For English subtitles, please click CC at the bottom left corner of the video.

The Seashore Library, designed by Vector Architects in 2015, is situated in Nandaihe Pleasure City in China.

“The moment you walk in you will feel moved by something,” says lead architect Gong Dong. It’s a building that exudes a sense of serenity. The 450m² space features a two-storey high reading room, which Gong states is the theme space of the building, as well as a meditation room, activity room and outdoor terrace.

The importance of light in the design of the space is integral, with air vents and windows showcasing natural light at different times of the day.

A must-watch for any architecture buff.

Vector Architects is also behind the design of an amazing seashore chapel, located in Beidaihe, China, which we featured here.

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*Rates per night are approximate, as rates are date and season specific

The Beach House

Location: Saint Helena Bay

Bedrooms: 6 / Bathrooms: 5

Host Description: The beach house is luxury villa up the west coast, 90 minutes from Cape Town. The property is right on the beach. Next to Shelley Point (with its spa and golf course) it is surrounded by 3 beaches. The area is weather protected so dolphins, seals and whales visit regularly and play in the bay.

Rate: R8 502 per night

Betty’s Bay Dune House

Location: Betty’s Bay

Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 2

Host Description: Located in the countryside of South Africa, between the sea and mountains of the Western Cape. This idyllic, secluded cottage with garden plot is located in close proximity to Cape Town. Suitable for families, couples or solo travellers.

Rate: R2 030 per night

VAME Beach Front Bungalow

Location: Yzerfontein

Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 3

Host Description: Star architect Stefan Antoni designed this amazing house in harmony with its surroundings.

Rate: R6 006 per night

West Coast Dream Villa

Location: Saint Helena Bay

Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 3

Host Description: The house is beautifully positioned at the Shelley Point Estate on the waters edge and offers incredible views of the bay. Elegantly furnished with only the best finishes. There is an indoor pool and sauna. The estate has a golf course and spa.

Rate: R6 163 per night

Modern House Right On The Beach

Location: Betty’s Bay

Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 3.5

Host Description: Architecturally designed modern beach house located on the beach with own beach path. You will find it very hard to leave.

Rate: R5 503 per night

Paternoster Self-Catering

Location: Paternoster

Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 2.5

Host Description: Beautiful and newly renovated self catering cottage, 60 meters from the very private Bekbaai beach in Paternoster. Paternoster is 140km scenic drive along the West Coast from Cape Town. The cottage offers purified water on tap and is fully equipped.

Rate: R1 403 per night

Lily House

Location: Betty’s Bay

Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 2

Host Description: A beautiful holiday house in tones of pale grey. Beautiful mountain views, a few hundred meters from the rocky coast and the penguin colony at Betty’s Bay. A 5 minute drive to the unspoiled beaches.

Rate: R1 403 per night

Our Hermanus House at 56 Mitchell Street

Location: Hermanus

Bedrooms: 5 / Bathrooms: 5.5

Host Description: Our Hermanus House is ideally situated in the heart of the village. It is casually but elegantly furnished to give you a holiday that is both relaxed and exceptional.

Rate: R6 502 per night

Yzerfontein Breakaway

Location: Yzerfontein

Bedrooms: 4 / Bathrooms: 4.5

Host Description: My place is close to the beach, restaurants and dining, with great views. You’ll love my place because of the ambiance, the outdoor space, and the comfy bed.

Rate: R18 508 per night

Sea Castle

Location: Paternoster

Bedrooms: 1 / Bathrooms: 1

Host Description: One bedroom open plan modern loft with sea views.

Rate: R940 per night

Silver Bay Villa

Location: Saint Helena Bay

Bedrooms: 4 / Bathrooms: 5.5

Host Description: A beautiful self-catering villa managed and serviced daily. East facing, with a rim-flow pool in a secluded courtyard protected from summer’s prevailing South Easter. Enjoy the spectacular views of St.Helena and Stompneus Bay and its beaches.

Rate: R8 358 per night

No.24

Location: Betty’s Bay

Bedrooms: 2 / Bathrooms: 1

Host Description: No. 24 is a study in style and simplicity. Almost off the grid… Candle light, solar lights, a fire place. Tranquillity, serenity and peace.

Rate: R1 003 per night

View more coastal listings at airbnb.com.

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Situated in the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route, Red Box offers self-catering accommodation with a difference.

Red Box (and the neighbouring Vlei House) are two fully equipped, conjoined houses, ideal for large groups or family getaways.

The space was left vacant for five years until it was decided that it would make a perfect space for self-catering holidays. The designers faced a few challenges with time constraints, owners who live in London, as well as a very industrial setting that needed softening to contrast its masculine feel.

The vlei served as inspiration for the downstairs moodboard, creating a gentle and earthy feeling, while intimacy was created by building spaces within spaces. The wooden furniture – including the daybed, bench, wooden lounge sets, entrance shelves, bar stools and dining table – was designed by Ilovani.

In total, there are 11 en-suite bedrooms on the property (two with their own balconies), two kitchens, two 12-seater dining tables and two entertainment areas. Other features include indoor braais, pizza ovens, fireplaces, a swimming pool, an outdoor shower and a tanning deck. This modern home also boasts beautiful views of the wetland.

For more information, visit redboxplett.co.za.

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There are some who romanticise the idea of living in a little house by the sea, where you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves crashing nearby…

Well, scratch any romantic notions you might have because this concept house by Australian architecture and design studio Modscape is anything but. It’s in your face and we love it.

Using modular design principles and inspired by barnacles (yes, barnacles), The Cliff House came about in response to queries the firm had been getting from clients living in extreme coastal regions of Australia.

In reality, the house would be made up of five storeys with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, spa, braai area, an open plan dining room/kitchen and a garage. You’d come in through the garage at the top of the cliff and have lift access to each floor.

Pretty remarkable, right?

See more of Modscape’s modular homes at modscape.com.au.

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