Month: August 2023 Page 1 of 2

Contemporary 8-bed home in historic woodland of Burnham Beeches (UK), £15,000,000

On 30 August 2023

In Contemporary, Europe, Large grounds, luxury, Nature, UK

The main entrance hall provides a stunning introduction into the house

The beautifully-designed 8-bed contemporary home sits within around 10 acres on the edge of Burnham Beeches, an area of woodland much-loved by nature enthusiasts. This property has been designed to complement its location and the emphasis from the entrance hall is on light and space, simplicity with elegance and, above all, convenient living.

Double-height, open-plan living spaces are ideal for the way modern families like to share time

The main ground floor living space is vast open-plan living, complete with a double-height space for the kitchen, dining and lounging area. All is basking in the wash of nature and light from the full-length windows and seems perfectly suited for casual entertaining.

The sleek, modern kitchen is as attractive as it is functional

The kitchen is neat yet full of all the latest modern appliances, with plenty of space for food preparation and the gathering of hungry guests.

Clever design makes the formal dining room seem to float

For more formal dining – especially with guests you want to impress – there is the ‘floating’ dining room, encased in glass and almost floating on water as it juts out of the main house.

The private Members’ club is a real asset within this luxurious house – but you’ll have to stock the bar yourself!

After-dinner drinks can be taken at the ‘private Members’ club’. This glorious feature feel exclusive and opulent; it’s sure to delight and entrance your guests.

The home cinema is fitted with enormous comfortable chairs

For a more family-friendly evening of entertainment, the home cinema room makes for a well-designed and very comfortable place to curl up with a favourite film. Once again, this space is tucked away, courtesy of clever internal architecture design.

No Members’ club is complete without a pool table

There is also a pool table and a cigar room, making this property well-suited to an owner who enjoys entertaining over long evenings. There are also multiple living rooms, in addition to the main open-plan areas, which allows for family members to have their privacy too, as required.

Bedrooms make enthusiastic use of windows to help nature soothe your sleep

Climb up the beautiful core staircase to find the principal bedroom suite alongside five further double bedroom suites, all of which are spacious and washed with the light and greenery of the grounds.

Survey the beautiful gardens from a prominent bathing spot

Their attached bathrooms are well-equipped and feature the expected luxury of a standalone bath with a superb view. There are, of course, showers for those moments when a quicker wash is preferred.

The study is quite a marvel, complete with a library and areas for displays

This house is incredibly well designed for those expecting to work from home, with a large study and a double height library with plenty of storage and display facilities.

The study area has ample space to be set up as required, depending on profession

While windows let the light wash in, large terraces across both levels of the main house allow for residents to spill out and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Lots of terrace space across both floors encourages getting outside to enjoy the landscape

The grounds are a real feature of this eye-catching property, with a Chelsea award-winning designed garden featuring a reflective pond. There is also space for garaging multiple vehicles and a separate 2-bed lodge that can serve as staff accommodation or to house guests.

The reflective pool is just one feature of the artistically designed gardens

The grounds also house the sports complex where an elegant swimming pool and sauna are joined by a spacious home gym, ideal for those who like to work-out without having to leave the house. There is also a tennis-court in the garden – your Wimbledon inspiration can find an outlet!

A well-sized swimming pool and a gym are within the on-site sports complex

The grounds offer wonderful privacy and views across to Windsor Castle, as well as towards Burnham Beeches itself. The house is close to Burnham village, a pretty place that has plenty of local shops and pubs and a weekly market. Half a mile from the village is the station, which provides connections to London. The property is within easy reach of the M40 or M4 and Heathrow Airport is just 12 miles away.

You may just believe you are living in your own museum…

Source: RightMove

Marketed by Sotheby’s International Realty, London

8 bedroom detached house for sale in Burnham Beeches SL2 (rightmove.co.uk)

Unique contemporary 7-bed, Oxfordshire (UK), £4,850,000

On 28 August 2023

In Contemporary, Large grounds, Nature, UK

This unique and eye-catching property, Far End, is nestled in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds in the village of Kingham. Not for nothing is this an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Far End itself is also a thing of beauty, with the oak-clad building providing a vibrant alternative to locally-used Cotswolds stone yet blending seamlessly into the countryside that surrounds this property.

Contemporary property in a glorious rural setting

Approach the house via a long gravel driveway that leads to a large parking space. If you’re into fun trivia, you’ll like the fact that this property is insulated with sheep’s wool, giving it an energy efficiency rating of A! The exterior may be subtle but the interiors are bolder, with bright spaces and large windows chiming with the design to make the space feel museumesque in places.

There is grandeur in the impressive simplicity of the layout

Accommodation is spread across four floors, with the hub of the shared living spaces being the kitchen and breakfast room, that rolls into a living and dining space.

So many windows will make you feel every meal is taken al-fresco

The elegant Bulthaup kitchen is equipped to perfection with a large stainless steel preparation island and dining area that basks in the surroundings courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows allowing the greenery to almost seep indoors.

Spacious living spaces are multiple in number to suit a mixed-aged household

The other end of this large open-plan space has a sitting area complete with a built-in log burner and a heat-retaining stone wall to help keep the property warm during the cooler months.

The mixture of open-plan rooms with cosier areas is a comfortable blend

The lower ground floor provides an additional space that can easily be adapted to suit the new owners’ preferences. This space is currently a media room with a drop-down screen and space for a built-in projector, storage rooms, an exercise room and shower. The space could also be turned into a studio or a study, or even a staff apartment depending on need.

Elegant bedrooms boast superb views, many of which have access to terraces

Floors one and two are where five of the seven bedrooms can be found, including the luxurious master bedroom suite that includes a dressing area and an adjacent balcony for soaking in the serenity of the landscape.

Everyone loves a modern standalone tub!

There are bathrooms a-plenty to fulfil the needs of a full house, with both baths and showers available in the sleek modern amenities.

The guest cottage could be rented out or suit an elderly relative

In addition to the main house is a guest cottage which comprises of a reception hall, sitting room and well-appointed kitchen/breakfast room. The fully fitted kitchen, adorned with marble work surfaces and a double Belfast sink, is no poor relation to the main house and the space boasts charming views over the grounds and beyond.

Wood-burning stove helps to keep rooms cosy, in addition to the sheep’s wool insulation

On the first floor of the cottage are two spacious bedrooms and a bathroom – ideal for visitors or even an elderly parent – and the whole separate structure is finished in the same chic style as the main house and gains from lovely terraces for al-fresco dining.

Terraces surround both the main house and the cottage to provide outdoor dining options

The gardens (this is a 3 acre site) have been artfully landscaped to absorb the the existing mature trees but add in lawns and pockets of wildflowers. The grounds also contain an orchard, a potting shed and greenhouse, all of which have signs of life already and so ready for a keen gardener to take over.

A sauna on the swimming pond – how Scandi is that?

There is also a natural swimming pond sitting alongside a standalone wood-fired sauna – could there be a better way to start or end the day enmeshed in nature on your own property?

The children’s play area is a real bonus for a young family

To complete the well-rounded exterior package is a level grass area (ideal for croquet or to add a tennis court?) while a playground and a trampoline provide endless entertainment for the smaller people of the household.

It’s a house you’ll be proud to call home

Far End is within the village of Kingham on the Gloucestershire/Oxfordshire border. There is a primary school, two popular gastro pubs (The Kingham Plough and The Wild Rabbit) and a hotel in the village, alongside amenities such as a post office and shop. Further afield, parents will find an array of excellent private and state schools (including Kitebrook in Moreton-in-Marsh, Cheltenham College, Cheltenham Ladies College, Oxford schools, the Cotswold School in Bourton-on-the-Water, and Burford School)

It may be time to hire a gardener..

It is easy to access the national motorway network via the A40 or A44 and Kingham’s mainline railway station provide trains to Oxford, London Paddington, and Worcester. The closest airports for travelling further afield are at Birmingham (47 miles), Heathrow (70 miles), and Bristol (76 miles).

Source: RightMove

Marketed by Savills, Stow-On-The-Wold

7 bedroom detached house for sale in West End, Kingham, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 (rightmove.co.uk)

5-bed Dubai Bugatti Penthouse, £31,605,360

On 25 August 2023

In Contemporary, Dubai, High rise, luxury, Middle East, Nature, seaview

This new building will be sleek, impressive and impeccably-designed for luxurious living

One of the newest residential towers to grace Dubai’s skylines (as of May 2023 it was under construction) is the incredibly exclusive and luxurious Bugatti Residences by Binghatti Properties.

Across two towers are 182 units that range from 2-bedroom Cannes mansions to the 4-bedroom Monaco mansions, with the Sky Mansion Penthouse Collection providing the ultimate elite living: 11 mansions and a single upper penthouse.

Each property has more floor-space than assumed as designers limited the whole building to just 182 units

The spectacular exterior design of the Bugatti Residences is matched by the interior flourishes and a Residence within this property is definitely more wow-your-friends than cosy-ing down with a cuppa.

The entrance alone is enough to wow whoever is fortunate enough to be seated alongside you in your Bugatti

Best to arrive in your Bugatti, which can be whisked up and parked within the largest of the Residences for the complete James Bond experience. The units – just 3/4 to each level – optimise the location and the light (with more windows than walls) and internal architecture is more akin to museum pieces than your average pad.

The living space is vast – both tall and wide – and revels in the majesty of the view

A vast living space is matched by an elegant and fully-fitted kitchen that spills into the dining area, with open-plan living the ideal way to celebrate the space and the views in these elite units.

The kitchen is well-equipped and cleverly designed, although undoubtedly the night life of Dubai may be more tempting than cooking

Bedrooms are vast and exceptionally well-finished, with blackout blinds that ensure the spectacle of the sunrise doesn’t startle you awake each morning.

Bedrooms boast as much space as the living areas and will ensure high-rise life never feels restrictive

You may be close to the sea on all sides, but you’d surely prefer to swim in your private pool while watching Dubai rush about it’s business outside the window/walls.

A morning swim in your personal pool as Dubai wakes up out the huge windows will be a treat

The bathrooms are beautifully designed and deliver the effortless elegance seen across the whole building. As one would expect these days, the standalone tub delivers the ideal location for bathing while marvelling at the location and the blue blue sky.

No, not an art piece but a standalone bath with a stand-out view

When you can bear to leave the serenity of the majestic unit, jump into your Bugatti and take the lift back down to the ‘real world’. The Residences are ideally located for the main business district of the emirate of Dubai, Business Bay, and is close to Al Khail Road and Sheikh Zayed Road. The neighbouring areas of Al Wasl and Downtown Dubai provide the bars and eateries and a bit of buzz when needed. For getting in and out, Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport is a 30-minute drive away.

Source: RightMove

Marketed by Aeon & Trisl Real Estate Broker LLC, Dubai

5 bedroom apartment for sale in Dubai, UAE / Dubai (rightmove.co.uk)

Striking Cornish waterfront 6-bed home (UK), £4,500,000

On 23 August 2023

In Contemporary, Europe, luxury, Nature, seaview, UK

A stunning property in a stunning location

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty deserves a house of beauty, which is just what the striking Pieds Dans L’Eau provides, sitting pretty overlooking the Fowey estuary in South Cornwall.

The unique house was designed by the acclaimed West Country architects Harrison Sutton and provides a luxurious family home with an additional separate annex that basks in the glorious views in this sought-after part of the UK.

Well-designed to combine luxurious contemporary living with a style that complements the natural splendour of the surrounding area

Approach this eye-catching property via a private drive (electric gates and CCTV) for spacious outdoor parking areas in addition to a garage and boat store, the latter pretty crucial as the property boasts access straight onto the water.

Direct access to the water makes this property ideal for passionate watersports fans

The main living space is quite splendid to behold, with windows maximising the light and the stunning setting while the interior design delivers sympathetic tones. All is elegant, modern and incredibly comfortable – and admire the sofas too, because contents can be included in the sale if desired.

Bright, welcoming living space opens onto the terrace

As with so many homes, life is bound to hum around the kitchen, which is open plan and allows for socialising while meals are prepared and shared. With more windows than walls, the space is light and practically in the estuary. The kitchen facilities are modern, neat and selected with the passionate home-cook in mind.

Guests will gather around the elegant kitchen space as you prepare them a feast

There is also a separate, more formal dining space for when you want to really impress your guests. The warmer tones in this lovely room suit winter evenings, albeit still with an outside-in feel courtesy of wood-paneling and the vast windows.

Grander meals are given a warmth by the wood-panelling in the formal dining room

When the evenings are less formal, the cinema room provides a plush and impressive space to watch movies or catch up on the boxsets. It’s also a cosier living space for when the evenings draw in.

Darker tones make the cinema room feel closer to the big-screen experience

Entertaining will, of course, involve the outdoor space when the weather allows, and this property has various terraces for dining within the landscaped gardens. It goes without saying that being outside will be hard to resist, considering the location and the views available from this incredible property.

Multiple terraces and balconies, in addition to the landscaped garden, ensure owners can be outside as much as they wish

There are six bedrooms, all of which are en suites and many with their own balconies to provide a space to enjoy the morning and evening sunshine a short hop from bed.

Now that’s a view to get you out of bed on a sunny morning…

The master bedroom comes with a neat and useful walk-in wardrobe/dressing area and each of the rooms have their own distinct style while sharing their celebration of the natural splendor of the area.

Walk-in wardrobe included, complete with shelves and drawers to allow for clarity in organisation

In addition to the en-suites, there are two more bathrooms and all are complete with a range of washing options to keep the whole household happy when it comes to shower vs bath. All are impeccably finished and impressive.

Simple yet elegant, bathrooms are plentiful for a busy household

A home office is surely a spot where the distractions will be many – try to concentrate on the emails as the water traffic chugs by and the sun glints off the estuary waves! It’s beautifully designed and laid out for ease of use amid the elegance, like so much of this property.

The home-working space is certainly more appealing than many a dingy office block

This property comes with a separate guest annex, which has been finished to the same high standard as the main house and could be turned to multiple uses. The current owner is using one space as a gym/yoga studio, which could also be transformed into an artists studio or even used as an additional working space, depending on need.

Being by the water adds instant serenity to activities such as yoga in your own private studio

The property is located very close to the Bodinnick Ferry, which provides access to Fowey’s town centre for those trips when owners want to leave their own boat at home.

The closest airport is 30 miles away in Newquay, while international connections need to be picked up at Exeter Airport (85 miles). There is a train station at Par (10 mins drive) or St Austell (25 mins); both are on the Great Western Railway route which connects Cornwall with London, Scotland and the Midlands.

The interiors are airy, comforting and yet still impressive

Fowey, situated at the mouth of the River Fowey, is a port town and very popular with sailing enthusiasts, playing host to various maritime events. There are lots of other activities, including the Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature (Daphne du Maurier is a famous ex-resident), a museum, aquarium and St Catherine’s Castle. The Eden Project is just 7 miles away.

It’s no wonder that tourists flock to pretty Fowey – you could call it home

There are two primary schools and a local secondary school in Fowey, while independent schools can be found slightly further afield: in Truro, Plymouth or Launceston. For daily living, the town has shops, banks, boutiques, bars, delicatessens, and restaurants, as well as medical provisions and a library.

Source: RightMove

Marketed by John Bray & Partners, Rock

7 bedroom house for sale in Pieds Dans L Eau, Fowey, PL23 (rightmove.co.uk)

Spectacular farmhouse for horse lovers, Malta, £3,459,286

On 21 August 2023

In Europe, Historic, Horses, Large grounds, Nature, Traditional, Wedding venue

A slice of natural serenity on the beautiful island of Malta

This spectacular farmhouse is set on five acres of breathtaking countryside on the outskirts of Birzebbugia. Crucially, it’s tailor-made for those who are seeking an equestrian lifestyle – the property has horse stables, a track, tack room, and horse jacuzzi. For post-horse activities, the house is restored to a comfortable, impressive standard, providing the ideal place to rest and restore before another day of outdoor activities.

Old-style stone property ensures the mansions its comfortably in the rural surroundings

The farmhouse melds thoughtfully into the landscape and contains living accommodation across two floors. The ground floor is where owners will find the space for a family, with bedrooms, living and dining space and a generous kitchen.

Traditional tiled floor and wooden beams make the interiors warming and classically charming

The traditional tiled floor and other characterful features gives the farmhouse a sense of warmth and Maltese comfort, albeit one updated to suit modern living.

The larger of the two kitchens is incredibly well-equipped with ample prep space

The upper floor is currently in use as a separate one bedroom flat, with plenty of cooking, living and dining space for a single person or a couple. This may suit multi-generational households, or new owners may like to transfer the rooms to create one large, two-storey home.

An apartment has its own living and dining space – ideal for a single person who craves their privacy

The second floor also comes with the benefit of slight elevation for more of the stunning views across the valley. There are well-positioned windows and balconies for watching the sun set over the surrounding valley.

Admiring the views from the upper storeys are a stunning way to start or end the day

Alternatively, sunsets may be enjoyed from the ‘human pool’ that is surrounded by neat and cared-for gardens (automated watering systems help with that!), with views across the orchard and the three reservoirs across the 5 acre site. You can rest assured, the property is incredible secure, with 16 security cameras keeping a close eye on the whole property.

The pool – this one for people – is much-needed during the height of Maltese summer

In addition to the stables and the potential for an equestrian business, this property also has a fully-functional venue hall that is ideal for all sorts of events. There is a sound system, bar, barbecue and ovens, plus a separate kitchen. The venue hall has a permit for to hold a whole range of functions such as wedding parties, meetings, and other celebrations, which could add a useful additional element to a business.

The events hall provides all needed amenities plus the bonus of a beautiful view

This incredible farmhouse is located in Birzebbuga, which is a popular seaside town and attracts visitors to its sandy beach, Pretty Bay, and the important archaeological sites, including Ghar Dalam and Borg in-Nadur.

The farmhouse can be easily accessed from the airport, which could help attract guests and customers to any business venture

In terms of getting in and out, the farmhouse is close to Marsaxlokk and approximately 8 miles (13 kilometres) from the capital Valletta. The international airport is less than 4km away, from where flights to most corners of the world can be caught.

Source: RightMove

Marketed by Cluttons, London

3 bedroom house for sale in Birzebbuga, Malta (rightmove.co.uk)

Sleek 7-bed renovation in heart of Mayfair (UK), £35,000,000

On 18 August 2023

In Historic, London, luxury, UK

Mayfair, one of London’s most exclusive areas, has some hidden gems of history, such as this atmospheric Grade II listed property on Brick Street. As one would hope for the price tag, the interior has been given an incredible renovation and now boasts a most unique living and entertaining space across three floors.

Chic modern interiors contrast with the historic exterior of the property

Despite the density of buildings in this area of London, the owners of this property will have no problem parking (there is underground parking spaces) and will be swept into the majestic comfort of this 12,900sq ft of luxury.

A spectacular and well-equipped kitchen is a dream for the home cook

The kitchen is one of the most spectacular aspects of the property, with high ceilings to allow for a sense of grandeur that emanates from the modern fittings, the ample seating space, the whiff of Michelin-starred restaurant that washes around this home culinary oasis.

The generous, light-filled dining room provides a more formal place to dine

For the times when meals don’t want to be held within the aromatic smells of the kitchen, there is a grand, bright dining room with a view out onto the courtyard. An open-plan style sees the room linking seamlessly through to a sitting area to make the whole floor ideal for entertaining guests.

Is there a better way to catch up on your favourite series?

Guests can round off the evening with a movie in the opulent yet cosy home cinema, while the family can curl up to really enjoy the boxsets over a lazy weekend in this superb space.

The beautifully-designed swimming pool is a great feature of this unique home

For more active entertainment, why not descend a floor to take a dip in the beautifully-designed swimming pool? The use of windows and mirrors alongside a skylight give the space plenty of natural light during daytime and the area provides a serene place for lapping.

The seven bedrooms are spread throughout the property; all generously-sized

There are seven bedrooms spread across this property and all are generously-sized to provide comforting privacy needed in a busy house in the heart of a dynamic city.

The unique courtyard is a space for dining within the very walls of London’s history

Another slice of harmony can be found in the private, gated courtyard which the house wraps around. This has been designed for al-fresco dining complete with patio heaters but could also be turned into a mini garden with potted plants or raised beds, as per the new owners’ preferences.

The courtyard off the kitchen could be turned to grass or with raised beds for those who prefer the green

The property also has staff accommodation to provide on-site comfort to those people who will become critical in maintaining the glorious luxury of this truly special home.

Brick Street is located in the heart of Mayfair, a few moments from Hyde Park and Green Park for those in need of green, open spaces. Nearby are some of the best boutiques, art galleries, designer labels stores and cafes, not to mention some of the city’s best restaurants – this is living in the beating heart of cosmopolitan London.

Transport connections are a-plenty. There is a London Underground station nearby which provides easy access to any of the main stations for travelling nationwide. The closest, largest international airport is London Heathrow, 15 miles away, with the journey time of 50 minutes by car. London City Airport can be accessed in 40 minutes by public transport.

Source: RightMove 7 bedroom terraced house for sale in Brick Street, Mayfair, London, W1J (rightmove.co.uk)

Marketed by Savills, Mayfair

9-bed Lake Como 1900s-style villa (Italy), £17,130,600

On 15 August 2023

In Europe, Historic, Italy, lake, Large grounds, mountains, Nature

We’ve all crossed Lake Como in a cramped boat and stared longingly at the waterside villas that whisper of 1900s elegance. Well now you can own one, just a stone’s throw from the famous Villa del Balbianello.

This 1900s villa is everything you imagined life in Como could be

This impressive 9-bedroom villa sits right on the water (with a private dock and pier) and is surrounded by a centuries-old park and large outdoor terraces. Living accommodation covers around 670 sq m across four floors, starting with the mezzanine level where a suite of entertainment spaces all boast superb views and are awash with fresh lake light.

The lake views and the grounds almost feel part of the interior space courtesy of large windows and doors

This floor also has impressive dining spaces that open onto the external terraces to allow dinner parties to spill outside to soak in the evening air and watch the lights glitter across the water.

The dining room has space for a vast table and opens onto a terrace, ideal for entertaining

Also on the lower floors is a gloriously old-fashioned kitchen with plenty of space for meals to be shared or long chats over food preparation.

The kitchens hark back to an older time – charming for some, others may want to modernise

There are multiple food preparation and eating spaces, as well as cosy living rooms alongside the grander drawing rooms that would have hosted visitors.

There is a plethora of choice when it comes to elegant reception rooms

The first and second floors of the main villa have six generously-sized bedrooms and six bathrooms. All are elegantly finished and optimise the location with multi-aspect windows.

Grand in their simple elegance, the bedrooms provide the comfortable private place to end a busy day

The bathrooms are something akin to art, with bold tiles to bring a vibrancy into the area for washing away a hot day on the lake.

Vibrant and iconic tiling makes this bathroom a real feature

The rooms go right up into the eaves and many have access to balconies for a private place to enjoy the view any time of the day or night. To reassure those already concerned about the stairs to these higher floors, an internal lift has been installed to connect three of the four floors of the villa.

Beds tucked up in the eaves could provide a fun room for the younger members of the family

In addition to the main villa, the property also has a separate outbuilding which currently serves as the caretaker’s house. This is a further 120 sq m of space and is divided on two levels with a billiard room and a guest house of 80 sq m (including a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen).

The perfect place for your new infinity pool perhaps?

The surrounding park has a space simply begging to be made into an infinity pool and is perfectly landscaped, with multiple levels and dining areas weaved in amid the luscious greenery

Al-fresco dining is sure to be a feature of life on the lake, as long as you don’t mind the envious stares of passing boat passengers

The property is grand and historic, but is in need of a tender renovation to prepare it for the luxurious lifestyle of the modern lake dweller. For those with the budget to cover the extra, this could become a fulfilling and exciting project, crafting a house of pure glamour and comfort in one of the most stunning and exclusive locations in Italy.

The private jetty leads directly up to the house, so the boat may become more useful than the car for zipping around

The villa is situated in Lenno, on the western shore of Lake Como, and joins a roll-call of splendid villas, including Villa Cassinella di Mantegazza and the incomparable Villa del Balbianello, built in 1787 by Cardinal Durini. Another historic building that makes for a beautiful walk on a cooler afternoon is the Acquafredda Abbey, which can be accessed via a path surrounded by olive trees.

Como is one of the most popular European destinations for good reason

Lenno is 27 km from Como (the main town on the lake), 34 km from Lugano and 75 km from Milan. The closest international airport to the property is Malpensa International Airport, 76km away.

Source: RightMove

Marketed by Knight Frank, Italy

9 bedroom villa for sale in Lombardy, Como, Lenno, Italy (rightmove.co.uk)

Sleek modern living inside a former water tower, Cardiff (Wales), £1,600,000

On 11 August 2023

In Contemporary, Europe, Historic, luxury, UK

Own this Grade II listed water tower and your modern-meets-historic property will be the talk of the neighbourhood

For something exceptional, historical yet stylish – not to mention award-winning architecturally – the Water Tower in Cardiff is hard to beat.

The classical features from this landmark Grade II listed building have been happily married to a sleek, contemporary internal design that maximises use of windows, light and space to deliver a spacious five-bedroom home that will thrill the lucky owner.

Original bricks have been mimicked in the modern sections of the house to ensure the whole property feels as one

A Total Home Technology System has been installed to provide that sought-after lifestyle of convenience and comfort: expect automated lighting and a Sonos sound system.

The kitchen has a glorious full-width window to keep the space light and bright

The ground floor reception rooms are all stylish, sleek and designed for ease of living. There is a spacious kitchen/breakfast area with a nearby utility room to hide away the white goods. There is a porcelain-tiled floor (with underfloor heating) and all the latest modern fittings and fixtures to make the kitchen – which has doors opening out to an external terrace – a natural hub of the house.

The dining space is intimate and classy – you may forget you’re not at a restaurant

Alongside the various dining areas, there is a comfortable living room with ample space for all the family and friends to gather. Even better, take them along to the cinema room and create the big screen experience in the comfort of your own home.

Curling up in the evening with a movie is going to get a lot more luxurious

Climb the stylish stairs that are bathed in natural light to find the five generous and smartly-designed bedrooms, two of which have en-suite bathrooms attached.

The five bedrooms are on the higher floors and have large windows to ensure they are bright and feel spacious

The bedrooms have the elegant effortless style of some of the world’s best hotels, although all maintaining their individual style. Of note is the room with bunk beds and a quirky modern design, demonstrating the range of interior design options for an owner keen to make their own mark.

Bedrooms can be playful too, with quirky window placing and some fun decor to suit younger family members

The second and third floors are occupied by the bedrooms and bathrooms, but climb further up to the tower to the fourth floor for one of the many sparkling gems in this idiosyncratic property. Yes, you’re very own bar.

It may be time to hire a bartender for your rooftop drinking establishment..

The bar has access (and more stairs) to reach the metaphorical and literal pinnacle of this glorious renovation: the roof terrace, complete with with fantastic 360 degree panoramic views over Cardiff and towards the Bristol Channel.

The top of the tower, now a roof terrace, provides unparalleled views across Cardiff

The gardens are landscaped and include a patio area for dining and entertaining outside when weather permits. All is secured behind electronic gates and the property sits on one of Cardiff’s most expensive residential streets – many properties cost over £1 million – in the suburb of Cyncoed. It’s close to Roath Park, with two of Cardiff’s most popular schools within easy reach (Cardiff High and Lakeside Primary), and there are a selection of pubs and restaurants in the vicinity (including one of Cardiff’s most loved Indian restaurants).

Mirrors and windows are used strategically throughout the property to optimise light levels and make this house feel larger than it is

The M5 motorway is a 15 minute drive away and nearby Heath has two railway stations for connections to Cardiff Central, from where trains to London take around 2 hours. For flights, Cardiff International Airport is a 45 minutes drive from the property.

Source: RightMove 5 bedroom detached house for sale in The Water Tower, Cyncoed , CF23 (rightmove.co.uk)

Marketed by MGY, Heath

20-bed cinephile mansion, Florida (USA), £9,075,230

On 8 August 2023

Each arrival at this 20-bed mansion is like the red carpet experience

If you’re a fan of the movies, this is a mansion you are going to want to get your hands on. The vast entrance way hosts your own, tall Oscar statuette to welcome you and your entourage to a palatial pad that is going to see you all lost in your favourite Hollywood daydream. Hold on tight as we take a look inside this truly unique house.

The movie theme covers every inch of the house, with the decor and design ideally suited to those who adore Hollywood

There is a maxed-out movie theme to every inch of this space and its more of an entertainment hub than a house, what with a bowling alley, indoor basketball half court, games room, a pool complete with a water slide and volcano, an outdoor tiki hut/bar for grabbing a beverage as well as an indoor bar and cinema for indoor fun.

A vast seating area next to the kitchen allows your many guests to mingle and graze

This is definitely a house to invite all your friends to, with 20 luxurious bedrooms, each themed after a different movie so your guests can stay the night in their own private Hollywood experience whether they see themselves as a Dorothy or a Marilyn. For that extra sparkle, the theme song plays the moment you step across the threshold of the bedroom. Yes, really.

“Oh Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore..”

With a houseful of guests, owners will be glad of the vast gourmet kitchen complete with four double refrigerators, two hobs, two double ovens and a wine cooler, all presented in a facility made sleek (but brightly-coloured) with modern European style cabinets and solid countertops.

The kitchen is colourful but stylishly fitted with the latest appliances to make cooking easy…well…depending for how many guests..

There’s ample informal seating around the kitchen area, but a grand dining area will comfortably seat thirty-seven for those larger feasts. And when full up and sleepy, save yourself having to roll down to the private cinema and use the screens embedded in the walls to start the latest blockbuster rolling inside your house.

Plenty of washing machines and driers will ensure you can cater to the needs of up to 40 guests

The house is primely located for all the thrills and spills of Florida, as and when you can bear to leave this fun hub. The Disney World parks are approximately 30 mins by car and a whole range of glorious beaches aren’t too far away.

The decor certainly echoes the spills and thrills available at the theme parks nearby in Orlando

Owners may also like to hire a management company and rent out this incredibly unique experiential property to the cinephiles that flock to Orlando. The returns can be vast – and it’s a way to share the joy of this splendidly bold and colourful explosion of a mansion.

Source: RightMove 20 bedroom detached house for sale in Florida, Polk County, Davenport, USA (rightmove.co.uk)

Marketed: Alistair Brown International Real Estate, Glasgow

Bold spectacular Suffolk pad (UK) nestled in nature, £3,500,000

On 4 August 2023

In Contemporary, Europe, Large grounds, Nature, UK

This award-winning home is carefully designed to harmonise with the glorious location

Elegance and quality are hallmarks of this exquisite property that occupies a sought-after patch on the edge of Aldeburgh, with calming views across the Suffolk coastal marshes and the tidal waters of the Alde River estuary.

The house was designed by Mole Architects (leaders in environmental and sustainable design) in 2015, with landscaping of the four-acre grounds by Todd Longstaffe-Gowans.

White and grey tones have been used to echo the colour of a herring gull’s wing

In fact, this house is award-winning: it won a RIBA East award in 2017 and the East Suffolk Council Quality of Place award in 2016. It was designed to meld seamlessly in the unique site, using a colour scheme of mainly whites and greys to echo the wing of a herring gull, with a distinctive Scandi influence.

The house is filled with an ideal blend of large open-plan spaces and the more intimate areas necessary for a harmonious family life. The entrance leads into a large living room that celebrates the glorious views as well as the stylish fireplace that will keep the winter chill at bay.

Open-plan living space is ideal for a family, with areas beautifully and naturally lit thanks to large windows

It’s a few steps down to the expansive kitchen that washes with light and bristles with elegance in its design. The flooring has been made with Norfolk flint, while the kitchen facilities have been designed for ease of cooking and entertaining, always with an eye on the view… There is even a large utility space, with access down to the basement (wine cellar, perhaps?).

The kitchen is designed for socialising, complete with a dining table and a communal island

The master bedroom is something of a masterpiece, occupying the whole of the first floor and boasting dramatic views through the picture windows and the glazed doors, which provide access to the terrace.

You may wake from slumber assuming it’s Scandinavia, not Suffolk

The warm, soothing Scandi-nature theme continues in the bedroom space and the accompanying bathroom with a vibrant tiled floor to gee you up in the morning.

The vibrant tiled floors add a splash of colour to the en-suite bathroom

And it goes on…there’s also an interconnected dressing room, complete with stylish full-height handmade stained-oak cabinetry and a study for those who like to roll from bed to work, although the space could be used as a nursey if needed?

Spaces are flexible – this study could be a nursery, ideal for new parents as the master bedroom is nearby

The other two double bedrooms are placed at the other end of the house, back down on the ground floor, and both maximise the use of windows to ensure they wash with light – and provide superb spots for watching sunsets (they have doors out into the garden too).

Step straight out from the bedroom into the wild beauty of the landscape

That brings the bedroom count up to 3, although there is another large and flexible space which could become bedroom 4. It’s currently used as a pottery studio and has a walk-in store room attached (an en-suite, perhaps?), with the glorious views a given out of the windows.

Artists will love the quality of the light in what current owners use as a pottery studio, but it could be a fourth bedroom?

You may have gathered that the location and the land are critical parts of this property. The outside space features paths that weave towards the river, with suitable spots on route for dining or sipping a glass of something soothing. For more formal dining, there are terraces closer to the house.

The surrounding landscape feels like a feature inside the house courtesy of thoughtful design

To complete the outside offerings, the land has an orchard and a selection of raised beds for growing vegetables and ensuring life here can be closer to the sustainability the soothing, natural setting makes you dream about. There is also a geodesic greenhouse for a further option to satisfy the green-fingered adventurer.

Owners can grow some mean vegetables in this geodesic greenhouse

The property is close to Aldeburgh, known as one of Suffolk’s most attractive coastal towns. Here you can find lots of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants lining the high street. There is also an independently run cinema (the oldest privately operated one in the country!) and Snape Maltings (home of the Aldeburgh Music Festival) is just five miles away.

Neat, elegant and welcoming, the style is subtle but incredibly soothing

Walkers will welcome to proximity to the River Alde at Brick Dock, where they can pick up a trail to Thorpeness. Further activities, such as sailing facilities, a golf course, a tennis club, a boating lake and a RSPB Minsmere reserve are all nearby.

The house, grounds and location are ideal for nature-lovers

When you have to leave the glorious local area and the stylish house, trains to London can be picked up at Saxmundham railway station (15 mins drive) and the journey takes around 2 hours. Norwich and Stansted Airports are both approximately 70 minutes by car.

Source: RightMove

Marketed by The Modern House, London

4 bedroom detached house for sale in Hazlewood, Aldeburgh, Suffolk, IP15 (rightmove.co.uk)

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