Castello di Vicarello

"At Castello di Vicarello history lives on each path, in each stone and every wall sings a song of the ancient past."

Crowning a hilltop amidst olive groves in southern Tuscany is a fairy tale castle come to life. But this castello is no dream. It's a rustic luxe retreat that will sweep you up in its history, embrace you in its family's arms and spoil you rotten with its quirky luxury. Aurora and Carlo Baccheschi Berti have restored the ruins of the twelfth century castle over many years and now play host to lucky guests who have the choice of seven luxury villas and suites. Rooms are filled with exquisite antiques and furniture and artifacts from the family's life in Indonesia. As for the gardens and views. Sigh. A truly once in a life time experience. One day. One day I will go.

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Stalking muted elegance

Refined and elegant, muted colours and old family antiques, stunning views and a pool perched on the edge of the valley. Glen Athan at Berry in the Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales. A 105-acre retreat with a house that blends Australian heritage design with contemporary luxury. Love the wide rustic floor boards, the tongue and groove walls, the wonderful old 12 pane windows and the view. An impressive family pile. For sale here while the link lasts. One would need lots of new money to buy this old money farmhouse.

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Midcentury dream

My posts today seem to be about the view. Life would be very pleasant poolside in this Albert Frey home in Palm Springs. Fabulous photography by Jason Madara. Now where's my drink? I'll have another one please.

Stalking the endless views

Perched on the rolling hills behind the coastal playground of Byron Bay in Northern New South Wales is a recently built Queenslander style home. Verandahs circle the living space, reaching out to the view. It is all about the view. Casual, colourful, laid back. Living here would be like being on holidays all year round. I'll be taking drinks by the pool. Be a dear and bring one down to me. Link here while it lasts.

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Cliffhanger

Hanging from the edge of Signal Hill in Cape Town is a house for the 21st century, Head 1843 Fresnaye. Breath taking views are captured from a luxurious pool terrace. A fantasy for the entertainer with pavilion, pool and alfresco dining area. Perhaps the show stopper is the cantilevered fireplace shelf. No I take that back. The show stopper is the infinity pool with views to ... well, infinity. Antoni Associates have refurbished a SAOTA designed house and taken it to a new level. It's conspicuous wealth but oh my it's sexy in a James Bond parasailing from the pool edge, explosions and pouty Bond girl left pining pool side sort of way.

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