my scandinavian home: to rent

Your very own dream island hide-away

Located off Bruny Island in southern Tasmania, this small island formerly belonged to a writer, painter and poet. And now a family has transformed it into Satellite Island, an off the grid hide-away in untamed Tasmanian wilderness. Your own private island to share with family and friends where you can wake to the sound of sea birds, fish from the boathouse jetty, explore the waters by kayak or simply enjoy the scenery from a deckchair (guh!). Oh and did I mention the beautiful rustic vibe of the summer house and boathouse? The only real way to finish the day would be to watch the sunset with a glass of chilled Tasmanian wine - don't you think?! Can someone please whisk me away here?

Source: these beautiful pictures were taken by Kara Rosenlund and shared with kind permission.

I mean, could you imagine?!

I wish I could say - and I'm holding a give-away to stay here for a week.... hahaha! I don't think I'd be able to give the prize away if this was the case?! But maybe we could share it?! Satellite Island are you listening?

Now this might sound crazy, but there are a few ideas to steal from this beautiful haven (hey, Tasmania's far away, it's nearly the weekend, we can do tropical too, right?):

Bedroom: source Kilim rugs to overlap here. Kitchen: industrial white pendant light, white Tolix chairs. Sitting room: source beautiful denim blue stonewashed linen by the metre here (how's that for a quick update for an old sofa?!). Bedroom 2: find stonewashed linen bedding in these shades here.

In need of more 'paradise' inspiration? - I'm also loving an ethereal beach house on St Barths, a villa in tropical gardens in Brazil, and a long term favourite of mine - a little touch of paradise on Mykonos. And yes, you can stay at all of them! Which one first?!

I'll leave you to dream!

Exotic meets boho in a Bali pool villa

Dreaming of a touch of paradise after a long week? I love the relaxed vibe of this pool villa near the surfers paradise of Batu Bolong beach, Canggu, Bali, Indonesia. Set among palms and lush tropical surroundings, it's been designed so the indoors and out merge into one - with a covered terrace encompassing a sitting room, dining area and an amazing outdoor bathroom. The decor is inspired by 'Mexico and the exotic east' giving the villa a distinct bohemian touch. Aaaaannnd? It's available for rent through Australian swimwear brand Fella - race you to it?

Fella Villa

Guh! I'd swap my indoor shower for this beautiful outdoor shower any day of the week. I once dedicated a post to showering al freso - so wonderful! I also love this outdoor bath and for something more modern, this shower!

Not quite warm enough or not got the outdoor space for bathing al fresco? This, this and this bathroom will make you feel you're bathing outdoors even in the heart of the city - heaven!

A few items I love from this Bali villa: wooden bar stools, pick up a selection of vintage handmade kilim cushions/ pillows here (for brighter colours try this shop), rugs (this one is especially lovely!) and poufs (this one!). I love this mid-century credenza. Rustic ladder.

A few other lovely holiday home rentals to be browsed- with some of my favourites including a Brazilian escape, an ethereal beach house in St Barths and a vintage inspired home in Australia. Who needs work anyway?!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Incidentally I'm working on an intensive photo shoot early next week (exciting!). I'm going to do my best to blog but the posts might be a little erratic so bear with me!

FILED UNDER: Holiday homes International homes rentals swimming pool to rent

Holiday at this Brazilian escape in lush tropical gardens?

Someone stop me, I can't stop sharing tropical hide-aways. This is the third in two weeks (see the others here and here). Soon I'm going to have to change the blog name to 'Scandinavians on holiday'. In this case the escape (or your next little piece of paradise?) is in the form of 'The Fogo Residence' a few minutes walk from Quadrado in the heart of Trancoso, Southern Bahia, Brazil. The home is split between a main villa and a pool house and decorated with a beautiful mix of local materials, wood, whitewashed walls and furniture, with one-off items designed by local craftsmen and artists to give the home a quirky bohemian vibe. It also 'has a bright blue infinity pool surrounded by lush tropical gardens' says Kid & Coe, the rental agent. And I'm sure I see a caipirinha with my name on it too.....how about you?

The Fogo Residence - Kid & Coe

So beautiful - and relaxing!

Could you imagine a fortnight here?!

Get the look (yes, really!)....rattan lampshades, round (I also like this reversible one) and oblong jute mat. White linen by the yard, vintage driftwood coffee table. This sunlounger is similar. .....pool optional!

I also love this Brazilian pool villa escape and beach house - beautiful!

Have you been to Brazil? I'm thinking it's time....

Have a dreamy day!

PS Today I have a live radio interview about with On the House at 7.30 am PST (if you feel like checking-in!).

FILED UNDER: Holiday homes International homes rentals to rent

Dream escape: an ethereal beach house on St Barths

How much would you love to jet off to an island with white powder beaches, turquoise sea and swaying palm trees right now? Your home for the fortnight (because a week just wouldn't be enough!) in the form of an ethereal white pool villa with touches of driftwood, sea-grass and rattan and the most beautiful terrace. Meet Villa Palmier, a little touch of paradise on the island of St Barths in the French West Indies created by Matt and Kate Holstein. This beach house ranks high up in the list of places I would love to stay one day (yes, it's available to rent - I know!), how about you?! For now though, let's dream....

Villa Palmier. Photos: Kate Holstein, found via Dust Jacket / Design Sponge with thanks.

Guh!!!

Do I even need to ask if you can imagine holidaying here?!

And just how cute is that doggy?!

Get the look (yes, really!): Sea photographic print by Kara Rosenlund, source benches and tables made from driftwood here, banana fibre pouf, panama hat, basket beach bag, sea grass belly basket. rustic stool, white Marshall speakers. Off white linen rug. And of course, a hammock!

Other exotic escapes sitting there waiting for you include a little touch of paradise on Mykonos and a Brazilian pool villa. Where do I even start?! And although not available to rent, the ethereal home of Kara Rosenlund is all the evidence we need that it's possible to get an exotic vibe in our own home!

While we're in the moment, it's worth taking a peek at Annika Von Holdt's instagram snaps of the Bahama's (I know it's another island but....) - when she's not in the Bahama's she at her Copenhagen home - either way.... And (just cos I hear you) here's some pool and beautiful ocean inspiration too. If you close your eyes you can almost feel the warm sun and cool salt water on your skin.

Roll on summer!

Have a dreamy day!

FILED UNDER: Holiday homes International homes rentals swimming pool to rent

A fabulous grey Australian holiday home

Smoke grey. It's broody, it's romantic, it's dramatic. And I love it. Swedish interior style queen Lotta Agaton has made no secret that grey is the colour of 2014. At first I wasn't sure but having already seen this home, and now this fantastic Australian home found on beautiful blog the Style Files, I'm totally sold, how about you? Ellis House is owned by Tracie Ellis founder of textile company Aura Home. Located in Kyneton, Australia, the renovation of the 1860's home was inspired by 'luxurious simplicity'. And the great news? It's available to rent (remember this Australian home too?) - when I finally make my dream trip to Australia I'm not going to be short of beautiful holiday homes to choose from!