A modern stone farmhouse in South Africa

On the outskirts of the town of Marble Hall in South Africa, bordered by natural bush, this modern family home references the raw, simple beauty of traditional South African farm architecture. With its solid stone and concrete walls, the house turns its back on the public providing protection for the private areas within. Still with all its solidity and mass the spaces within are surprising light and open. House Kleynhans by Pretoria-based Thomas Gouws Architects.

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A mountain cabin in Northern Italy

My mother is from Northern Italy and it is at the top of my travel wish list to visit (I was there once, too long ago to remember). When the opportunity does arise, I want to stay RIGHT HERE. This mountain cabin by architect Alfredo Vanotti is one of the most incredible homes I have ever seen - inside and out. A mix of concrete and wood surrounded in stone, with a magnificent view of the Italian Alps....I die. (Photos: Marcello Mariana)

And to my fellow Canadians, HAPPY CANADA DAY!

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Sensual simplicity

If my last post had you averting your eyes in horror perhaps something more monochromatic, more soothing is in order. If you prefer your colour limited to discrete pops and not as a rollicking riot then this home on the Rue St Sauveur, Paris may be more to your liking. Sensual sophistication tempered by rustic chic and artisan industrial by Patricia Miyamoto Architecture.

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Set in stone

This is about as rustic as it gets. Among stone walls and olive groves deep within the countryside of Salento, Southern Italy this 18th century home of architect Luca Zanaroli and his family is absolutely breathtaking. The simplicity of the interior draws your attention to the beauty of the architecture inside and the exterior beauty of the stone surrounded by lush vegetation. (Photos: Max Zambelli)

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La Micheline

It's Wednesday. Hump day. Time for a virtual getaway to the Ardennes region of Belgium, to La Micheline, an old railway station now a holiday home set amongst meadows. If the impressive renovation and rebuild using bluestone, rough hewn wood and concrete isn't enough to get your design juices running there's even an old railway line with trolleys. The gîte is the creation of architectural photographers Anne and Jean-Luc Laloux and is a sister property to La Classe which we featured here.

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