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Located on an elegant side street in old Granada, this grand villa’s respectful restoration dusted off and polished the estate’s fading beauty. Spearheaded by architects Timothy Perkins and Layla Xu, the complete renovation revived the villa’s soaring ceilings, grand arching doorways, and exquisite flooring. Perkins and Xu added contemporary flourishes by local artisans as part of the sumptuous property’s overall makeover, showcasing modern wood and concrete furnishings (cabinetry, staircase, bar) in curving, organic forms, as contrast to the colonial formality. New, muted lighting throughout creates a seductive and soothing atmosphere. And the glamorous villa features a lushly landscaped pool and upstairs exercise and view deck that melds magnificently into the 1930s-era architecture.AROUNDLocated on a quiet side street four blocks from Granada’s central park, Bao Bei occupies the beguiling city’s colonial heart. Museums, cafes, churches and other historical sites are walking distance from the villa, and Granada’s many leafy plazas, cobbled alleyways, and red-tiled roofs give it its distinctive charm. Considered to be Nicaragua’s most beautiful city, Granada is UNESCO protected, colorful, and buzzy. Architectural grandeur paired with lush tropical scenery and protected ecological regions have made Granada a destination. One popular street in the city is Calle la Calzada, a pedestrian street packed with cafes and restaurants, shops and kiosks. A bustling market fills the plaza near the cathedral at the city’s Parque Central, where vendors offer gem-colored sweets, handicrafts, tropical produce and even tropical birds. Easily accessible from the villa and city, Lake Nicaragua is Central America’s largest freshwater location. It’s a popular launch for boat tours in and around the wildlife sanctuaries of Las Isletas, or unpopulated islands in the lake that are home to monkeys, tropical birds, and other protected wildlife. The otherworldly volcanic landscapes of the Masaya and Mombacho volcanoes are a short drive away, with dormant Mombacho offering hiking trails and the route to Masaya passing the Laguna de Apoyo, a crystalline lake in a volcanic crater, that’s a popular year-round swimming hole. Coffee lovers should visit the inland city of Matagalpa, a destination for its world-famous plantations.LOCATIONGranada, Nicaragua. Nearest airport: Managua (1 hour)BEST TIME TO VISIT: December to April (dry season); May to November (green season with nightly storms)

<h2>Dashing Colonial Update</h2>
 A glamorous gem of Granada’s colonial era, this circa 1930 estate fell on hard times, left abandoned for decades until its painstaking restoration in 2022. The villa’s classic hacienda layout features a stately travertine courtyard at its heart, refreshed by a palm-surrounded pool and a grand, arched and colonnaded portico. It is newly outfitted with a sculpted concrete cocktail bar and sweeping staircase that winds upstairs to the bedroom suites and a panoramic terrace set majestically above the neighboring rooflines.
 <img src="https://storage.boutique-homes.com/storage/images/vacation-rentals/americas/nicaragua/bao-bei/villa_for_rent_in_nicaragua_033.jpg" alt="Bao Bei"/>
 Located on an elegant side street in old Granada, this grand villa’s respectful restoration dusted off and polished the estate’s fading beauty. Spearheaded by architects Timothy Perkins and Layla Xu, the complete renovation revived the villa’s soaring ceilings, grand arching doorways, and exquisite flooring. Perkins and Xu added contemporary flourishes by local artisans as part of the sumptuous property’s overall makeover, showcasing modern wood and concrete furnishings (cabinetry, staircase, bar) in curving, organic forms, as contrast to the colonial formality. New, muted lighting throughout creates a seductive and soothing atmosphere. And the glamorous villa features a lushly landscaped pool and upstairs exercise and view deck that melds magnificently into the 1930s-era architecture. AROUNDLocated on a quiet side street four blocks from Granada’s central park, Bao Bei occupies the beguiling city’s colonial heart. Museums, cafes, churches and other historical sites are walking distance from the villa, and Granada’s many leafy plazas, cobbled alleyways, and red-tiled roofs give it its distinctive charm. Considered to be Nicaragua’s most beautiful city, Granada is UNESCO protected, colorful, and buzzy. Architectural grandeur paired with lush tropical scenery and protected ecological regions have made Granada a destination. One popular street in the city is Calle la Calzada, a pedestrian street packed with cafes and restaurants, shops and kiosks. A bustling market fills the plaza near the cathedral at the city’s Parque Central, where vendors offer gem-colored sweets, handicrafts, tropical produce and even tropical birds. Easily accessible from the villa and city, Lake Nicaragua is Central America’s largest freshwater location. It’s a popular launch for boat tours in and around the wildlife sanctuaries of Las Isletas, or unpopulated islands in the lake that are home to monkeys, tropical birds, and other protected wildlife. The otherworldly volcanic landscapes of the Masaya and Mombacho volcanoes are a short drive away, with dormant Mombacho offering hiking trails and the route to Masaya passing the Laguna de Apoyo, a crystalline lake in a volcanic crater, that’s a popular year-round swimming hole. Coffee lovers should visit the inland city of Matagalpa, a destination for its world-famous plantations. LOCATIONGranada, Nicaragua. Nearest airport: Managua (1 hour) BEST TIME TO VISIT: December to April (dry season); May to November (green season with nightly storms)

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A glamorous gem of Granada’s colonial era, this circa 1930 estate fell on hard times, left abandoned for decades until its painstaking restoration in 2022.

Bao Bei, a villa in Nicaragua

Bao Bei

<h3>Dashing Colonial Update</h3>A glamorous gem of Granada’s colonial era, this circa 1930 estate fell on hard times, left abandoned for decades until its painstaking restoration in 2022.

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BentoBox was carefully brought into the 21st century by a local who felt the property was grace emanated, and tells us, “I reformed the villa as minimally as possible, making it the most functional and to my own taste, while preserving what I imagined to be the author's concept.” While bringing it up to date, he also upgraded it to modern standards in terms of energy efficiency.This light touch can be experienced throughout this entire villa in the Algarve, with four bedrooms (two are en suite) and three bathrooms, accommodating up to nine guests. Snuggle up near the suspended fireplace in the living room, furnished generously and cozily with a Smart 65’’ TV with Netflix and cable. Enjoy meals in the dining room for up to 10 people, preceded by aesthetically-pleasing meal prep in the kitchen with its handsome Siemens appliances and robin’s egg blue SMEG fridge.On the lower ground floor, there are twin sofa beds, a 50” plasma TV, and a games room with a darts board. You may also pluck a book from the 300 title-strong library.If the weather is wonderful (and the Algarve region is known to see at least 300 days of sunshine a year), alternatively you may seek out the covered terrace area with lounge space and an outdoor table for 12 people. Days spent splashing around in the swimming pool and sweating it out in the free-standing barrel sauna will contribute to a deep relaxation.BentoBox Villa is part of the Pinhal da Marina resort, set with gardens and pine trees and offering amenities and services that BentoBox guests can also enjoy, from bike rentals to Petanque and tennis courts.In sum, this is a place for comfort, luxury, and rest, rendered in the mind of an important Portuguese architect. AROUNDShrouded in privacy and quiet, Bento Box Villa also keeps you in close range to the action of the Algarve. It’s an 11-minute walk to the Vilamoura Marina, and within 800m of Vilamoura Beach. A restaurant and supermarket are less than a kilometer distance from the villa.Less than 30 minutes away, Faro is the capital of the Algarve and celebrated for its concentration of Southern European architecture, with about 500 buildings constructed between 1940 and 1980. Walk the city and marvel at these landmarks, with their geometric tiles, concrete exteriors and minimalist gilded doors. The city's marina and historic old town plazas are part of its charm and it's well positioned to some of the best beaches along the coast and directly adjacent to the beautiful Ria Formosa Preserve and Ilha Deserta. Ten kilometers southwest lies Praia de Faro, a stretch of sand accessed by a bridge that offers sunbathing, restaurants and cafes.The 16th-century walled town of Lagos is under an hour west with stunning cliffs, sweeping headlands and Atlantic beaches and a combo of modern sprawl and picturesque history. The resort town of Portimao is also less than an hour west on the bank of the Arade river and the Moorish town of Silves is a little over thirty minutes to the northwest.   LOCATION: within 800m of Vilamoura, Faro, Portugal. Closest airport: Faro (25km)BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through fall

<h2 id="discoverthelegacyofarchitectfranciscokeildoamaral">Discover the Legacy of Architect Francisco Keil do Amaral</h2>
Informed by the modernist&nbsp;architecture&nbsp;of Portugal, an expansive beach house contrasts beautifully with the rugged coastal landscape of the Algarve.&nbsp;Built 40 years ago, it was designed by the legendary Portuguese architect&nbsp;Francisco Keil do Amaral, behind many prominent projects involving the urbanization of the Algarve and the urban plan for the Tróia Peninsula. His portfolio also includes monuments such as the original Lisbon Airport and Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre, and in 1962, he won the Valmor Prize for a Lisbon family home called the Silva Brito House.
<img src="https://storage.boutique-homes.com/storage/images/vacation-rentals/europe/portugal/bento-box-beach-villa/villa_in_the_algarve_020-1.jpg" alt="Bento Box Beach Villa" />
BentoBox was carefully brought into the 21st&nbsp;century by a local who felt the property was grace emanated, and tells us, “I reformed the villa as minimally as possible, making it the most functional and to my own taste, while preserving what I imagined to be the author's concept.” While bringing it up to date, he also upgraded it to modern standards in terms of energy efficiency.
This light touch can be experienced throughout this entire villa in the Algarve, with four bedrooms (two are en suite) and three bathrooms, accommodating up to nine guests. Snuggle up near the suspended fireplace in the living room, furnished generously and cozily with a Smart 65’’ TV with Netflix and cable. Enjoy meals in the dining room for up to 10 people, preceded by aesthetically-pleasing meal prep in the kitchen with its handsome Siemens appliances and robin’s egg blue SMEG fridge.
On the lower ground floor, there are twin sofa beds, a 50” plasma TV, and a games room with a darts board. You may also pluck a book from the 300 title-strong library.
If the weather is wonderful (and the Algarve region is known to see&nbsp;at least 300 days&nbsp;of sunshine a year), alternatively you may seek out the covered terrace area with lounge space and an outdoor table for 12 people. Days spent splashing around in the swimming pool and sweating it out in the free-standing barrel sauna will contribute to a deep relaxation.
BentoBox Villa is part of the Pinhal da Marina resort, set with gardens and pine trees and offering amenities and services that BentoBox guests can also enjoy, from bike rentals to Petanque and tennis courts.
In sum, this is a place for comfort, luxury, and rest, rendered in the mind of an important Portuguese architect.&nbsp;
AROUND
Shrouded in privacy and quiet, Bento Box Villa also keeps you in close range to the action of the Algarve. It’s an 11-minute walk to the Vilamoura Marina, and within 800m of Vilamoura Beach. A restaurant and supermarket are less than a kilometer distance from the villa.
Less than 30 minutes away, Faro is the capital of the Algarve and celebrated for its concentration of Southern European architecture, with about 500 buildings constructed between 1940 and 1980. Walk the city and marvel at these landmarks, with their geometric tiles, concrete exteriors and minimalist gilded doors. The city's marina and historic old town plazas are part of its charm and it's well positioned to some of the best beaches along the coast and directly adjacent to the beautiful Ria Formosa Preserve and Ilha Deserta. Ten kilometers southwest lies Praia de Faro, a stretch of sand accessed by a bridge that offers sunbathing, restaurants and cafes.
The 16th-century walled town of Lagos is under an hour west with stunning cliffs, sweeping headlands and Atlantic beaches and a combo of modern sprawl and picturesque history. The resort town of Portimao is also less than an hour west on the bank of the Arade river and the Moorish town of Silves is a little over thirty minutes to the northwest.&nbsp; &nbsp;
LOCATION:&nbsp;within 800m of Vilamoura, Faro, Portugal. Closest airport: Faro (25km)
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through fall

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Informed by the modernist architecture of Portugal, an expansive beach house contrasts beautifully with the rugged coastal landscape of the Algarve.

Bento Box Beach Villa, a beach house in Portugal

Bento Box Beach Villa

<h3 id="discoverthelegacyofarchitectfranciscokeildoamaral">Discover the Legacy of Architect Francisco Keil do Amaral</h3>
Informed by the modernist&nbsp;architecture&nbsp;of Portugal, an expansive beach house contrasts beautifully with the rugged coastal landscape of the Algarve.

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Bento Box Villa

Located in the southern Britz district of the city, this vacation home rental in Berlin is part of one of the world’s most influential residential developments, conceived and designed by architect Bruno Taut. Winner of the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, the development was completed by Taut and urban planner Martin Wagner in 1924. Designed in a dramatic horseshoe shape and surrounded by symmetrical rows of townhouses, the installation was created as an idyllic answer to the more oppressive prewar style with extensive garden spaces and an entirely new approach to traditional residential design.The owners of the house - a specialist in cultural and contemporary history, and a garden and landscape architect specializing in monument sites - are the ideal stewards of the property and have lived at the site for almost two decades. Passionately committed heritage conservationists, the couple have completely and carefully restored the house with authentic 1920s style and historically accurate design detail. Recalling both the Bauhaus and International themes, the house features clean, angular lines with an emphasis on light and air and is embedded within a charming urban garden. The clever layout manages to fit a lot of style and livability into a compact space. The main living room with its mint green walls and matching enamel fireplace is intimate and simple with a dining area that sits off of the kitchen - a well-equipped replica from another Taut house nearby, with original fittings and views of the gardens. The two double bedrooms upstairs are bright and almost zen-like in their simplicity with lively blue and yellow color washing, classic vintage style and treetop garden views.All furnishings, fixtures and decor are restored originals or made to measure from vintage 1920s models adding to the charm, authenticity and nostalgia. The large yard and gardens have also been restored according to the original blueprint with a small terrace surrounded by fruit trees, lilac bushes and wild roses. A strikingly preserved home that appears untouched by time, this is a unique opportunity for design enthusiasts to experience a vintage modern home as it was originally intended.For outstanding contributions and excellence in monument preservation Taut's Home received the 'European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Award 2013', the Oscar for monument protection in Europe.  ADDITIONAL FEATURESGuided tours through the estate. Wifi throughout, stereo with MP3 audio system, a reference library and city guides, parlor games. Vintage and modern kitchen amenities, luxury all season linens, laundry facilties. Public parking available and two foldable bicycles for guest use on request.  AROUNDAside from the UNESCO-designated Hufeisensiedlung, the southern neighborhood of Britz includes two other major World Heritage sites nearby – Museum Island and Potsdam’s famous palaces and gardens as well as an extensive network and heritage trail of modernist estates, and is ideally situated in close proximity to the Berlin-Brandenburg region of the city. Following long periods of turmoil and reunification, Berlin has emerged as a vibrant and modern city that is revitalized in spirit and is an avant garde, forward thinking destination with a bustling art and music scene along with a fast emerging culinary culture. The glamour is back, along with an edgy cultural renaissance that makes Berlin the capitol of cool. The historic northern district of Mitte is also one of the best spots from which to discover both old and new Berlin.   LOCATIONBerlin, Germany. Nearest Airport: Schonefeld International Airport (10km) BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round

<h2>An Award-Winning & Carefully Preserved Modernist Home</h2>
 Part of a groundbreaking and highly influential residential development, this unique vacation home rental in Berlin is one of pioneering architect Bruno Taut's early 20th-century modernist works. An outstanding example of innovative urban planning, this award-winning and carefully preserved home is a time capsule of style that  captures an important architectural movement and its ideals with simple, but striking design. This is a museum meant to be lived in...
 <img src="https://storage.boutique-homes.com/storage/images/vacation-rentals/europe/germany/bruno-taut-house-berlin-germany/holiday_homes_berlin_5.jpg" alt="Bruno Taut House"/>
 Located in the southern Britz district of the city, this vacation home rental in Berlin is part of one of the world’s most influential residential developments, conceived and designed by architect Bruno Taut. Winner of the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, the development was completed by Taut and urban planner Martin Wagner in 1924. Designed in a dramatic horseshoe shape and surrounded by symmetrical rows of townhouses, the installation was created as an idyllic answer to the more oppressive prewar style with extensive garden spaces and an entirely new approach to traditional residential design.The owners of the house - a specialist in cultural and contemporary history, and a garden and landscape architect specializing in monument sites - are the ideal stewards of the property and have lived at the site for almost two decades. Passionately committed heritage conservationists, the couple have completely and carefully restored the house with authentic 1920s style and historically accurate design detail. Recalling both the Bauhaus and International themes, the house features clean, angular lines with an emphasis on light and air and is embedded within a charming urban garden. The clever layout manages to fit a lot of style and livability into a compact space. The main living room with its mint green walls and matching enamel fireplace is intimate and simple with a dining area that sits off of the kitchen - a well-equipped replica from another Taut house nearby, with original fittings and views of the gardens. The two double bedrooms upstairs are bright and almost zen-like in their simplicity with lively blue and yellow color washing, classic vintage style and treetop garden views.All furnishings, fixtures and decor are restored originals or made to measure from vintage 1920s models adding to the charm, authenticity and nostalgia. The large yard and gardens have also been restored according to the original blueprint with a small terrace surrounded by fruit trees, lilac bushes and wild roses. A strikingly preserved home that appears untouched by time, this is a unique opportunity for design enthusiasts to experience a vintage modern home as it was originally intended.For outstanding contributions and excellence in monument preservation Taut's Home received the 'European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Award 2013', the Oscar for monument protection in Europe.  ADDITIONAL FEATURESGuided tours through the estate. Wifi throughout, stereo with MP3 audio system, a reference library and city guides, parlor games. Vintage and modern kitchen amenities, luxury all season linens, laundry facilties. Public parking available and two foldable bicycles for guest use on request.  AROUNDAside from the UNESCO-designated Hufeisensiedlung, the southern neighborhood of Britz includes two other major World Heritage sites nearby – Museum Island and Potsdam’s famous palaces and gardens as well as an extensive network and heritage trail of modernist estates, and is ideally situated in close proximity to the Berlin-Brandenburg region of the city. Following long periods of turmoil and reunification, Berlin has emerged as a vibrant and modern city that is revitalized in spirit and is an avant garde, forward thinking destination with a bustling art and music scene along with a fast emerging culinary culture. The glamour is back, along with an edgy cultural renaissance that makes Berlin the capitol of cool. The historic northern district of Mitte is also one of the best spots from which to discover both old and new Berlin.   LOCATIONBerlin, Germany. Nearest Airport: Schonefeld International Airport (10km) BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round

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Part of a groundbreaking and highly influential residential development, this unique vacation home rental in Berlin is one of pioneering architect Bruno Taut's early 20th-century modernist works.

Bruno Taut House, a house in Germany

Bruno Taut House

<h3>An Award-Winning & Carefully Preserved Modernist Home</h3>Part of a groundbreaking and highly influential residential development, this unique vacation home rental in Berlin is one of pioneering architect Bruno Taut's early 20th-century modernist works.

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Placed on a top of a hill, above a garden of olive trees, these cabin rentals in Crete are the perfect way to disconnect in nature. The drive up the dusty winding road illustrates the level of seclusion you'll find here. And it's worth the climb!Designed by a husband and wife duo and inspired by Le Corbusier's charming cabin built for his wife, they both celebrate simplicity, and modern design and the beauty of the Mediterranean. The all-in-one spaces are Brutalist concrete on three sides with a wall of glass facing the views and opening out to the terrace.There's a compact living space with a fully equipped kitchen, a pedestal sleeping area, and even a fireplace for chilly nights. From the terrace, the horizon spreads out in front of you with lovely views of the island landscapes and the Mediterranean in the distance. ADDITIONAL FEATURESSelf check-in available, breakfast items included.  Wifi throughout, kitchen and bath amenities, on site parking. AROUNDKnown for its ancient history and natural beauty, Crete has something for everyone. From the cabins, the mostly agricultural land is still farmed with the olive oil harvest every November and several wineries nearby. Head down the hill to the closest beaches of Nopigia or Choni, two largely undiscovered spots. The ancient city of Rokka is nearby as as well as Polirinia, once an impressive city. The western coast of Crete features wild natural landscapes and two of the top ten ranked beaches in Greece: Balos and Elafonisi. A quieter less populated region, it stretches from Balos and Falasarna to Livadia, Elafonisi and the Krios peninsula in Paleohora and Kissamos to the north. The village of Livadia is a charming and traditional village and is located along the the seaside route of the European E4 hiking path. The historic old port town of Chania with its Venetian harbor, seaside palaces and busy resorts is about an hour's drive, and the medieval archeological heritage village of Maroulas is situated just a few miles from the Venetian harbor town of Rethymno along the scenic northern coastline.    LOCATIONCrete, Greece. Nearest Airport: Chania International Airport (56km)  BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring, Summer &amp; Winter

<h2>Celebrating Minimalism & Simplicity in Nature</h2>
 Small can expand our horizons. Embracing simplicity and allowing for reflection and relaxation is what escape is all about and here, great design gets you back to nature. Far from the bustling tourist areas, these cabin rentals in Crete among endless olive trees, were designed by husband and wife team of artists to share the island's peaceful beauty and sustainable &#34;slow living.&#34;Inspired by Le Corbusier's Le Cabanon, this duo of cabins celebrates minimalism and the sanctuary of nature. The simple box forms with facades of glass facing the views are composed of board formed concrete with wood accents and bold modernist lines.  The all-in-one spaces feel both intimate and expansive, with clever use of the compact layout, and designed with a tasteful Nordic inspired style. Laze in the hammock listening to the cicadas or on the deck amidst incredible views of the mountains and the sea.A <a href="https://joinus.boutique-homes.com/property/10047">second cabin</a> is also available to rent next door. Meet the owner in our Journal section <a title="Conversation with Sofia Mavroudis" href="https://www.boutique-homes.com/journal/conversation-with-sofia-mavroudis-of-cabanon-retreat" target="_blank">here</a>.
 <img src="https://storage.boutique-homes.com/storage/images/2019/09/cabin_rentals_crete_003-1.jpg" alt="Cabanon Retreat A"/>
 Placed on a top of a hill, above a garden of olive trees, these cabin rentals in Crete are the perfect way to disconnect in nature. The drive up the dusty winding road illustrates the level of seclusion you'll find here. And it's worth the climb!Designed by a husband and wife duo and inspired by Le Corbusier's charming cabin built for his wife, they both celebrate simplicity, and modern design and the beauty of the Mediterranean. The all-in-one spaces are Brutalist concrete on three sides with a wall of glass facing the views and opening out to the terrace.There's a compact living space with a fully equipped kitchen, a pedestal sleeping area, and even a fireplace for chilly nights. From the terrace, the horizon spreads out in front of you with lovely views of the island landscapes and the Mediterranean in the distance. ADDITIONAL FEATURESSelf check-in available, breakfast items included.  Wifi throughout, kitchen and bath amenities, on site parking. AROUNDKnown for its ancient history and natural beauty, Crete has something for everyone. From the cabins, the mostly agricultural land is still farmed with the olive oil harvest every November and several wineries nearby. Head down the hill to the closest beaches of Nopigia or Choni, two largely undiscovered spots. The ancient city of Rokka is nearby as as well as Polirinia, once an impressive city. The western coast of Crete features wild natural landscapes and two of the top ten ranked beaches in Greece: Balos and Elafonisi. A quieter less populated region, it stretches from Balos and Falasarna to Livadia, Elafonisi and the Krios peninsula in Paleohora and Kissamos to the north. The village of Livadia is a charming and traditional village and is located along the the seaside route of the European E4 hiking path. The historic old port town of Chania with its Venetian harbor, seaside palaces and busy resorts is about an hour's drive, and the medieval archeological heritage village of Maroulas is situated just a few miles from the Venetian harbor town of Rethymno along the scenic northern coastline.    LOCATIONCrete, Greece. Nearest Airport: Chania International Airport (56km)  BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring, Summer &amp; Winter

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Small can expand our horizons. Embracing simplicity and allowing for reflection and relaxation is what escape is all about and here, great design gets you back to nature.

Cabanon Retreat A, a cabin in Greece

Cabanon Retreat A

<h3>Celebrating Minimalism & Simplicity in Nature</h3>Small can expand our horizons. Embracing simplicity and allowing for reflection and relaxation is what escape is all about and here, great design gets you back to nature.

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Cabanon  Retreat A

Placed on a top of a hill, above a garden of olive trees, these cabin rentals in Crete are the perfect way to disconnect in nature. The drive up the dusty winding road illustrates the level of seclusion you'll find here. And it's worth the climb!Designed by a husband and wife duo and inspired by Le Corbusier's charming cabin built for his wife, they both celebrate simplicity, and modern design and the beauty of the Mediterranean. The all-in-one spaces are Brutalist concrete on three sides with a wall of glass facing the views and opening out to the terrace. There's a compact living space with a fully equipped kitchen, a pedestal sleeping area, and even a fireplace for chilly nights.From the terrace, the horizon spreads out in front of you with lovely views of the island landscapes and the Mediterranean in the distance.   ADDITIONAL FEATURES Self check-in available, breakfast items included.  Wifi throughout, kitchen and bath amenities, on site parking.   AROUNDKnown for its ancient history and natural beauty, Crete has something for everyone. From the cabins, the mostly agricultural land is still farmed with the olive oil harvest every November and several wineries nearby. Head down the hill to the closest beaches of Nopigia or Choni, two largely undiscovered spots. The ancient city of Rokka is nearby as as well as Polirinia, once an impressive city. The western coast of Crete features wild natural landscapes and two of the top ten ranked beaches in Greece: Balos and Elafonisi. A quieter less populated region, it stretches from Balos and Falasarna to Livadia, Elafonisi and the Krios peninsula in Paleohora and Kissamos to the north. The village of Livadia is a charming and traditional village and is located along the the seaside route of the European E4 hiking path. The historic old port town of Chania with its Venetian harbor, seaside palaces and busy resorts is about an hour's drive, and the medieval archeological heritage village of Maroulas is situated just a few miles from the Venetian harbor town of Rethymno along the scenic northern coastline.   LOCATION Crete, Greece. Nearest Airport: Chania International Airport (56km)   BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring, Summer &amp; Winter

<h2>Celebrating Minimalism & Simplicity In Nature</h2>
 Small can expand our horizons. Embracing simplicity and allowing for reflection and relaxation is what escape is all about and here, great design gets you back to nature. Far from the bustling tourist areas, these cabin rentals in Crete among endless olive trees, were designed by husband-and-wife team of artists to share the island's peaceful beauty and sustainable &#34;slow living.&#34;Inspired by Le Corbusier's Le Cabanon, this duo of cabins celebrates minimalism and the sanctuary of nature. The simple box forms with facades of glass facing the views are composed of board formed concrete with wood accents and bold modernist lines.  The all-in-one spaces feel both intimate and expansive, with clever use of the compact layout, and designed with a tasteful Nordic-inspired style. Laze in the hammock listening to the cicadas or on the deck amidst incredible views of the mountains and the sea.A <a href="https://joinus.boutique-homes.com/property/10001">second cabin</a> is also available to rent next door. Meet the owner in our Journal section <a title="Conversation with Sofia Mavroudis" href="https://www.boutique-homes.com/journal/conversation-with-sofia-mavroudis-of-cabanon-retreat" target="_blank">here</a>.
 <img src="https://storage.boutique-homes.com/storage/images/2019/09/cabin_rentals_crete_003-1.jpg" alt="Cabanon Retreat B"/>
 Placed on a top of a hill, above a garden of olive trees, these cabin rentals in Crete are the perfect way to disconnect in nature. The drive up the dusty winding road illustrates the level of seclusion you'll find here. And it's worth the climb!Designed by a husband and wife duo and inspired by Le Corbusier's charming cabin built for his wife, they both celebrate simplicity, and modern design and the beauty of the Mediterranean. The all-in-one spaces are Brutalist concrete on three sides with a wall of glass facing the views and opening out to the terrace. There's a compact living space with a fully equipped kitchen, a pedestal sleeping area, and even a fireplace for chilly nights.From the terrace, the horizon spreads out in front of you with lovely views of the island landscapes and the Mediterranean in the distance.   ADDITIONAL FEATURES Self check-in available, breakfast items included.  Wifi throughout, kitchen and bath amenities, on site parking.   AROUNDKnown for its ancient history and natural beauty, Crete has something for everyone. From the cabins, the mostly agricultural land is still farmed with the olive oil harvest every November and several wineries nearby. Head down the hill to the closest beaches of Nopigia or Choni, two largely undiscovered spots. The ancient city of Rokka is nearby as as well as Polirinia, once an impressive city. The western coast of Crete features wild natural landscapes and two of the top ten ranked beaches in Greece: Balos and Elafonisi. A quieter less populated region, it stretches from Balos and Falasarna to Livadia, Elafonisi and the Krios peninsula in Paleohora and Kissamos to the north. The village of Livadia is a charming and traditional village and is located along the the seaside route of the European E4 hiking path. The historic old port town of Chania with its Venetian harbor, seaside palaces and busy resorts is about an hour's drive, and the medieval archeological heritage village of Maroulas is situated just a few miles from the Venetian harbor town of Rethymno along the scenic northern coastline.   LOCATION Crete, Greece. Nearest Airport: Chania International Airport (56km)    BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring, Summer &amp; Winter

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Cabanon Retreat B, a cabin in Greece

Cabanon Retreat B

<h3>Celebrating Minimalism & Simplicity In Nature</h3>Small can expand our horizons. Embracing simplicity and allowing for reflection and relaxation is what escape is all about and here, great design gets you back to nature.

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Cabanon  Retreat B

This vacation rental in Tenerife is a three-story townhome with three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. In the master bedroom, there is a king-sized bed with a 100% latex mattress and cotton linen. This bedroom is on the top floor of the house and also has a marble-topped bathtub, freestanding marble-topped double sink, toilet, and ample space, including additional wardrobes. This bedroom has access to a private balcony overlooking the garden. The double bedroom also has a king-size bed with a latex mattress and vintage accessories. In the twin bedroom there are two single beds with bedside lamps. Both of these rooms have access to the front balcony. This property's pinnacle is its sun-filled rooftop solarium with deep concrete bathtub, deckchairs and native cacti and aloe vera plants. It also has an outdoor shower.SOAK UP THE TENERIFE SUN AND EXPLORE THE AVANT-GARDE ARCHITECTURETenerife, largest of the Canary Islands, sees tourists flocking to its year round warm weather beaches and resorts. The southern tip of the island swells with revelers in July and August with clubs that are open all night and bonfire parties on the many beaches including Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas.The island is also becoming more known for expressing itself through through art and design. Futuristic cultural institutions are feats of geometry that mingle with the easter egg-hued traditional houses. Art and design enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA), designed by Swiss architects Herzog and Meuron with Virgilio Gutiérrez. History and culture lovers should spend an afternoon at MUNA Museo de Naturaleza y Arqueología.The 15th century capitol town of San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a historic World Heritage gem, and is divided into two distinct parts – Villa de Arriba and Villa de Abajo and is worth a visit for it’s grand architecture and excellent restaurants.The house itself is situated in El Barrio de los Hoteles-Pino de Oro, one of the most sought-after areas of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.  You are only 50m from Parque García Sanabria, the largest urban park in the Canary Islands. Here, you can wander the tropical flora, fauna, sculptures, let your kids play in the parks, or grab a bite at the rooftop bar and restaurant Strasse Park. Calle del Pilar is a 10-minute walk from the house, home to many charming boutiques and eateries.LOCATIONSanta Cruz de Tenerife, Canarias, SpainBEST TIME TO VISIT: With its proximity to the equator, the islands enjoy warm days year round. 

<h2>A 1930s Art-Filled Townhouse on Tenerife</h2>
 Breeze through the light-drenched entrance and into this pristine 1930s home. A full 2018 renovation preserves all the right details, especially the original Terrazzo stone staircase with a teak banister that curves up like a backbone, up through all three stories and into the house's summit, a rooftop solarium.The house showcases designer furniture by Achille, and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Arne Jacobsen, Pastoe and Mornernica as well as 1960s and 1970s vintage pieces. Original art work throughout the home includes a Isabel Muñoz, Enzo Mari and there is an original Cactus Coat Rack by Guido Drocco and Franco Mello.Create a mise en place on the marble worktop and cook with elegance on the integrated premium induction hob. The home has a Miele dishwasher, SMEG oven, and an impressive designer and artisan collection of kitchenware. Keep the French doors open and let the garden air swirl in, then toast to your culinary prowess on the banana leaf-fringed patio.The luxury details take on other beautiful forms here, like the modular Sandal sofa and a deep concrete bathtub with Dornbracht taps.But all told, it’s the alchemy of all the elements that gives Casa Bencomo a singular elegance that would be impossible to replicate.
 <img src="https://storage.boutique-homes.com/storage/images/vacation-rentals/europe/spain/casa-bencomo/vacation_home_rental_tenerife_060.jpg" alt="Casa Bencomo Modernist Design Townhouse"/>
 This vacation rental in Tenerife is a three-story townhome with three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. In the master bedroom, there is a king-sized bed with a 100% latex mattress and cotton linen. This bedroom is on the top floor of the house and also has a marble-topped bathtub, freestanding marble-topped double sink, toilet, and ample space, including additional wardrobes. This bedroom has access to a private balcony overlooking the garden. The double bedroom also has a king-size bed with a latex mattress and vintage accessories. In the twin bedroom there are two single beds with bedside lamps. Both of these rooms have access to the front balcony. This property's pinnacle is its sun-filled rooftop solarium with deep concrete bathtub, deckchairs and native cacti and aloe vera plants. It also has an outdoor shower. SOAK UP THE TENERIFE SUN AND EXPLORE THE AVANT-GARDE ARCHITECTURETenerife, largest of the Canary Islands, sees tourists flocking to its year round warm weather beaches and resorts. The southern tip of the island swells with revelers in July and August with clubs that are open all night and bonfire parties on the many beaches including Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas.The island is also becoming more known for expressing itself through through art and design. Futuristic cultural institutions are feats of geometry that mingle with the easter egg-hued traditional houses. Art and design enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA), designed by Swiss architects Herzog and Meuron with Virgilio Gutiérrez. History and culture lovers should spend an afternoon at MUNA Museo de Naturaleza y Arqueología.The 15th century capitol town of San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a historic World Heritage gem, and is divided into two distinct parts – Villa de Arriba and Villa de Abajo and is worth a visit for it’s grand architecture and excellent restaurants.The house itself is situated in El Barrio de los Hoteles-Pino de Oro, one of the most sought-after areas of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.  You are only 50m from Parque García Sanabria, the largest urban park in the Canary Islands. Here, you can wander the tropical flora, fauna, sculptures, let your kids play in the parks, or grab a bite at the rooftop bar and restaurant Strasse Park. Calle del Pilar is a 10-minute walk from the house, home to many charming boutiques and eateries. LOCATIONSanta Cruz de Tenerife, Canarias, Spain BEST TIME TO VISIT: With its proximity to the equator, the islands enjoy warm days year round.

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Breeze through the light-drenched entrance and into this pristine 1930s home. A full 2018 renovation preserves all the right details, especially the original Terrazzo stone staircase with a teak banister that curves up like a backbone, up through all three stories and into the house's summit, a rooftop solarium.

Casa Bencomo Modernist Design Townhouse, a townhouse in Spain

Casa Bencomo Modernist Design Townhouse

<h3>A 1930s Art-Filled Townhouse on Tenerife</h3>Breeze through the light-drenched entrance and into this pristine 1930s home. A full 2018 renovation preserves all the right details, especially the original Terrazzo stone staircase with a teak banister that curves up like a backbone, up through all three stories and into the house's summit, a rooftop solarium.
The house showcases designer furniture by Achille, and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Arne Jacobsen, Pastoe and Mornernica as well as 1960s and 1970s vintage pieces.

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Modernist Design Townhouse

Additional guests after the first 2 guests

Adjoining rectangles make up the living quarters of this villa for rent in Portugal, a sophisticated urban-feeling space tucked into a country landscape. Bright white accent walls stretch outward from the home’s geometric volumes, creating privacy boundaries that delineate the front lawn and back patio terrace with its alfresco dining area and lap pool. This getaway’s overall look is modular and modern, with elegant contemporary styling set on two wooded acres within Portugal’s pastoral countryside, less than an hour from bustling medieval Porto.Inside the larger living module, back walls of floor-to-ceiling glass give the space its decidedly modern allure. The room’s operable double-sized glass doors pivot outward to the back terrace, rolling lawn and pool and the back yard is protected on two sides by whitewashed privacy walls. The bright, spacious common room holds a large library, a contemporary, hearth-less firebox, clean lined chrome, glass and leather mid-century and modern furnishings, and sleek polished concrete floors. Red is the dominant accent color, found in a fire-engine-hued support pillar in the living room, as well as in artworks, décor accents and rugs. The kitchen, practically indistinguishable within the open concept living room, presents another modular feature of the home. Built-in and ultra-sleek, the cooktop, sink and counterspace can be closed off via a trio of innovative folding, partition doors hung between it and the open-plan dining space.The home’s smaller cube contains its sleeping quarters, three bedrooms and bathrooms, one bedroom with a soaking tub at the foot of the king-sized bed. The bedrooms are furnished simply in keeping with the modern vibe, minimally decorated with contemporary art pieces and area rugs set atop polished concrete floors. Baths with shower stalls are constructed of brut concrete, and outfitted with rain shower heads and wide, above-the-counter sinks.Outside, a long, lean lap pool stretches from the living room windows outward.  A whitewashed privacy wall separates the pool and back terrace from the home’s front lawn area, and a gently sloping hillside of grass extends into the lot’s wooded area where a creek burbles, and dense shrubs and trees give the home its country getaway feeling.AROUNDLocated in Briteiros, a village within the mountainous Ave River valley, this villa for rent in Portugal stands in modern contrast to the town’s archeological site known as Citania de Briteiros, formerly a community of about 1,000 ancient Celtic people called Castros, who occupied the area between 200 BC and 300 AD. Today, visits to the archeological site include exploration of stone ruins and fortifications, and discovery of this little-known culture. Nearby Braga is a small city regarded as Portugal’s religious heart, site of the country’s first cathedral and numerous churches as well as Gothic and Baroque architecture, grand plazas and a vibrant university community. Also easily accessible is the city of Guimaraes, known to be Portugal’s birthplace as the city where the country’s first king was born. The walled city is a World Heritage Site and features narrow medieval streets lined with granite balconies, arching passageways and noble palaces and mansions. Porto, with its lively tasting rooms and Port houses is a quick 45-minute drive from the home through green mountains and simple country roads with their small agricultural communities. All services as well as cafes, restaurants, and wine-tasting rooms are available in and around both Braga and Guimaraes.LOCATIONGuimaraes, Braga, Portugal. Nearest airport: Porto (45 minutes).BEST TIME TO VISIT: May to October

<h2>Urban Sophistication Deep in the Country</h2>
 A series of rectilinear structures and adjacent patios stands in geometric contrast to its pastoral surroundings, creating a contemporary outpost within a thickly wooded private acreage north of Porto. This sleek vacation home might be in the country, but it offers walls of glass, a lap pool off the library, and a gallery-quality entry behind which ultra-modern furnishings and mid-century modern classics combine to create a sophisticated, urban-inspired oasis.
 <img src="https://storage.boutique-homes.com/storage/images/vacation-rentals/europe/portugal/casa-briteiros/villa_for_rent_in_portugal_004.jpg" alt="Casa Briteiros"/>
 Adjoining rectangles make up the living quarters of this villa for rent in Portugal, a sophisticated urban-feeling space tucked into a country landscape. Bright white accent walls stretch outward from the home’s geometric volumes, creating privacy boundaries that delineate the front lawn and back patio terrace with its alfresco dining area and lap pool. This getaway’s overall look is modular and modern, with elegant contemporary styling set on two wooded acres within Portugal’s pastoral countryside, less than an hour from bustling medieval Porto.Inside the larger living module, back walls of floor-to-ceiling glass give the space its decidedly modern allure. The room’s operable double-sized glass doors pivot outward to the back terrace, rolling lawn and pool and the back yard is protected on two sides by whitewashed privacy walls. The bright, spacious common room holds a large library, a contemporary, hearth-less firebox, clean lined chrome, glass and leather mid-century and modern furnishings, and sleek polished concrete floors. Red is the dominant accent color, found in a fire-engine-hued support pillar in the living room, as well as in artworks, décor accents and rugs. The kitchen, practically indistinguishable within the open concept living room, presents another modular feature of the home. Built-in and ultra-sleek, the cooktop, sink and counterspace can be closed off via a trio of innovative folding, partition doors hung between it and the open-plan dining space.The home’s smaller cube contains its sleeping quarters, three bedrooms and bathrooms, one bedroom with a soaking tub at the foot of the king-sized bed. The bedrooms are furnished simply in keeping with the modern vibe, minimally decorated with contemporary art pieces and area rugs set atop polished concrete floors. Baths with shower stalls are constructed of brut concrete, and outfitted with rain shower heads and wide, above-the-counter sinks.Outside, a long, lean lap pool stretches from the living room windows outward. A whitewashed privacy wall separates the pool and back terrace from the home’s front lawn area, and a gently sloping hillside of grass extends into the lot’s wooded area where a creek burbles, and dense shrubs and trees give the home its country getaway feeling. AROUNDLocated in Briteiros, a village within the mountainous Ave River valley, this villa for rent in Portugal stands in modern contrast to the town’s archeological site known as Citania de Briteiros, formerly a community of about 1,000 ancient Celtic people called Castros, who occupied the area between 200 BC and 300 AD. Today, visits to the archeological site include exploration of stone ruins and fortifications, and discovery of this little-known culture. Nearby Braga is a small city regarded as Portugal’s religious heart, site of the country’s first cathedral and numerous churches as well as Gothic and Baroque architecture, grand plazas and a vibrant university community. Also easily accessible is the city of Guimaraes, known to be Portugal’s birthplace as the city where the country’s first king was born. The walled city is a World Heritage Site and features narrow medieval streets lined with granite balconies, arching passageways and noble palaces and mansions. Porto, with its lively tasting rooms and Port houses is a quick 45-minute drive from the home through green mountains and simple country roads with their small agricultural communities. All services as well as cafes, restaurants, and wine-tasting rooms are available in and around both Braga and Guimaraes. LOCATIONGuimaraes, Braga, Portugal. Nearest airport: Porto (45 minutes). BEST TIME TO VISIT: May to October

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A series of rectilinear structures and adjacent patios stands in geometric contrast to its pastoral surroundings, creating a contemporary outpost within a thickly wooded private acreage north of Porto.

Casa Briteiros, a villa in Portugal

Casa Briteiros

<h3>Urban Sophistication Deep in the Country</h3>A series of rectilinear structures and adjacent patios stands in geometric contrast to its pastoral surroundings, creating a contemporary outpost within a thickly wooded private acreage north of Porto.

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Divided into individual &#34;boxes,&#34; the living and dining areas overlook the forest and the sleek fully equipped kitchen features a wall-sized pivoting glass door that creates interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces.Each of the four en suite bedrooms faces out to the wilderness and there's an additional room design specifically for kids. Expertly curated design touches include original Eames Vitra lounge chairs, Jielde lamps, a Stuv fireplace, and a collection of 1960s vintage treasures.Surrounded by fragrant pine forest and just minutes from the best beaches, this is a modern getaway designed for family fun. SINTRA CASCAIS NATIONAL PARKJust five minutes from the Atlantic coastline, the area is lined with the best beaches including Praia Grande, Praia das Maçãs and Azenhas do Mar while the nearby Roca Cape is a dramatic headland formation and the westernmost point on the European mainland. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town of Sintra has a rich cultural heritage that includes both Moorish and European influences. Located a half an hour from Lisbon, it is an area that is ideal for enjoying the city, the sea, and the over 100 miles of protected National Parkland. Lined with great shops, cafes, and historic splendor, central Sintra is best explored on foot where you can wander through the winding cobblestone walkways and intricate masonry walls among lush greenery. Don't miss Pena Palace and Gardens, Sintra National Palace, Regaleira Palace, and Monserrat Palace and Gardens.  LOCATIONSintra, Portugal. Nearest Airport: Portela Lisbon Airport (45km) BEST TIME TO VISIT: Beginning of March through end of October 

<h2>Architect Frederico Valsassina Sets A Striking Tone Among The Pines</h2>
 Placed within the Sintra-Cascais National Park along the far west Atlantic coast of Portugal, this modern holiday home sets a striking contemporary tone among the pines.Designed by Lisbon-based architect Frederico Valsassina, the eye-catching horizontal silhouette is in serene balance with its rural environment. Completed in 2011, the white on white structure is composed of interconnecting spaces that focus outwards with brightly illuminated interiors that are responsive to the landscape. Walls of windows, strong linear lines, and a minimalist, unadorned approach create a sense of space and serenity.
 <img src="https://storage.boutique-homes.com/storage/images/vacation-rentals/europe/portugal/casa-da-rampa-sintra-portugal/holiday_home_portugal_09-1.jpg" alt="Casa da Rampa"/>
 Divided into individual &#34;boxes,&#34; the living and dining areas overlook the forest and the sleek fully equipped kitchen features a wall-sized pivoting glass door that creates interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces.Each of the four en suite bedrooms faces out to the wilderness and there's an additional room design specifically for kids. Expertly curated design touches include original Eames Vitra lounge chairs, Jielde lamps, a Stuv fireplace, and a collection of 1960s vintage treasures.Surrounded by fragrant pine forest and just minutes from the best beaches, this is a modern getaway designed for family fun.  SINTRA CASCAIS NATIONAL PARKJust five minutes from the Atlantic coastline, the area is lined with the best beaches including Praia Grande, Praia das Maçãs and Azenhas do Mar while the nearby Roca Cape is a dramatic headland formation and the westernmost point on the European mainland. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town of Sintra has a rich cultural heritage that includes both Moorish and European influences. Located a half an hour from Lisbon, it is an area that is ideal for enjoying the city, the sea, and the over 100 miles of protected National Parkland. Lined with great shops, cafes, and historic splendor, central Sintra is best explored on foot where you can wander through the winding cobblestone walkways and intricate masonry walls among lush greenery. Don't miss Pena Palace and Gardens, Sintra National Palace, Regaleira Palace, and Monserrat Palace and Gardens.  LOCATIONSintra, Portugal. Nearest Airport: Portela Lisbon Airport (45km) BEST TIME TO VISIT: Beginning of March through end of October

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We love this strikingly modern holiday home's dramatic horizontal profile and clean structural minimalism. Designed with dynamic architectural style and vision, it's also a relaxingly livable family friendly retreat. 

Casa da Rampa, a house in Portugal

Casa da Rampa

<h3>Architect Frederico Valsassina Sets A Striking Tone Among The Pines</h3>We love this strikingly modern holiday home's dramatic horizontal profile and clean structural minimalism. Designed with dynamic architectural style and vision, it's also a relaxingly livable family friendly retreat.

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Sitting high above Zêzere Glacier Valley in the Serra da Estrella, this luxury boutique hotel in Portugal is a celebration of Portuguese design, culture and gastronomy of the region. Built in 1940, the original stone inn was one of the very first designed specifically to represent the Portuguese take on hospitality. Restored and expanded with a sleek concrete addition, the historic structure has been seamlessly integrated with walls of glass from every room that invite the spectacular views in.There are a total of twenty one rooms (four are suites), each designed with understated sophistication and contemporary Portuguese design pieces and  softened with organic materials and handcrafted burel wool as decorative elements. The restaurant serves seasonal classics with local ingredients of the Beiras region, and features panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the spectacular views. There's a large communal terrace and a striking indoor-outdoor pool, both with magnificent views, and a full service spa with a sauna and Turkish bath for a little pampering. ADDITIONAL FEATURESFully staffed, touring and guided nature walks, breakfast  and afternoon snacks (4pm -7pm) included, complimentary bottled water and fruit basket in each room, wifi throughout, spa and massage services. Bicycles, sleds and snowshoes available for guest use, EV chargers, private parking. AROUNDThe mountain town of Manteigas is nestled within the beautiful Serra da Estrella range next to the magnificent Zêzere Glacier Valley. There are excellent hiking trails through the range crossed by rivers and the steep Ribeira de Leadres gorge where you won't want to miss the spectacular Poço do Inferno waterfalls.The rural Guarda and Beira regions of central Portugal are located between the Douro and the Tejo rivers, and stretch from the Atlantic Coast all the way to the Spanish border. Dotted with well preserved ancient villages and the highest mountain ranges in the country, it’s a quieter, less-traveled area to explore and is famous for the Dao vineyards.The historic city of Viseu is just over an hour drive where you’ll find everything from Roman ruins, to medieval, Gothic and Baroque remnants of civilization. Don’t miss the centuries old Sao Mateus Fair in August with artists, crafts, music and food that lasts for up to a month.  The highest town in Portugal with fortifications dating back to the 12th century, the city of Guarda is an hour north and the medieval cities of Coimbra and Conímbriga with the most famous Roman ruins in Portugal, are a two hour drive. LOCATIONManteigas, Portugal. Nearest Airport: Porto - Francicso Sa Carneiro Airport (200km) BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round

<h2 id="atributetoportuguesedesignandculture">A Tribute to Portuguese Design And Culture</h2>
One of the country's first 5-Star inns in Serra da Estrela, this luxury boutique hotel in Portugal was initially designed in 1940 by celebrated architect Rogério de Azevedo.Focused on keeping the history of the building and its context in the landscape, the owners enlisted Lisbon based design studio, P-06 Atelier, who expanded the classically designed stone poussada with modern concrete wings and loads of glass for viewing the breathtaking mountain and Glacier Valley views.
Created by the Burel Factory, the company has revived the production of the burel wool used by local shepherds for centuries and is one of the main themes of the hotel, with hand painted panels and art installations that tell the story of the region's textile and its people.
The property is also a showcase of Portuguese design beginning with famed avant-garde modernist artist Maria Keil who, 70 years ago designed the interiors and furnishings which remain today.&nbsp;
The rooms feature a who's who of contemporary Portuguese designers, with pieces by Marco Sousa Santos, Vicara, Cestaria de Gonçalo, Olaria de Molelos, Grestel, Nuno Gusmão, and Bordallo Pinheiro.
Rooted in tradition and inspired by the Serra da Estrela region's history and great natural beauty, this hotel is a love letter to Portuguese culture.
Sitting high above Zêzere Glacier Valley in the Serra da Estrella, this luxury boutique hotel in Portugal is a celebration of Portuguese design, culture and gastronomy of the region.&nbsp;
Built in 1940, the original stone inn was one of the very first designed specifically to represent the Portuguese take on hospitality.&nbsp;Restored and expanded with a sleek concrete addition, the historic structure has been seamlessly integrated with walls of glass from every room that invite the spectacular views in.
There are a total of twenty one rooms (four are suites), each designed with understated sophistication and contemporary Portuguese design pieces and&nbsp; softened with organic materials and handcrafted burel wool as decorative elements.&nbsp;
The restaurant serves seasonal classics with local ingredients of the Beiras region, and features panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the spectacular views.&nbsp;There's a large communal terrace and a striking indoor-outdoor pool, both with magnificent views, and a full service spa with a sauna and Turkish bath for a little pampering.
<h3 id="additionalfeatures">Additional features</h3>
Fully staffed, touring and guided nature walks, breakfast&nbsp; and afternoon snacks (4pm -7pm) included, complimentary bottled water and fruit basket in each room, wifi throughout, spa and massage services. Bicycles, sleds and snowshoes available for guest use, EV chargers, private parking.
<h3 id="around">Around</h3>
The mountain town of Manteigas is nestled within the beautiful Serra da Estrella range next to the magnificent Zêzere Glacier Valley. There are excellent hiking trails through the range crossed by rivers and the steep Ribeira de Leadres gorge where you won't want to miss the spectacular Poço do Inferno waterfalls.
The rural Guarda and Beira regions of central Portugal are located between the Douro and the Tejo rivers, and stretch from the Atlantic Coast all the way to the Spanish border. Dotted with well preserved ancient villages and the highest mountain ranges in the country, it’s a quieter, less-traveled area to explore and is famous for the Dao vineyards.
The historic city of Viseu is just over an hour drive where you’ll find everything from Roman ruins, to medieval, Gothic and Baroque remnants of civilization. Don’t miss the centuries old Sao Mateus Fair in August with artists, crafts, music and food that lasts for up to a month.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The highest town in Portugal with fortifications dating back to the 12th century, the city of Guarda is an hour north and the medieval cities of Coimbra and Conímbriga with the most famous Roman ruins in Portugal, are a two hour drive.
<h3 id="location">Location</h3>
Manteigas, Portugal. Nearest airport: Porto - Francicso Sa Carneiro (200km)
<h3 id="besttimetovisit">Best time to visit</h3>
Year round

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One of the first 5-star inns in Serra da Estrela, this luxury boutique hotel in Portugal was designed in 1940 by celebrated architect Rogério de Azevedo. Inspired by the region's history and great natural beauty, this hotel is a love letter to Portuguese culture.

Casa de São Lourenço, a small hotel in Portugal

Casa de São Lourenço

<h3 id="atributetoportuguesedesignandculture">A Tribute to Portuguese Design And Culture</h3>
One of the first 5-star inns in Serra da Estrela, this luxury boutique hotel in Portugal was designed in 1940 by celebrated architect Rogério de Azevedo.&nbsp;Inspired by the region's history and great natural beauty, this hotel is a love letter to Portuguese culture.

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Named for its location in Madrid’s historic Fuente del Berro quarter, this fully restored 1920s family home once housed sculptor Jorge Oteiza. The award-winning architectural team behind the home’s elegant update started their renovation by searching the city’s archives, where they discovered the residence’s original blueprints.Focusing their restoration on returning the home to its original identity, Elena Jiménez and Abelardo Linares peeled back years of modifications to the structure that had deteriorated over time, and returned the building’s exterior to its early design—a sturdy, white façade lined with wide windows and topped by a Roman-styled roof. A lush Mediterranean garden was part of the home’s original design, and the duo also restored its leafy private courtyard, reviving the rare green oasis in downtown Madrid.Originally, the home was part of a neighborhood created to be a “garden city” for local artisans. The residences now enjoy historical protection by the city of Madrid, and returning the residences to their original form is the city’s goal. Construction permits are issued only for the homes’ preservation, and Casa del Berro’s restoration has been featured in AD Magazine, Architecture Platform, Living Architecture, Leibel and Arch Daily.The structure’s centerpiece is its airy staircase, a open, contemporary space that connects the home’s multiple levels. The residence includes a semi-basement-styled kitchen, dining and living room floor, the ground/entry level with its foyer, library and lounge, one upper level floor with bedrooms, and another with a study, guest suite and view overlooking the neighborhood’s tree canopy. Soaring 18 feet, the central staircase is the home’s leading design feature. A stainless steel latticework that’s been laser cut in the form of palm leaves and painted white, the cut-out partition allows for the play of natural light and casts decorative shadows across the home’s smooth tile and wood floors. It also serves as an open-air transition between the home’s many levels.The architects describe the materials they used in the home’s interior as the room’s protagonists and include Dove stone from a quarry in Seville, granite, oak, and ceramics from Grenada. The interior ambiance is serene and contemporary, with bright, whitewashed ceilings, sleek stone, tile and wood floors, luxurious bathrooms, and the open, suspended-style staircase, all made more vivid by an abundance of natural light and clean-lined, soft-hued furnishings.AROUNDLocated in the Salamanca neighborhood, this vacation home rental in Madrid was a part of the original Fuente del Berro development of the 1920s. The neighborhood was conceived as a garden city and is located next to the Quinta de la Fuente del Berro park. The vast green space covers 13 wooded hectares and features landscaped formal gardens, waterfalls, and public art, as well as manicured pathways for walking and jogging, and open meadows for recreation. The leafy quarter is within the larger neighborhood of Salamanca in downtown Madrid, known for its grand boulevards and upscale glamour. The “Golden Mile” in the area features luxury brand boutiques, and well-heeled locals shop at Platea Madrid, a gourmet food market in a converted theatre. The neighborhood also has several notable museums, including the National Archeological Museum and the Lázaro Galdiano Museum, with a collection that includes works by Goya.LOCATIONMadrid, Spain. Nearest airport: MadridBEST TIME TO VISIT: This vacation home rental in Madrid is a year-round destination, with best weather in spring or fall.

<h2>Period Restoration on the Outside, Contemporary Design Within</h2>
 The architectural team of Jiménez and Linares has returned this 1920s-era residence’s façade to its original, clean-lined splendor, and created a sundrenched contemporary residence within. Their thoughtful interior update favors light wood, cool stone, and smooth plaster, with a notable, laser-cut stairwell screen as the home’s central focal point and a leafy courtyard garden to add to its allure.
 <img src="https://storage.boutique-homes.com/storage/images/vacation-rentals/europe/spain/casa-del-berro/vacation_home_rental_in_madrid_003-1.jpg" alt="Casa del Berro"/>
 Named for its location in Madrid’s historic Fuente del Berro quarter, this fully restored 1920s family home once housed sculptor Jorge Oteiza. The award-winning architectural team behind the home’s elegant update started their renovation by searching the city’s archives, where they discovered the residence’s original blueprints.Focusing their restoration on returning the home to its original identity, Elena Jiménez and Abelardo Linares peeled back years of modifications to the structure that had deteriorated over time, and returned the building’s exterior to its early design—a sturdy, white façade lined with wide windows and topped by a Roman-styled roof. A lush Mediterranean garden was part of the home’s original design, and the duo also restored its leafy private courtyard, reviving the rare green oasis in downtown Madrid.Originally, the home was part of a neighborhood created to be a “garden city” for local artisans. The residences now enjoy historical protection by the city of Madrid, and returning the residences to their original form is the city’s goal. Construction permits are issued only for the homes’ preservation, and Casa del Berro’s restoration has been featured in AD Magazine, Architecture Platform, Living Architecture, Leibel and Arch Daily.The structure’s centerpiece is its airy staircase, a open, contemporary space that connects the home’s multiple levels. The residence includes a semi-basement-styled kitchen, dining and living room floor, the ground/entry level with its foyer, library and lounge, one upper level floor with bedrooms, and another with a study, guest suite and view overlooking the neighborhood’s tree canopy. Soaring 18 feet, the central staircase is the home’s leading design feature. A stainless steel latticework that’s been laser cut in the form of palm leaves and painted white, the cut-out partition allows for the play of natural light and casts decorative shadows across the home’s smooth tile and wood floors. It also serves as an open-air transition between the home’s many levels.The architects describe the materials they used in the home’s interior as the room’s protagonists and include Dove stone from a quarry in Seville, granite, oak, and ceramics from Grenada. The interior ambiance is serene and contemporary, with bright, whitewashed ceilings, sleek stone, tile and wood floors, luxurious bathrooms, and the open, suspended-style staircase, all made more vivid by an abundance of natural light and clean-lined, soft-hued furnishings. AROUNDLocated in the Salamanca neighborhood, this vacation home rental in Madrid was a part of the original Fuente del Berro development of the 1920s. The neighborhood was conceived as a garden city and is located next to the Quinta de la Fuente del Berro park. The vast green space covers 13 wooded hectares and features landscaped formal gardens, waterfalls, and public art, as well as manicured pathways for walking and jogging, and open meadows for recreation. The leafy quarter is within the larger neighborhood of Salamanca in downtown Madrid, known for its grand boulevards and upscale glamour. The “Golden Mile” in the area features luxury brand boutiques, and well-heeled locals shop at Platea Madrid, a gourmet food market in a converted theatre. The neighborhood also has several notable museums, including the National Archeological Museum and the Lázaro Galdiano Museum, with a collection that includes works by Goya. LOCATIONMadrid, Spain. Nearest airport: Madrid BEST TIME TO VISIT: This vacation home rental in Madrid is a year-round destination, with best weather in spring or fall.

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The architectural team of Jiménez and Linares has returned this 1920s-era residence’s façade to its original, clean-lined splendor, and created a sundrenched contemporary residence within. 

Casa del Berro, a townhouse in Spain

Casa del Berro

<h3>Period Restoration on the Outside, Contemporary Design Within</h3>The architectural team of Jiménez and Linares has returned this 1920s-era residence’s façade to its original, clean-lined splendor, and created a sundrenched contemporary residence within.

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- see website
- designed by AADA to the last detail
- UNESCO World Heritage Sardona
- Hillside, south-facing with breathtaking view
- Skiing, Hiking, Mountain-Biking, Lakes, Paragliding, Rafting

<h2 id="anartfullyupdatedfamilyapartmentintheswissalps">An Artfully Updated Family Apartment in the Swiss Alps</h2>
In the shadow of 3,000m peaks in a Swiss Alps ski resort, this apartment has been the holiday getaway for a Hamburg family since the 1970s. Its architect and interior designer owners, David Gössler and Olivia Sommer, have recreated the memory-filled spot, updating the apartment’s spaces with an eye on artful gathering and maximizing the home’s harmonious living environment.
Clearly defined spaces are a trademark of the couple’s design style, creating a floor plan that delineates communal and private spaces. Modernist touches are abundant throughout the sleekly reconfigured apartment, and interiors offer a soft interplay of light, color and texture in a natural palette. New raw materials such as stone and wood meld with the apartment’s original timber veneers and paneling for warmth, and family art and heirlooms remain as part of the apartment's allure.
Two of the three bedrooms are kings, and the third is a single room ideal for a child. The rooms share a bathroom, updated with pastel green tiles and easily accessed from all three bedrooms. A large south-facing balcony offers dramatic views over the village of Flims to the Signina Mountains.
Ski access can be on foot (10 minutes), by bus, or by car (four minutes), and hiking is available right out the building’s doors.
<h3 id="around">Around</h3>
The apartment is located in Grisons Canton in the Swiss Alps (at 1,081m high), in a UNESCO World Heritage designated site known as Sardona. A ski resort links the village of Flims with Laax and Falera, and the region has attracted visitors since the 1870s, known as a “climatic health resort” for its mountain terrain and breathtaking, healing nature. A popular destination for families, bikers and hikers, the area is an outdoor sports and wellness mecca with hundreds of trails, mountain bike routes and lakes for swimming, adventure and relaxation.
The landscape is sublime, a high-altitude playground that resulted from tectonic shifts. The Tectonic Arena Sardona is a sharply jagged area marked by an overthrust, where older rock strata have edged dramatically above younger rocks. The UNESCO site illustrates the Alps’ geological history, the area the result of the ancient collision of the African and European continents. With Murgsee Lake, Pizol and Martin’s Hole as notable local landmarks, this 300sqm “geopark” can be visited by taking the cable car from Flims. There is also a beautiful hiking trail called <a href="https://www.flimslaax.com/wandern-schweiz/trutg-dil-flem">Trutg dil Flem</a>, that is especially interesting for people interested in architecture because the pedestrian bridges along the way were designed by the famous Swiss engineer Jürg Conzett.
Another spectacular part of the area is the Rhine Gorge of Ruinaulta. With its roiling waters, steep white walls and dense surrounding forests, this high mountain paradise can be visited on foot, by mountain bike, via railway or in a raft. Lake Cauma offers a great spot for swimming and sunbathing in the warmer months, with its constant temperature of between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius, and there are restaurants around the lake. Another gorgeous lake nearby is the Crestasee, located in an idyllic clearing with a jetty and a raft at its center. The spring-fed lake is a peaceful setting, surrounded by a fairytale evergreen forest.
<h3 id="location">Location</h3>
Nearest airports: Zurich (90km), Milan’s three airports (130km to 150km)
<h3 id="besttimetovisit">Best time to visit</h3>
Year-round, depending on activity

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A newly updated family apartment by the Berlin-based creative studio, Atelier for Architecture, Design, and Atmosphere, Casa Muttabella has been updated for all-season holidays in the Swiss Alps.

Casa Muttabella, an apartment rental in Switzerland

Casa Muttabella

<h3 id="athoughtfullyrenovatedfamilyapartmentinaswisswellnessmecca">A Thoughtfully Renovated Family Apartment in a Swiss Wellness Mecca</h3>
A newly updated apartment by the Berlin-based creative studio, AADA Atelier for Architecture, Design, and Atmosphere, this designer darling’s remodel has been featured in AD Germany, Yellow Trace, Baunetz Interior Design and Callwey Best of Interior 2024. Located within a UNESCO World Heritage designated area, the property has been welcoming the same family for generations and is now open to guests.

Bed Sheets + Towels per Person

The two-story home's main living room is an airy and relaxing space with comfortable low lying vintage furnishings, striking geometric tile, a central fireplace, and a dramatic free-floating stair. The spaces overlook the terrace with breathtaking views out to sea. There's a fully equipped kitchen and dining space and four en suite double bedrooms upstairs with room for up to eight guests.  The covered outdoor terrace is the spot to relax among the colorful gardens and olive groves with the sounds and scents of the sea and direct access to a private beach below. HISTORIC CEFALUThe popular resort town of Cefalù sits along Sicily's northern coast a little more than an hour east of Palermo. A UNESCO designated town and historic fishing harbor, the pretty medieval streets are dominated by a 12th century Norman cathedral and an ancient hilltop fortress. Charming and authentic, it's known for its excellent restaurants that serve local seafood and wines and its many interesting shops. The beautiful town of Santo Stefano di Camastra, famous for its ceramics and tiles is within a short drive and the rugged Madonie mountains are just over an hour drive inland with great hiking and forest trails and several medieval villages to explore. Two of the island's best north shore beaches, Mazzaforno and Settefrati are within a ten-minute walk. For day trips, you can venture even further to the seven Aeolian islands, the volcanic chain just offshore. Sicily holds many natural and cultural charms, from Noto to Catania, the sister cities of Ragusa, Modica Scicli and beyond, the island is meant to be explored and savored.  LOCATIONCefalu, Sicily, Italy. Nearest Airport: Palermo Airport (103km) BEST TIME TO VISIT: The villa's climate control allows for year round comfort

<h2>Above Cefalu</h2>
 This luxury villa in Sicily is huddled just above the shoreline along the island's northern coast in Cefalu, with panoramic views of the sea and the medieval town.Redesigned by Milanese architects who have restored several historic homes on the island, the older villa's interiors and exteriors have been streamlined with a subtle modern make-over that feels both timeless and contemporary.
 <img src="https://storage.boutique-homes.com/storage/images/vacation-rentals/europe/italy/cefalu-cliff-villa-sicily-italy/luxury_villa_sicily_15-3.jpg" alt="Cefalu Cliff Villa"/>
 The two-story home's main living room is an airy and relaxing space with comfortable low lying vintage furnishings, striking geometric tile, a central fireplace, and a dramatic free-floating stair. The spaces overlook the terrace with breathtaking views out to sea. There's a fully equipped kitchen and dining space and four en suite double bedrooms upstairs with room for up to eight guests.  The covered outdoor terrace is the spot to relax among the colorful gardens and olive groves with the sounds and scents of the sea and direct access to a private beach below.  HISTORIC CEFALUThe popular resort town of Cefalù sits along Sicily's northern coast a little more than an hour east of Palermo. A UNESCO designated town and historic fishing harbor, the pretty medieval streets are dominated by a 12th century Norman cathedral and an ancient hilltop fortress. Charming and authentic, it's known for its excellent restaurants that serve local seafood and wines and its many interesting shops. The beautiful town of Santo Stefano di Camastra, famous for its ceramics and tiles is within a short drive and the rugged Madonie mountains are just over an hour drive inland with great hiking and forest trails and several medieval villages to explore. Two of the island's best north shore beaches, Mazzaforno and Settefrati are within a ten-minute walk. For day trips, you can venture even further to the seven Aeolian islands, the volcanic chain just offshore. Sicily holds many natural and cultural charms, from Noto to Catania, the sister cities of Ragusa, Modica Scicli and beyond, the island is meant to be explored and savored.  LOCATIONCefalu, Sicily, Italy. Nearest Airport: Palermo Airport (103km) BEST TIME TO VISIT: The villa's climate control allows for year round comfort

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With access to your own private rocky beach and far away views of the Tyrrhenian, this luxury villa along Sicily's northern coast is a great escape, where the sounds and scent of the sea flow through. Redesigned by Milanese architects, we like the pared down aesthetics, the vintage tile and furnishings and the understated sense of refinement.

Cefalu Cliff Villa, a villa in Italy

Cefalu Cliff Villa

<h3>Above Cefalu</h3>With access to your own private rocky beach and far away views of the Tyrrhenian, this luxury villa along Sicily's northern coast is a great escape, where the sounds and scent of the sea flow through. Redesigned by Milanese architects, we like the pared down aesthetics, the vintage tile and furnishings and the understated sense of refinement.

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Set atop a hill facing the Mediterranean and adjacent to the Vendicari Nature Preserve, this newly built holiday home in Sicily is surrounded by almond groves with expansive views of the countryside and the Mediterranean.Designed by London based MAI Studio, the firm has translated traditional Sicilian architecture with a contemporary twist, organizing the interiors around a central courtyard allowing for plenty of space for entertaining and relaxing.  Natural and locally sourced materials and colors were used to duplicate the look and feel of island homes and match the environment.The interiors are spacious and airy, with separate but interrelated living areas that open out to the courtyard including a lounge, a large kitchen and dining area. There are six bedrooms that can accommodate up to twelve guests, all positioned to take advantage of the views.The interiors successfully combine the modern with the traditional, with simple, understated furnishings and decor and a laid-back vibe.The grounds are ideal for holiday fun in the sun with a large swimming pool, an outdoor lounge and dining areas, and space to spread out and relax in style. SICILY'S UNESCO NATURE RESERVEImmersed next to the protected and stunningly beautiful Vendicari Nature Reserve and just a twenty-minute walk to some of the best beaches on the island, you’ll have the best of both worlds. The reserve is located halfway between Noto and Pachino extending into almost four thousand acres of forests and undisturbed marine and bird eco-systems that open to a clear sea and long, golden beaches including: Tonnara, Eloro, Pizzuta, Calamosche and Marianelli (they are all easily accessible within a short drive or walk from the house).The pretty seaside fishing village of Marzamemi is ten minutes drive and is well know for it’s seafood and the central Tonnara square, full of traditional restaurants and bars as well as its film festival in July.Nearby Noto is a historic UNESCO World Heritage site with some of the most spectacular and elegant Baroque sites in the world and is one of the gems in the greater Val di Noto region along with its sister cities of Modica, Ragusa and Scicli, all reachable within a short drive. Make a day of it. The port town of Siracusa is a significant archaeological area with an ancient Greek amphitheater, the Orecchio di Dionisio Cave, Apollo’s Temple and the Teatro Romana ruins. Be sure not to miss the Ortigia neighborhood.The Marina di Modica, Marina di Ragusa and the Andrea Doria promenade, feature some of the areas most popular beaches on the island including Sampieri, Pozzallo and Donnalucata.  LOCATIONVendicari, Sicily, Italy. Nearest Airport: Catania (94km), Comiso Airport (78km), Palermo (323km)  BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall

<h2 id="maistudiodesignsamodernvilladedicatedtothelandscape">MAI Studio Designs a Modern Villa Dedicated to the Landscape</h2>
Just over a mile from the sea on several rambling acres of farmland, this holiday home in Sicily designed by London-based MAI Studio, is the epitome of simple elegance.
Gently adjusting to the sloping site, the house is designed entirely in dedication to the landscape, with a constant exchange between indoor and outdoor space.
Composed of geometric volumes linked by towers inspired by middle eastern wind catchers, the spaces are organized around an interior courtyard that unites each area of the house to its center, resembling the traditional farmhouses of the past.
The rooms – and the views - line up in a sequence of spaces and colors creating a dynamic and harmonious relationship with the setting.
Overlooking 360-degree views of the countryside, the house celebrates the sounds, colors and scents of Sicily.
Set on a hill facing the Mediterranean and adjacent to the Vendicari Nature Preserve, this newly built holiday home in Sicily is surrounded by almond groves with expansive views of the countryside and the Mediterranean.
Designed by London-based MAI Studio, the firm has translated traditional Sicilian architecture with a contemporary twist, organizing the interiors around a central courtyard allowing for plenty of space for entertaining and relaxing.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Natural and locally sourced materials and colors were used to duplicate the look and feel of island homes and match the environment.
The interiors are spacious and airy, with separate but interrelated living areas that open out to the courtyard including a lounge, a large kitchen and dining area.&nbsp;
There are six bedrooms that can accommodate up to 12 guests, all positioned to take advantage of the views.
The interiors successfully combine the modern with the traditional, with simple, understated furnishings and decor and a laid-back vibe.
The grounds are ideal for holiday fun in the sun with a large swimming pool, an outdoor lounge and dining areas, and space to spread out and relax in style.
<h3 id="around">Around</h3>
Immersed next to the protected and stunningly beautiful Vendicari Nature Reserve and just a twenty-minute walk to some of the best beaches on the island, you’ll have the best of both worlds. The reserve is located halfway between Noto and Pachino extending into almost four thousand acres of forests and undisturbed marine and bird eco-systems that open to a clear sea and long, golden beaches including: Tonnara, Eloro, Pizzuta, Calamosche and Marianelli (they are all easily accessible within a short drive or walk from the house).
The pretty seaside fishing village of Marzamemi is ten minutes drive and is well know for it’s seafood and the central Tonnara square, full of traditional restaurants and bars as well as its film festival in July.
Nearby Noto is a historic UNESCO World Heritage site with some of the most spectacular and elegant Baroque sites in the world and is one of the gems in the greater Val di Noto region along with its sister cities of Modica, Ragusa and Scicli, all reachable within a short drive. Make a day of it.&nbsp;
The port town of Siracusa is a significant archaeological area with an ancient Greek amphitheater, the Orecchio di Dionisio Cave, Apollo’s Temple and the Teatro Romana ruins. Be sure not to miss the Ortigia neighborhood.
The Marina di Modica, Marina di Ragusa and the Andrea Doria promenade, feature some of the areas most popular beaches on the island including Sampieri, Pozzallo and Donnalucata.&nbsp;
<h3 id="location">Location</h3>
Vendicari, Sicily, Italy. Nearest airport: Catania (94km), Comiso (78km), Palermo (323km)&nbsp;
<h3 id="besttimetovisit">Best time to visit</h3>
Spring through Fall

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Just over a mile from the sea on several rambling acres of farmland, this holiday home in Sicily designed by London-based MAI Studio, is the epitome of simple elegance.

Cozzo Coniglio, a villa in Italy

Cozzo Coniglio

<h3 id="maistudiodesignsamodernvilladedicatedtothelandscape">MAI Studio Designs a Modern Villa Dedicated to the Landscape</h3>
Just over a mile from the sea on several rambling acres of farmland, this holiday home in Sicily designed by London-based MAI Studio, is the epitome of simple elegance.
Gently adjusting to the sloping site, the house is designed entirely in dedication to the landscape, with a constant exchange between indoor and outdoor space.
Composed of geometric volumes linked by towers inspired by middle eastern wind catchers, the spaces are organized around an interior courtyard that unites each area of the house to its center, resembling the traditional farmhouses of the past.

Modernist

A style characterised by an emphasis on volume, asymmetrical compositions, and minimal ornamentation

Bao Bei

Bento Box Beach Villa

Bruno Taut House

Cabanon Retreat A

Cabanon Retreat B

Casa Bencomo Modernist Design Townhouse

Casa Briteiros

Casa da Rampa

Casa de São Lourenço

Casa del Berro

Casa Muttabella

Cefalu Cliff Villa

Cozzo Coniglio

Fabrica Descals

Hummingbird Hill

Konjiček House

La Croix Valmer Villa

La Favia Milano

La Maison H

lapa Penthouse

Lighthus

Milan Design Flat

MUD Residence

Ocean House

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Modernist

A style characterised by an emphasis on volume, asymmetrical compositions, and minimal ornamentation

Bao Bei

Bento Box Beach Villa

Bruno Taut House

Cabanon Retreat A

Cabanon Retreat B

Casa Bencomo Modernist Design Townhouse

Casa Briteiros

Casa da Rampa

Casa de São Lourenço

Casa del Berro

Casa Muttabella

Cefalu Cliff Villa

Cozzo Coniglio

Fabrica Descals

Hummingbird Hill

Konjiček House

La Croix Valmer Villa

La Favia Milano

La Maison H

lapa Penthouse

Lighthus

Milan Design Flat

MUD Residence

Ocean House

Sign up for the LatestTravel Offers & Intel

Sign up for the Latest
Travel Offers & Intel