Charming blue-shuttered Provençal villa in St. Tropez

Villa Pearl is a charming blue-shuttered Provençal villa that enjoys a privileged location right on the edge of St. Tropez, yet is privately tucked away in the countryside amidst surrounding vineyards. The two story villa offers five lovely guest bedrooms, three with en-suite bathrooms. Shaded by olive trees and sweet-scented Mediterranean pines and surrounded by vineyards, the garden makes a tranquil and calming escape from the world. A covered terrace runs the length of the house, shading outdoor living and dining areas.  The large pool is set in the private garden and provides lounging areas under over-sized umbrellas.

Indoors, the main floor hosts ample living areas as well as the open plan, fully equipped kitchen and dining area, elegantly furnished in a classic style.  Light and airy, the living areas open directly to the terrace and outdoor living spaces.  A cozy fireplace provides warmth on chillier evenings. The main floor also provides two of the bedrooms, a playroom, TV room, a convenient powder room and the laundry room. The roomy master bedroom is on the upper level, includes a sitting area, and opens to the balcony. The master bedroom hosts an en-suite bathroom.  Two further double bedrooms are on the upper level and share an ample bathroom.  A one bedroom staff quarter is also onsite.

An oasis of calm and tranquility, Villa Pearl is roomy, bright, and secluded, while remaining close to the culture, dining venues, nightlife and beaches of famed St. Tropez. Prices range from $4,668 – $6,785 per night or $29,567 per week, sleeping up to ten people, from here.

The Bear House on Cha-Am Beach by Onion

Bear House is private vacation home situated on Cha-Am Beach, a famous seaside resort town in central Thailand, three hours’ drive from Bangkok. Designed by Thailand-based architecture studio Onion Co., Ltd, the brief called for a renovation of a three-storey building of eight meters wide and twenty-eight meters long, utilizing an area of 4,090 square feet (380 square meters), turning it into a second home of the Sahawat family. When the interior construction started, in December 2011, the boy of the family was two years old. A baby was expected. In April 2012, Bear House was happily finished.

Bear House belongs to the Thai Be@rbrick collectors. Sittawat Sahawat and Nipapat Sahawat are siblings who are fascinated by various sizes and styles of Be@rbrick toys, produced by the Japanese company Medicom Toy Incorporated. Be@rbrick is an anthropomorphised bear with a simplified form and pot belly. Each plastic figure features nine parts, namely head, torso, hips, arms, hands and legs. It has flexible joints and a swiveled head. Many artists have created decorative patterns for the standard mould such as the British fashion designer Vivian Westwood and Stash who is considered one of New York’s graffiti legends. In the Sahawat family’s collection, the major figures are BAPE camouflage print. They are twenty-eight centimeters high and referred to as 400% Be@rbricks as its actual size, or a 100% Be@rbrick, is seven centimeters high.

Size matters in Bear House. The design process does not start from the house itself but the Be@rbricks display cabinet. It is thought of as a house of seventeen 400% Be@rbricks. It is composed of steps, ladders and voids that fit the scale of twenty-eight centimeters tall figures. It occupies a whole wall of the dining room, linking the house’s entry to the living area which is three stories high. The cabinet is a central piece and a model of the house. It is made of light colored oak wooden panels resembling the other main surfaces of the house. Bear House is a bigger version of Be@rbricks’ display cabinet.

Miniature fixtures and oversize furniture are the features of Bear House. Lamps and pillows are oversize so that the inhabitants may feel smaller than they actually are. The house has four sizes of doorknobs, customized for different size of doors. They are sometimes too big for a child’s hand and too small for an adult’s hand. The ladder that seems too high is one of the living area’s decorative elements. It leads the gaze high up to square skylights, oversize voids, and windows of different scale. Every room on the upper floors overlook the hall of the living area.

An enlarged Be@rbrick’s ladder is placed in the master bedroom. It connects a space between the king size bed and a single day bed in an elevated hole. There are two views from this day bed. Next to the hole is the three stories hall overlooking the living area. The opposite side across the room is the sea view. In front of the master bedroom stands a 1000% Be@rbrick of seventy centimeters high, painted in a pattern of police uniform. It is a special collaboration between French label Paul&Joe and Medicom Toy. This 1000% Be@rbrick can be seen from the living area on the second floor, the bedroom on the second floor, and the landing that links the stair and the ramp towards the master bedroom.

Bear House is bright and humorous. Its living room and swimming pool are the front part of the house. The whole space is colored by young Thai graffiti artists well known as MMFK and P7. In the living room, behind the oversize sofa, MMFK paints a one-eye monster, dressed up as a sailor, whereas P7 paints a blue bear head with striped eyebrows. Next to the swimming pool, on the wall of eleven metres long, MMFK illustrates the cartoon representation of a bear devouring his iconic one-eye monster. P7 drew a black bear head with the word ‘surf’ on its forehead. These illustrations are customized only for Bear House.

Photos: Courtesy of Onion Co., Ltd

Modern multi-level cliffside property in South Africa

Sitting up high above Clifton, in Cape Town, South Africa, Nettleton 198 house connects a hillside garden on the East through the generous living space to the expansive Atlantic Ocean to the West. Designed by SAOTA Architects, the clients, a British couple living in Cape Town, requested a six-bedroom, seven-level home that makes the most of the site, the views and the mountain. The lower levels of the existing structure were totally remodeled while the upper level was demolished to allow for two new levels.

“Inspiration was drawn from the mountain and dark colors were used on the facade, allowing the building to visually recede into the mountain instead of being an obtrusive construction,” says Greg Truen, Project Partner. The site enjoys spectacular views, both of the sea and Lions Head and these views and the impact of the sun were key informants contributing to the overall design.

The sun being both a defining and also harsh influence on the property inspired the choice of screens, shutters and louvres that give the lower levels its distinctive gravitas. The living room can open up onto the west and the east completely, giving it the feeling of an open pavilion.

The finishes and detailing have been very carefully considered to achieve an integrated and visually effortless whole. The exterior of the building is clad in powder-coated aluminum which resulted in a very robust and precise surface finish. Internally, a much warmer look was achieved by using walnut timber. Black marble & glass were integrated into the design as accents.

The home is peppered with unusual design ‘delights’. The circular entrance area, clad in walnut timber, is one of the main features of the house. The space is amplified by a fascinating lighting installation of backlit slumped glass, that renders an “other-worldly” effect. An elegant floating timber staircase employs hanging stainless steel rods for a refreshing take on a balustrade. Others include the walnut-clad kitchen box, the granite-clad rim-flow pool and the sculptural cantilevered carbon fibre bar.

The clients wished to keep the interior as lean and focused as possible and the selection of furniture and lighting is both graphic and strong.

Photos: Courtesy of SAOTA Architects

Breathtaking modern holiday retreat in Cádiz

Surrounded by a beautiful garden, this vacation house spotted on Nuevo Estilo is located in the residential community of Sotogrande, Cádiz, Spain and designed by the architect Enrique Johansson representing the image of the contemplative life. Designed for an extended family that receives many house guests, the home was designed to be comfortable, spacious and very modern. The gorgeous interiors were designed by Carmen Brujó. Both professionals got the goals set by the owners who wished for a place of rest and relaxation, modern architecture and quiet interiors. The designers had full freedom, with the work being executed in nine months.

The home was new construction, designed as a succession of volumes in an L-shape “closed” to the adjacent streets and set flush into the garden. This relationship with the outside intensified opening horizontal holes to the South and East which it filled with light and creating generous porches. In addition, the social areas with the installation of a living area and a dining room outdoor have doubled. The combination of white facades and exposed concrete produces an effect of dynamism between the varying heights and structural elements.

Cubic volumes and different levels make up the elevation of the facade, which highlights powerfully the greenish blue door.

Throughout the home are Turkish limestone floors, providing a sense of cohesiveness. The interiors are committed to freshness and lightness mixed of warm notes. The eclectic, but balanced, selection of-vintage, contemporary design and family antiques furniture, the skillful use of color to give continuity or prominence, the choice of textiles… Everything contributes to create the pleasant climate of a relaxing holiday home.

The interior designer Carmen Brujó selected from her showroom many furniture and objects that furnished the house.

This orientation of the House mitigates the noise of the adjacent streets. The concrete plasters and paint in white are the dominant finishes.

A previously restored wooden board and industrial legs form this large dining room table.

The dressing room features plenty of natural light with the skylight above.

The top floor terrace offers magnificent views of the garden and the swimming pool.

Luxury villa escape to the sultry island of Paros

 Sunny Side Villa is a brand new luxury vacation dwelling situated on a sandy beach with a swimming pool literally on the sand of Chrisi Akti in Paros, Greece designed by Studio 265 Architecture + Building. This 3,875 square foot (360 square meters) property has been built as a long flat unit and it has a guest house almost attached to it. All bedrooms have sea views and direct access to the pool area and all the comforts of a luxury construction. There is a main house with three bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, large living and dining area and a kitchen. An independent guesthouse has a bedroom with en-suite bathroom and a day bed, dressing room and small kitchenette as well as staff quarters. The land is comprised of 11,000 square meters and is planted with olive trees, fig and pomegranate trees and a vineyard. There is a small vegetable and aromatic plants garden. This unique beach house is ideal for families or a group of couples!

Photos: Courtesy of Studio 265 Architecture + Building

Awe-inspiring LA pad with incredible views

This stunning contemporary home has been designed by La Kaza in collaboration with Meridith Baer Home, located in the prestigious Doheny estates in Los Angeles, California. Upon entrance to this large scale property you are greeted by 12 foot high ceilings, a large scale entertaining space and breathtaking views over the infinity edge, 40 foot saline pool. This LA Basin view, 6,500 square foot home offers five bedrooms, all en-suite, which includes a 1,200 square foot master bedroom with dual walnut wood closets.  Other features include top of the line Bulthaup kitchen with Gaggneau appliances, two guest bathrooms, Boffi bathroom cabinets and tub, screening room, wine tasting room, top of the line Crestron smart systems for security, lighting, climate, entertainment and privacy, video surveillance security systems and three car attached garage.  Incredible views, centralized location, and flawless execution with the finest materials, make this unique property, stunning and awe-inspiring.

Malibu dream home nestled on the bluffs

7377 Birdview Ave is nestled on 180 feet of bluff frontage next to Pt. Dume State Park, in Malibu, California, designed by Burdge & Associates Architects. The home features breathtaking ocean, island and sunset views and unique privacy. The major design and planning objective of Burdge was to take advantage of the views at every turn. Rare is a spot in the house without one. Using mostly orthoganol geometries, rectangular volumetrics and modern materials such as horizontal cedar siding, board form concrete, smooth trowel stucco, glass and aluminum, the 8,900 square foot home is designed to have an open indoor/outdoor flow. Jay Griffith’s landscape design provides privacy with tall cypress trees that line the property. The home was constructed under strict green building standards along with strict guidelines from the Coastal Commission. It deserves this award because of Burdge’s beautiful incorporation of the unique environment in his design.

Photos: Courtesy of Burdge & Associates Architects

Romantic getaway to the exclusive Vamizi Island

The ultimate barefoot beach paradise destination, Vamizi’s Private Villa Collection has been designed by South African architects who have are renowned for their commitment to creative design, sustainable development and responsible tourism, creating a unique style of architecture that draws on the multi-cultural influences of Mozambique. The Vamizi Villas are two brand new private villas, each with five en-suite bedrooms, a sweeping private deck for utter relaxation, and direct beach access for those wishing to dip their toes – and more – in the sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

As with Vamizi Island lodge the service is impeccable, the food is surf-fresh and delicious and your days are your own to choose what you wish to do. Each villa has its personal hospitality team, on hand to talk you through all your options – from exciting and adventurous scuba diving and big game fishing to the more relaxing beach picnics, dhow excursions and whale watching (at certain times of the year). Other activities on offer include snorkelling, salt-water fly-fishing, mountain bike trails and bird walks. The local guides are very happy to lead fascinating walks to explore the island and find monkeys or birds.

Exclusive to the Vamizi Private Villa Collection is the Vamizi Retreats. On selected dates through the year, a four night retreat is offered, led by yoga instructor Claire Finlay. These are the ultimate in get-away-from-it-all relaxation, and are designed to rejuvenate both body and soul. In addition to morning and afternoon yoga sessions guests will enjoy a diving trip, a fishing trip and a luxurious massage during their stay. The perfect option for those wishing to retreat from everyday life, and spend a luxurious few days – guests are guaranteed to leave reinvigorated!

Book your luxury vacation getaway from here.

Urban contemporary Austin home perfect for entertaining

Blanco House is a single family residence designed by James D. LaRue Architects in 2012 in Austin, Texas. The glow of the lantern-like foyer sets the tone for this urban contemporary home. The open floor plan invites entertaining on the main floor, with only ceiling transitions separating the Living, Dining, Kitchen, and Breakfast rooms. Open to the Outdoor Living, glass wraps these spaces, making it seamless from inside to out.

Photos: Coles Hairston

Luxury fantasy getaway to the Dusit Thani Maldives

Dusit Thani Maldives blends graceful Thai hospitality with the unparalleled luxury setting of the beautiful Maldives. Encircled by white sandy beaches, a rich house reef and turquoise lagoon, the resort on Mudhdhoo Island hosts 100 villas and residences. The resort features Beach Villas, Beach Villas with Pool, Lagoon Villas with Pool, Ocean Villas with Pool, and the exclusive Ocean Pavilions and Beach Residences, all offering a haven of modern sophistication with luxurious amenities and technology.

Dusit Thani Maldives fuses a fine selection of restaurants with uncompromising service and spectacular views. Retreat from the midday heat to enjoy poolside snacks. The Sala Bar is perfect for watching the sunset or star gazing. Elevated in a grove of coconut palm trees, Dusit’s signature Devarana Spa is one of a kind in the Maldives. Devarana Spa features six tree-top treatment pods nestled in to enhance the spa journey.

Located near Hanifaru Huraa, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve renowned as a feeding ground for manta rays and whale sharks, Dusit Thani Maldives offers guests diving and snorkeling; a 750 square meter swimming pool – the largest in the Maldives; fully-equipped fitness studio with personal trainer and yoga instructor; resident marine biologist; children’s play area and club facility; library with internet stations; and island boutiques.