A Cosy Beach Retreat In Inverloch, Australia

I actually wrote this feature a few months ago in the same week as a dreamy holiday let in Kefalonia (that pool!), a Mallorcan Finca and a Danish farmhouse. And today, with a touch of a chill in the air (is it the same where you are?) I thought we could all use a little 'beach retreat' dreaming! Inlet House is situated metres from magnificent Inlet beach in Inverloch, Victoria, Australia. Guests are invited to snuggle up on the sofa in front of a wood fire, or come summer, stroll on the beach before returning for a shower under the open sky. Sounds like heaven to me! Take a look through the pics, and decide for yourself whether you'll be adding this one to your travel list (perhaps I'll see you there!). 

How lovely - rain or shine! 

I guess the only question is, which book would you pack? 

I'm currently reading Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell - I can highly recommend it! 

Let's stay Down Under today with a look back at these wonderful residences (all available to book!):  

A cosy vintage-inspired holiday cottage on the Sapphire coast

A dreamy Swedish weatherboard cottage in Southern Australia

A rustic hideaway surrounded by rolling hills

And it's summer there right now too! 

Niki

PS I'll be back tomorrow with a rare Friday post - as I'd really like to share a few pics from my recent trip to a Danish castle! 

Photography by Marnie Hawson courtesy of Inlet House. 

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Dream weekend getaway: Le Viti Barn

The title of this post might be slightly misleading. This is only really a weekend getaway for those living in the vicinity of Byron's hinterland in Australia. For the rest of us, we'd need to book it for a month at least to make the long trip worthwhile. Count me in! Le Viti Barn is nestled among lush surroundings on a two-acre hilltop estate (the views, people, the views!), and combines rustic elements with a luxurious touch. Step through the large timber front door and you'll discover herringbone tiled floors, whitewashed walls, soaring ceilings and a bathroom worthy of a soak with a very high stack of books. And then there's the lovely outdoor setting from where you can watch the sunset over the rolling hills. What a perfect escape for two - or a small family. Scroll on to see more! 

What a dream! I could certainly escape the cold (we woke up to a dusting of snow today) for the Australian summer right now, how about you?

More info over at Byron Beach Abodes. Definitely one to add to the future travel list!

See more dreamy holiday rentals I love here. 

Well guys, that's it from me this week! Thanks so much for stopping by, I've loved reading all your comments and mails! 

Have a great weekend! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Byron Beach Abodes. 

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Settle: A Rustic Hideaway In A Former Railway Carriage & Boutique Cabin

I have a total weakness for rustic spaces, do you? I spotted this cosy gem of a retreat over at Desire to Inspire yesterday and fell in love! 'Settle' is a retreat in Norfolk, England created by John - who owns and runs a reclamation yard, and his partner Jo - a well-known floral designer.  The incredible resort offers guests a choice to unwind in rustic railway carriages, bell tents or a boutique cabin overlooking woodland and lakes. I'm particularly in enamoured by the railway carriages and cabin which combine earthy textures and heritage materials with contemporary comfort - so, it's just to turn up, light a fire, maybe run a bath (wait till you see the outdoor one!)... and relax. 

The carriages: 

My eye is on one of the three beautifully restored retired railway carriages. Each offer two berths, a lounge area with a wood burning stove as well as a bathroom and small kitchen - although you might prefer to cook supper over the lakeside fire pit! 

The Cabin

If you'd prefer something a little more spacious, there's also the boutique cabin which looks like something out of a magazine (actually scrap that - it has been in a magazine!). Hand built by Jo and John, the fully equipped cabin has everything you might need for a relaxing retreat - a real home from home! 

The questions is, would you go for the freestanding indoor bath, or the lakeside wood-burning tub? 

Meet you there? 

In case you're keen - hop over to Settle to find out more (or simply dream!). 

Shall we indulge our shared love of rustic further today? How about these cosy gems? 

Before and after: a dated cabin becomes a Scandic-inspired Colorado retreat

A cosy candlelit cabin in the Norwegian fjords

Leanne Ford's dreamy cabin

A charming A-frame cabin on the Danish island of Orø

Have a hyggelig day friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Settle, via Desire to inspire - with thanks. 

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Scandi Cool Meets Mediterranean Warmth in a Beautiful Mallorcan Finca

Have you ever been on holiday and dreamt of staying? For one Swede, this is exactly what happened! Annsofie Stendahl booked a one-month holiday to Mallorca in the Spanish Balearic Islands over 22 years ago. With the long, dark, cold Scandinavian winter looming, Annsofie couldn't bear to leave - and when her friends packed their bags, she made a spur of the decision moment to stay.  

Annsofie found an incredible finca in the countryside. Once a vineyard and farmhouse, the house had been lying dormant for over 70 years and required a huge amount of work. Annsofie rolled up her sleeves and set about transforming it into a wonderful oasis, which is also enjoyed by her husband Viking and son Loke. 

Today, the once derelict garden features a wonderful covered social area with bespoke corner seating built by a local carpenter and cushions from IKEA). The family also enjoy a lush pool and outdoor bar (because, why not?).  

There are lots of beautiful rattan lamps like these available here*. The table was picked up in Thailand. 

Inside, a fresh white Scandi cool palette meets the warmth of the Med. The living space is sparsely furnished with wonderful vintage pieces, many of which have been purchased in nearby Palma. 

I love the cool linens in the master bedroom - try Bemz for an identical white linen bed skirt* (available in different sizes), I've got this one in my bedroom and it's wonderful! 

The beautiful stone walls have been left exposed around the windows and other parts of the house, adding a load of texture and warmth and ensuring the Mallorca character shines through. 

Annsofie transformed a former wine cellar into an atelier from where she can paint and create ceramics. 

How wonderful! What a life they've made for themselves!

Could you imagine moving abroad? 

Many Scandinavians have made the island their home - a few of which I've featured in the past. Here are a few other wonderful homes to dream about today: 

A relaxed oasis in Mallorca - with a Finnish touch

Scandinavia meets the Med in a beautiful Mallorca Finca

A wonderful townhouse in Palma - owned by a Swede

I've mentioned many times before that my older sister lives in Mallorca, and whenever I visit, I'm always tempted to stay! We haven't been able to visit for over three years now, so I'm super excited that we're going to visit in a few weeks. Since we're a bit of a rowdy crowd (!) we decided to book our own villa in the same village rather than inflict ourselves on Charlie et al for an entire week! I can't wait to see them all as well and discover more of the island. I'm also excited about visiting some of the vintage stores in Palma. I think Per's praying I don't stumble across a huge ceramic pot or other large item to bring back home. Trust me, it happens! 

I feel there's a bit of a theme forming this week already (did you see yesterdays holiday home in Kefalonia?). I'm curious to see whether it continues... (you may have noticed this blog is very unplanned, I simply share what inspires me day to day!). 

Niki

Photography: Anna Malmberg 

Styling: Mari Strenghielm

Shared with kind permission. 

*affiliate links

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