Ok, I admit it, I love to stay in nice hotels and there is something about not having to cook, doing the groceries and taking care of your home. But this summer I want to rent a house, a real summer house. I think of all the great literature and films that take place in summer houses, for example La Piscine with Alain Delon and Romy Schneider, based on the novel of the same name by Jean-Emmanuel Conil, where a summer long a house becomes the centerpoint of a plot.
You could also think about bringing your friends along and hosting them. Just imagine about long summer nights sitting on a verandah overlooking the ocean or you could be inspired for your own home when you come back and of course it could also be a new inspiration for your Instagram feed… We could go on and on for many good reasons to rent a place somewhere else.
BOUTIQUE-HOMES.COM is offering a very beautiful range of top locations which are edited by the architectural couple Heinz Legler and Veronique Lievre, who spend most of their life decorating hotels and private homes. They know exactly what guests are looking for and curate the homes they offer based on those aspects. And best of all, you always feel local when staying at a private home, whether it is a city apartment of a country house. Get familiar with your neighbourhood, visit a local farmers market and place some flowers onto your kitchen table and the place you are visiting will be soon be your own home.
IRMA selected her favorite ones to visit this summer:
MIRROR HOUSES, South Tyrol, Italy
Futuristic design, bold lines and dramatic views – these two sleek houses simply wow any visitor. Clad in mirrored glass, the facades reflect the surrounding Dolomite mountains to maximum effect, and the houses visually float above the landscape. We love the bright, open-plan living room and full-height glass walls that provide beautiful views of the surrounding apple orchards and mountains.
RACQUET CLUB ALEXANDER, Palm Springs, California
IRMA loves this classic modern house just outside of Palm Springs that takes design cues from Charles and Ray Eames and mixes them with minimalist Scandinavian design, natural textures, a neutral palette and punches of colour. The pool with views of the surrounding mountains and desert is great for relaxing or entertaining friends over a barbecue.
WEXLER HOUSE, Palm Springs, California
Bright, minimalist and airy, this simple bungalow is a Palm Springs classic, built by local legend Donald Wexler. The mid-century design details have been beautifully preserved and added to with a colorful collection of vintage inspired furnishings and decor. Did we mention there is a pool?
BEACH FRONT HOUSE, Eze, France
It doesn’t get any better than this! With your own private little pebble beach, this whitewashed villa has everything a home on the Côte d’Azur should have: terraces overlooking the azure ocean, leafy gardens and a simple but charming interior. Set on a rocky outcrop in Èze, the best of the Côte d’Azur is at your fingertips.
VILLA MIRAMAR, Théoule-sur-Mer, France
Picture yourself sipping a morning café au lait on the terrace overlooking the deep blue Mediterranean, dipping into the pool for a refreshing swim or hosting a dinner party in the spacious salon with dining room. This gorgeous villa set on a hillside in Théoule-sur-Mer, just north of Cannes, is the epitome of luxe French Riviera living.
CRUZ ALBA, Melides, Portugal
A true architectural gem, this is not for everyone, but architecture lovers will be delighted. The dramatic, gleaming white contemporary villa is a beautiful contrast to the natural beauty of the Serra do Grandola Valley. Set on 13 sprawling acres, this is a unique place for a quiet retreat, but not far from the beaches on the Atlantic coast.
SEA CABINS, Manshausen Island, Norway
We love the simplicity, the sense of adventure and the perfect location of these four striking waterside cabins, each built for maximum privacy and at the same time the best views. Overlooking the Steigen archipelago through floor-to-ceiling glass walls, they are perfectly integrated into the stunning natural surroundings. Inside, the beauty of simple functionality reigns – this is Scandinavian design at its finest.