19th-century converted vicarage, Cornwall, UK
It might look like something out of a Gothic novel but this vicarage from the 1880s has been transformed into a contemporary luxury home. Set on five acres of land in the southern Cornish countryside, this Grade II-listed property comprises a detached house and three self-contained cottages, all of which retain their original Victorian structures.
The kitchen is the only new addition to the property. Created by inserting a timber frame that supports a glass roof in what was once a cobbled courtyard, it’s connected to the main house through an original side entrance.
The main house contains six bedrooms, two of which feature ensuite bathrooms. Exposed stonework and wood beam supports sit side by side with the addition of modern minimalist tiles, showers and sinks.
16th-century holiday home, Girona, Spain
This historic house in Girona dates back to the 16th century. The four-story building was recently restored to combine elements of traditional Catalan architecture with modern interior design. The house has been split into three separate apartments, which are currently rented out as holiday homes.
The fusion between the medieval structure and its contemporary interior was created by combining original stonework with minimalist furnishings in neutral colors. Exposing the wood beam supports in the living room has elevated the ceiling height, while large sheets of glass paneling ensure the open space is filled with natural daylight.
Parts of the fourth floor have been covered into a terrace, allowing guests to experience views of the old city from many of the rooms. Simple furniture, linen curtains and white bedding in the master bedroom enhances the neutral color palette and clean aesthetic.
17th-century mansion, Prague, Czech Republic
This majestic 17th-century mansion is a wonderfully preserved example of the Czech Baroque style. The seven-bedroom, six-bathroom stately home consists of a central rotunda and side wings, spread over three floors. Situated in the heart of Prague, it would make a spacious family home, although it also has the potential for use as a foreign embassy or business headquarters.
Not much of the original Baroque interior survives and the property has been modernized to include an elevator and underground parking. Primarily open-plan in layout, the ground floor offers dining rooms and kitchens in the east wing with a spacious reception, bar and media room in the west wing. The first floor houses bedrooms, while an additional floor contains guest facilities.
Modern luxury amenities include an orangery-style conservatory that has the potential to be converted into an indoor swimming pool and spa. The property is being sold through Sotheby’s Realty, with the price on application.
19th-century city-centre home, Bruges, Belgium
This exceptional Flemish Renaissance Revival home is situated in the historic center of Bruges. The 19th-century estate consists of a two-bedroom, two-bathroom house with additional outbuildings.
Open-plan rooms with double-height ceilings and tall windows create a spacious interior that’s filled with natural light. Though completely revamped, designers retained the building’s original 19th-century vaulted ceilings in a number of rooms.
The master bedroom contains an open-plan sleeping area and bathroom that features a restored domed ceiling. Modern amenities include a built-in media unit and shower facilities.
Early 20th-century mansion, Western Cape, South Africa
Built in 1914, this Baroque Revival mansion in Western Cape, South Africa was recently given a modern makeover.
Though its exterior facade remains true to the grandeur of early 20th-century architectural design, the interior has been completely revamped with polished wood floors, white walls and minimalist furnishings in bright colors and bold patterns. By reducing the number of walls and doors within the house, architects were able to create a magnificent open-plan space.
Grade II listed 19th-century mansion, London, UK
This Grade II-listed 19th-century house is located in west London’s popular Notting Hill. It was built by Sir Francis Ford in the mid-1800s and is part of one of the city’s most successful Victorian residential developments, the Hall Estate.
Remnants of the property’s original Italianate style interior still exist today. Victorian decorative stucco work is combined with white walls, dark wood floors and modern furnishings inspired by Eastern interior design.
The kitchen has been completely revamped with a marble countertop island and modern amenities, including underfloor heating. Gallery lights create a relaxed ambiance while a restored and updated fireplace is a gentle reminder of this space’s Victorian origins.
