Home Away From Home

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Home Away From Home

Whether you dream of a coastal Cornish retreat, a rural residence in the Chiltern Hills or your own exclusive spot in the sun, we’ve got your holiday home desires covered

Words by Liz Skone James

FOR SALE
Constantia, South Africa

In the heart of Cape Town’s most exclusive Southern Suburbs stands House Zai, an impeccable home designed by Stefan Antoni of globally renowned architecture studio SAOTA, and crafted to the highest standards by Belgian master builder Stefan Varewyck.

A home for the future, self-sufficiency is a way of life here, with off-grid technology systems supplying both water and power. And sustainability is at the heart of the design and build: walls, floors, and ceilings are thermally insulated, ensuring that House Zai is both cool in the summer, and a warm and welcoming sanctuary in the coldest Cape winters. Even the swimming pool is heated via solar panels, making year-round dips an appealing proposition.

There’s luxury in spades, too, from the fully imported Bulthaup kitchen and Schüco windows and sliding doors, to the highspeed fibre connectivity and the fully integrated Bang & Olufsen surround sound system. And the house is furnished with iconic pieces from the Roche Bobois limited edition Hero collection, which are available to purchase separately.

With its open plan design and epic outdoor living spaces, this home gives off serious party pad vibes, and you can rest assured that your guests won’t be fighting for space; with six-bedrooms, the two-storey home offers a palatial 1,407 sq m of living space. The first-floor features four en-suite bedrooms, including a breath-taking 140 sq m principal suite with a vast balcony overlooking the garden and mountains. A separate bedroom boasts a large roof terrace with views of the Constantia Green Belt, while two others come with balconies offering garden and mountain views. Two guest bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms are situated in a separate wing, each with a patio offering stunning Green Belt views. And a private guest apartment with a bedroom, lounge, open-plan kitchen, and bathroom boasts a private entrance and garden. And all of your guests will sleep peacefully at night, knowing that the security at House Zai is unparalleled. With comprehensive 24-hour guarding and full CCTV surveillance, a state-of-the- art alarm system and advanced biometric access, plus electric isolation shutters and 420 metres of powerful electric perimeter fencing, peace of mind is guaranteed. This is truly the pinnacle of luxury living.
£4,467,940, Hamptons (020 8618 4551; hamptons-international.com)     


 

FOR SALE
Maenporth, Cornwall

Nestled in a peaceful spot just outside Falmouth and enjoying fantastic views over Maenporth beach, this contemporary cedar-clad property boasts the ultimate coastal escape. Inside, there are five luxuriously appointed bedrooms, making this home ideal for hosting family get-togethers. The principal living space, incorporating a fully equipped kitchen that will delight keen cooks, is found on the first floor. Sliding glass doors provide access from here to an expansive elevated terrace, offering captivating sea views – the perfect spot for soaking up the sun.
Guide price £1.8 million, Jackson Stops (01872 261160; jackson-stops. co.uk)


 

FOR SALE
Inca, Mallorca

Set in the idyllic countryside near Santa Magdalena, this charming 18th century villa offers an authentic taste of Mallorca. Perfect for larger gatherings, there are five bedrooms here, all offering en suite facilities, and expansive living spaces, too. You can spread out in style with a bar, a library, and a spacious kitchen that connects to an outdoor kitchen set on a large, covered terrace with a cosy dining area. This is just one of the many terraces spread throughout the mature gardens, where the star of the show is undoubtedly the stunning saltwater swimming pool, that positively invites you to dive right in. Bliss.
Guide price €4.95 million, Savills (020 7016 3866; savills.com)


 

FOR SALE
The Residences at The Retreat, Elcot Park

Hector and Samantha Ross, creators of boutique hotel group the Signet Collection, have just launched nine beautiful two-bedroom Residences within the sprawling grounds of The Retreat at Elcot Park, in the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty. From high-specification kitchens to spacious living areas, every detail has been conceived by interior designer Charlotte Atkins to evoke a sense of comfort and elegance. Best of all, residents have access to the luxurious amenities – including a spa, gym, outdoor infinity pool, tennis courts, and yoga and Pilates classes – at The Retreat. The estate also boasts two restaurants, a hair and nail salon, wine cellar, and café, ensuring that every need is catered to with utmost care and attention.
From £250,000. For more details, see residenceselcotpark.com