The best private rentals for 2023 include some little hidden gems; a windmill in Suffolk, a beachfront property in Portugal and a luxury villa in Thailand.
The Red Chalet, Algarve, Portugal
Located at the heart of Armação de Pêra in the Algarve, the Red Chalet was built during the turn of the 20th century and inspired by the opulent luxury of the Belle Epoque era which was emerging in the South of France. Originally known as the Chalet dos Caldas e Vasconcelos, this four-bedroom, five-bathroom villa remained as a family summer home for nearly 80 years, a sense of tradition creating an intimacy that welcomes guests into the company of friends.
Now listed as a historical building and a famous landmark on the Armação de Pêra coastline, the recent renovation focused on retaining as many of the original features as possible: wooden floors, antique chandeliers, and a spectacular staircase. Moorish influences can be seen and felt through the architecture and geometric designs on the shutters and ceilings, all poignant reminders of the region’s rich cultural history. The large open plan kitchen leads onto a living and dining area with a large terracotta terrace and spectacular seafront setting. With direct access to the beach and the historical town centre, the best of the Algarve is right on the doorstep-from the picturesque church square it overlooks, to the fantastic views of the beach and mouth-watering food from the beach front restaurant below. A great choice for all ages.
Rates from €2500 per week with daily breakfast and housekeeping included
www.vilavitacollection.com/en/red-chalet
Relais Casamassima, Umbria, Italy
Full of charm and warmth Relais Casamassima is what the Italians call an 'agriturismo' (a working farm) but it's far more than that... a small boutique hotel that can also be rented exclusively for a minimum of 5 nights. There are just five en-suite rooms four of which are suites, each spacious, all with a working fireplace, some with a private terrace or living room. The fifth room is a deluxe twin room. The mixture of contemporary and antique furniture creates a cosy yet modern feel throughout. The owner, Anna, a nature, art and music lover, has restored this countryside home into an elegant and stylish ‘buon ritiro’ - somewhere you can escape from it all. The views from the pool (open from June to September) and some of the terraces stretch across the Umbrian hills, vineyards and olive groves to the medieval city of Perugia, rich in history and art and only 15 minutes away. Relax and enjoy the pool and the garden or borrow a book from the library which has a wide selection of international titles including many on fashion, an industry Anna worked in for 20 years. If you're planning to have a celebration in Italy then look no further, Relais Casamassima can also host civil marriages, receptions, birthday parties and by prior arrangement private dinners and lunches.
Rates from €5500 for a minimum stay of 5 nights
Chateau Saussard, Normandy, France
A journey at the heart of French Heritage in a luxurious ten-room exclusive use chateau plus charming fisherman's cottage set in the lovely Normandy countryside. Interiors have been meticulously designed to ensure a feeling of opulence throughout, with period detailing and antiques galore. A French art de vivre gracefully combines historic grandeur with 21st-century comfort. Each room boasts its own private bathroom and views over the parkland and river. The grounds of the Saussard Estate, just 75 km from Paris, span over 20 acres with a magnificent forest that surrounds the private and secluded Estate and the river Ept running through it. In addition to the opulent living spaces, there is an extraordinary pool carved into the chateau’s cellars against the rocks with a relaxation area, shower and sauna. The perfect pick for a holiday with friends or family.
Rates from €9480 for 3 nights exclusive rental
Villa Celadon, Thailand
Villa Celadon was designed by Gary Fell, of the renowned GFAB Architects. The 5-bedroom villa has a very sleek and modern design that completely captures the beauty of its surroundings and features a private gym and yoga area. Situated on a hilltop 100 metres above the Gulf of Thailand, this villa is the epitome of secluded luxury and truly exemplifies the meaning of indoor-outdoor living with its open sunken living sofa by the L-shaped infinity pool that highlights the panoramic view of the ocean, Angthong Marine Park, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao islands. Nothing is better than waking up to peace and quiet together with unmatched views of Koh Samui’s turquoise waters.
Rates from US 1150 ++ per night
Alla Selva, Le Marche, Italy
This spacious and beautifully restored private villa in Le Marche sleeps up to eight people across four large double bedrooms (two en-suite). Alla Selva, with its saltwater swimming pool and outdoor terrace, is a wonderfully peaceful place to be, tucked away surrounded by private gardens in the depths of the Italian countryside. This holiday villa was created as a home, not a rental and is furnished with an eclectic mix of period furniture collected by the owners from across Europe. The rooms are spacious and the sofas as soft as the downy pillows on the comfy beds. The kitchen is fully fitted as any home would be and if you want Italian meals prepared in advance ready for your arrival, no problem! A week’s stay at Alla Selva is rural, relaxed and low-key, ideal for a holiday with family or friends where you can enjoy the Italian way of life and experience il dolce far niente.
Rates from €2100 per week
http://www.holidaylemarche.com/
Dar Kawa, Marrakech
This 4-room whitewashed house is a hard-to-find design jewel in the heart of the traditional medina a little off the beaten track. Amazing organic vegetarian food, slick service and exquisite design from owner and designer Valérie Barkowski is what sets this house apart from others. The rooms vary in size, but all have immaculate en-suite bathrooms tiled in a palette of greys complemented with Valérie’s famous tassel bath towels and bed linen. This house (the oldest in the medina) is ideal to take over with friends and family for a few days while you explore the souks, medina and museums which are all within easy walking distance. Foodies needn’t look further than Saïda’s food, it’s some of the best in the city.
Rates for the exclusive rental of Dar Kawa from €950 per night including breakfast
Palazzo Passerini, Tuscany, Italy
Palazzo Passerini is a luxury private palazzo in the heart of Cortona, Tuscany. Beautifully renovated by its architect owners in collaboration with local artisans, this private residence sleeps four adults in the lap of luxury with two stunning suites (one on the ground floor, the other on the first floor). Palazzo Passerini boasts a spacious salon and handmade fully fitted kitchen; self-catering townhouse living has never felt so luxurious with air-conditioning, an honesty bar, full entertainment system including SKY Sports and Wi-Fi boosters on every floor. The salon has a dining table that seats six as well as a beautiful, original working fireplace. The Loggia Suite on the first floor has an open fireplace and beautiful views across the rooftops of Cortona. Both suites have spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers. Ideally positioned just a few steps from Piazza Signorelli and the shops, cafés and restaurants of Cortona, Palazzo Passerini is the ideal base for culture vultures, keen walkers and those who appreciate the finer things in life!
Rates from €495 per night for the entire palazzo
Villa Can Totxa, Mallorca
New for 2023 is Villa Can Totxa in Mallorca which occupies a privileged spot between the charming cobbled old town of Pollença and elegant marina of Port de Pollença.
The villa itself is a charming traditional finca, built with local stone and bedecked with wooden shutters. Surrounded by extensive grounds and hillside cloaked in evergreen oak trees the villa’s classic farmhouse exterior belies its modern interiors, characterised by spacious open plan layouts, a neutral colour palette and original artworks. Each of the four spacious bedrooms has its own bathroom and pretty garden views. Wandering the mature gardens with the sound of palm trees rustling in the breeze, it’s hard to believe that bustling markets, restaurants, cafés and beautiful beaches are no more than 10 minutes’ drive away.
Rates for 7 nights at Villa Can Totxa, start from €18,400 on a catered basis
www.purplesummer.com/villas/villas-in-mallorca/can-totxa/
The Windmill, Suffolk, UK
Originally built in 1891 the recently converted windmill is the perfect contemporary country hideaway in the heart of Suffolk. Enjoy a relaxing few days at The Windmill Suffolk, a unique and luxurious self-catering hideaway that sleeps up to four adults. Lazy mornings, private suppers in the garden and evenings admiring the views of the surrounding countryside from the 4th floor balcony make it one of the most romantic places to stay in the UK. Just 2 miles from the medieval village of Lavenham and 10 minutes from Bury St Edmunds, The Windmill is within easy reach of what Suffolk and the picturesque surrounding counties of Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire have to offer.
Rates from £950 for a minimum 2-night stay for two adults.