Tag Archives: Tours

Renaissance Villa Tour: Pistoia In Tuscany, Italy

Magnificent and elegant luxury villa in Tuscany built in 1893 in the late Tuscan Renaissance style that dominates the plain of Pistoia and offers a spectacular panoramic view towards Florence. The exclusive villa near Florence is a testimony of the aesthetic culture of the end of the century and of the taste of high society of that time, with the creation of unique and exclusive artifacts and locals for the most important persons of the nobility and of the rich international community that, at that time, was attending Florence.

The most famous artist-decorators then active in Tuscany, such as Peter Baldoncoli Francesco Morini, Mariano Coppedè and Giuseppe Michelucci, participated in the realization of this residence, which is typical of Sixteenth-century style and it was celebrated as a dwelling worthy of the Renaissance. The interiors feature rich finishes, beautiful antique furnishings and wonderful wall-paintings.

Top Architectural Tours: ‘Shelter Island, New York’

91 Ram Island Drive is the culmination of twenty years of work by internationally renowned architect William Pedersen. A triumph of contemporary design and expertly crafted by Wright and Company Construction, the house sits on almost 3 acres of rolling native meadow that gently slopes onto over 220 feet of pristine beach, with Gardiners Bay beyond.

Based on a multi-axis linear framework and emphasizing the contrasting textures of the primary building materials of concrete, wood, copper and bluestone, the structure is at once both awe-inspiring and effortlessly comfortable. Set at the convergence of three distinct landmarks – the lighthouse in Gardiners Bay, Gardiners Island and the entrance to Coecles Harbor – an unparalleled 360-degree panoramic view unfolds in front of the property.

The house itself seems to rise like an island from the water, as was the conceptual inspiration for the design. Clad in stone and sheets of standing seam copper, the 3-bedroom residence offers an open flow between the public spaces at the heart of the home, the expansive outdoor entertaining areas that define the summer lifestyle and the long passageway of the private bedroom wing. Singular in design and function, 91 Ram Island Drive is, in every sense, a habitable work of art.

Video Tour: ‘Castello Torinese’, Piedmont, Italy

Located on top of a hill overlooking a historic center of Piedmont, we find this imposing medieval castle for sale in Italy, masterfully restored and converted into a luxury 28-bedroom hotel. In a very panoramic position, the castle is also the ideal location for weddings, ceremonies and congresses thanks to a set of beautiful conference halls (up to 250 seats) and a welcoming restaurant (400 seats) offering typical Piedmontese and international dishes.

Floating Home Tour: Seattle, Washington

2017 Seattle Magazine & AIA Home of Distinction Award: A refined minimalist sculptural statement by Vandeventer + Carlander Architects. This exquisite floating home is located in an outside condo-owned slip in Roanoke Reef with west views to Gasworks Park.

A reverse plan allows light to pour in from all sides while maintaining privacy & capturing its amazing views. Open living, dining room+kitchen with Afromosa wood cabinets. 2 outdoor decks & a rooftop deck marry the home with its surroundings.

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Design Tour: Interior Designer Alidad’s London Mayfair Home (Video 2020)

Join us in London for a behind the scenes visit with interior designer Alidad in his sophisticated Mayfair home. With a passion for textiles, antiques and history, Alidad has created timeless spaces that are a testament to his wide ranging interests and tastes. See how his love of opulent color and pattern translates to a different effect in every room. Learn how he segued from his position at Sotheby’s as the youngest departmental director for Islamic works of art and textiles to opening his own studio.

Alidad is an award winning interior designer, world renowned for his opulent yet supremely comfortable interiors.

Alidad first decided to establish his interior design studio whilst working at Sotheby’s where he was the youngest departmental director for Islamic works of art and textiles. Whilst there, he realised that his interest lay more in styling the space than the actual objects within.

Alidad’s design style is inspired by an idyllic childhood spent in the ancient, rich and mysterious land of Persia. His deep appreciation for history means that he can completely immerse himself in any true design aesthetic from Baroque to Neo-Classicism, Chinoiserie to Art Deco.

English Country Homes: ‘Great Baynden – Kent’

From the 16th century onwards, hop-growing was a major source of income in the Weald of Kent, especially around the village of Horsmonden, eight miles east of Tun-bridge Wells, where an enthusiastic American visitor described how ‘the oast-house towers of Horsmonden seem almost to plough the rich soil of their Kentish hopfield like graceful yachts on a gently rolling sea’.

Great Baynden is a superb Kent house that’s full of the sort of touches you’d hope to see when moving to a period home in the country, as Penny Churchill explains.

Such is the backdrop to handsome, Grade II-listed Great Baynden in School House Lane, Horsmonden, which stands on high ground two miles north-east of the village, with panoramic views over the Weald to the North Downs. 

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Top Hotel Video Tours: ‘Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo’ In Taormina, Sicily’

A tour of Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo in Sicily, Italy. Located beside an ancient Greek theater, the 71 room hotel is decorated in exquisite Italian baroque style and boasts breathtaking views of the Mount Etna.

A Sicilian hideaway that fuels the imagination. Set in the heart of Taormina, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo serves up views that have enchanted for more than a century

The first hotel to be built in the city gazes out across the coast towards Mount Etna and beyond. Here you can breathe in the full spectacle of Sicily. Bask in manicured gardens, savour sensational cuisine and fuel your imagination with cocktails on the Literary Terrace—just like generations of celebrated guests before you. Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is now open. Please click the link below to find out why we are trusted for travel.

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Travel Tours: ‘Bodnant Garden, England’ (Video)

Bodnant Garden’s secluded corners, leafy glades and famous Laburnum Arch made it a magical setting for the new movie adaptation of The Secret Garden, a Sky Original, in cinemas and on Sky Cinema 23 October. While the site in Conwy, Wales, is currently only open to local residents because of lockdown restrictions, you can join us on a video tour to visit the filming locations, an arboretum bursting with autumn colour, unmissable views, and much more.

Miami Penthouse Video Tour: ‘2-Story Duplex In Portofino Tower’ (AD)

Today AD brings you to the heart of Miami Beach, FL to visit a $7.1M ultra-luxurious duplex penthouse located in the iconic flamingo pink Portofino Tower. Built in 1997, Italian designer and architect Romano Ferretti has completely remodeled lower penthouse unit 4004, complementing the remarkable views of South Beach with sophisticated touches like a galley style kitchen with Gaggenau appliances. And to add to that certain Miami sex-appeal, the main shower on the second floor overlooks the living room – either fogged up for privacy or fully on display looking north along the beach.

Home Tours: ‘The Garden House’ In Southwell, Nottinghamshire, UK

Set within the grounds of a Georgian walled-garden, this superb seven-bedroom house has been joyfully designed around the exceptional architectural landscaping. The internal living space spans over 4,580 sq ft across multiple levels, arranged in a playful layout of floating mezzanines, balconies, and a double-height winter garden.

Designed with high energy efficiency in mind The Garden House has outstanding solar collection, heat recovery and rainwater harvesting and is partially earth-sheltered to conserve its heat and energy.

The Garden House is approached via a quiet country lane, leading to a secluded entrance, revealing little of the house from the walled courtyard. A private driveway leads to a sheltered car port available for several vehicles to park adjacently to the house. There is also a log store, outside store room and a smaller front courtyard garden.

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