Pedigree: The heart of this peaceful woodland hamlet—located in the hills of the countryside—is a charming 19th-century Provençal-style house. Recently renovated, the ochre-color stone villa features chic modernist interiors, with an impressive collection of French and Italian midcentury furniture from the likes of Charlotte Perriand and Gio Ponti.
Property Values: Encompassing over 120 forested acres overlooking the island of Port Cros, the grounds are filled with oak trees, cypresses, cedars, and lavender; outbuildings include a large poolhouse, a stone cottage, a gazebo, and a chapel.
Talking Point: In 2007 an ancient bergerie, or sheepfold, was transformed into a contemporary wood-planked guesthouse.
Contact: Unique Properties & Events; 011-44-20-7788-7815, uniquepropertiesandevents.com
Pedigree: Dubbed Infinity—perhaps alluding to its endless water views—this quintessential Cycladic-style residence sits on a hill overlooking Agrari Bay and Naxos Island. Completed in 2002, the home boasts graceful country interiors by Italian decorator Fiorella Bigontina, who cast the rooms in different shades of whites and pastels and furnished them with elegant antiques.
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Property Values: Just a quick drive from the sea, the site has a swimming pool with an adjacent pergola and bar, as well as a free-standing garden guest suite.
Talking Point: A thatch-roofed dining terrace features an authentic Greek barbecue and a spacious dining table, making it the perfect spot for alfresco entertaining.
Contact: Aqualiving-Mykonos Finest Villas; 011-44-207-060-6244, mykonosvillas.com
Pedigree: In 2003, owner Anna Maria Coronato transformed this 19th-century nobleman’s retreat into an intimate seven-room estate called Villa Le Scale. The edifice’s exquisite pearl-white interiors are filled with items from Coronato’s personal collection, including museumworthy paintings, antiques, and objets d’art.
Villa Le Scale
Property Values: The 20-acre site features colorful tiered gardens, a peacock-blue swimming pool, and a picturesque terrace where meals are overseen by a top-notch chef.
Talking Point: The villa’s well-connected manager can help guests with everything from finding the best cobbler for made-to-measure sandals to securing reservations for secret restaurants in private residences.
Contact: Villa Le Scale; 011-39-081-838-2796, villalescale.com
Pedigree: Originally built in 1681, this impressive stone house, named Isla del Mar, was transformed into a two-level estate by German architect Axel Ball in 2000. The dwelling surrounds a traditional Spanish courtyard, and the expansive rooms boast rustic beamed ceilings and a carefully curated mix of Majorcan antiques and contemporary furnishings.
Damien Rigo
Property Values: Located in Sὀller, a historic village accessed via a train that passes through the mountains as well as a century-old wood tram, the home is situated on 60 acres, with a swimming pool and a red-clay tennis court.
Talking Point: The property’s original olive press, dating from the 1680s, has been preserved and sits beside the table in the dining room.
Contact: El Sol Villas; 610-687-9066, elsolvillas.com
Pedigree: This magnificent Belle Epoque mansion—built in 1899 for a steel-industry magnate—is the work of celebrated Danish architect Hans-Georg Tersling. Abandoned after the Second World War, the estate was recently discovered by interior designer Patrice Nourissat, who bought the home and carefully restored it. Among the resurrected details are intricate woodcarvings, elaborate ceiling cornices, and impressive ironwork.
Villas and Apartments Abroad
Property Values: This magnificent Belle Epoque mansion—built in 1899 for a steel-industry magnate—is the work of celebrated Danish architect Hans-Georg Tersling. Abandoned after the Second World War, the estate was recently discovered by interior designer Patrice Nourissat, who bought the home and carefully restored it. Among the resurrected details are intricate woodcarvings, elaborate ceiling cornices, and impressive ironwork.
Talking Point: One of the residence’s most remarkable features is its majestic entrance hall, a fantasy of pink-and-white marble, with a grand double staircase crowned by an exquisite frescoed ceiling.
Contact: Villas and Apartments Abroad; 212-213-6435, vaanyc.com
Pedigree: One of the most magnificent estates in Catalonia’s “golden triangle,” Mas Mateu was originally built in the 1760s and underwent a gut restoration in 2002, overseen by Barcelona-based interior designer Carles Ferruz. The elegant stone mansion has been completely redone, with sleek contemporary décor that includes the finest Italian furnishings and spalike baths with glass walls and freestanding marble tubs.
Mas Mateu
Property Values: Situated on 174 acres, the compound is an athlete’s dream, with a modernist pool complex, gym, and soccer field, as well as basketball and paddleball courts.
Talking Point: The residence offers one of the top equestrian facilities in the country, with expert instructors and world-class horses, including a stallion that was once selected for the Spanish Olympic team.
Contact: Carpe Diem Luxury Travel; 011-44-7780-700-754, carpediemtravel.co.uk
One of the more unique residences on the Amalfi Coast, this striking stone structure known as Torre di Clavel is perched atop a rugged promontory surrounded on three sides by the turquoise-blue sea. The original tower was built in the 13th century, as a fortress to fend off the Saracen army. In 1927, renowned Swiss architect and writer Gilbert Clavel acquired the property, transforming the ruins into this singular home.
Homebase Abroad
Property Values: Spread over several levels, with living spaces connected by open-air paths, the dwelling sits on five acres highlighted by an outdoor gym and a secluded beach that is only accessible by boat.
Talking Point: The compound is divided into three separate areas, all with their own kitchens, making it an ideal vacation spot for multiple families.
Contact: Homebase Abroad; 781-639-4040, homebaseabroad.com
Pedigree: This modernist seaside retreat is a striking combination of dry stone, slate, glass, iron, and wood. Located on Olmeto Plage, an area famous for its crystal-clear waters and ivory-sand beaches, the three-level house features soaring ceilings and double-height windows that highlight the dramatic views.
Unique Properties and Events
Property Values: Along with its coastline, the nearly five-acre plot boasts a pool and cabana, a grass tennis court, and a vegetable garden.
Talking Point: A sculptural white canvas tent outfitted with chaise longues offers a perfect respite from the hot island sun.
Contact: Unique Properties and Events; 011-44-20-7788-7815, uniquepropertiesandevents.com
Pedigree: Occupying a prime waterfront spot on Croatia’s postcard-perfect Dalmatian Coast, this sparkling new villa was constructed by local builders (and brothers) Adam and Alexander Pinion. Designed around a central balcony intended for outdoor living and entertaining, the home features a crisp, white limestone exterior with elaborate interiors decorated with crystal chandeliers and exceptional hand-crafted details.
Hosted Villas
Property Values: The hillside estate includes an L-shaped infinity pool, a full gym, and direct water access, as well as canoes and windsurfing equipment.
Talking Point: The house comes with a private boat, which can be used to visit nearby beaches and the surrounding islands.
Contact: Hosted Villas; 800-374-6637, hostedvillas.com
Pedigree: Designed by Athens-based architect Petros Metaxas and constructed in 2004, Villa Jasmine is situated in the middle of a protected natural reserve on the south coast of the island. Noted for its fortresslike whitewashed exterior and airy interiors, the house has custom-built furniture, light oak floors, and accents of rare Tinos marble.
White Key Villa/Louisa Nikolaidou
Property Values: The nearly six-acre plot is bursting with 300 olive and fruit trees and a wide variety of plants and aromatic herbs. There is also a small, enclosed open-air pool, a guesthouse, and access to a sandy beach.
Talking Point: The home is a foodie’s paradise, with a beautiful professionally equipped kitchen, a covered veranda with a dining area and barbecue, and fresh vegetables grown on-site.
Contact: White Key Villas; 011-30-210-7215-530, whitekeyvillas.com
