Shelves with Spark
Curated by
A cheerful and charming home below the village of Lumio on the road to the sea, the inquisitive heart of a bookworm is fully expressed here. Pluck a volume and get lost in a story, that is, when you're not living out one of your own.
MAISON BERGDORF, INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND
When the owners come from the worlds of hotels and journalism, you know the result will be literary and stylish. And where there are great books, cozy armchairs and a view that hinges on magic-realism, many otherworldly afternoons are sure to follow.
CASA ROBERTO, MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY
This luxury boutique hotel in the South American port city harkens back to a time when a text referred to a printed work of writings. Enjoy the color profusion and light in the library, where you can gather inspiration or simply enjoy a maté or glass of wine.
This former factory space in Italy's northernmost city has a cool greenhouse vibe, and some beautifully curated shelves. An afternoon in the home's urban garden, with a design book or two, is our idea of a successful day trip.
LE MAS DE SARIBOU, VESSEAUX, FRANCE
We love the simplicity of this gite in the south of France, with its elegant interiors full of playful furnishings and a handsome, rainbow-hued library. Fire up the tea kettle and prepare to sink into a sofa, the new Murakami, or both.
Lovingly composed, this home in the Corsican countryside is in excess of creativity. Case in point: this bed's legs. Personality, stylishness and other unique objets d'art are presented throughout this spirited getaway.
This Mies van der Rohe Award winning luxury villa in Greece is an architectural achievement as well as an interior design triumph. Look to the study for a smart collection of books, and throughout the rest of the sleek home for modern furnishings, photography and fine art.
LA BARRA B&B, PUNTA DEL ESTE, URUGUAY
This old building with six rooms looks like the setting for a novel in itself. Filled with salvaged materials and timeless treasures, communal spaces are a central sitting room, lounge and communal breakfast room, all in reverence to the weathered patina of age.
ISLAND HOUSE, LORD HOWE ISLAND, AUSTRALIA
Two newly-built homes situated among the Banyan trees off the east coast of Australia offer ideal spaces for relaxation and contemplation. The interiors are filled with books, art and great furniture, as well as Kekiko Matsui's striking kiln-fired bowls.
NOMAD HOUSE, ESSAOUIRA, MOROCCO
Imagine a prehistoric pop art cave. Here is our version, a totally outside-the-box house filled with nooks and crannies that show off cool books and whimsical treasures. Pleasure seekers, you're in luck.
For more shelves with spark, explore our collection of small hotels and vacation home rentals here.