This lovely property has plenty of laidback charm but doesn’t compromise on design. Large windows flood the house with natural light, and cool white interiors with high ceilings add to the bright and airy feel. 

The house has three suites, with large windows opening directly onto the surrounding terrace. It also has a cosy mezzanine level, with twin beds, as well as a sleek contemporary kitchen and bathrooms. Across the garden, there’s a guest house with another bedroom, bathroom and mezzanine sleeping level.

There are loads of cool design elements, including the oversized woven chandelier in the dining area, the spiky pom-pom wall lights, and the bursts of bold, contemporary art. We love the colorful poufs and cushions in the bedrooms, and the beachy trinkets, from paddles and oars to driftwood mirrors and art inspired by fish and shells.

The garden boasts a large pool and wooden deck, with poufs and lounge chairs scattered about, as well as an outdoor dining table. 

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

The house has a freestanding fireplace in the living room, air conditioning, and a sound system.

AROUND

Comporta is a village in the old district of Setúbal, located at the base of Tróia Peninsula, along the Sado Estuary. Praia do Pego is the “posh” area of Comporta, a popular summer destination for the European jet-set, with its endless sandy coves.

The protected Sado Estuary has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and is a great location for watching dolphins and storks. Praia do Pego also has one of the best restaurants in town, specializing in seafood and fresh fish.

LOCATION

Praia do Pego, Comporta, Portugal. Nearest airport: Lisbon (73 miles).

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Year round.

The post Praia do Pego Villa, Comporta, Portugal appeared first on Modern Vacation Home Rentals.

This is a great property for getting to know Normandy. An authentic fisherman’s house, it is located in the Quai Letourneur, Port-en-Bessin, within easy reach of many of the region’s attractions – from the WWII landing sites, to the home of the Bayeux Tapestry and beautiful Mont St Michel.

Built on three levels, it’s a great property for two couples sharing – as each bedroom is completely independent, with its own en-suite bathroom. There is also a raised terrace and a generously-sized communal living area.

The house retains much of its original charm, with wooden walls and tiled floors, as well as beautiful shuttered windows overlooking the port. Features we love include the high ceilings with whitewashed rafters, the old wooden staircase that curves between the floors, the old-world nautical feel (seagulls and anchors included) combined with contemporary pieces like the molded plastic ball chair and free-standing sink in the attic room.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Equipment includes LCD TV with French and international channels, DVD player and multilingual DVDs, a Bose iPod dock, and a library of books and magazines. The kitchen is fully-equipped with dishwasher, Nespresso coffeemaker and washing machine. Baby equipment (cot, high chair) is available on request.

AROUND

Port-en-Bessin has plenty to offer guests who don’t want to drive. Walks along the sand, journeys by boat, buying produce from local fishermen or at auction, hiking trails, bike rentals… There’s also a 36-hole golf course and a shipwreck museum nearby.

Activities within easy reach include farm visits, swimming (in a local pool), horse-riding, tennis and tree climbing, as well as trawling through flea markets and antique shops.

Slightly farther afield are windswept, sandy beaches, the American cemetery at Omaha Beach and the British cemetery at Bayeux, as well as Bayeux Cathedral and Tapestry, and numerous chateaux and farms. For those happy to drive over an hour there are plenty of other interesting destinations including the beautiful Mont St Michel.

LOCATION

Port-en-Bessin, Normandy, France. Nearest airport: Caen (30km), Paris.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Year round.

The post Harbor House, Normandy, France appeared first on Modern Vacation Home Rentals.

Brazil is one of those places you need to visit more than once in order to start to understand how to do it right. While destinations such as Rio and Sao Paulo are on most must-see lists, Brazil’s diversity and cultural versatility extend beyond the high-rises and popular beaches of these mega cities.

I often get asked what the best time to visit Brazil is and my answer seldom changes. The best time to go to Brazil is all the time. The friendly giant boasts varied climates and multiple holidays, hardly leaving a visitor out of options. Peak season runs from November to March, although winters in June and July are mild, pleasant, and uncrowded. Regardless of your choice, there is something for everyone. Here are some of our favorite spots and properties  in Brazil, from the tropical North to the temperate South.

Trindade (Rio de Janeiro)

Part of historical Paraty, Trindade is a paradise comprised of more than 50 preserved beaches and waterfalls. The town’s main street is just as exciting — arts and crafts, live music, and rustic restaurants are a local tradition.

Distance from Rio de Janeiro: 4 hours by bus

Stay: Villa Casa Verde

Ubatuba (São Paulo)

Besides all of its pristine beaches, Ubatuba’s hotels, restaurants, and waterfalls make it a top destination for those eager to get out of São Paulo’s big city chaos.

Distance from São Paulo: 3 hours by bus

Stay: Penhasco Ubatuba

Maraú Peninsula (Bahia)

The peninsula of Marau in Bahia is known for housing some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Brazil. A particular favorite is Cassange beach. Extensive, untouched and with great waves, the beach Cassange has more soft sand than the others. There you will also  find Cassange Lagoon, a freshwater lagoon separated from the ocean by a strip of sand 300 meters wide.

Distance from Salvador: 45 minutes by Ferry

Stay: Marau Beach Cottage

Trancoso (Bahia)

This tiny fishing village has been kept a secret for a long time. Now, recently discovered by the rest of the world, Trancoso boasts an array of chic boutique accommodations fit for its well traveled, jetsetter crowd. This unspoiled patch of paradise is well worth the travel.

Distance from Salvador: 2 hours by plane

Stay: Casa Lola

Pitinga (Arraial D’Ajuda)

In the native language, Pitinga means Red, as per the cliffs that border the sea and the reefs forming natural pools of warm water. This beach is full of charm, with strong waves breaking on the reefs near the shore, green sea, cliffs on all sides and soft sand. You can reach the beach walking on the beach Mucugê through a dirt road.
Distance for Porto Seguro: 1 hour by car

Stay: Tropical Shangri-la

Contributed by: Jade Moyano

The post Brazilian Beaches and Small Hotels to Explore appeared first on Modern Vacation Home Rentals.

Seconds from the ocean at Pererenan Beach, this luxurious Balinese villa sits in its own gardens with a 20-meter, chlorine-free infinity pool, a shallow paddling pool for kids, five large bedrooms, a koi pond, a private chef and a butler. It also has access to all the facilities of the surrounding resort. And let’s not forget its location, surrounded by miles of beaches, lush jungle vegetation, Balinese temples and great nightlife.
 
The main building has a large living room with double-height ceilings and direct access to the pool, a hand-carved dining table that seats sixteen people, a ground-floor master suite leading to the pool, and two upstairs bedrooms with balconies overlooking the garden.
 
There are also two separate bungalows with outdoor showers and French doors leading to lush greenery and koi ponds. The property sleeps ten, with plenty of room to spare.
 
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
 
Each bedroom has a 37in LCD TV, DVD player, Bose sound system, and iPod dock connected to speakers throughout the house and garden. There is also a media room with a selection of movies on DVD.
 
Guests receive complimentary membership of the resort’s club, with its sports facilities, gym, library, restaurant and pub bar. There’s also a large family pool and a splash park for children. The property shares an all-weather, night-lit tennis court with adjacent villas. 
 
AROUND
 
Located on the volcanic beach of Pererenan on the south-west coast of Bali, this villa is within easy driving distance of the shopping, restaurants and nightlife of Seminyak, an hour from the cultural capital and the jungles of Ubud, and only minutes from Tanah Lot temple. 
 
Essential experiences include a visit to the mountains of the interior, to one of the temples of Tanah Lot, Uluwatu or Besakih, and to the art markets of Ubud or Sukawati.
 
LOCATION
 
Pererenan, Bali, Indonesia. Nearest airport: Ngurah Rai (13 miles).
 
BEST TIME TO VISIT
 
April to September, but the property is great year round.

The post Pererenan Villa, Bali, Indonesia appeared first on Modern Vacation Home Rentals.

Inhabiting the southernmost point of not just mainland Greece but Europe, this 19th century stone tower is among hundreds of sentinels erected along the Pelopennesian cape starting in the Middle Ages. Located in the 18th century Kastri settlement along the Mani Peninsula and overlooking the Mediterranean, this ancient watchtower was discovered by architects and owners Kostas Zouvelos and Kassiani Theodorakakou and painstakingly restored over a five year period. Designed to defend and expand territory, the towering silhouette is unique to the region and sits in an idyllic spot with stunning panoramic views of the Taygetos mountains and the sea.

Restoring the interiors was a meticulous task using original local materials of stone, wood and marble that retain the classic and authentic feel of the period.  The towering vertical layout was adapted into three unique guest rooms with almost imperceptible modern updates. The en-suite master bedroom encompasses the top two levels of the tower with a loft conversion accessed via wooden ladder and the two additional suites occupy the lower floors each with a rugged modernism, hotel style comforts and amazing views.

Designed to adhere to the austere functionality of the original structure, the decor and furnishings are kept to a minimum with works of art created by sculptor Nikos Karalis and vintage finishes. The on site restaurant is more of a private kitchen that serves authentic and traditional Maniot cuisine poolside or on the veranda, each with magnificent views.  A unique and unexpected experience awaits you here, with dramatic natural beauty, historic character and warm hospitality.     

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Personal concierge services available. Breakfast served daily with room service upon request. Daily maid and turn down services. Wifi throughout with satellite TV, iPod audio docking system and land line telephone. COCO-MAT mattresses, linens, bathrobes, slippers and O-live eco-bath amenities. Mini bar and safe. Car and bicycle rental services upon request with free on site parking.  

AROUND

Located along Cape Tainaron on the west coast of the Laconic Peninsula, the region is the southernmost geographical point of mainland Greece and Europe and overlooks the Mediterranean. For thousands of years, the peninsula has been a unique region full of legends, myths and mystery as well as epic natural beauty. You are just a few miles from the mystical 16th century village of Vathia with multiple tower dwellings and within walking distance to amazing hiking trails from Kenourgia Chora to Achillion. The Vlychada caves in Diros Bay are a thirty minute ride north and at the very tip of the cape is where Poseidon’s Temple stands and legend has it, the extensive cave network where Hades, the god of the Underworld resides.  

LOCATION

Mani, Greece. Nearest airport is Kalamata International Airport (125km) and Athens International Airport (340km)  

BEST TIME TO VISIT: May 1st – October 31st  

The post Tainaron Blue Retreat, Mani, Greece appeared first on Modern Vacation Home Rentals.

This villa, perched on the beachfront near Tulum, is a masterpiece of design. Built with strong lines and a beautiful combination of wood, pasta tiles, limestone and polished concrete, it both blends in with its natural surroundings, using traditional building practices, and stands out.

One of the most exciting features of the house is the way the interiors and their surroundings are allowed to merge. Throughout the house there are screened wood louvers, instead of glass windows, to let the sea breeze waft through. There are also some spaces where windows and walls have been left out of the equation altogether, bringing the lovely ocean views and breezy palm trees into the villa.

The house has four generously-sized bedrooms and more than enough space for a large group to relax in. There’s a huge living room, rooftop and lower-level terraces, hammocks sprinkled around the grounds, a stunning outdoor pool, and a native tropical garden, with home-grown coconuts, veggies, herbs and bananas.

Add a chef service, personal concierge, live-in groundskeeper and daily housekeeping – and start unwinding.

The owners stress that this home is not intended for late-night parties. There are no TVs in the bedrooms. However there are books, a deck of cards, a high-definition movie projector and screen, a library of movies, epic views, and an unbelievably amazing night sky. 

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Bathrooms feature locally-made eco-friendly shampoo, conditioner and soaps, which are also available for purchase. Bedrooms have Tuft & Needle mattresses, with Frette bedlinens (and towels).

The house is built with sustainability in mind. It uses solar power, has green roofs, and collects rainwater. Staff recycle and compost.

Other features include laptop-sized safes, air conditioning, a HD projector with pulldown 133″ screen, streaming media, surround sound and device hookup.

The gourmet kitchen has a gas range, large dining table and bar-top island. There’s also a blender, toaster, outdoor grill, oven, citrus juicer, french coffee press, and a bunch more gear. Water-coolers are provided, as well as gourmet coffee and some welcome snacks.

AROUND

One of the best kept secrets of the Riviera Maya, Bahía de Soliman is a tranquil turquoise bay with a coral reef full of wildlife. The villa is tucked between the ocean and the mangrove jungle, only five minutes from the Tulum Ruins, and just 15 minutes north of Tulum Pueblo.

The owners of the property report that most guests are happy spending their days lounging by the pool, exploring the beach, waking for sunrise, bird watching, kayaking and snorkeling. However, adventure is available if needed: beaches, Mayan ruins, jungle tours, artisan crafts, restaurants and night life. Just ask.

LOCATION

Soliman Bay, Yucatan, Mexico. Nearest airport: Cancun (1.5 hours).

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Year round.

The post Tulum Villa, Yucatan, Mexico appeared first on Modern Vacation Home Rentals.

Designed by award winning Dow Jones Architects in London, this contemporary  family home is the 2015 RIBA winner for “Best New Build 2015.”

Set within a private orchard and gardens and adjacent to protected woodland habitat, the house was commissioned by a writer and designer as a family retreat. Clad in black timber, the sharp modern lines and clean architectural forms were designed as a series of layered spaces that extend into and around the landscape creating generous living areas inside and out.

Surrounded with enormous picture windows and glazed walls that frame the landscape, the interiors are flooded with natural light. The ground floor features hand troweled concrete floors, Douglas fir accents and bespoke furnishings with a eclectic collection of decor and objet d’art. An attention to detail is evident throughout with a warm home away from home quality ideal for families.

The fully equipped kitchen and dining area is designed for entertaining with seating for up to fourteen. Three of the bedrooms are situated upstairs with a fourth bedroom downstairs, each with enormous picture windows and panoramic woodland views. Double doors open out to the wrap around veranda leading out to the expansive property with an al fresco dining area and multiple lounge areas and a BBQ fire pit. There are play areas for both kids and adults with an in-ground trampoline, badminton and pro-ball tennis all within a private garden oasis. 

Available only in the summer months, this house is worth the wait.   

ADDITIONAL FEATURES 

Wifi throughout, TV and stereo audio system. Optional daily housekeeping services with laundry facilities. Children’s toys, books and games for all ages. On site parking for four cars (2 in the parking bay and 2 in the private driveway).  

AROUND

Long a popular holiday destination for mainlanders, the Isle of Wight has a fun, funky seaside kitsch to it that draws the outdoorsy types, families and festival goers with it’s unique charms. With miles of cliff side shoreline, dunes and woodlands, it’s a peaceful and picturesque island with pretty villages and dramatic natural beauty. Just minutes from Totland village, Colwell and Freshwater in West Wight, the area features numerous award winning pubs, cafes, farm and fishermens shops and some of the best beaches with nearby Tennyson Down providing endless woodland trails for walking, cycling and riding. The Isle of Wight Music Festival takes place in Newport’s Seaclose Park during the second week in June and although it’s not the “British Woodstock” of it’s heyday, it’s still a four day extravaganza of music, food and fun. Don’t miss Cowes Week (August 6-13) – the biggest global sailing race regatta. A mega draw for visitors and residents, it’s a stunning visual spectacle with thousands of boats sailing by on the Solent waters. The historic harbor town of Yarmouth and ferry terminal is just a few minutes drive.   

LOCATION

Isle of Wight, England. Nearest Airport: Southampton, Gatwick or Heathrow via Yarmouth ferry to Portsmouth.  

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The house is only available to rent from July 22-August 26  

The post Totland Bay House, Isle of Wight, England appeared first on Modern Vacation Home Rentals.

This cottage was conceived as a place for play and rest, for reading, dreaming, doing projects, cooking and eating, and playing on the grass in the summer sunshine after the long New York winters. Its close proximity to the shore is protected by large offshore islands which make the bay unusually protected and peaceful. Its tidal nature keeps out boats, and the changing tidal landscape turns everyone into birdwatchers. The uncluttered interiors of the rooms allow the light and sea views to be part of every moment spent here.

The property actually consists of two separate houses (the larger, main cottage and the smaller house) located next to each other in a single property on the edge of a quiet tidal bay in mid-coast Maine. The houses are architect-designed renovations of existing old buildings that function independently but are designed to be enjoyed together. Both houses share the same spectacular views of the sea and offshore islands and direct access to the water for swimming, fishing and kayaking.

The design is classic seaside elegance – cool, whitewashed and bright, with a breezy and serene charm. The sea-facing porch and comfortable day-beds inside the houses invite guests to curl up with a good book – they have a great selection for book-lovers – or just look out over the bay where sea birds forage at low tide. We love the juxtaposition of vintage pieces like the American blue jelly cupboard with contemporary art and lighting, and quirky found objects. 

The cottage and guest house are located close to each other across the lawn. They offer privacy and shared facilities for two families sharing a vacation or for a couple with teenagers, grandparents or friends accompanying them. The guest cottage is also a great place to work on a project or take a nap while others are busy playing.

The larger house has a second-floor master bedroom, bathroom and full laundry, and downstairs, an open-plan living room and large gourmet kitchen with dining table. The guest house has two bedrooms, a bathroom, open living area and smaller kitchen. Both have wood-burning, free-standing fireplaces, as well as outdoor showers.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

The main kitchen has soapstone counters, a Gaggenau gas stove, electric oven, Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer and a dishwasher. Appliances include a Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Cuisinart food processor, blender, Dualit toaster, professional cookware, baking pans and cook’s tools. The guest house kitchen has a small refrigerator, toaster oven, electric toaster, electric cordless kettle, and coffee maker.

There is a laundry room with washing machine and dryer, a telephone, hairdryers, a CD Player, a DVD player with large screen TV, books and games, and off-street parking for two cars. The garden has a Weber charcoal grill and a picnic table with benches that comfortably seats eight. 

AROUND

The property is located between two classic Maine villages. The area is wonderful for bird watching. In summer, guests can swim off the rocks in front of the house, and launch a kayak from the front lawn. There is direct access to the water for swimming and kayaking, and a kayak and paddles are provided (guests must supply their own life vests). Fishermen have been known to catch sea bass off the rocks.

Martinsville is located on a small bay between Port Clyde and Tenants Harbor on the St George peninsula, and around its protected shores are houses, small farms, lobster shacks and historic waterfront homes. Locals picnic and swim at low tide on the sand flats nearby Drift-Inn Beach, and kayak and canoe on the waters of the bay. There’s a lively local marketplace at Hedgerow where guests can stock up on groceries and catch up on news.

LOCATION

Martinsville, Maine, USA. Nearest airport: Knox County Regional Airport (16 miles). Portland Jetport, (PWM) Portland Maine.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Year round. The property is well located for skiing, skating and cross-country sports in winter, as well as swimming, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, biking, nature walks, bird-watching and boat trips to nearby islands in summer.

The post Harbor Cottage, Martinsville, Maine, USA appeared first on Modern Vacation Home Rentals.

Image by Chris Burkard

Hipcamp, a discovery platform geared towards the curious, the wild, the adventurous, and the ecologically minded is at the forefront of a new way to experience the outdoors- land sharing. We are always keen to explore new ideas in hospitality and Hipcamp’s model is a positive step towards getting people to go outside, spend more time in nature, and have a unique camping experience.

With over 60% of the land in the United States privately owned, the possibility of never getting to see some of the most beautiful parts of the country becomes very real. While we love beautiful homes, we also love a beautiful and vast backyard. Why not make use of the space?

Now private landowners can play a big part in providing that access while also earning extra money. Seems to work for everyone. Campers can escape the crowds, reconnect with nature and experience a new way of travel. Some of the listings on the site involve the nation’s public parks and campgrounds as well as spots on ranches, farms, vineyards and land preserves. Camping on private land has just become very easy and Hipcamp’s wide array of options are mind expanding.

According to Hipcamp founders, finding a campsite should not be such a time-consuming, convoluted and confusing process. On that premise, the site now does all the hard work of curating, gathering, and discovering owners who appreciate the new model. It seems like a successful concept so far and an inspiring way to make people’s wild dreams come true. Most importantly, money earned through Hipcamp can help landowners keep their land privately held, rather than parceled off to public entities for development. It is essential to the future of our planet that much of this land remains undeveloped to maintain wilderness habitats and corridors that allow plants and animals to thrive and migrate naturally.

The post Hipcamp: At the Forefront of Land Sharing appeared first on Modern Vacation Home Rentals.

Featured in several publications including “The Art of Living in Provence,” “Campagne and Decoration,” “Cote Sud” (June 2008) and even a French cookbook, this historic farmhouse has been redesigned for modern living with classic country charm.  

Situated between the Luberon and Sainte-Victoire mountains, the three hectare property is  surrounded by olive and fig groves, cypress forests and vineyards with wide panoramic views over the valley.

Restored by French architecture enthusiasts, the project was designed as a homage to simplicity with particular attention to space, tranquility and light. Using only natural stone, lime, concrete, iron, terracotta and bleached wood along with traditional buildings techniques, the interiors were completely gutted and expanded without sacrificing the historic purity of the structures. 

On the ground floor the living room is set around a central fireplace, with an adjacent kitchen and dining area as well as one of four en suite bedrooms that opens out to the south facing terrace. There are three additional bedrooms upstairs including a spacious double and two single rooms. The property also includes an ancient pigeonnier and chapel that have been restored into two double bedrooms with room for up to twelve guests total.

Styled with simple baroque character which softens the austerity of the plain materials, the rooms are minimalist and modern with lovely antique and flea market finds as well as a few contemporary flourishes.

The south-facing terrace is shaded from sun and wind and is the optimal spot for dining al fresco overlooking the secluded gardens, the pool and the adjacent nature preserve.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES 

Wifi throughout with optional TV upon request. Housekeeping and laundry facilities. Firewood provided.

AROUND

Located just a short drive from the picturesque village of Bonnieux and the “golden triangle” with Ménerbes and Gordes, the village is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Provence. The nearby towns of Lourmarin, Cucuron, Lauris and Ansouis feature great markets, cafes and music festivals with many walks nearby accesible on foot, by bike or car. The Vaucluse region of Luberon is home to some of the most iconic regions of Provence including the surrounding areas of Avignon, Arles the Alpilles mountains, and Aix-en-Provence most of which are under an hour drive. You’re also just a short drive from L’Isle sur la Sorgue, Fontaine de Vaucluse, Lacoste, Oppède-le-Vieux, Saignon and Roussillon. The coastal towns of Marseille, the Camargue National Park and Montpellier are about an hour drive. 

LOCATION

Vaugines, France. Nearest Airport: Marseille-Provence International (67 miles) 

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Pleasant in any season

The post Vaugines Farmhouse, Luberon, France appeared first on Modern Vacation Home Rentals.

On the French Riviera, between Nice and Monaco, there’s a commune called Èze. The village of Èze-sur-Mer sits just where it should be – by the sea. Travel uphill and you’ll find Èze-Village – a charmingly pretty medieval hilltop village overlooking the coast. Connecting the two is the Friedrich Nietzsche path where, among the olive and pine trees, the famous philosopher composed the last words of “Thus Spoke Zarathustra”.

It’s here that you’ll find this property. Dubbed a ‘tree-top paradise’ by one guest, it’s a secluded retreat, surrounded in nature. The owners strongly advise bringing minimal luggage (backpacks even better) as it takes five to ten minutes to walk there from the road – and it’s not an easy trek. 

This property is highly recommended for those who like healthy, outdoorsy holidays. The house itself has a lovely terrace, with a pool and garden, but it’s completely surrounded in natural parkland.

The house is modern, but constructed from wood and stone – giving it a great natural feel. Interiors are simple and sweet, with room to sleep up to six and all the conveniences guests will need. 

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Amenities include heating, a DVD player, a small stereo with USB port for MP3 players, and TV (with cable). For guests with children, there is a room with bunks, an alarm for the swimming pool, a baby cot, a high chair and a folding bed.

AROUND

Èze-Village sits at the top of a cliff, overlooking the Mediterranean. It boasts beautiful cobblestone streets, with cave-like shops and hot-pink bougainvillea, the remains of an ancient chateau, and a light ochre church. Its Jardin botanique d’Èze is an exotic botanic garden with an impressive collection of cactus, plants and rare vegetation. If you are looking for the bling of St-Tropez, you’re in the wrong place.

The local landscape is lush, with tropical vegetation – bananas, dates, carob trees, orange and lemon trees. The beach at Eze is shaded by pine-trees which grow down almost to the water’s edge. Activities include tennis, horse-riding, hiking, sailing school and paragliding. Monaco and Nice are both within easy reach of the property.

LOCATION

Èze-Village, France. Nearest airport: Nice (18km).

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Year round.

The post Riviera View House, Èze, France appeared first on Modern Vacation Home Rentals.

Located in one of the most idyllic pedestrian streets of the medieval and historic region of the Knights Birgu, you are just across from the capital’s Grand Harbor. Perched above the cobbled stone streets, this newly renovated apartment has been completely reinterpreted in tone, style and materials from it’s 18th century roots. Renovated by the owner and architect whose practice resides across the harbor, it is one of a collection of distinctively designed properties developed and curated by the owner and his partner and highlight their love and commitment to art and modern design.

Formerly a busy architects’ atelier, this sunny studio is located on the second floor with beautiful sea views from the south facing balcony and a winning combination of simple sophistication and retro modern style. The interior furnishings are a mix of lightweight steel and timber objects and designer pieces with a spare minimalism that nevertheless pops with personality and character. The studio shares a communal kitchen and dining area two floors up  and a lovely rooftop terrace with commanding views across the city and out to sea. 

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Wifi throughout, satellite cable TV, with a selection of books movies and CDs. Complimentary mini bar. Housekeeping and laundry facilities. Linens and toiletries. Secured entry system. Optional airport pick-up, breakfast and grocery shopping.

AROUND

This apartment is in the best part of the medieval Knights Birgu section of the city with restaurants, cafes, museums and shops all within minutes and just a short taxi boat to central Valletta and the Grand Harbour. You are within a short drive to miles of coastline and beautiful beaches. Just south of Sicily and part of a trio of islands, the UNESCO site of Malta and the archipelago of Gozo and Comino are steeped in ancient history. From Renaissance cathedrals and Baroque palaces to the oldest known human structures in the world, Malta has it all. Don’t miss the world famous UNESCO site of Hypogeum the prehistoric underground temple and the inland countryside. 

LOCATION

Valletta, Malta. Nearest Airport: Malta International Airport

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall for the best weather

The post Design Studio, Valletta, Malta appeared first on Modern Vacation Home Rentals.

Conceived and curated by the editor-in-chief of online cultural magazine Trendland, this exciting and creative concept is where design, art, gastronomy and cultural expression come to life. Housed in a 2,000 square foot loft apartment in New York City’s Flatiron district, the space is a living canvas dedicated to the collaborative arts of interior design and artistic innovation. Presenting different installations in partnership with industrial designers and furniture brands every three months, owner and curator Ani Tzenkova’s vision was to create a boutique where you can discover and purchase unique items in an intimate and livable space. 

The apartment is bright and expansive with banks of windows that illuminate the interiors and views overlooking Madison Square Park and the New York City skyline. With the remnants of it’s industrial past still evident, the concrete floors, elevated ceilings and blank white walls serve as the ideal backdrop to stage and create uniquely conceived interiors and events. With two bedrooms on either side of the main living area and a separate bath adjacent to the open plan kitchen, the space can accommodate up to four overnight guests.  

In addition to interior design, the project also directs the focus on culinary  innovation with intimate monthly dinners and a weekly cooking show where chefs are given the latest in technology to experiment with new techniques and flavors and the space to serve up to thirty diners. The space also doubles as a creative laboratory for industry influencers to workshop their new projects and share their insights with the public as well as local art and design students.

With the unveiling of each redesign every three months, you’ll want to come discover what’s new and next and do a little shopping.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES 

Wifi throughout with production quality amenities for film, photography and event rental. Please inquire for more information. 

AROUND

Bordered by Gramercy Park and Union Square to the east, Greenwich Village to the south and adjacent to midtown, the flatiron district is a bustling crossroads with the stunning Beaux-Arts building dividing the intersection at Broadway and Fifth Ave. Just across from Madison Square Park and Garden, the area is a heady mix of the city’s design, culinary and nightlife scenes. From Central Park to the Empire State building and Times Square, lower Manhattan to the Upper East Side, Tribeca to Harlem, Chinatown to Chelsea, Manhattan may just be the center of the universe. The iconic global symbol of cultural, financial and uniquely American ideas, the city that never sleeps is the mightiest of them all.

LOCATION

New York City, New York. Nearest Airport: La Guardia (approx 30 mins) or JFK (approx. 40 mins) 

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring and Fall are the mildest seasons in the city

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Wander down the cobbled backstreets of Foz do Douro, and you’ll find this small house tucked away behind an ivy wall. But it’s so worth searching for. Designed by Eduardo Souto de Moura, the 2011 Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate and one of the country’s foremost architects, it was chosen as an example of architectural best practice in historic places by the Centre for Architecture, Creativity and Sustainability in 2012.   

And it’s very easy to see why. The appeal of this contemporary conversion is in its simple design. Colors are minimalist creams and whites, with limited decor and unfussy modern art. The exposed interior staircase has strong lines and a great sculptural feel.     

Two of the three bedrooms are located on the first floor, and have their own bathrooms. The garden loft is on the ground floor, with a small living room, bathroom and private garden. There is also a communal area and fully-equipped kitchen.    

ADDITIONAL FEATURES    

Each room has an electronic code system safe, individual remote air-conditioning, a radio alarm clock, and an iPod Station. The double rooms have 3D Smart TV and LCD TV with DVD, while the loft room has an IMAC 27” system with TV, CD and DVD. Bathrooms have 100% cotton bathrobes and towels, slippers, hairdryers, and Anne Semonin cosmetics.    

There is a washer-dryer, a Lavazza coffee machine, air conditioning, an iPad for in-house use, and an iPod station in the living room. There will also be a welcome basket on arrival.    

AROUND    

Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal, but its historic center, the Ribeira district with its cobbled streets, old storefronts and plazas, is still largely preserved and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.     

Lonely Planet describes Oporto as “a colourful tumbledown dream with medieval relics, soaring bell towers, extravagant baroque churches and stately beaux-arts buildings piled on top of one another”. The city has undergone a transformation in recent years, with inexpensive Ryan Air flights bringing travelers to the city for weekend breaks.     

Sights not to miss include the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves and Rem Koolhaas’ Casa da Música.   

LOCATION    

Oporto, Portugal. Nearest airport: Sá Carneiro International Airport (15km, 15 to 20 minutes by taxi).    

BEST TIME TO VISIT    

Year round, though May to October is the best time to enjoy the beaches.    

Photo credit: Tiago Casanova

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This modern family home in the medieval town of Vannes in Brittany is a breath of fresh air. Designed by an interiors and architecture photographer and her journalist husband, the home is a reflection of their philosophy that design and a sense of place influences lifestyle. Featured in countless international design magazines including Architectural Digest, ELLE Decor, Vogue, House & Garden and more, their work focuses on how people live and inhabit a space and is reflected in their own homes. 

Lightly stylized and modern, the spaces are also relaxing and casual with double height open plan interiors and multiple doors and windows that fill the home with natural light. With echoes of post modernism and mid century style, the interiors feature sharp, architectural angles punctuated with unexpected swaths of color and textured wall prints. Pared down to an easy minimalism, the vintage decor and unique finishes are eye catching but calm and livable.  The main floor encompasses two bright living areas and a large open kitchen and dining area that opens out to the gardens. Upstairs are the three bedrooms that can accommodate up to eight guests.

Outside, the leafy garden and terrace is the place to dine and lounge with plenty of private space to soak up the sun. Available in July and August only, you’ll want to grab this inviting summer escape.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES  

Wifi throughout and home cinema. Housekeeping on Saturdays with optional mid-week housekeeping upon request (€70 for 4 hours). Laundry facilities, security system and parking.  

AROUND

In the quieter north west corner of Brittany, the historic walled city of Vannes sits along Gulf of Morbihan and the Bay of Biscay. Founded over 2000 years ago during Roman times, many of the first houses were built in the 5th century.  One of the prettiest and most well preserved medieval towns in Brittany, the narrow pedestrian streets, magnificent ramparts and central old town are atmospheric and charming with traditional timbered houses, a great open air market and a bustling harbor. The nearby Conleau Peninsula is where you’ll find Vannes’ only beach and gentle tide pools. The industrial river port city of Nantes lies along the Loire River just over an hour south and Brittany’s capital city of Rennes is just over an hour north east.  

LOCATION

Vannes, France. Nearest Airport: Nantes (1 hr) or Rennes (1 hr)  

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The house is only available in July & August (See dates)

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This former textiles factory building is located in the heart of the city of Como at the southern most tip of the western branch of the lake. Arranged around a central courtyard, the building is front and center within the bustle of the city streets and within easy reach of the spectacular lakefront and mountain sights. 

Restored with a subtle hand, the historic features remain intact with double height timbered ceilings, rugged stone walls and newly crafted finishes with subtle modern retrofits that don’t detract from the buildings original character. Expansive and open, the interiors have a quiet intimacy, with two mezzanine levels that divide the living and sleeping quarters. The main floor is bright and sunny with large windows and warm wood floors with both a lounge and separate dining area off of the fully equipped modern kitchen. The second level mezzanine features the loft bedroom and office space with balconies overlooking the floors below. Punctuated with a few key pieces of contemporary furnishings and lively pops of color, the decor is kept to a minimum creating a simple and stylish retreat.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES 

Wifi throughout, satellite cable TV. Bath amenities and linens. Housekeeping during stay upon request (€12 per hr., min. 2 hrs) with on site laundry facilities. Private cook upon request. Climate control. On site parking. 

AROUND

For centuries this exclusive enclave has been a celebrated destination for royalty, aristocrats and celebrities to play and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of Italy’s northern lake region. Based at the foothills of the Alps and offering dramatic scenery of the surrounding mountains and the crystal clear waters, Lake Como’s iconic character and natural beauty are uniquely atmospheric and impressive. Dotted with charming villages and spectacular villas along both legs of the lake, the eponymous town of Como is at the southern most tip of the western branch. The busy waterfront city has a long history and orbits around the “centro storico” old town, with picturesque piazzas and historic duomos, cafes and a more lively urban feel. A great launching spot for exploring the region, the ferries are the best way to take in the many lake vistas and visit the famed towns of Bellagio, Tremezzo, and Varenna.

LOCATION

Lake Como, Italy. Nearest Airport: Regional-Lugano (30 km), International-Malpensa Milan (48 km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall

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Surrounded by ancient woodland forests in a quiet corner of east Sussex, this home was designed by London based architect Tim Bushe as a peaceful country retreat. Clad all in wood with an inverted structural design, the house features an elevated open plan living design that encompasses the whole upper level with the bedrooms and baths set below ground level. The main living area is a bright and expansive great room with soaring pitched ceilings and skylights flooding the spaces with light. The fireside area is cozy in winter and bright and airy in summer and shares the space with the large modern kitchen and dining area that opens out to two outdoor terraces.

Downstairs are three bedrooms ideal for family that can sleep up to six guests.  With a simplified, back to basics style and modern design details include oak floors, whitewashed interiors and an interesting collection of vintage and contemporary pieces, the house exudes a peaceful minimalism.

Set within Woodland Trust and Forestry Commission woodlands, the area is rural and bucolic where you’re likely to spy the local wild boar, Muntjac deer, and a multitude of bird life.      

ADDITIONAL FEATURES 

Wifi throughout, cable TV, Blueray. Housekeeping and laundry facilities. Firewood provided on request in winter months.  

AROUND

Surrounded by rolling countryside, medieval villages and stunning coastline, East Sussex is a favorite of Londoners following the sun. The house is located just a few miles inland from the port town of Rye, an area well known for its English Channel seaside resorts. One of the most well preserved medieval towns in England, Rye’s winding cobbled stone streets, cafes, pubs and specialty shops, give it the atmospheric charm of the middle ages along with a thriving fishing and boating harbor and neighboring nature reserve considered to be one of the most serene stretches of coastline in the south east. Ideally placed for exploring nearby Romney Marsh and the beautiful Tillingham Valley, the expansive coastal beaches of Camber Sands and Winchelsea’s quiet pebble beach are within a fifteen minute drive. Further west are the coastal towns of Hastings and the breathtaking Seven Sisters chalk cliffs near the seaside town of Eastbourne.   

LOCATION

Rye, England. Nearest Airport: London Gatwick (90 mins)  

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring and summer are high season with the best weather   

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Nothing says vacation like Coastal Living and this week we went fishing for properties that would give us that Nautical Feel… A cabin floating over the sea, a former fisherman’s lodge and even a houseboat! All with spectacular views of the sea and direct access to the water… enjoy!

Vintage Houseboat. Newport, Rhode Island

Fisherman’s Cottage. Normandy, France

The Boat House. Normandy, France

Sea Cabins. Manshausen Island, Norway

Cascais Penthouse. Cascais, Portugal

Harbor House. Normandy, France

Ploce Villa. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Harbor Cottage. Maine, USA

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This property was brought into the world by two chic nomads who spend most of their time in Asia. Inspired by places they have stayed in on their travels, they have pulled together bits of Bali, Australia, Japan and Scandinavia, with a little help from award-winning architect David Juet. His work is strongly influenced by Japanese aesthetics, as reflected in the name of his Nantes-based studio, Kenenso, which means “in harmony with nature” in Japanese.

The result is a clean and functional, yet strikingly beautiful, space.   We were immediately drawn to the exterior of the building with its strong vertical lines and large wooden deck, surrounded in ancient pine trees. But the interior is equally appealing. White walls and bold black-and-white furnishings are sandwiched between wooden floors and ceilings. One of our favorite features is the staircase, a minimalist row of steps which appear suspended by wires. We also love the whitewashed loft spaces – a bedroom and a TV room with gabled ceilings – which provide a cosy contrast to the wide-open living room and kitchen of the ground floor.  

There’s plenty of room to sleep up to 8 guests – in the downstairs master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, the bunk room with bathroom, and the first-floor bedroom.  

ADDITIONAL FEATURES  

The house has cable TV, a DVD player, a wireless audio system, an iron and table, hairdryer, and a laundry room with washing machine and dryer. It also has a fully-equipped kitchen ideal for food lovers, with an oven, microwave, two sinks, a wine cellar, espresso coffeemaker, and much more. Board games are available.  

AROUND  

The lodge is located in Pornic, a 19th-century resort in the Loire-Atlantique, southeast Brittany, 50km from Nantes. The town is best-known for the Château de Pornic, a private castle restored in the 19th century and overlooking the waterfront.  

There are also some great megaliths in the area, including the Tumulus of Les Mousseaux, the dolmen of Le Prédaire, and the dolmen of La Joselière. Along the coast between the beaches of la Boutinardièe and l’Etang are 50 fishing huts sitting on stilts above the water. Most of them are privately owned, but some are available to rent.  

In July and August, there is plenty to do in Pornic, with concerts, street theater and other artistic surprises. Art lovers can also explore the many exhibitions and galleries.  

The lodge is in an exclusive residential neighborhood on the edge of the town’s golf course, and is also within walking distance of the beach. Activities nearby include golf, walking trails, a sailing club (summer only), many restaurants and bars, markets, a flea market (summer only), and a spa.  

LOCATION  

Pornic, France. Nearest airport: Nantes Atlantique (45 min drive).   

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Designed by an interiors and architecture photographer and her journalist husband, this 19th century apartment is a reflection of their philosophy that design and a sense of place influences lifestyle. Featured in countless international design magazines including Architectural Digest, ELLE Decor, Vogue, House & Garden and more, their work focuses on how people live in those spaces and is reflected in their own homes. 
Originally built in 1865, this historic building recently underwent an extensive restoration, returning it to its former glory. Designed in the style of a luxury hotel suite, the ground floor apartment faces the port of Vannes and retains much of its original beauty and classic features including the semicircular Haussmanian style structure with decorative plaster ceiling design and ornate detail. Employing a lightly stylized modern update, the bright whitewashed interiors are filled with natural light from multiple windows and have been pared down to an informal and calm sophistication. The main room includes the sleeping area with a baldaquin bed and a fireside lounge space. There is a well equipped kitchenette and a separate office space as well as a luxuriously apointed spa bathroom. 
Decorated with contemporary furnishings and decor by Living Divani, Serax, Dornbracht, David Turbridge, and a few bespoke items designed by the couple, this suite is a stylish and romantic nest for two.
 
ADDITIONAL FEATURES  
Wifi throughout, TV. Midweek housekeeping for an additional fee of €60 (which includes change of bed linen and towels) and laundry facilities. Luxury linens from Maison de Vacance. Secure building. Optional breakfast delivered for an additional €20 per person.
 
AROUND
In the quieter north west corner of Brittany, the historic walled city of Vannes sits along Gulf of Morbihan and the Bay of Biscay. Founded over 2000 years ago during Roman times, many of the first houses were built in the 5th century. One of the prettiest and most well preserved medieval towns in Brittany, the narrow pedestrian streets, magnificent ramparts and central old town are atmospheric and charming with traditional timbered houses, a great open air market and a bustling harbor. The nearby Conleau Peninsula is where you’ll find Vannes’ only beach and gentle tide pools. The industrial river port city of Nantes lies along the Loire River just over an hour south and Brittany’s capital city of Rennes is just over an hour north east. 
 
LOCATION
Vannes, France. Nearest Airport: Nantes (1 hr) or Rennes (1 hr)
 
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall for the best weather. Summer is high season
 

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