Chalet

The world's most expensive holiday house? Yours for only 19,500,000 CHF. This chalet in Zermatt, Switzerland boasts 684 m2 of internal luxury living space with an additional 137 m2 of external terraces and balconies. Plus it has "internal and external kitchens" that can be used for entertaining all year round. Sold!

{your own private tunnel and lift entrance - very James Bond}

{coffee table with built in fire}

{for 19,500.000 I would have asked for a bigger pool}

The furnishings are a little bit blinging for my taste but I imagine I could get used to it.

Chandeliers

The Assembly Rooms in Bath are home to the most beautiful chandeliers. They were built for the building in 1771. I do love chandeliers.

Hotel L'Avenida, Soller, Majorca

 {our room was HUGE}

 {the view from our room}

 {the restaurant at Deia beach, the seafood is sublime}

Hotel L'Avenida is a small but perfectly formed establishment in rural Majorca. The building, formally a grand turn of the century mansion, was practically in ruins before it was saved by the present owners. Decorated in retro chic style this is a sleek and glamorous getaway.

Hotel Monte Rosa, Zermatt, Switzerland

In the summer of 2011 my husband and I completed the Walker's Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt. To reward ourselves at the finish we stayed at the Hotel Monte Rosa in Zermatt. It is the oldest hotel in town and one of the nicest.



The British Alpine Club in front of the Monte Rosa

 Edward Whymper, the English illustrator, climber and explorer, stayed at the Monte Rosa before becoming the first person to summit the Matterhorn in 1865. On the descent four members of the party were killed. The English connection (almost) explains why the bar is covered in tartan!

The accommodation is luxurious and very chic, the staff are polite, helpful and charming, plus you have access to the spectacular wellness and spa at the neighbouring Mont Cervin Palace. Everything you could want in a hotel.

Ocean Farm, Gerringong, Australia

Now this is my idea of a holiday home!

Howie & Belle, London

 {I just love the velvet sofa and dark walls. Very romantic.}

This is the home of Jo Kornstein is the owner of vintage boutique Howie & Belle as featured in The Guardian Magazine.

Villa Mangiacane, Florence, Italy

Jasmine scented paradise on a hill outside Florence.

{the drive is lined with lavender and jasmine}

 {dining in the walled herb garden}

{the view from our room}

Villa Mangiacane was originally commissioned by Cardinal Francesco Maria Machiavelli, uncle of Niccolò Machiavelli. But political intrigue is the farthest thing from your mind when you are by the pool on a beautiful summer day.