Category Archives: Homes

Italian Villa Views: Carate Urio, Lake Como (Video)

Carate Urio is on the western shore of Lake Come, about ten kilometers from the town of Como. Originally founded as two inhabited areas -Urio and Carate Lario- the shared a common history and ties, so were administratively unified in 1927.

Lake Como, in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, is an upscale resort area known for its dramatic scenery, set against the foothills of the Alps. The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, with three slender branches that meet at the resort town of Bellagio. At the bottom of the southwest branch lies the city of Como, home to Renaissance architecture and a funicular that travels up to the mountain town of Brunate. 

Enchanting period villa, dating back to the early 1700, with direct access to the lake; lakefront park of over 2000 square meters planted with centuries-old trees, splendid swimming pool surrounded by the greenery with solarium / relaxation area, lakefront walk of over 100 meters, 3 proprietary docks with convenient docking / entry and exit for medium-sized boats. The property is composed as follows: Main villa of about 750 square meters, on three levels, with up to 6 bedrooms, each with its bathroom. Guest villa of 450 square meters on 3 levels, with a private park of about 2800 square meters connected to the main garden through a historic and romantic bridge overlooking the Via Vecchia Regina. Large uncovered parking area for at least 6 cars as well as garages and storage rooms.

Previews: ‘The Monocle Book Of Homes’ (Video)

Allow us to introduce you to our new publication, The Monocle Book of Homes. A guide to exceptional residences, the title is packed with beautiful photography, inspiring stories ­and few tips on making the most of your living space. So what are you waiting for? Come on in. Available at The Monocle Shop: https://monocle.com/shop/product/1961…

Italian Villa Tour: Ravello, The Amalfi Coast (Video)

On the Amalfi Coast, halfway between Amalfi and Ravello, there is this prestigious property with breathtaking views of the crystal-clear sea of the Gulf of Sorrento.

Built between the 10th and 11th centuries, the villa was used as a watchtower and first defence, later as a monastery. An enchanting driveway, surrounded by nature and the sea, leads directly to the property which, with a total internal surface of 1,000 square meters, includes the main villa, a villa for staff and five annexes, which offer a total of thirteen rooms bedroom and fifteen bathrooms.

Crossing the main entrance we find ourselves immersed in an enchanting garden embellished with cypresses, palm trees and a fountain that creates a seraphic atmosphere, as well as two big panoramic terraces on both sides.

English Seaside Views: ‘The Beach Hut’ In Cornwall

Popular with celebrities and surfers alike, The Beach Hut, in Millook, is a charming seaside home at quite a price — but it comes with its own stretch of beach and 40 acres of Cornwall.

Carla Passino, May 18, 2021

Built in 1929 as a tearoom, the property was converted in the 1980s and today has a romantic charm that complements the idyllic setting.

The open-plan studio interiors feature stripped wooden floors, exposed stone walls and a log burning stove, and open onto a covered veranda that’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the panorama.

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Architecture: A Mountain Chalet Near Lake Tahoe, Northern California

After vacationing in the Sierra Nevada near Donner Summit for years, architects Sherry Scott and John Kosich built their 1,900-square-foot concrete, wood, and stone home in the mountains of California near Lake Tahoe. Home owners Sherry and John discuss the environmental and construction challenges of their part-time home. Read the story here: https://www.dwell.com/article/modern-…

English Country Homes: Little Wolford Manor, Cotswolds, Warwickshire

According to its Historic England listing, Little Wolford Manor dates from the late 15th or early 16th century, and although there have been 16th-, 17th- and 20th-century additions, Little Wolford Manor still follows the original medieval plan, its focal point being the great hall with its vaulted roof and hammer beams, minstrels’ gallery and huge fireplace.

Penny Churchill, May 16, 2021

An April 1957 piece in the now defunct The Antique Collector describes Little Wolford Manor, in the timeless timeless south Warwickshire village of Little Wolford, as a house ‘of truest Cotswold type… a small gem of Cotswold rural craftsmanship with many well-preserved features in wood as well as in stone’.

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English Country Homes: The Old Rectory Near Beeston, North Norfolk

Mixing the right amount of luxury and comfort with a Shakespearean inspired garden, The Old Rectory near Beeston in north Norfolk has a charming moat that surrounds three-quarters of the property, a Willow tree that frames the water and a wooden Monet-style bridge that crosses the moat?

Beeston is a town in Nottinghamshire, England, 3.4 miles south-west of Nottingham city centre. To the immediate north-east is the University of Nottingham’s main campus, University Park. 

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Design Views: The Appeal Of ‘All-Wood Kitchens’

“During moments of crisis people return to natural materials.” And indeed, after a year in which most of us have clocked more time than ever in our home kitchens, the tide has turned toward materials that feel rustic, rough-hewn, and intensely comforting.

“We try to use as much wood as clients will let us,” admits Aujla of the material that has been fundamental to the Green River Project ethos from the jump. The firm recently outfitted a kitchen in New York’s Rockaway, Queens, neighborhood, with coffee-stained lauan and mahogany. “The rougher the wood, the harder it is to clean, but it has a much warmer feel and a softer touch,” explains Bloomstein, who paired the natural material with stainless steel in heavier-use areas to make cleaning easier. The look, he admits, requires a rather adventurous client.

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Lakefront Villa Tours: Lake Iseo, Lombardy, Italy

On the shores of Lake Iseo, at the foot of the Alps and right in front of Monte Isola, 16th-century manor villa with botanic park. The building, over 1,500 sqm, is the typical noble villa with ample frescoed halls, huge windows and direct view over the lake.

With a total of 9 bedrooms (and the possibility of creating more) the property is well suited both as a private residence and as an accommodation business.

The botanic garden, a masterwork by the biologist Fenaroli who here experimented if it was possible to cultivate kiwi in Italy, covers 2.1 hectares and is home to peculiar and exotic plants.

Lake Iseo or Iseo lake, also known as Sebino, is the fourth largest lake in Lombardy, Italy, fed by the Oglio river. It is in the north of the country in the Val Camonica area, near the cities of Brescia and Bergamo. The lake is almost equally divided between the Provinces of Bergamo and Brescia.