Spring Awakening

Manzara by the sea! The architect couple Gabi Kern-Altindis and Erdoğan Altindis have brought their successful Manzara concept from Istanbul to the idyllic Turkish harbour town of Ayvalik: Manzara style, that means living among locals in apartments that are exceptional and where you quickly feel at home. There are numerous smaller beaches and secluded bays in the island of Cunda (Alibey) off Ayvalik. Sarimsakli south of Ayvalik is THE local beach.

Due to its location on a hillside above the bay of Port Sóller on Mallorca, CASA AL MAR benefits from breathtaking views over the harbour to the open sea. Interior designer Anke Scheideler has combined modern architecture with original materials to create rooms that reflect the light and mood of the island in a way that is as luxurious as it is discreet. The cubist villa offers plenty of space for a holiday with family or friends on two floors and 180 sqm of living space.

With its butterfly roof, the Villa Gran Atlantico looks like a butterfly that has landed on the steep slope near the west coast of La Palma. The building consists of two floors connected by an external staircase: the panoramic floor and the ground floor, which is clad in natural stone. Both are 100 sqm in size. Room-high glass fronts blur the transitions between house and nature. Depending on space requirements, only one floor or the entire house can be booked.

The Loft is close to the Mediterranean Sea as well as many beautiful cities like Narbonne, Toulouse, Montpellier, Perpignan, Béziers or Carcassonne. The Canal du Midi is also within easy reach. On the grounds of an old farm, the owners have transformed one of the large outbuildings into a spacious, casual holiday home that can now accommodate up to 12 people on 300 sqm. Pool included!

Facing the sea. Villa Nyland is located at Cap Bénat, one of the most beautiful scenic lookouts on the Côte d’Azur. Surrounded by old stone pines, oaks and pine trees that extend down to the beach. The fact that everything here seems as if time and tourism have stood still is due to the fact that the entire settlement dedicated itself to the protection of the coast 50 years ago. A heritage that Villa Nyland also upholds, complementing its historic ground floor from 1949 with a modern, restrained structure.

This rural property on the Croatian peninsula of Istria consists of a historical complex of main house and outbuildings grouped around a central square. If you are travelling with your extended family or a large group of friends, the spacious property can accommodate up to 16 people. It is a 15-minute drive to the coast, and of course only a few steps to the pool!

Maison Kamari on the Greek island of Paros offers 180 sqm of space for six people. As well as the bedroom in the guest house, there are two further bedrooms (all with en suite bathrooms) in the main house. The centrepiece is the combined living, dining and cooking area with brick benches and shelves. The furnishings with Mid-Century pieces lend warmth and individual flair to the rooms, which are characterised by clear, purist forms.

Up to 12 people can stay in this holiday home on the Greek island of Lefkada. The panoramic location makes sure that you have a view of the sea from everywhere. From the living space with its sitting, kitchen and dining areas, you have a view of the Ionian Sea, the town of Lefkada and over to the mainland. In front of the bedrooms, which also all have sea views, there is an open portico and a terrace with a 20-metre infinity pool. The nearest beach is one kilometre away. A little further, but worthwhile, are various spots for wind or kite surfers.

The small village of Afife on the Portuguese Atlantic coast is home to an extraordinary house: Casa Afife. Since windows and doors with shutters can be completely hidden in the facade, when the shutters are closed the holiday home for six people almost looks like a sculpture. The design of the house was significantly influenced by the neighbouring church: For in this way the house does not disturb the harmony of the religious place, but still retains its independent character.

Surrounded by a sand dune, this exclusive holiday home is only 400 metres from Praia do Pego, which has been named Portugal’s best beach several times. Located south of Lisbon, the house – a composition of glass, concrete and pine terraces – has a simple, straightforward design and 265 sqm of space for up to six people. On the large roof terrace with the heated pool, you are completely undisturbed and can even swim in winter.

Gnarled olive trees and the blue shimmering sea in the distance: Casa di Monti welcomes its guests with this view of the landmarks of Apulia. The reference to the surroundings characterises the entire design of the holiday home, which is located on a 1.2-hectare plot near the town of Ostuni. A little way from the house is the infinity pool framed by a wooden terrace, and the nearest beach is five kilometres away. Up to six guests can stay here for holidays with family and friends. Note: The house is not recommended for families with small children!

Where the dragonflies live: On a Sicilian hill, amidst citrus, almond and olive trees, vines, palms and cacti rests the Dimora delle Libellule. A light and airy ensemble for up to eight guests, it combines Orient and Occident as well as originality and modernity. The sprawling property is a combination of a historical main building and a newly designed guest house, both connected by a long narrow pool. Surrounded by a two-hectare private park that combines almost everything Sicily’s flora has to offer.