A beautiful cliffside villa has been designed to best take advantage of its prime position overlooking a private Mediterranean cove. 

Overlooking a natural Mediterranean port made up of lovely private coves bathed by the crystalline sea, Sa Calma villa is part of Vista Alegre, a luxury community on the west coast of the legendary Spanish island of Ibiza. 

South-facing, the villa sits on a 3 600m2 plot of land at the water’s edge, a short drive from the island’s famous south-coast beaches Cala Jondal and Es Cubells, and unfolds over three levels. Entry is through a gate of curved oxidised steel, which reveals a driveway that’s laid haphazardly with weathered railway sleepers separated by a soft covering of verdant moss. Like the gate, the recycled-wood front door was designed by architect Fernando Corominas of the IFC Group and, as it swings open, it appears to create an aperture expanding across the width of the entranceway. 

READ MORE: Restored Menorcan Home

It echoes the shape of the vehicle access gate, and its warm wood tones complement the villa’s natural, earthy colour palette.

The ground level boasts a grand double-volume living and dining space that blends into the outdoor panoramas of sea and sky courtesy of enormous glass sliding doors. These open up onto a vast terrace with an Olympic-length infinity pool that seems to float over the sea. Solid wood beams provide pergola-like shade for the various outdoor chill-out and dining areas, while one end of the pool is fitted with spa-grade massage jets. “We wanted to be able to observe the sea from the dining area so that it almost became part of the space,” says Fernando. On this level, there’s also a fully equipped chef’s kitchen, which can easily service both the indoor and outdoor dining lounges. 

The master bedroom and two guest suites take over the top floor, with all other bedroom suites located at garden level. There’s also a luxurious private gym hidden under a terrace that’s cantilevered over the cliff and the coastal path that leads to the beach. 

READ MORE: Mallorcan Villa Designed by More Design

“In order to integrate the home with its natural surroundings as much as possible, we built it over three levels, but also into the landscape,” says Fernando. And integration is the theme that runs through Sa Calma, and through the language he uses to describe the villa. It’s a premise enabled by the large, made-to-measure glass panels that replace perimeter walls in all of the suites, allowing guests to enjoy sea views from every room. 

It also translates directly into the interiors and garden design. At first glance, there are no interior doors – they are seamlessly built into the walls, without external handles. Running from floor to ceiling, they open with a slight push. The exterior then presents itself with a vast alfresco dining space, areas for lounging and relaxing, and surrounding lawns, palm trees and aromatic plants. 

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An ancient farmhouse in Tuscany is reimagined into a contemporary space for two close families to live together in a way that allows for both separate spaces and communal living that embraces a rustic lifestyle.

In Tuscany, one century seems to blend into the next. Who hasn’t dreamt of lingering in the land of the Renaissance, between cypresses, olive trees and rose gardens? In the off-season, mist-enveloped panoramas dominate the countryside and, standing on the hillside that is home to the Podere Bussolaio estate, you look out at a landscape that’s changed little over the past five centuries.

Nestled among the orchards of Travalle, the original estate was built in the 15th century for the wealthy Strozzi family of Florence. Today, the 700m2 property is the home of two sisters involved in the fashion industry, Elisa and Claudia, and their families.

READ MORE: Monteleone Apartment

This made for an interesting brief to the architects. There’s tight bond between the families, but also a need for independence. And while both shared a desire for a home that combined contemporary design with the rustic architecture, they also wanted each half to have its own distinctive personality.

Before the sisters bought it, Podere Bussolaio estate had been used as a piazza by the neighbouring villagers. It was the home of theatre performances; there was a vegetable garden; an artist kept his sculptures there, and the butcher stored his artisanal sausages there. This heritage meant the last thing the families wanted was a cold, technological stronghold – creating a space that was all about sharing and community was a key part of the brief. Tasked with the project were architects Alessandro Capellaro and his partner Sabrina Bignami of B-arch, a practice started by Alessandro in 2000. “In 2013, this house was in a bad state,” recalls Alessandro. “The tower was on the verge of collapsing, there was no roof. Our challenge was to keep as much of the original stone as we could. Unfortunately, all the timber structures had to be replaced.”

As a result, the project was a long one: wooden roofs had to be rebuilt from scratch, crumbling masonry structures restored using stone found on site, and plaster surfaces re-created by hand based on traditional techniques. As a contemporary addition to the two existing structures, B-arch designed a minimalist timber box that not only creates a link between the two family homes, but essentially connects the past to the present.

READ MORE: Sardinian Hotel

Casa Elisa and Casa Claudia both share similar architectural foundations and modern, functional, open- plan layouts, with a canvas of soft colours and Albanese stone flooring that binds them. It’s the interior decor that distinguishes the two spaces, giving each a unique personality.

Acknowledging Podere Bussolaio’s heritage, B-arch created a modern rustic aesthetic with an interior that combines natural textures and artificial materials. This constant contrast between rough and smooth surfaces makes for a contemporary space that reflects the identity of both families while allowing their individual tastes to shine through.

Claudia’s home in the old barn features a large, open-plan living area with glazed openings, while Elisa’s contains a large kitchen that’s the focus of the home. Both share a communal outside space, which includes a vast garden, the estate’s ancient orchards and a gym. It’s the pool, though, that is always the natural gathering point for the families, friends and guests who enjoy lazy Sunday lunches at its outdoor cooking area.

As an architectural study, Podere Bussolaio has remained true to its Tuscan roots, and is a beautiful balance between old and new, and traditional and modern. More than that, it is also a wonderful home for two close families, where they can enjoy each other’s company and raise their children.

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For entrepreneur Marti Heyns-Foster and her beagle Garcon, home is a timelessly romantic villa in the heart of Franschhoek.

It has been a 21-year-long labour of love. Marti Heyns-Foster admits that, when she first moved into her corner home on a shaded street in the Winelands, it wasn’t her dream abode. But it had good bones, high ceilings, original wooden floors and plenty of natural light, and the young mother knew she could work with the basics. Over the following two decades, with her sharp eye for the quirky and the unique, Marti lovingly curated a sanctuary filled with French-inspired decor and objects. “In my opinion, a home should evolve over time, reflecting your changing tastes as you develop as person,” she says. “A real home is a representation of how all the members of the household live and grow.”

READ MORE: Paarl Mountain Home

The property is set far back from public view, at a jaunty angle. In front, a formal French garden spills out towards the road, the result of a visit to a château in the Loire Valley that overlooked a striking landscape. “My friend, designer André Carl van der Merwe (author of Moffie), was there with me to celebrate a friend’s birthday, and he sketched out the garden for me, creating an illusion of symmetry.” Today, dominated by two ancient white stinkwood trees, Marti’s indigenous rhus-hedged garden is not yet two years old – and is a genteel alternative to the white pebbles that filled the space before.

In stark contrast to the dramatic liquorice-black exterior with snow-white trim, the interior of the three-bedroom home is light and bright. Over the years, tweaks and updates have happened when necessary, but although a few walls have been removed to open up spaces, the enclosed oval veranda has remained, echoing the circular elements of the statement garden. Inside, imported pieces speak of Marti’s ongoing love affair with all things French, while carefully chosen curiosities and eccentricities – think a wall of mirrors (à la Versailles), taxidermy mounts, and crosses – demonstrate her innate avoidance of the clichéd and the expected.

READ MORE: Provence Farmhouse

“I am absolutely fascinated by crosses,” she says. “I understand that they hold religious significance for many people, but for me, the appeal lies in the elegance of their lines. There is a purity and integrity to this visual simplicity that dovetails perfectly with my personal aesthetic.”

Marti is well-known as the creative force behind Masquerade, a boutique homeware brand with outlets in Franschhoek and Constantia. “I appreciate the beautiful and the unusual, and both my home and my business reflect that,” she says. “I value craftsmanship and authenticity, and I hope our throwaway society will keep moving back to a place where manufacturing integrity is honoured and detail is acknowledged.”

READ MORE: Rural Retreats: Farm-style Houses

In keeping with this ethos, Marti’s home is a celebration of antiques, custom pieces and designer items. “I usually travel to France and other countries in Europe at least once a year on buying trips, and I particularly enjoy the classic and subtle aspects of the French aesthetic,” she says. But this certainly doesn’t mean her space is subdued. In between the Rococo-inspired couches and the crystal chandeliers, Marti brings an effortless element of playfulness to each room. As she says, “Your home should reflect who you are.”

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A heritage villa has been both respectfully restored and modified to retain the home’s period character and give it a sophisticated contemporary feel.

Above the front door to Stefan Rupperti and Alexander Yazdi’s Victorian villa in Cape Town is an inconspicuous brass plaque that reads, “At this site in 1860 nothing happened.” This declaration is as comforting as it is intriguing. In the 160 years that have passed, much has happened. For one thing, the surrounds have wholly transformed.

Once farmland bordering the edge of town, today this area is the vibrant suburb of Gardens, and the house is set amid properties that neighbour Orange Street. A busy artery that lies under the shadow of Table Mountain, the road courses into the City Bowl, bustling with trendy bars and eateries. “Because our stays were getting longer, we wanted a second home in an environment that would make us feel integrated rather than transient,” says Stefan, speaking of the sojourns they had been making to Cape Town from Berlin for the past 10 years.

When they bought the house in 2018 it had seen significant changes, but its core features retained integrity. Key to the property’s authenticity is the façade, featuring a stoep that escaped any enclosures over the years. “Coming from a city that was virtually demolished during World War II, the idea of living in a historic home filled with the richness of the past was alluring,” Alexander explains. “Our aim was to redeem the original details and create contrast with contemporary elegance.”

In keeping with the period character of the house, decorative mouldings bring interest to the expansive walls and ceilings while complementing the sleek kitchen. A Branching Bubble chandelier by Lindsey Adelman offsets the orderly aesthetic with an organic, sculptural quality.

The undertaking involved removing existing features that had not met with approval from the National Heritage Council – a roof terrace, and a spa and yoga studio that had been created by demarcating areas of the interior with drywalling. The commercial spaces were reconfigured as a self-contained apartment and, for the windowless main bedroom, an inspired solution was created – a narrow perimeter garden that functions as an atrium, drawing plentiful sunlight into the bedroom and adjacent dining space via metal frame windows. Practical as well as decorative, the openings offer a subtle, contemporary reference to the house’s Victorian cottage pane windows.

The main bedroom is a glamorous yet composed affair: echoing the curve of the dropped bulkhead, a low built-in wall clad in wood veneer ensconces the headboard. Recessed curtain tracks allow the bed to be shrouded by sheer white drapes, creating what Alexander describes as “a sense of floating in a silk cocoon”. With the design of new fittings, Stefan and Alexander’s choices were driven by an intention to elevate the house’s period character. Rather than beg for attention, elements work together to create a look of understated sophistication. In the kitchen – against a backdrop of herringbone-laid hardwood floors, cornices and wall panelling – seamless cabinetry offsets an engineered-stone island to create a slick, minimal ensemble with which the grand sash window melds effortlessly. “We enjoy the ambiguity of the space. It would hold its own just as confidently in the reception of an ad agency or an upmarket boutique,” says Stefan.

Furniture is a handsome showcase of mostly local design, punctuated by a handful of iconic pieces. A Doctor Sonderbar chair by Philippe Starck lends a corner an arresting sculptural quality, as does a quartet of Panton chairs in the conservatory-like dining room. On the veranda, Malawi cane chairs and Bamileke and Senufo stools are favoured. “We spend the better part of most days out here, in view of the magnificent 80-year-old frangipani tree,” says Alexander with a smile. “It produces the most beautiful carpet of sweet-scented flowers… pure luxury.”

Villa/apartment rental: sasa@curatos.com

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Characterised by classic forms and strict proportions, this beautiful Swahili-styled villa on the Kilifi coast is a study in symmetry.

It’s an extraordinary stretch of land: six acres of Kilifi coastline on a clifftop overlooking Sirai Beach, thick with ancient baobabs and leading down to white sand so soft it squeaks beneath bare feet. At its centre, surrounded by landscaped tropical gardens, is a stately private home for a 12-strong blended family. The main building comprises a downstairs dining area and separate formal lounge, connected by a colossal, partially-covered outdoor seating area. This is topped by a palatial master suite, upstairs study and lounge.

A series of interleading courtyards fan out from this central point, leading to sleeping quarters in two separate wings and affording the owners voluminous yet cohesive living space. As architect Nick Plewman explains, the entire building is arranged around the central oversized, semi-outdoor sunken lounge that allows the family and guests to make the most of the temperate climate. “The main circulation moves out laterally from there and a long colonnade runs through the site to connect the living areas.”

Material choices, informed by the vernacular use of coral stone, Lamu plaster and makuti thatch, allow this private residence to settle comfortably into its remarkable landscape. A key consideration of the build was harnessing the best of the two prevailing winds that circulate in the area. “The stately tower and vertical slits in the upper levels induce vertical air flow, drawing up the cooling monsoon during the hot season,” explains Nick.

READ MORE: Rural Kenyan Retreat

These simple yet effective elements also make a suitable nod to the architectural style of the traditional Arabic stone houses found on nearby Lamu island. Another well-considered adoption of Arabic architecture lies in the use of brise-soleil screens that form a strong narrative throughout the home. These fretwork screens – made from a selection of brass, plastered concrete and timber – aren’t just whimsical decoration. They’re hardworking elements that allow for privacy and air flow.

Exterior walls, plastered in natural lime, bound with egg white and polished with beeswax, offer a natural burnished lustre to the site. And this bleached-bone tone continues seamlessly inside where, sheltered from the heat of the African sun, it’s all about natural textures and raw linens, in a colour palette informed by the surrounding baobabs. “Artisanal pieces were sourced from Kenya, Morocco, India and South Africa, yet the home feels unmistakably Kenyan,” says Chris Browne of Fox Browne Creative, tasked with the project. “The interiors are rooted in Swahili design that captures the languorous ambience of the coast.”

Tucked into an estuary leading to a creek, Kilifi is a lesser-visited stretch of the Kenyan coastline that has largely escaped the major developments that have changed the face of Mombasa. And this genteel home, with its well-proportioned arches and fortress-like demeanour, has the feeling of a natural and authentic addition to the landscape.

For more information about the villa, visit siraihouse.com.

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A memory pond at the entrance of the rebuilt &Beyond Phinda Homestead mirrors a nearby pan – and marks the spot where a giant marula tree once stood.

Following a fire that tore through the heart of &Beyond Phinda Homestead two years ago, the safari villa recently reopened with a bold new look. While retaining the original footprint of the building, architect Nick Plewman cleverly re-oriented it to afford more generous under-roof outdoor space, which flows seamlessly from the interior, and front-row seats to the goings-on at the waterhole.

The memory pond at the entrance, where a towering marula tree once stood.

The former pitched thatched roof was replaced with a flat steel-and-timber substructure roof. “The lodge now sits more subtly in the environment, forming an understorey between the surrounding tree canopy and the ground,” Nick says.

Expansive wooden decking, undressed concrete floors, vertical eucalyptus poles and latte screens speak of Nick’s affinity for authentic materials. They don’t distract or detract from the landscape and the activity at the pan.

The memory pond at the entrance sets a meditative tone – a gentle reminder that fire can be destructive but can lead to rebirth too. In the absence of the once-towering marula tree, the circular aperture allows for reflections to fall on the surface of the water and offers guests a framed view of the sky, especially magnificent on a clear night.

Inspired by this contemplative space, designer Chris Browne composed a still life of traditional and contemporary South African designs, juxtaposing Zulu pots and hanging planters with a sleek metal table. On the opposite side of the pond, three sculptural Zulu pots serve as a focal point. Large glass sliding doors give a sense of space and light, and let the colours of Africa permeate the interior whether the doors are open or closed. There’s not a smidgeon of dated, overdone colonial decor in sight.

Chris is the co-owner of Fox Browne Creative, the specialist hospitality studio tasked with designing the lodge interiors. “Our brief was to recreate the magic and soul of the original lodge, but better,” says Chris. “The sole-use nature of the lodge and the fact that guests who stay here are travelling together informed the homely design. We wanted to create a modern yet intimate bush home.”

The choice of colours is far removed from the predictable innocuous safari-lodge neutrals. “The surrounding landscape – think flowering aloes, burnt clay and sand forest – informed the warm, spicy colour palette,” says Debra Fox, co-owner of Fox Browne Creative and Chris’s wife. “And we chose 100% natural materials wherever possible, balancing aesthetics with longevity and practicality. The result of this alchemy is a textured space that offers relaxed outdoor living and that all-important kick-off-your-shoes atmosphere.

“We also wanted to showcase traditional Zulu craft in a simple, unpretentious manner, so Zulu craftwork, Nguni hides and South African art feature throughout the lodge,” Debra says.

A suspended round headboard in one of the bedrooms and a hand-made round mat in the main outdoor living space repeat the circular narrative introduced by the memory pond. “We scoured markets and commissioned the best local weavers and artisans to work with us on the project,” Chris says.

And while some of the furnishings bring in subtle references to design of the ’80s, the retro feel is offset by contemporary pieces that reinforce the fact that this villa is designed for guests with an eye for the unusual who are seeking an uncommon bush retreat.

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Located on the sunny shores of South Africa’s Whale Coast, Romans Villa is a luxurious seaside getaway spot inside an eco-friendly estate.

Romansbaai is a fynbos and beach estate between Danger Point and Gansbaai. Each home on the estate boasts sweeping ocean views and access to three kilometres of private, unspoiled beach.

Spanning three-levels over 700 square-metres, this villa, designed by Kevid Gadd Architects, with interiors by Dale Dennis of Ballito-based Ground Floor Interiors, offers up calming interiors that are as functional as they are beautiful. Energy-efficient Miele appliances are contrasted by timeless Hansgrohe, Duravit and Geberit sanware. Solar geysers are cleverly concealed amid lush roof-top gardens that are purposefully designed to provide natural heating and cooling effects for the bedrooms and garages below.

During whale season, you can ogle over frolicking pods of whales and dolphins from every room. The rare and protected Oystercatcher bird can also be seen in abundance, swooping along the shores of the beach below.

Fancy a stay at this 5-Star property? Visit romansvilla.com for more information.

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The striking Bisate Lodge, run by ecotourism operator Wilderness Safaris, is situated in the amphitheatre of an old volcano in Rwanda.

In association with project architect Garreth Kriel, the lodge was designed and built by Nicholas Plewman Architects, whose work in Kenya and the Okavango Delta we’ve previously featured. Blending effortlessly into the natural surroundings, the lodge is made up of six 91 square-metre thatched villas, each designed with traditional Rwandan building methods in mind. Fifteen thousand trees were also planted as part of the project’s reforestation goals.

Caline Williams-Wynn and Nilfah Adams of Artichoke brought the interiors to life, making use of woven designs in combination with locally-made products, sourced by Rwanda-based designer Teta Isibo.

Adding this luxury spot to your bucket list? Find out more about Bisate at wilderness-safaris.com.

(h/t) designboom.com

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If you were to walk north along the beach out of the small town of Vilankulo and into the next bay, you might be fooled into thinking you have developed sunstroke when you spot what looks like a Greek fishing village gleaming in the tropical light, sitting high on a deep-orange dune ridge among coconut trees.

You’ll certainly clutch at your water bottle when you see the bright-blue domed roofs of the buildings disappear into the azure-blue sky in the shimmer of the heat.

A panoramic view of Santorini Mozambique.

This vision certainly doesn’t seem out of place, glowing in the dazzling sea of Mediterranean blues. It’s these vivid Aegean hues that inspired the name and look of Santorini. Armed with only simple concept drawings, the builders had to build the five-bedroomed villa one manual bucket of cement at a time… not an easy feat on sand and without sophisticated equipment!

A large honeymoon villa was added soon after – called The Chapel, as the design is a dead ringer for one. That was followed by the three-bedroomed Villa da Praia. Now, they’re busy building a spa.

This cluster of detached buildings has contributed to making the property look like an authentic Greek fishing village, only grander… but not intimidatingly so. The Santorini Mozambique villas are comfortably homely yet luxurious. The airy, lavish bedrooms and vaulted public spaces give a sense of generous spaciousness.

For a spot of shade during the day, there are built-in benches with plenty of puffed-up cushions where you can put your feet up and, with a cold drink in the hand, gaze at the vista of the Indian Ocean dotted with the uttering sails of hand-built dhows.

Through the large wooden doors of The Chapel villa is a long double-volume vaulted open-plan space with a good-sized kitchen, dining area and lounge. Sets of double doors lead to a covered veranda and private pool.

Managers Heidi Rabbets and Wynand van der Watt may not be Greek but they have the souls of Greeks and a generosity of spirit that will make you feel like family. They’ll pamper you; tactfully leave you to catch up on your reading; take you on a trip to the market, bars and restaurants in town; or whisk you on their luxury catamaran and cast anchor at one of the sand spits that dot the sea to enjoy activities around the islands.

Chefs are on hand to cook meals in your villa kitchen if you so wish. They are masters of their craft and can draw on a wealth of fresh produce harvested in the Santorini gardens and procured from locals who ply their trade around the islands.

And in the spirit of the Greek fishing village atmosphere you may feel the pull to enter the water and catch something fresh for your newly extended family.

For more information about this space, visit santorinimozambique.com.

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Xanadu Villas and Retreat in Zanzibar is a design lighthouse in a sea of mediocrity made up of cookie-cutter chain hotels littering the spice island’s revered coastline.

At first glance, Xanadu Villas & Retreat could be mistaken for a ’70s Bond film set – the extravagant “groovy pad” that serves as the villain’s hideout. (The large villa even looks as if it could fly into space!) There is something intangibly sensual about its abundant curves and palatial haremness of its Arabic influences. One would be very wrong to label it kitsch.

The cathedralesque thatch over the main pool dining area is made of makuti panels (the sun-dried leaves of the coconut palm), as tightly packed as fish scales on the inside, smooth and hairy as a prize dog’s coat on the outside. The walls are built of pink fossilised coral blocks. The floor planks, some furniture and all the windows and doors are made of mango wood taken from a hulking old sunken trading dhow, which could only be gradually removed piece by piece every day at low tide. Each plank was then carefully carved by machete to fit, jigsaw-like, into place. The curved boat ribs naturally formed the Arabic-style door and window frames.

The one private pool has, depending how you look at it or how much you’ve had to drink, a distinctive sculpture of sails/leaves/waves/surfboard/shapes flowing/curving/crashing/cruising over it. To top off the fanciful vision, one of the villa’s massive third-floor bedrooms has a huge shining metal multi-bladed turbine-looking looking fan in the cavernous roof space that cools the room’s occupants as they make their way up a curving staircase to a private plunge pool in a capsule on the fourth floor. Its wrapped curving roof has walls with a series of open slits, giving the feeling of looking through the teeth of a whale’s mouth or delightfully imprisoned in a concubine’s boudoir.

Fancy a stay at this dreamy oasis? Visit their website to book your stay.

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