The Barn

Dating from the 1820s this historic stone barn in Tasmania has been lovingly restored by its architect owners. The award winning conversion keeps as much of the existing building fabric as possible. "The original sandstone walls are exposed both internally and externally. The timber shingled roof and existing beams contrast with the new kitchen and bathroom insertion. The Barn is light and open, yet simultaneously cosy." Located in Hobart's CBD it's the perfect base for exploring the historic Australian city. It's definitely on my bucket list.

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A tale of two gardens

Two grand old homes in Sydney, two gardens full of delight. One, an entertainer's garden, sits on the harbour's edge and has an almost Mediterranean feel with stone and whitewash. The other, a green escape, cascades down a steep slope with a hint of mysterious rainforest. Both beautiful, both inspiring, both by Bates Landscapes.

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Hotel de Tourrel

Ever wonder why I'm obsessed with virtual getaways to cool hotels? Yes, of course, I like to escape the daily drudgery of work with a little daydream about relaxing by a pool or sipping cocktails with friends but I also love to squirrel away the design inspiration I get from the rooms. Today's escape is to Hotel de Tourrel, a 17th century palace in the heart of St.-Rémy-de-Provence, now a boutique hotel with seven suites. Add a roof top pool and a gourmet restaurant and I think we have the perfect Tuesday destination.

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Land of the long white cloud

New Zealand ... a spectacularly beautiful land. Which raises the question, if you live in a stunning setting what do you do with your house design? Do you give up and live in a nondescript building because it is all too hard? Do you go at it all guns blazing hoping to beat those goddamn majestic mountains down to size, show 'em who is boss or do you do what architects Sumich Chaplin have achieved with this Central Otago home? Build a strong, sympathetic building that celebrates its surroundings yet sits solidly, and peacefully, on the site.

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Locanda La Gelsomina - a hotel in Malta

A huge thanks to Steven, who reached out to us recently about his beautiful boutique concept hotel in Malta called Locanda La Gelsomina. What I would do to get a plane trip to Malta to be able to visit in person! The restored structure was built in the early 1500's and contains 4 suites decorated with antiques from places like Mongolia and Birma. It also houses a teahouse and a shop carrying exotic trinkets, home accessories and furnishings. Sounds and looks like heaven!

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