When it comes to finding the perfect vacation rental, the stakes are high and the choices many – meaning the first page of Airbnb just isn’t going to cut it anymore. But luckily for design-lovers, more and more architect-designed homes are hitting the holiday market. Here are five of the best holiday homes for rent by leading architects that are ideal for design pilgrims.
Ex of In House by Steven Holl, Hudson Valley, New York
Sitting in the Rhinebeck woods, this unusual geometric home was completed by Steven Holl Architects in 2016. Its angular exterior is punctuated by huge circular and semi-circular windows and entered through an orb-shaped lobby. The entire plywood-lined New York vacation rental is open-plan but has enough futons to sleep five people. It’s surrounded by 28 acres of forest and relies on geothermal heating and solar panels – giving guests a taste of off-grid living.
Sleeps five, from £217 per night
Villa Vista by Shigeru Ban, Weligama Bay, Sri Lanka
Shigeru Ban’s cliffside Villa Vista offers views across Weligama Bay and the nearby tropical gardens from its three long levels. Inside the Sri Lankan holiday home, concrete flooring is contrasted by teak wickerwork and coconut leaves, and the air flowing through woven wooden screens keeps the home cool. Guests can spy whales from the home’s shaded terrace, and enjoy dips in the 60-foot infinity pool. For those looking for extra relaxation, on-site massages can also be organised and meals prepared.
Sleeps 7, from £382 per night
Walmer Yard by Peter Salter, London, England
His first project in the UK, Peter Salter’s Walmer Yard is a cluster of four houses that wrap around a courtyard in London’s Notting Hill. Its concrete exterior may look inconspicuous, but hides a set of unconventional rooms with rounded walls, included yurt-like living and dining rooms clad in clay. Other unusual tactile touches come in the form of leather handrails, and copper and wooden shingles. The houses can be rented individually, or together.
Sleeps 18, price on request
La Muralla Roja by Ricardo Bofill, Calpe, Spain
Who wouldn’t want a chance to stay in one of the most Instagrammed pieces of architecture around? The bright pink La Muralla Rorja apartment complex, by Ricardo Bofill, isn’t just a firm favourite of photographers, it’s also close to the beach and has views across the Mediterranean – best enjoyed from the building’s rooftop pool.
Sleeps four, from £91 per night
Kubuswoningen by Piet Blom, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Rotterdam’s bizarre Kubuswoningen – literally, cube houses – were designed by Piet Blom in 1977, as part of the urban regeneration of the city’s Oude Haven. They’re in stark contrast with the more sedate surrounding architecture, and together are reminiscent of a building seen through a funhouse mirror. Guests will have views across the city skyline, and over the jagged rooftops of the neighbouring homes.
Sleeps four, from £136 per night
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