The Dream List: Estelle Bailey-Babenzien

Estelle Bailey-Babenzien loves to travel and has a sweeping approach to creativity that spans music, fashion and interiors. So, when she agreed to guest edit her Dream List of homes from the Boutique collection, we were delighted. "Travel is my absolute favorite thing to do," she tells us, "and I love to travel in style. Whether low or high budget, I plan accommodations to be of good taste—aesthetically inspiring, with great design. I aim to include multiple opportunities for naturally occurring meaningful or inspirational experiences. It doesn't have to be expensive to feel luxurious, but it should be authentic and well considered."

When it comes to authentic and well considered, Estelle knows what she's talking about. In 2007, she started a tumblr blog Dream Awake that has since morphed into a hugely successful full-service interior architecture and experiential design studio. Then, in 2015, she co-founded the much-loved men's clothing brand Noah with her husband Brendon Babenzien—a company that's as dedicated to quality and originality in design as it is to integrity and human dignity in practice. Estelle, a pioneer in the living room storefront concept, creates the interior architecture of every Noah location (so far, New York, Tokyo, Osaka and Seoul), decorating walls with works by emerging artists, and filling shelves with music and books.

Born in the UK and of half-Ghanaian descent, she moved to New York City in 1999, and when she's not working, she's on the road. Some of her most special travel memories have been in villas and rental homes, gathered with friends and family. "The place of residence is so important," she says. "On vacation, I like to feel relaxed in and visually comforted at every moment, thus the architecture and interior design really matter. Depending on the location and objective, I look for different spaces to create various moods. Whether modern and awe-inspiring or cozy and charming, the common thread is always beauty and a good layout, so that all guests have space for privacy and areas big enough to congregate together."

A good kitchen is a necessity, she adds, whether she plans to cook or not. "More often than not, I like to have chefs come to prepare meals, especially breakfast, and prep food to stock the fridge so we always have food and snacks on hand. I schedule regular housekeeping to keep all chores at bay. That way, everyone feels totally taken care of. That is the ultimate holiday."

With authenticity, careful consideration, comfort and great kitchens in mind, here is Estelle's Dream List of homes from the Boutique collection. We look forward to her visiting them all!