Inspiring Spaces
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Each of these visionary properties offers an imaginative, original space to inhabit. Inspiration might be found in an elegantly restored Gatsby-esque villa, a whimsical design that blurs the divide between indoors and out, or a high-spirited blending of stones both ancient and new.
MAISON HILTITI, GRAND EST, FRANCE
A modern, multi-structured cabin complex in a natural park setting, this home overlooks a pristine lake and is accessible to ski slopes, yet offers a pure, yogic-like atmosphere inside. One part modern tree house, one part holistic haven, the home is soothingly devoid of extra ornamentation.
GITE OPRIEUR, NIEUL-LE-DOLENT, FRANCE
Gite means “rural inn” in English, and this architect-designed space elevates the term to great new levels. Soaring ceilings and an inspired, suspended bridge leading into the bedrooms create this newfangled barn’s dramatic elevated volumes.
A refreshingly easygoing artful oasis, this raw indoor/outdoor living space brings a touch of whimsy to its elemental styling via slide-away walls and hideaway outdoor pathways marked by massive boulder groupings, one even hiding an outdoor shower.
MASSERIA DEL GIGANTE, LECCE, ITALY
An active organic farm, this old stone structure combines ancient agrarian tradition and cool, modern elegance. The overall vibe is a little bit casual boho, a little bit polished country living, with loads of al-fresco spaces for added rest and relaxation.
CASA DE MAREAS, CANTABRIA, SPAIN
The structural bones and historic character of this 16th-century Basque-style villa are part of the home’s neuro architectural approach, or its specific design for the body and brain’s response. The renovation of mostly recycled materials is a breathtaking contrast of old and new, where a suspended sheet metal staircase is offset by ancient wooden beams full of knobs and gnarls.
TENUTA DELL'ALTO, PUGLIA, ITALY
Grace intervened when a local priest discovered this abandoned neoclassical merchant’s villa, returning the timeless mansion to its former grandeur. The villa’s vast grounds are equally elegant, featuring a 17th-century chapel, modern, clean-lined pool house, and an geometric French garden.
Browse more inspiring spaces in our collection of vacation home rentals and small hotels here.