Sensational coastal retreat in Sagaponack

This stunning single family home was designed by Bates Masi Architects for an adventurous couple and their four sons, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and a freshwater pond in Sagaponack, New York. The clients desired a spacious home of 8,965 square feet that could accommodate their large family and numerous guests with a lawn, swimming pool, pool house, garage, and sports courts on a site with a limited building envelope due to coastal and wetland zoning. The large program, relatively small footprint, and daunting regulations dictated a densely packed building envelope between the ocean and the pond. Thus the design process was one of subtraction rather than addition: carving away at the solid mass of the house to reconnect site features and views and to distill the experience of the place.

Spaces run the full width of the house with floor to ceiling sliding doors on both sides. The spaces create apertures through which views, light, and air completely penetrate the house, dissolving its mass. Passersby see directly through the house to the sky and landscape beyond. With the sliding doors open and recessed into the adjacent walls, interior spaces are transformed from formal rooms to open pavilions, merging seamlessly with the site.

To accommodate the extensive program spaces are nested within one another. Operable partitions pull out from the walls of the living room, carving out a media room within the living room when privacy is desired. Conversely, with the partitions open, the media room merges with the living room for large gatherings. The thickness of the wall separating the dining room and kitchen is also cut away, utilizing its depth to accommodate a wine rack that also functions as a light fixture.

The process of carving is applied at the material and detail level as well. The 5/8” corten steel plate that clads the base of the house is waterjet cut into a delicate pattern that defies its mass. Inside, corian is employed for the ease with which it can be milled. Corian countertops are cut to form towel bars, bunk bed frames are carved to create ladders, cabinet doors are recessed to form handles, and wainscoting is subtly etched with meaningful words chosen by the clients.

Materials were chosen not only for their workability, but also for their durability in the coastal environment. Corten steel siding is zero maintenance despite being relentlessly sandblasted by the wind. Cedar siding and screens are finished using a Victorian technique in which the iron sulfate in a blend of white vinegar and iron filings reacts with the tannins in wood, creating an ebony finish that penetrates through the material and will not require refinishing. The lack of harsh stains or finishes reduces the ecological footprint of the house. Geothermal heating and cooling as well as vegetated roofs further reduce the environmental impact.

Photos: Michael Moran

Old mill-warehouse transformed into cozy home

The building is located in a small historic village of Priorat, a region of Tarragona, Spain dedicated to wine production. The building was an old mill-warehouse that was used to store wheat and was abandoned. The owner runs the prestigious winery that produces the Clos Erasmus, one of the finest red wines of Priorat, and obtained the highest score in the famous list of American expert Robert Parker. The request he made to Studio MINIM was to transform the mill into a comfortable home that also had an area for the winery.

Inside the home is a single open space comprised of over 1,506 square feet (140 square meters), and a gable roof over six feet tall. Architectural elements throughout were very dilapidated and, in some cases, in ruins. The first goal of MINIM was to restore, if possible, all the elements of architecture and interior design a project based on the original materials of construction, typical of rural households in the area. The rehabilitation respected the structure of the original box, recovering the original openings of the facade, pillars, stone walls and vaults of the basement, which was turned into a wine cellar. A bold “sculpture-staircase” was added in order to organize the building internally.

Photos: Albert Font Stylist: Mar Requena

Modern-Gothic pool house with amazing wine cellar

This stunning pool house has been designed by interior designer firm Jamie Beckwith in Nashville, Tennessee. In addition to being an interior designer and creating her product line, Jamie has a showroom in Nashville where she has curated design products that are unique, beautiful and innovative. The pool house was designed on the grounds of her own house which is a Gothic-style estate, as a place for her out-of-town guests to stay and as an entertaining area for family barbeques and hosting charity events.

Beckwith used the pool house as an opportunity to experiment with innovative ideas that she had contrived as well as incorporating unique products that she has designed. The house is chalk full of unexpected textures, which includes wood tile flooring, murals, travertine walls and furnishings and rugs that can withstand three young children and guests that are damp from a dip in the pool. The interiors feature Gothic touches which are inspired by the main house, which is a more traditional Gothic style. The pool house has been more modernized with touches of Gothic mixed with cleaner lines.

The fireplace wall is surfaced with travertine stone, sleek and contemporary but warm at the same time.

The vibrant yellow kitchen counters are 3-Form Chroma in Marigold Yellow, a resin that is under-lit, found here.

This unique and sculptural light fixture in the kitchen is Cicatrices De Luxe 5 Pendant Light, found here.

Most of the fabrics used throughout the pool house are indoor/outdoor, so guests keep their wet bathing suits on when they sit on the furnishings. The flooring is an epoxy, impervious to scratches and staining.

The floor is covered with an ivory patched-cowhide rug that can take abuse from wet feet, perfect for a pool house.

This mosaic wall is made from western red cedar called “Projection,” it’s another product that Jamie created for her collection.

Large-scale artwork was selected for their graphic nature and to add bold punches of yellow throughout as well as to match the proportions of the large walls and open floor plan.

Jamie turned to sunny yellow in the otherwise mostly neutral palette.

This staircase continues the Gothic style with a solid wood railing that incorporates dramatic spires. The circles under the hand rail and the custom acrylic light adds modern touches to this traditional style.

The wine cellar was designed so that it could be viewed from above, so all details had to look good from every viewing angle. The wood had to be finished from above and lighting wiring had to be tucked away. The glass floor has a retractable screen when not entertaining to minimize light exposure on the wine.

A maximum of 2,000 bottles can be stored in these futuristic Gothic arches, composed of acrylic and illuminated by LED lighting. The material used on the floor is called Mosaic, a patterned wood block that is finished after installation.

This nook just off the wine cellar is used mainly as a cozy spot for wine tastings.

A private guest lounge is located upstairs.

This large bathroom is on the main level with the living area and kitchen, perfect for rinsing off after a swim.

The bathtub is solid walnut with birdseye maple inlay trim, another of Jamie’s creations. The tub is inspired by luxury wooden yachts, made entirely of wood and sanded with several layers of polyurethane for a shiny, smooth finish.

The stunning arboreal walls in the bathroom were hand-painted by a Nashville artist.

Photos: Kim Sargent

Exceptional Mediterranean vineyard estate

Spotted on Sotheby’s Realty is this impressive 50 acre residential vineyard estate, sprawled in the countryside and surrounded by rolling vineyards in Sonoma, California. Meandering pathways link the amenities of this beautiful estate, from the refined vintage style barn and spectacular kitchen garden to the stunning main residence, pool and terrace. The sophisticated 6,067 square foot, three bedroom, five bathroom estate was designed by renowned San Francisco architectural firm, BAR Architects. Exuding a clean, crisp, classic and elegantly informal design, the residence combines European old world architecture with modern design elements that blend harmoniously to create soft rustic warmth with modern style.

The entire residence has been completely renovated with a thoughtful floor plan that flows easily between public and private areas. The residence has been crafted with the highest quality and premium design features such as limestone flooring, stonework, artisan crafted cabinetry and designer fixtures. Features of the home includes, chefs kitchen, home office, library, guest suite, indoor pool, spa/hot tub, barn, gardens, guest house, outdoor pool and shower, terrace, balcony, outdoor BBQ/fireplace and fabulous mountain and vineyard views.

This stunning vineyard estate is listed for sale at $11,500,000, from here.

Ultimate Italian vacation home nestled cliffside

Domus Civita is a unique 14th century medieval home nestled in the pristine medieval village of Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy set into carved volcanic rock by two rivers. Entering the old town by walking over its footbridge and going through its Etruscan gateway is like stepping back in time 600 years to rediscover the beauty and peace of a different way of life. The home is set on top of 2,600 year old Etruscan caves and tombs and a beautiful 2,000 year old Roman water cistern, all of which are accessible from inside the house and spill open onto a beautiful hanging garden that is four stories down and through the cliff.

The owner wanted took the ‘soul’ of the house and re-expressed it by contrasting it with modern interventions and furnishings, adding a touch of romanticism and humor. Preserving the original and beautiful details of the home, a new stairwell was added to connect all three levels. Left all white with soft and delicate details, there are accents of brass, gold and grey with bursts of bright color throughout. A simple and serene ambiance chalk full of wonderment and romantic touches.

The residence has three bedrooms all with private baths and a study with extra beds. The home can host up to eight guests. There are two kitchens, one inside the house and one in a cave that opens onto the garden. There is a heating swimming pool with Jacuzzi inside one of the largest caves and a unique wine cellar for guests inside the Roman water cistern. All the other caves, which there are nine in total, are devoted to art installations and storage. The house also has a formal Italian garden with an old fountain, an outdoor living room and a gazebo with barbeque for outdoor dining.

Domus Civita is available on a weekly basis from Saturday to Saturday year round, with prices ranging from $2,950 – $4,950, from here.

Stunning farmhouse retreat in Provence

Domaine Laurentine is an old farmhouse that has been converted into a luxurious house in Luberon, Provence, France. The main house features four bedrooms with four bathrooms, professional kitchen, dining room and salon with a fireplace. Attached is the guest house with a salon, dining room, fully equipped kitchen, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The guest house is attached to the main house but has a separate entrance. There is also a small chapel for reception or a wedding. The houses are nestled in one hectare landscaped garden located in a secure 40 hectare estate shared with the owner who lives nearby (independent and separate access).

Outside is a huge heated and electrolysis treatment swimming pool, equipped with a countercurrent. There is a separate shallow swimming pool with a fountain for children. There is also a tennis court, child friendly garden, and a lovely and very well equipped pool house with summer dining room, fully equipped kitchen with pizza oven, fridge, oven, microwave, BBQ, a bathroom with a shower, toilets and wash basin, garden furniture. The tennis court is only 200 meters away with night lighting and a ball launcher.

To stay at this heavenly French retreat, prices range from $5,240 – $5,242 per night, from here.

Luxurious split-level dwelling in Malmö

This beautiful home we are bringing to you today from Skeppsholmen features all the imaginable amenities one could dream for dispersed onto two levels. This private dwelling is located on the 6th floor with ample glass windows and a large terrace with a mini pool in one part and a bar in the other, as well as a dining area and lounge as well as expansive city views of Malmo, Sweden. The incredible 3,670 square foot (341 square meters) floor plan has been designed brilliantly with materials and furnishings that are consistently of the highest class. The open kitchen boasts top of the line appliances and a generous dining area and beautiful fireplace for cozy autumn evenings in good company. There is also a wine room, heated and with the correct humidity. The floor plan encompasses three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a generous sized living room, additional lounges with a smaller kitchen and two separate balconies in the west. The master bedroom boasts direct proximity to both the balcony and an exclusive spa. The luxurious spa includes a steam room, generous bathtub and shower.

Breathtaking wooden retreat in the mountains

A sensational log home situated in the pristine mountains of Telluride, Colorado features opulent luxuries one could only dream of. Called ‘Castlewood Manor’, this masterful estate has been inspired by the Great America Lodge Era restored over a five year period ending in 2011. With 17,300 square feet of living space, keen attention to detail is evident throughout in finish and furnishings, including two extensive private antique collections of stained glass and western photography. The distinguished family compound of three separate yet linked residences contains a total of ten bedrooms, three sleeping lofts and ten bathrooms including a half bath. There is a magnificent 2000+ bottle wine cellar with a sumptuous grotto and luxurious theatre to complete the grand interiors. The exceptional setting with panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains and slope side access to the Telluride Ski Resort make Castlewood Manor the premier ski estate in Telluride.

This estate has been listed for sale at $23,900,000 here. What do you think, is it worth it?

Stunning California villa with a wine cave

This extraordinary modern villa is called California Dreamin set on the mountain tops of Sonoma County with fabulous panoramic views that stretches from Sonoma Valley to Mt. Tamalpais and Sausalito, and includes the blue waters of San Francisco Bay, and the City skyline. Designed by renowned architect Conrad Sanchez the residence sits on 20 acres of land and 5,100 square feet of well-appointed living space, an infinity pool and spa, outdoor shower, a separate guesthouse, and a wine cave carved into the hillside.

The house was built to complement its surroundings and the angular design allows unobstructed views from every location on the plateau, and its orientation ensures spectacular views from every room. Each room has a large expanse of windows and its own access to the terrace and pool area through 10-foot high glass doors. This easy flow from inside to outdoors draws guests to the broad entertainment terrace with its unobstructed vistas.

As you enter, the casual elegance of the home is apparent in the use of fine materials and artisan details. The expansive open arrangement with its wall of windows encompasses the kitchen, a dining area and a large, comfortable living space. Gorgeous concrete floors are hand-stained to accentuate the original art and custom-made furnishings, and all floors have radiant heat. High ceilings and low voltage lighting create a sense of scale that matches the panorama.

Other rooms in the home includes a small den/reading room, a large media room, a wet bar, an additional kitchen for catering, and three bedrooms and four and a half baths in the main house. All of the spacious bedrooms have access to the terrace and pool and enjoys a slightly different angle to the home’s vistas, furnished with artisan-made beds, seating areas and baths with custom concrete vanities and richly patterned marble walls and showers.

Across the courtyard from the main house is the 800-square-foot guest home, self-contained, with a full kitchen and open plan design. If you follow the hillside around the courtyard, you come upon the entryway to the wine cave. Metal-clad doors open into a man-made cave with a tall, arched ceiling. The cave curves around to an opening at the far end, enclosed by a glass door and windows. The small outdoor area has a view framed by the shape of the cave. Imagine a wine tasting in this cool cavern or a special dinner by candlelight.

Rates for this stunning villa range from $14,000-$17,500 per week and can be rented from here.

A 10 foot wide home in San Francisco

We are excited to show you this unique home that is only 10 feet wide! The two-storey contemporary residence is located in the heart of Cole Valley, San Francisco constructed and completed in 2004. This exciting one-bed, one-bath 1,030 square foot home is a very creative design utilizing steel, glass and rich warm woods. Features include spacious living area boasting high ceilings, large windows that bring in copious amounts of natural light, a wall of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, rich detailed wood paneling and a custom built-in sofa. A terrace sits just off the dining and kitchen areas with built-in seating. The home comes complete with a tranquil rear garden and a combination wine cellar/home office, sounds like paradise! The home is listed here for the asking price of $849,000.