Strike a pose… before promptly packing those bags for an adventure in trending architecture! With our latest trio of Host Unusual recruits we take you to some of the hottest spots for media attention and photo shoots, all cleverly designed and brought to life by experts to create the ultimate spaces for style and sophistication. You need not be Kate Moss to appreciate these gems, however. From the Platinum Coast of Barbados and an artistic gleaming palace of chic, to a simply remarkable transformation of an old farmhouse on a quiet Girona hillside spot into a haven of cool and contemporary. Finally, a pair of mirrored homes that almost defy logic with their beauty, literally reflecting the scenic mountains that surround them; these stunning retreats are all yours to discover.
The Caribbean is widely known as the playground for the rich and famous, so it is little wonder that you can find some remarkably lavish architect-designed retreats. Atelier House in Barbados is a perfect example. Regularly used as a filming and photography location for high-profile media projects including the television show ‘Britain & Ireland’s Next Top Model‘ and H&M fashion shoots, this is a dream holiday home made gloriously real. Set on a captivating ridge above an ancient mahogany wood, close to the paradise beaches of the infamous ‘Platinum Coast’ of Barbados, this beautiful four bedroom house sleeping up to eight guests was designed by architect Alistair Downie and owner/interior designer Amanda Snow to dazzling effect. Cool, gleaming limestone and white-painted walls complement the simple furnishings and well-chosen artistic touches you’ll find inside, all providing a wonderful sense of light-flooded space.
The mountainous hills of Catalonia in Spain provide our next perfectly peaceful location – the simply jaw-dropping Villa CP. Originally a farmhouse, this incredible space has been stunningly rebuilt by a renowned Barcelona-based architect, transforming the space into a stylish and sustainable holiday home for groups of up to ten people, creating a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with your clan in spacious seclusion. No ordinary Spanish villa, you’ll notice the quality of your surroundings from the moment you arrive, with supreme attention to detail that blends tradition with contemporary styling throughout.Décor is soft-toned and muted, allowing plenty of scope for you to admire the vibrant textiles and classic pieces of furniture. Expertly designed to be naturally cool in summer and warm in winter, the walls are covered with natural clay, and with cooled floors perfectly tempering hot summer afternoons… along with that killer pool, of course!
The finale of our tour of style and sophistication takes us to The Mirror Houses (above and main picture), a contemporary duo of master-designed holiday homes that reflect the breathtaking natural beauty of Northern Italy, with the dramatic Dolomites as an imposing backdrop. Perfectly reflecting the captivating beauty of their surroundings, The Mirror Houses were designed by celebrated architect Peter Pilcher, a South Tyrolean native who trained under Dame Zaha Hadid. Featured in Elle, Vogue and The Wall Street Journal amongst many others, these stunning houses have attracted some serious media attention, and it isn’t hard to see why. Both houses, each one ideal for a couple, are true works of art, east-oriented and created from black aluminium, UV-treated mirrored panels and curved glass that frames and reflects their beautiful surroundings. Each house enjoys a private garden and a shared outdoor swimming pool, complete with self-service pool bar.
