Category Archives: Homes

Island Home Tours: Turtle Cove In Turks And Caicos

Lizard Lounge is a rare gem to come to market on a pristine and tranquil stretch of beach in the beautiful Turtle Cove neighborhood of Providenciales known as “Coconut Road.”

Newly completed in 2019, this stunning and classical Caribbean villa is designed by COAST architects and has been thoughtfully executed to a high-level based on a family-friendly vision for a luxury island living. Situated on the western end of world-famous Grace Bay beach, the gorgeous design evokes Caribbean laid back elegance at its finest with its coral stone exterior and blue shutters set against a backdrop of white sands and turquoise sea, peppered by coral heads just off the beach. Taking advantage of a grandfathered footprint to maximize proximity to the calm northern beach, the home also sits proud of its neighbors on both sides, guaranteeing that views will remain unobstructed over the long term. The 5-bedroom home, with 5 en-suites and 2 half baths, spans approximately 6,550 of covered sq. ft., and a total of 8,500 sq. ft. of finished areas. Enjoy long walks on Grace Bay beach, a short walk to a collection of restaurants and activities at nearby Turtle Cove with its boutique marina facilities, and exceptional snorkeling directly off the front deck of this idyllic beachfront home.

Historic English Manors: ‘Chanters House’ In Devon, “Cromwell & Coleridge”

The grandiose Chanters House, in Ottery St Mary, Devon, has astonishing links to history and literature: it was the place where Oliver Cromwell declared the Civil War, and where the Coleridge family created one of the West Country’s most impressive libraries.

It originally dates from the 14th century but first rose to national fame in the 17th century, when Oliver Cromwell hosted a meeting of local people in the dining room — and apparently declared the start of the Civil War from there.

A little more than a century later, the property became home to another illustrious family, the Coleridges, in whose hands it would remain for about two centuries. The Reverend John Coleridge was made headmaster of the Kings’ School in 1760 and brought his huge family to live in Ottery St Mary.

It was in the town that his youngest son, the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, was born in 1772. But it was his eldest son, James, a distinguished soldier married to local heiress Frances Taylor, who bought Chanters House in 1796 and turned it into the family’s home.

Still in use today, the 70-ft-long room houses the 22,000 books of the Coleridge collection in oak carved bookcases that occupy the entire ground floor of the house’s west wing.

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Tours: Minimalist Modern Farmhouse – Hollywood Hills, California (Video)

A private, minimalist & newly built Modern Farmhouse awaits in the Hollywood Hills behind grand gates & soaring palm trees, minutes from the iconic Sunset Plaza.

Sited on an approx. 1 acre promontory & meticulously designed by Standard Architecture, the estate welcomes you with 3 parallel gabled volumes centered by an astonishing 30 ft great room. The pitch of its ceiling guides the eye toward the rear wall where exquisite glazing reveals breathtaking, unobstructed vistas from Downtown to the Ocean.

Amenities abound, the home provides endless luxuries include Styline doors for indoor/outdoor living, home theater, sumptuous master w/dual closets, remote control shades, well-appointed guest suites, gym w/outdoor lounge & shower, home theater, Crestron system, Sonos Sound, ample driveway parking & dual garages. It’s all brought together by timeless travertine paving & simple landscaping that culminates in a 20×73 ft infinity pool, accentuating the feeling of being suspended in the sky.

Homes With Views: ‘A Cabin In Northern Maine’ (Video)

The northern Maine hideaway rests on piers above the forest floor and employs broad windows to frame the homeowner’s most prized views of the site.

Stephen Peck and his husband, John Messer, walked their remote, ten-acre plot in Maine for nearly a decade before building their dream home. Yet it was all those walks—paths through the property’s dense forest and around massive boulders to the pond’s edge—that ultimately inspired the structure’s placement deep into the forest, where the site best captures their favorite perspectives of the place.

Books: ‘Pre-Fab Living’ – A “Golden Age Of Housing”

From net-zero houses to plug-and-play dwellings and converted shipping containers, each chapter explores the varied and exciting ways that architects and designers are using pre-fabricated technology to address today’s living and world challenges.

This survey of the world’s most innovative and successful examples of pre-fabricated homes explores the full range of possibilities, open to anyone seeking to find clever and up-to-date solutions for building their own home.

A reference section includes in-depth essays, which explore the latest manufacturing methods, trends and technologies, presenting a wide range of possibilities to suit every need, taste and desire.

Richly illustrated with photography and drawings, with projects selected by a long-time expert in pre-fab architecture, this fresh take on new solutions presents the factory-made house in a new light. Whether designing on a tight budget, crafting something self-sustaining or simply looking for new spatial ideas, this is an essential and future source of inspiration for architects, designers and home-builders.

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Ski Chalets: ‘Villarabout – French Alps’ (Video)

Voted France’s Best Ski Chalet by the World Ski Awards 4 years running, this beautiful property represents the epitome of luxury ski chalets. Built 130 years ago, and originally a Savoie stable, it has evolved with the village and valley around it, transformed now into an incredibly high-end.

Nestled in the coveted village of Villarabout, it enjoys a peaceful setting that is still just 1 km from the centre of Saint Martin de Belleville, and its direct links to the world renowned 3 Valleys ski area. Featuring 4 en-suite double bedrooms, and a stunning open plan, kitchen, living and dining area spanning the entire top floor, it is spacious yet cosy, and boasts an incredible level of design throughout.

The village of Villarabout, an ancient mountain hamlet, just 1 km from Saint Martin de Belleville and the ski slopes.

Business Analysis: ‘Work From Home’ & The Rise Of Williams Sonoma (Video)

In the midst of the pandemic, Williams-Sonoma has stood out as a company, its stock price reaching a new all-time high in January 2021, despite many businesses declining. Paired with its strength in e-commerce, the company’s ongoing success is due in large part to consumers staying at home more than ever before. Still, the company faces potential headwinds as the shift to online shopping impacts home furnishing sales and rivals like online furniture retailer Wayfair increase their market share. As a retailer known for its brick-and-mortar locations, can the brand keep up its success?

Homes With Views: ‘Kihei – Maui, Hawaii’ (Video)

Introducing one of the most spectacular beachfront offerings anywhere in Hawaii: Orchid at Maui Beach Place. Perfectly located adjacent to Charley Young Beach, one of Maui’s most acclaimed beaches, this new, contemporary 3 bedroom and 3.5 bathroom luxury townhome is sure to satisfy the most discerning Buyer looking for perfection in the Pacific.

Waterfront, in the midst of Kihei, yet incredibly private, this property is ideal for those looking for a convenient getaway yet with a sense of seclusion. The first floor seamlessly transitions indoor/outdoor living with the living area and gourmet’s chef kitchen blending into the spacious lanai, heated pool and expansive lawn. Head to the second floor and enjoy sweeping, panoramic views from the 450+ square foot Master Bedroom. As an added bonus, the finished basement adds a plethora of options.

Top-of-the-line Thermador appliances, walnut cabinetry, Italian porcelain tile and more make this impeccably furnished townhome a rare turnkey opportunity. With one of the most storied beaches on Maui at its doorsteps, MPB’s Orchid is ready as the place to build the memories of a lifetime.

Ski Home Tour: ‘Villars-Sur-Ollon’, Switzerland

Situated in the heart of the Vaudois Alps, the popular resort of Villars-sur-Ollon offers many advantages to its inhabitants in both summer and winter. Just a few steps away from the ski area linking 44 facilities and 125 km of slopes, snow sports enthusiasts will be delighted. Housed in a green setting and a haven of peace, Domaine Du Roc offers luxurious and elegant flats with a breathtaking view of the Alps. Composed of 3 large chalets, each comprising 6 family flats and 2 terrace flats, Domaine du Roc has been integrated into this lush natural setting to offer you a unique 180-degree panorama.

Architectural Tours: ‘JARtB House’, Melbourne, Australia (4K Video)

Nestled in a tree-lined street in the affluent suburb of Toorak in Melbourne, JARtB House is an architect’s home that explores art and architecture. Director of international award-winning architecture firm Kavellaris Urban Design (KUD), Billy Kavellaris designed his house with a view to creating both an art gallery and a family home.

The design explores the idea that art and architecture are separate disciplines but also that art can be fused with everyday life. A white circulation strip through the house doubles as a gallery, displaying the architect’s extensive art collection. Some pieces, such as the lofty giraffe sculptures, were designed especially for the space within the architect’s own home. The upper floor is ensconced in a custom mural created by Spanish artist duo PichiAvo.

Made up of 13 panels stitched together across the facade of the house, this artwork can be experienced from both inside and outside the house. The architecture and interior design can also be seen as art itself, with unusual and opulent staircases connecting floors, and uniquely shaped openings and furniture pieces. Bespoke timber flooring and panelling created by Made by Storey is used throughout the home on walls and floors, creating a sense of cohesion and warmth.

Other materials, such as concrete and steel, are carefully chosen for atmosphere and visual interest, while colour is largely provided by the artworks.

Architecture and Interior Design by Kavellaris Urban Design (KUD). Custom Timber Flooring, Stairs and Ceiling by Made by Storey. Video by Cheer Squad Film Co. Production by The Local Project.