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Masseria Moroseta \ Ostuni, Puglia

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Located just 3 km from the idyllic Puglian coastline, Masseria Moroseta is a stunning white stone farmhouse nestled in a 5 hectare olive grove just minutes from the infamous city of Ostuni. Built using traditional techniques and local materials, the masserie was modeled after ancient fortified farmhouses that are characteristic of the Puglian countryside, yet with a unique design element that is modern and pared down. With a central courtyard, the 6 bedrooms (2 suites and 4 rooms) have their own outdoor seating area, while the communal salon and veranda overlook the large pool with incredible views extending to the Adriatic Sea. The ultimate in affordable luxury, Masseria Moroseta will be at the top of your list for a relaxing holiday!

Click here for full listing.

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Masseria La Spinetta \ Salento, Puglia

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Located in the southernmost tip of the Italian heel, Masseria La Spinetta is a contemporary home built in the traditional style of the masserie, a fortified farmhouse common in the Puglian countryside. With stone vaulted ceilings, marble floors, and an eclectic and exotic mix of European antiques, this stunning home is not only beautiful, but has all the modern conveniences one would need. Sleeping up to 12 people, La Spinetta also has a large pool, a sunken trampoline as well as a games area which makes it ideal for families. The surrounding olive groves go on as far as the eye can see, creating a serene sanctuary to enjoy for your holiday.

For the full listing, click here.

Rock Reach House \ Joshua Tree, California

Floating gracefully above the rugged landscape, this Blue Sky Building Systems prototype home is located just north of Joshua Tree in a private community renowned for its spectacular landscape. Surrounded by gigantic weathered boulders, ancient juniper, pinón and desert oak trees, this high desert home is the ultimate hideaway. The two bedroom steel and glass home opens itself to the stunning environment with sliding glass doors in each room, leading out to private patios on each side and a large main deck extending from the living area and kitchen. Designed with beautiful high-end furnishings, every need is thought of to create a truly memorable experience.

Check out the full listing here.

It started out...

This project began many years ago when I began photographing my favorite hideaways when I traveled around the world. I wanted to share them with others, so I started this website about a year ago. Getting nominated for 'Best Travel Blog' is so very humbling... and so exciting in that it now has become bigger than myself. It is connecting travelers that appreciate design and unique experiences with special properties around the world, and it's so very gratifying to bring people together in this way. I've grown so much through this project, having met so many fantastic people along the way, hosts around the world, other travelers, contributors and writers that are drawn to the project. Each property I stayed at has changed me in some way. It has opened my heart through the connection to others that share their world so gratuitously, it has opened my mind through the incredible design spaces and interesting cultures, and it lifts my spirit when experiencing other people living their dreams. So to me, this is already a win. I'm so excited to see this project grow and connect people with special spaces with the intention of changing them in some way, too.
If you have a moment, please visit the Bloglovin' site to vote and perhaps this little project will grow some larger wings!

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10 Of The Coolest Vacation Homes

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As published on @Bloglovin

Second to where we travel, the next most important thing is where we stay. We are very aware of the affect an environment can have on one’s psychological well-being, so we put a lot of time into finding those special spaces to ensure we enjoy our hard-earned holidays to the fullest. It’s pretty simple, a beautiful light-filled room with thoughtful design details is going to feel a whole lot better than a dark, musty one. Add a killer view and this will be one vacation you won't soon forget. And let’s be honest, it can be pretty fun to play house in a gorgeous architectural home.

Here are some of the coolest design homes that you can book for your next vacation. It doesn’t have to be just a dream! Well okay... admittedly, some of them may have to stay on your dream board (sorry, Scrubby Bay House) but there are plenty of dream-worthy homes to get excited about for your next vacay.

Scrubby Bay House, Akaroa, New Zealand. A luxury villa in a completely private bay that can only be reached by helicopter or 4WD. Comfortably accommodating 14 guests, the secluded cedar-clad villa stretches out along the beach and features three sea-fronted suites, a deck warmed by a fire pit and an outdoor spa. Sleeps 14.

The Bonnieux House, Bonnieux, France. This one of kind home sits in a quiet valley in Provence, just 5 minutes from the charming town of Bonnieux. Not only is the pool to die for (and pinterest famous), the massive living room windows completely swing open to let in all that gorgeous Provencal air. Incredible mix of modern design with old world touches. Sleeps 6 people.

Rock Reach House, Yucca Valley, California. Floating gracefully above the rugged landscape of gigantic weathered boulders, ancient juniper and desert oak trees, this prototype home opens itself to the stunning environment with sliding doors in each room, leading out to private patios and a main deck. Sleeps 4 people.

The Dune House, Suffolk, England.  Designed by Norwegian Architects, the entire ground floor is fitted with glazed windows, allowing the rolling dunes of an idyllic stretch of the Suffolk Coast to act as paintings for the viewer inside. Sleeps 9 people.

Big Bay Beach House, Bloubergstrand, South Africa. Just 25 minutes from Cape Town, this beachfront holiday home perfectly encapsulates comfortable living with a relaxed beach lifestyle. If the beach isn’t your thing, enjoy the heated pool in the protected courtyard. Sleeps up to 10 people.

La Melangrana, Noto, Sicily. Nestled in the Sicilian countryside just minutes from Noto, this stunning 3 bedroom home is ideal for those longing to combine a vacation in nature, near the sea, and explore beautiful baroque sites in the area. Sleeps 6.

Dar Beida, Essaouira, Morocco. Located in the heart of the medina, Dar Beida is a 4-storey home built around a central courtyard. Touted as one of the funkiest spaces in Morocco, The New York Times cited this 4 bedroom villa as “A glowing Pop Art cavern, brimming with 60’s furniture, animal skins and artisan Moroccan fork pieces.” Sleeps 8.

Floating House, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Situated above the treetops of the jungle canopy, this stunning architectural home is comprised of 3 pods connected by bridges and walkways. With a gourmet kitchen, a private infinity pool and open verandahs with incredible views, you won’t want to leave this treetop sanctuary. Sleeps 7.

436 Olancha, Palm Springs, California. Steeped in history and rich lore, this stunning mid-century compound has been renovated with all its systems upgraded to the modern era while paying tribute to its unique architectural origins and decorated with exquisite vintage pieces. The property consists of the main house and two separate two bedroom suites. Sleeps 10.

photo : Jesus Granada

photo : Jesus Granada

Villa CP, Girona, Spain. Designed by a renowned Barcelona architect, this restored Catalan Farmhouse, harmoniously juxtaposing old and new styles in line with the surrounding nature and environment, is perched on a hill overlooking a National Park of cork and pine forest extending to the Balearic Sea. Sleeps 10.

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Villa CP \ Girona, Spain

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Redesigned by a renowned Barcelona architect, this beautiful 5 bedroom villa harmoniously juxtaposes old and new styles in line with the surrounding nature and environment. Located on a hill in National Park outside Girona, this stunning sustainable home is surrounded by landscaped gardens with endless views extending towards the Mediterranean sea. Inside, a mix of clay, steel and wood are balanced together creating a unique atmosphere with the stone facade and large openings with rusted steel-framed windows. The upper floor opens out onto the garden, terrace and infinity swimming pool, filtered by plants and gravel. Remote enough to elicit the utmost peace and serenity, yet only 20 minutes to the nearest town, this architectural delight is ideal for families, groups and nature lovers that want to escape with all the modern conveniences.

See the full listing here.

*images courtesy of Villa CP