Category Archives: Homes

Tuscan Castles: ‘Mugello – Florence, Italy’ (Video)

In #Mugello​, a green area at the outskirts of Florence, there is this ancient 11th-century complex for sale. This complex dates back to the Lombard period, and in 1370 was converted into a country villa. Its grounds measure approximately 53 hectares made up of cultivable lands and forests, and features several buildings which measure approximately 4,600 m2 overall. This complex is entirely protected by the Cultural Heritage Office and includes the main #villa​, called the #castle​, which measures approximately 1,600 m2, a lemon conservatory and a farm: these make up what is called a “court”, which is located on a high position and surrounded by five hectares of grounds adorned with wonderful Italian-style gardens designed by Swissman Louis Dapples in the early 20th century.

Island View: ‘Villa Mandra – Mykonos Island, Greece’

Sitting on the ridge of the hill of Aleomandra in Mykonos yet almost entirely hidden from view, Villa Mandra looks straight out to sea and the sunset over the neighbouring island of Delos. A 6-bedroom holiday house built for a young, dynamic couple to enjoy with their family and friends, it celebrates its spectacular view from a grounded viewpoint blended into a sensitively landscaped, stone-walled garden that screens it from the road behind.

The house is built upon the idea of slow, laid-back summer living, and encourages mindful connection with family, friends and the freedom to exist peacefully in nature. Form follows emotion rather than function, as every space becomes another opportunity for rest, reflection and exploration.

Top Design: Hariana Tech Smart Ultimate Bed (Video)

This futuristic bed is the ultimate enclosure system that comes with everything you need in a room, ALL IN ONE. It features a massage chair with a remote, built in Bluetooth speakers, a bookshelf, reading lamp, and a desk for those who need a laptop in their bed. Never leave bed with a low battery, this has a built in charging station perfect for night owls. Adjust the top headrests to get maximum comfort in your bed.

Access an ottoman for guests that is stored under the conditioning unit. If you would rather laydown on the side of the bed and watch TV, do not fret. There is a massage chaise attached just for you. This adult playground is revolutionary for many reasons. The frame is made of pine wood for long lasting quality. Available in multiple colored leather options. Only make one purchase, and everything you need is at your disposal.

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Home Views: ‘Windsor House’ – Paddington, Australia (Video Tour)

Sydney architects Tom Mark Henry adapted this terrace house in the inner-city suburb of Paddington to cater to the modern lives of a family of five. Dubbed Windsor House, the terrace house was built in the 1970s and had existing features the architects wanted to preserve, including a unique street presence, a central staircase and an open floor plan.

Aside from creating physical connections between this split-level terrace house, the stair also brings light into its centre. Tom Mark Henry restructured the basement to create space for a steam room, powder room, laundry and entertainment suite and extended the stair to connect to this new level.

The kitchen was then moved from one side of the house to the other to create an easy entertaining area that connects to the rear courtyard through 3m-high steel framed doors and also connects to the new lower level. The kitchen is at the heart of this terrace house and features a full suite of Fisher & Paykel appliances, chosen for their ease of use and streamlined aesthetic. The interior design is contemporary but in keeping with the original style of the exterior architecture, with a material palette that includes rendered walls, v-groove ceilings, timber joinery, limestone flooring, and ribbed glass to visually connect spaces.

The homeowners wanted to be able to live comfortably in the house and the furniture chosen is both contemporary and cosy. Windsor House is a modern terrace house that is family friendly and stylish.

Interior Architecture by Tom Mark Henry. Kitchen Appliances by Fisher & Paykel. Photography by Pablo Veiga. Styling by Atelier Lab. Build by CBD Remedial Construction. Kitchen Joinery by Original Kitchens. Soft Furnishings by Simple Studio. Filmed and Edited by Cheer Squad Film Co. Production by The Local Project.

Penthouse Views: Upper East Side, Manhattan (AD)

Architectural Digest takes you to the Upper East Side of Manhattan to visit a luxurious pre-war penthouse on the market for $39,000,000. The Marquand at 11 East 68th Street is immediately adjacent to Madison Avenue and its array of high-end shops, while the magnificent Central Park waits right outside your door. With 2600 ft. of outdoor terrace situated minutes from the best the city has to offer, whether downtown or up, 11 East 68th Street is urban life at its most refined.

Italian Villa Tours: ‘Lastra a Signa – Florence’ (Video)

Lastra a Signa is a comune in the metropolitan city of Florence in the Italian region Tuscany, located about 12 kilometres west of Florence.

This prestigious estate dates back to the 16th century and features the typical design of Florentine noble country homes: an elevated entrance, a square tower, and symmetrical elements on the façade.

The main villa measures 900 m2 and has several staggered levels. Its rooms feature elements which are typical of Tuscan tradition, such as some refined old floorings, vaulted ceilings or with wooden trabeation, some massive stone fireplaces, and frescoed walls. Every room has been furnished and decorated with great attention to detail.

This charming 16th-century home overlooks the valley leading to Florence, a city which is well-known as the cradle of the Renaissance, and offers a stunning view over the surroundings. It is surrounded by over 10 hectares of grounds which are completely fenced and feature many terracings, olive trees and tall trees. A Renaissance well and some charming potted lemon trees adorn the part of Italian-style in front of the villa.

Interior Design: 10 Living Rooms With Great Shelves

This one-minute video showcases ten living rooms with statement shelving, as featured in a recent Dezeen Lookbook. The video rounds up examples of bespoke storage that are both beautiful and practical, including shelves with cubby holes for cats and a sculptural blue staircase with built-in.

Italian Views: ‘Restored 13th-Century Apartment In Center Of Florence’

In the historic center of Florence, just 100 m from Piazza del Duomo, bright 480-sqm 5-bedroom apartment with terrace. Result of the restoration of a 13th-century convent, this property is a unique blend of antique and modern finishes: the living hall, in particular, features the columns enclosing the cloister of the convent but is fully covered by a see-through glass ceiling. The basement, currently an atelier, could be easily converted into a wellness center with pool.

Forest Homes: ‘Măgura – Eastern Romania’ (Video)

In Buzau Valley, following a charming road through forests, an unexpected view emerges: Carpathian Estate, a domain created as a micro-universe of relaxation and supreme comfort. Located on a previous 10 hectares orchard, the place enjoys a panorama that stretches to the balneary resort Sarata-Monteoru.

Măgura is a commune in Buzău County, Muntenia, Romania, located on the right bank of the Buzău River, in the hillside next to the Carpathian Mountains’ curvature. It is composed of two villages, Ciuta and Măgura. 

The rustic feel of the wood (Romanian pine logs) and natural stone (brought from the French Alps, Norway and Brazil) merges with contemporary elements that create a truly original building. The main residence has 1200 square meters and displays five accommodation areas, each with an individual design (3 double rooms with en-suite bathrooms and 2 apartments), a master bedroom area of 80 square meters with its own fire place, a day area with 2 fireplaces, open kitchen, lounge areas, generous terraces and a SPA with a 22 meters long pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath.

The domain also features a farm, two lakes, a young orchard, 49 hectares of forest with oaks, cherry and lime trees, a garden with strawberry and raspberry and a greenhouse. The proximity to Dealul Mare creates proper conditions for exploiting a vineyard. Carpathian Estate represents an escape from the daily routine into a world subordinated to nature, harmony and well-being, where seasons enchantingly pass by and time has learned to be patient.