An Idyllic Rustic Retreat In Rural Andalucia

I have loved traditional  'fincas' since my sister moved to Mallorca over fifteen years ago. Often beautifully preserved, the delightful, rural stone farmhouses are designed to shield you from the midday sun - while providing sweeping views across the rural surroundings. It seems I am not the only one to have been impacted. Although situated in Andalucia in Southern spain rather than the Balearic Islands, a childhood visit to Ibiza inspired the design of this rustic cortijo deep in the countryside around 45 minutes from Granada. Ann acquired the property eight years ago and she and her husband set about building two additional bedrooms and bathrooms - as well as transforming the interior into a cool, yet rustic living space. Sadly they have now had to put the Cortija up for sale - could you be the next owner? Come and dream with me...

"I visited Ibiza for the first time when I was 18 years old and we spent our holiday in an old, rustic finca owned by a hippie. All the furniture was built in and rounded in a wonderful, imperfect way. This was one of the key influences behind the design of our Andalusia home." 

"Andalucia used to be very poor, and people became creative -  building with their hands. The imperfect nature of the structure is what makes these farmhouses authentic and unique."

"The construction was done by local craftsmen and my husband made a lot of the built-in furniture - a skill he learnt from them."

"I'll miss everything here, the great views, the silence, the nature, the pool and especially the lovely, rustic finca." 

Isn't it dreamy? 

Find more about the property here. 

All I ask is that you invite me over. 

Race you to the pool!

Other rustic homes in the sun to drool over this bright and sunny Monday:

A relaxed Danish oasis in Palma, Mallorca

A sangria by the pool at this Mallorca townhouse?

A wonderful home from home on Ibiza

A boho retreat in Ibiza

Have a dreamy start to the week friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of www.anndalucia.com

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A Small, Yet Soothing Swedish Apartment In Grey-Beige Shades

It's Friday, friends! Yay! It's positively baking here in Sweden - is it sizzling where you are too?! I think this calls for a lovely cool, calm home tour, don't you?  Somewhere we can imagine kicking back with a magazine and an ice-cold drink, while a lovely breeze washed over us from the windows (OK, getting slightly carried away). The apartment in question may not be big, but what it lacks in size, Refine Design Studio has more than made up for in style. The Stockholm based interior design firm were tasked with fitting 21 apartments in a wooden house in Linköping, built by Wilzéns. Led by Natalie Strömberg, they selected a palette of soothing grey-beige and nutty brown with touches of black and white to highlight the incredible design elements. Let's dive in!

On the colour:

"Warm colour range of grey-beige shades together with accents in black and white to create a Scandinavian base with industrial elements."

On the kitchen:

"The kitchen has been given a nutty beige-brown tone with matt lacquered doors and the work surfaces are lined with a white terrazzo HT-Calacatta and chrome details."

On Terrazzo: 

"Terrazzo is an artificial stone made of crushed marble or even of hard rocks and cement. It is an old method which has recently made a comeback in Scandinavia with its vibrant expression and changeability with compound mixed rocks giving the kitchen character and playfulness."

I'm feeling revived just looking at this space. Plus, the neutral scheme would make it easy to make it your own too - perfect!

Is there anything you love about this home?

There's a load more beautiful Swedish homes to be found in this archive! If this pops up first, just scroll on passed. 

Right, that's it from me. I've got two little girls waiting to go for a dip in the sea! And then we're hoping to head up to the summer cottage (can't wait to potter around that kitchen!). 

I hope you have some fun plans for the weekend too - stay cool! 

Niki

Credits: Refine Design Studio / @refinedesignstudio

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A Striking Holiday Home on The Swedish Island Of Gotland (AND it's for sale!)

As Swedish islands go, Gotland in the Baltic Sea has to be one of my favourite - it's a total summer paradise. Ever since our first ever visit last week I've been planning my next visit and eagerly scouring estate agent sites for holiday cottages (a dreamer, who me?!). And then this one popped up on Trendenser today (thank you Frida!). The house, which is for sale through Fastighetsbyrån, is situated just North East of Visby. Despite being built in 2016 / 2017, it encapsulates many of the traditional architecture traits of the region. Inside, towering A-shaped ceilings give the space a breezy feel while touches of wood add texture and warmth to a beautifully raw, understated living space. Time to dream...

Absolutely beautiful!

I am a huge fan of concrete floors which is probably what caught my eye - having said that, I'd probably need two add a load of rugs and textiles to cosy it up a little. 

Could you imagine rocking about here all summer too?!

Other Gotland homes to fall in love with here. 

When I get home, I'm going to download all my photos and see if I can put together a guide to Gotland. Everyone has to visit at some point!! Might that be of interest?

Happy 'lillördag' (little Saturday)! 

Niki

Photos courtesy of Fastighetsbyrån

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A Dreamy Beach Retreat In Montauk (With A Well Stocked Bar!)

On a trip to visit family in New York a few summers ago my family and I ventured off to Montauk (I'm willing to admit it was in part inspired by The Affair!) and we were mesmerised by the low-key vibe of the area and of course, the incredible nature. It seems we're not the only ones. American pair Robert and Kate first met in Montauk - he was a New York City surfer, and she hails from Oregon. Both shared a passion for the ocean and set up home in the area. The duo has since acquired two bungalows which they have painstakingly transformed into dreamy beach retreats. Fairview bungalow is located a short cycle from Ditch Plains - a popular beach for sunbathers and surfers. The white and wood interior is simple and relaxed and has all the creature comforts you might need - including a record player and well stocked bar for sundowners! Enjoy the tour!

Such a great place to hang out! 

One of the things that really stood out to me was the way the pair have used curtains instead of doors in some places. I've always loved this method to create a relaxed feel and add texture in a simple, understated way: whether under the kitchen sink, in front of a wardrobe or even as a room divider. In Sweden it's also popular to use curtains by the front door to prevent drafts (like the one in our summer cottage kitchen). 

FYI This is a great source for made-to-measure linen curtains (they ship worldwide too!). 

The bathroom is also fab - love the brass touches!

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

I wish I'd known about this bungalow when we visited (I also like their Federal bungalow). 

Remember this cosy, stilted cottage on fire island in the same region? I'm still dreaming about it!

Have a great start to the week friends!

Niki

Photography courtesy of McKinley Bungalow with thanks. Found via Desire to Inspire. 

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