House Curious

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House Destinations - South America and Mexico

October 01, 2019Sommer Pyne

We’re exploring Central and South America next on our House Destinations around the world. There are some amazing countries to visit in this part of the world plus real variation from the jungle to mountains and stunning coastlines. We can’t wait to go back and visit.

Photos by Simon Upton for Architectural Digest

Tropical Holiday House in Trancoso, Brazil

First up is the tropical hideaway in Brazil that is owned by US news anchor Anderson Cooper. Situated in the lesser know Brazilian town of Trancoso, on the Atlantic coast it’s quite tucked away. Cooper enlisted fashion designer turned hotelier Wilbert Das to build him a vacation home in Trancoso, Brazil. The estate comprises of four buildings set amongst lush vegetation including mango, cacao, jackfruit, banana, and açaí trees.

The image above shows the master suite that sits on timber stilts to create shelter for an outdoor seating area beneath it. It feels like grown ups treehouse.

The treehouse theme continues with wooden cladding throughout. Crisp white muslin drapes over the four poster bed and adds drama to the room.

In the main structure of the house is the living/dining room, kitchen area and veranda for outside entertaining. Handmade local craft and vintage pieces like the Bahian cocktail table that sits with pequi-wood stools perfectly blend into the structure of the home. Das’s Uxua Casa home collection, which include the indigo-dyed throw pillows, woven-reed rug, and sectional sofa finish the room of nicely. Mostly the colour pallet is neutral, however feature wall brighter up room in true South American style.

In the kitchen there is a real juxtaposition of old and new, concrete countertops and shelving complements the reclaimed-wood cabinets. The black earthenware is beautifully displayed on open shelves and the large vintage glass and brass pendant is a great feature.

We love this assortment of terracotta pendants lights hanging over the rustic style family dining table and benches. This is something that could easily be replicated inside your home over your family table. If only we had the same climate as Brazil and could eat outside every night.

The pool area has an organic shape that flows around the lush jungle surroundings making it feel lagoon like. Tatajuba wooden planks form the decking area which houses the lounge furniture and outdoor bar area.

This nook is in one of the guest bungalows and features a lampshade made from reclaimed sail. What I love most about this nook is that most of the things are vintage or reclaimed, making it unique and original.

Who wouldn’t want to curl up with a coffee and good book on this terrace. The terracotta tiles are a gorgeous contrast to the lush green lawn. Reclaimed wooden furniture fill the space and the macrame inspired chair looks sooo comfy.

The reclaimed wood and mix of vintage continues throughout the property in the bathroom. Door frames and window frames also feature reclaimed wood. We love the contrast of the white walls. Finding vintage pieces and repurposing them in your home is a great way to upcycle and add character to your home.

To finish it off this little slice of jungle heaven comes complete with an outdoor shower in a carved out tree trunk. Plus a huddle of hammocks to lounge in.

Key features we love :

Boho Hammocks
Outdoor shower in carved out tree trunk
Tree house inspired master suite
Muslin covered 4 poster beds
Reclaimed wooden furniture

Source - Architectural Digest

Photos by Andres Garcia Lachner for Wallpaper

Joya Villas - Costa Rica

These two modern villas sit in the rainforest of Santa Teresa surprisingly well thanks to the use of predominantly simple raw materials of steel, wood and concrete. The wooden screens and floors ensure that the property is rooted in local traditions and building techniques.

Designed by Studio Saxe, a sustainable organisation that prides itself on maintaining a balance between the natural environment and modern architecture.

This floating staircase is a beautiful example of good architecture. Clean lines are a strong feature throughout this home. In any home with so many hard surfaces it’s important to soften the look with soft accessories.

As this property sits in the jungle/rainforest plants are hugely important and we love this indoor/outdoor planted area in the bathroom. Plants breathe life into any room and this living indoor garden is a great way to bring the outdoors in. We were considering something very similar in our house but it proved to be quite expensive due to extra drainage and excavation.

Bi fold door open up the entire property, creating a smooth transition between indoors and outdoors.

The kitchen has an industrial feel to it with the steel columns and exposed beams, mixed with cool concrete surfaces. The Marble countertops add a touch of luxe. We love the open plan of the kitchen and design is perfect for entertaining.

Key features we love:

Simple lines
Floating staircase
Mix of industrial material like steel, concrete and natural wood.
Bi-fold doors

Source : Wallpaper

Mayan Minimalism - Tulum, Mexico

Last up in our around the world tour is Mexico. This minimalist home in Tulum feels more like a boutique hotel. Set in a rich green Mayan jungle on the outskirts of the town with white sandy beaches, this property is hidden away and feels like a place to leave your troubles at the door and relax.

The property is designed around the spectacular swimming pool and interior gardens with a fire pit and lounge overlooking the jungle from sunrise to sunset. The open lounge area is simply furnished with wooden furniture and oversized cushions.

Constructed entirely of monolithic concrete forms, the tree line of the jungle adds a sense of calm and cool central living areas. Almost completely unadorned, the design allows the architecture and jungle center stage.

This corner plunge pool with hammock above it is the perfect place to cool off and relax. Three of the bedrooms have their own plunge pool, now that’s what a I call luxury! This is a great feature if you are thinking about renting a property out as a side income.

What we love about this property is the simplicity of the design and complimentary furniture. The bamboo ladder is not only practical but a great feature in any room. You can hang towels or accessorise with eucalyptus or dried flowers for a more decorative effect.

The bedrooms are small and have been kept simple and sparse with built in beds that blend in with the floors and walls. We love the architectural window design. The outdoor bathroom area in the above right image has a statement wall made of local stone that is used as the backdrop to the shower.

The open air bathroom is gorgeous and feels very luxurious with the marble vanity area. Who doesn’t love an outside shower?! Perhaps not in the UK but definitely when we’re on holiday. I love the luxe but simple design of this bespoke sink. It’s always a good idea, if you have the luxury to commission a local stone maker or your builder to create something that is unique.

This bathroom above is beautiful, the soft stone colour adds so much warmth and is effortlessly stylish.

Key features we love:

Private plunge pools
Hammocks
Jungle location
Outside bathroom

If you’ve missed any of the previous blog posts in this series don’t worry you can catch up below:

House Destinations - Australia

House Destinations - America

House Destinations - Scandinavia

House Destinations - Balearic Islands

categories blog
tags house destinations, house curious, brazil

October

September 30, 2019Sommer Pyne

It’s officially Autumn and it’s time to get cosy but we’re not ready to completely hibernate indoors just yet. I want to get outdoors and soak up as much fresh air as possible. Here is our hit list for this month.

This month - London Restaurant Festival 1st-31st October

Running between 1 and 31 October 2019, London Restaurant Festival celebrates the diversity of this global capital of exceptional, groundbreaking restaurants with citywide experiences and menus. This year’s Festival Menus, brought to you by OpenTable, are newly themed, so whether you’re looking for cutting-edge cuisine, hot new openings, breathtaking views or our London Legends, there is a special menu created just for you. Be sure to check off as many themes as possible throughout the October. Words and source : London Restaurant Festival for info and tickets click here.

Cosy pub recommendations

Lounge around on roughed-up sofas and bask in the glow of a burning fire – these cosy London pubs are crying out to be treated like your home away from home in the autumn months. Whether you want to get warmed-up after a brisk walk through Hampstead Heath or you feel like getting all aglow while in Soho, these pubs will work wonders on your post-summer, not-quite-winter complexion.

From creakingly old inns with nooks for hiding away from the London fog to modern pubs that know how to turn on the warming charm, find somewhere in the capital to get seriously cosy over autumnal ales and hot toddies. Words and source : Time out for more info click here.

Tim Walker Exhibition - Wonderful Things on now until the 8th March 2020

Experience the extraordinary creative process of one of the world's most inventive photographers through his pictures, films, photographic sets, and special installations – including ten new series of photographs influenced by the V&A's collections. Words and source - V&A for more info and tickets click here.

Sober October - 1st-31st Oct

This month is Sober October but that doesn’t mean you need to sit at home. Here are some of our fave places and mocktails that are sure to brighten up your month.

Nettle fizz at The Zetter Townhouse

Nearly negroni at American Bar at The Savoy

Mango and fennel lassi at Dishoom

Flu fighters martini at Redemption Bar

Glossy at Connaught Bar

Rickie No.17 at 45 Jermyn St.

Watermelon, pink peppercorn and habanero agua fresca at Ella Canta

Pura sangre at Nightjar

Dartmouth Food Festival - 18th-20th October

During the Festival the whole of Dartmouth buzzes with activity. With street entertainers, food and drink stalls, cooking contests to enter and children’s activities, cooking demonstrations and classes, you and your children will have a wonderful day out.

The Festival has something for the whole family. There plenty for grown ups with amazing cookery demonstrations, drinks seminars and tastings. You'll meet celebrity chefs and local cookery heroes and some of the UK's top food writers. For children there's the Children's Tea Party at the start of the Festival on the Thursday, followed by lots of fun events throughout the Festival. And even your dog can can be a gourmand for the day and savour the latest doggy flavoured ice cream from Dartmouth Ice Cream Company.

And the good news! Most of the Festival is FREE, thanks to our generous Sponsors! You'll only need to pay for certain events. Words and source; Dartmouth Food Festival For more info just click here.

Hull Fair - 5th -13th October

Hull Fair is one of Europe’s largest travelling funfairs, which comes to Hull for one week. Unlike small local fairs, Hull Fair attracts rides, attractions, and travellers from a wide variety of different regions.

The fair is one of Hull’s biggest traditions, as well as one of its oldest, having reached its 700th anniversary in 1993. Carrying on with such tradition the fair is opened by the Lord Mayor of Hull on the opening evening, normally at 5 pm. It first opened from 9 to 23 March 1278.

Stalls down Walton Street are filled with the sights and smells of traditional fairground food from hamburgers and hot dogs to candy floss, toffee apples, pomegranates and even hog roast. Source and words : Hull city Fair and more info click here

Pumpkin Patches - throughout October

We’ve found this great list from https://www.youneedtovisit.co.uk with a whole load of suggestions for the best pumpkin patches around the UK. I am pretty sure there will be one near you. Pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes, paint them, carve them or use them to decorate your home this Autumn. For info click here.

Framlingham Castle, Suffolk - English Heritage

Halloween - 31st October

For the kids…

October is half term so grab your broomsticks for a bewitchingly brilliant day out at English Heritage’s Halloween events taking place across the country. Kids and families can head to our historic places this Halloween Half Term with creepy crafts and wicked witch-themed quests at our castles, abbeys and houses. And come nightfall, brave grownups can dare to explore some of the country's eeriest castles and discover the darker side of history. Words and Source : English Heritage

For the grown ups…

Fear is a funny thing; take a step back in time into London’s dark past told by live actors, scares and immersive sets. Your tour starts in a Victorian Gin Palace where a complimentary Gin fizz is served before heading off into the Streets of Jack the Ripper and to meet other infamous people from Sweeny Todd to Mrs Lovett you will receive another drop of Dutch courage in the Ten Bells served by the landlady. Audience participation is encouraged as you pass from one show to the next. The finale is a drop ride which may leave you in need of a stiff drink, lucky for you our Tavern awaits. The Tavern is an ideal place to regroup and to take a breather before heading out. This adult’s only experience is a great alternative to a West End show or a great way to experience one of London’s top attractions without the crowds. Source and words by Design my night

London Oktoberfest

Millwall Park (3rd-13th October) and Olympia London ( 24th-26th October) are transformed into a gigantic Oktoberfest. More fun, more party and more Oktoberfest than ever before in London. Over the years a lot have tried - but no one beats the fun and good mood London´s own, original Oktoberfest creates.

Sing along and dance on the benches while enjoying Ompha-Ompha music, a bratwurst and a German beer - what more could you want!?

On Sunday's we have a special offer for your family lunch so you can let the entire family experience Bavarian culture for a day. (On Sunday's kids are allowed at the event together with their parents). Words and source : Design my night

categories blog, Culture Fix
tags what to do in october, culture fix, october in london

Week 3. Climate Change - Be Carbon Positive

September 27, 2019Sommer Pyne

We’re really excited to have Jacqui back with us again this week to talk about going carbon neutral and tips on how to offset your carbon footprint.

All these tips come from a non-judgemental place and are tools to help you understand what options are available. We understand that it may be hard to implement all these ideas but if you’re like me you just do what you can. Every positive action we make, not matter how small, collectively will have a big impact.

We hope you find the info below useful and do let us know what changes you and your family have made or going to make. Thanks, Sommer x

The Low Down on Offsetting

To offset a single 4 hour return flight, you'll pay about $7USD. With our current climate emergency - is there any justification for not doing this? Have a read to understand why and how you can offset your travel and your life.

Over the last couple of weeks we've focused on travelling zero waste which is a great way to reduce the environmental impact of your travel. But whilst plastic is a huge problem - Climate Change is the biggest problem facing our world and unfortunately, air travel is a major contributor to it (making up 2% of global emissions and a large proportion of your personal emissions depending on how much you travel).

This puts all of us who care for the environment, but love to travel, in a moral dilemma. Without a doubt the most eco approach is to not fly (latest UK stats show 1 in 7 people are prepared to make that commitment), and whilst you may cut back on flying, let's be real - we're human and it's likely that some holidays will be a vice we're not willing to sacrifice.

That's where offsetting comes in - paying for projects that will even the scales and take out of the atmosphere equivalent amounts of carbon dioxide that your flights produce (or defer emissions that would otherwise be going into the atmosphere but for your investment to stop them). From tree planting to renewable energy - these projects would not happen unless you pay for them to (a concept called additionality). In a nutshell if you can't plant trees yourself - you're paying for someone else to do it for you.

Don't let the haters stop you!

Sounds good in theory - but you may have heard rumblings that offsetting is a waste of money or a cop out. It's controversial for a range of reasons - including that the emissions may have been reduced anyway, the trees planted may not survive for the length of time required to sequester carbon or that the concept of offsetting fails to dissuade people from flying - acting as a 'get-out-of-climate-guilt-free-card'.

Whilst there are legitimate arguments - I urge you to rise above it and realise that at the end of the day - if someone is planting a tree on your behalf it's worth it. If you're not the person who doesn't sponsor a child with World Vision because they think the child will only receive 80% of the money - then don't be that person with offsets either. If you have serious reservations - put your money where your mouth is and pay more for Gold Standard offsets (see below).

Let's not forget, organisations providing verified offsets are audited and meet standards set by the United Nations. Like all investments, there is an inherent risk of uncertainty, similar to sponsoring a child or donating to other charities - but at the end of the day the work that is done can't be denied.

The fact is, we already have too much carbon in the atmosphere. Already too much means we shouldn't be adding any more and the only way to do that if we are adding is to take it out and avoid putting more in there. Simplistic but true. Whilst the greatest pressure should be on governments, industry and the biggest polluters to legislate and innovate - that's not happening at the moment - so if you are privileged enough to travel - then, I believe you are obligated to offset and at least make your travel carbon neutral but even carbon positive (by buying more).

Here are my tips on how and why you should purchase offsets for your travel.

1. Commit to buying offsets

Don't debate whether to offset each flight or ship travel. Have a family meeting and make the commitment upfront now as a family that you will offset your travel. If you need to be convinced - do your research, soul searching, and dinner table discussions to satisfy yourself and stop the constant questioning in your head. The best thing to do is talk to an 8 year old and try and give them all the excuses for why you think you shouldn't buy an offset. Chances are you'll find there's no real justification.

2. Fly Less

Some people are committing to no longer flying but most of us won't or can't do this. What we can do is commit to really trying to reduce our flights and cutting any unnecessary flights as well as critically analysing whether we need to fly into holiday planning. If you fly for work - try to reduce those flights first by using video conferencing. If you travel to Europe why not travel by train and opt for it even if it is a little bit more expensive. Make the rest of your life as carbon neutral as possible so your overall footprint isn't huge.

3. Offset Even When There's no Box to Tick

Unfortunately offsetting isn't as easy as ticking a box. Some airlines offer offsetting but many don't. By all means make it easy for yourself and offset and tick the box when it's there. But when it's not - have a short list of companies that provide offsets that you can go straight to in order to calculate your own emissions and offset independently. If possible support airlines such as KLM, Air New Zealand and Qantas that have an offset program and are leading the way in cutting single use plastic and investigating how to reduce carbon emissions.

4. Pick an Offset Company and Stick with It

Check out the companies that offer offsets and calculators and choose the ones you want to support to make it efficient each time you offset. My favourite companies are below - they offer a range of projects that you and your kids can choose from. If you want the highest standard then you can choose Gold Standard that are rigorously verified by the UN as projects worthy of countries to purchase to meet the emission requirements under the Kyoto Protocol. These are approximately $18USD/per tonne of CO2. However, it's not necessary to choose these projects for your offsets as there are other schemes and projects that are excellent and meet other standards that are audited and verified - but they are about half the price at about $7USD/tonne. Our family pays $7USD/tonne.

5. Pick Project that Resonate with Your Values - Get the Kids Involved.

I personally love tree-planting projects as I love the idea of regenerating the earth. However, these weren't included under the Kyoto protocol as there are issues of permanence (they could burn or be cut down in the future) and don't address shifting away from fossil fuels. Don't let the politics of it all confuse you - if they are listed by a reputable company just trust in the process and go for it. My kids love purchasing from projects that also help communities in developing countries.

Getting the kids involved each time helps them understand Climate Change and the connection between emissions and how to get CO2 out of the air.

My Favourite Websites Are:

FlyGreen - If you book your flights through this website to company uses its commissions to buy your offsets meaning your offsets are free.

Cool Effect - Cool Effect has a very simple carbon calculator and affordable offsets at about $7/tonne CO2 (about a return 4 hour flight). There are a range of projects to choose from and all your money goes to offsetting.

World Land Trust - If you want our national hero David Attenborough's stamp of approval go with World Land Trust. They have a carbon calculator and offer offsets and David Attenborough himself states "The money that is given to the World Land Trust, in my estimation, has more effect on the wild world than almost anything I can think of".

Gold Standard - These offsets will be more expensive as they undergo the most rigorous assessments designed for nations to use to help them meet the Kyoto requirements. I don't think you need to go this far - but if you have doubts - spend the extra money and go with Gold Standard.

Offset Earth - This company is a great resource for offsetting your emissions on a monthly basis. It also helps you track and reduce your impact. Depending on your lifestyle you can offset your emissions for £4/week

5. Keep Calculating Simple

Don't get confused about calculating. Use a simple calculator such as Cool Effects or World Land Trust to calculate your flight and annual emissions. Don't get bogged down in detail - just use a calculator and roll with the estimates. If you want to err on the side of caution or be carbon positive (because we need to do more than just be neutral), then purchase a few more offsets. For ship travel - assume it's the same as airline travel and go with that.

6. Pay as You Go

I'm a big believer in paying for your offsets as you go. Firstly, this approach means you don't cop the cost in one big hit but it also means that you are engaged with the impact of each flight. If kids are involved it helps build the direct connection between actions and impact.

7. Don't stop there

It doesn't cost a lot to make your life carbon neutral. Go through life and teach your kids the attitude "do your best, offset the rest". Use the World Land Trust calculator to determine your emissions for the year - it doesn't need to be perfect.

Doing your best in your normal life means:

- Reducing meat intake

- Purchasing certified renewable electricity for the home - my favourite company is Ecotricity - with the added bonus that they have great customer service.

- Having no car, one car or a hybrid and opting for public transport when you can.

- Hanging clothes out and instead of using the dryer.

- Flying less.

- Generally buying less things, taking up less space (not having a huge house) and buying locally to reduce transport emissions.

- Using the search engine Ecosia - for phone and desktop - they plant a tree every 45 searches.

The Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, individual action is a drop in the ocean - but where it really comes to play is the impact it has on influencing huge government and industry changes. By modelling climate aware practices at home - you're creating a trend that will cause governments to act, supporting companies who are doing the right thing to grow and creating little humans that grow up into industry and country leaders that rule the world with this ethos.

To get daily inspiration follow Jacqui on instagram @jacqui.scruby or if you want extra help to live a plastic free luxe life check out her 6 weeks online course to going plastic free www.6weekstoplasticfree.com @6weekstoplasticfree and www.jacquiscruby.com

Also if you missed the previous blog posts in this series you can check it out here:

Week 1. Plastic Free Travel - What you need to pack

Week 2. Plastic Free Travel - Mindset and Behaviour

categories blog
tags plastic free, travel, be carbon positive, off set travel, environment

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House Curious

House Curious

House Destinations - South America and Mexico

October 01, 2019Sommer Pyne

October

September 30, 2019Sommer Pyne

Week 3. Climate Change - Be Carbon Positive

September 27, 2019Sommer Pyne