kitchen and hospitality team, it has housekeeping staff and a full time concierge service. Almost anything you desire is possible.

Rates at Villa Blue Bay are from $83,252 per week, from here.

Luxury Provencal hideaway on the Bay of St. Tropez

This luxury charming villa has recently been restored to an exceptionally high standard, in a luxuriously contemporary, Provencal style, retaining its original charm and character by its designer owner. Set within an acre of stunning floral gardens, making it extremely private and within the exclusive gated domain of Beauvallon, Villa La Chenoiserie boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay of St Tropez. Decorated in an elegant, luxurious style, the villa retains charming features such as the big open fire in the living area, and cool stone floors. The place is filled with gorgeous French furniture, delicate fabrics and vintage armoires.

La Chenoiserie features four bedrooms each with en-suite or private bathrooms. Additionally, there is a two bedroomed garden cottage, which also has its own living room, kitchen and bathroom. The main house offers a spacious internal living/dining area and open plan kitchen, plus library/study. Outside, there is a covered loggia leading off the living area, a large pool with its delightful pool house and ample terracing which offers secluded relaxation amidst the luscious gardens with a breathtaking view over the Bay of St Tropez.

This luxury villa is attended by dedicated members of staff, during the high summer season, giving you the opportunity to totally relax, as the villas staff will attend to your every need from preparing breakfast in the morning to candle lit dinner in the evening prepared by a gourmet chef overlooking the twinkling lights of the Bay.

Rates at Villa La Chenioserie are from 15,538 per week, from here.

Spectacular Mykonos villa on the Aegean Sea

This spectacular single family home, spotted on Sotheby’s Realty, is situated on the Aegean Sea in Mykonos, Greece. Villa Andira is a spacious residence comprised of 4,908 square feet of living space with four bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms. This stunning home offers wonderful amenities including a security system, gardens, wonderful outdoor living spaces and terraces, outdoor swimming pool and heavenly mountain views. The contemporary interiors feature a simple, clean color palette with an open plan kitchen and dining area and comfortable living spaces.

This grand property is listed at $7,514,375, from here.

Round House on the idyllic Thames Canal

Nestled in the beautiful Golden Valley, the Round House and its idyllic setting evokes an overwhelming sense of magic, intrigue and romance in Stroud, Gloucestershire, a county in South West England. It is one of five such Round Houses, built in the 1790’s, along the now disused Thames and Severn Canal. Originally, a Linesman’s cottage, the horses were stabled on the ground floor, and the family lived on the two floors above. The 861 square foot (80 square meters) house retains a wealth of period features such as Oak beamed ceilings, a beautiful Georgian range, striking Gothic style windows, as well as unique stained glass windows, surrounded by gardens on all sides. An 18th Century child’s silk shoe, left hidden in the house since it was built, was rediscovered when the house was modernized. This remains in place and is to be passed on through generations for good fortune.

There is a spacious reception room with original Georgian range, with views overlooking the duck pond, church and across the front garden. A delightful light kitchen features a window overlooking an ancient magnolia tree in the side garden. A garden room with exposed washed beams is currently being used as a studio / bedroom. French doors leads directly into small patio, overlooking the main garden. A stone spiral staircase from the ground floor leads to a beautiful light and airy master bedroom with exposed beams and stunning views from both sides of the house. An attractive wooden staircase leads to the second floor where there is a second bedroom with views of the Golden Valley, currently used as a music room/bedroom.

The garden is idyllic, with huge willow and lime trees, sweeping lawn, a newly planted tapestry hedge, and the most unique water feature; a mill race flowing through the center of the garden, surrounded by lavender hedging. Following the path to the left of the house is a private cottage garden; with a thriving raised vegetable patch and herb garden; and a wooden garden shed.

This unique property is listed for sale at $482,100, from here.