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Restored Italian farmhouses, eclectic Scottish castles, Mexican haciendas brought back to their former glory, refurbished Caribbean villas right on the beach… enjoy the best modern comforts all the while keeping historic or location-specific character by staying at these splendid recently renovated luxury vacation homes.

Hacienda Tacubaya – Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

On the market only since March 1st, years of extensive renovations has converted this four-suite fully staffed hacienda, located near the Celestun Biosphere Reserve, into one of the hottest new offerings in the Yucatan.

Rescued from ruins, the stunning 19th-century property was brilliantly restored by award-winning Mexican architects who have succeeded in maintaining its historic beauty while incorporating modern facilities and design elements. It features four deluxe suites, original nineteenth century hand-painted stencils in the main house and an impressive pool amidst vast gardens.

Tacubaya has a dedicated staff consisting of a concierge, maids, butlers and Maya cooks that will undoubtedly exceed your expectations. The hacienda is situated 45 minutes from the charming city of Merida and next to the exceptional Celestun Biosphere Reserve, a 146,000 acre park famous for its thousands of pink flamingos and home to over 300 other bird species.

Be one of the first to holiday at this enchanting historic hacienda by contacting Catherwood Travels here.

Chateau Royaume – Provence, France

Bring friends and family together this summer at this stunning 18th-century château in one of France’s most coveted vacation spots. Completely renovated to the highest standards, the castle is found south of the Alpilles Mountains, a mere 10-minute drive from picture postcard Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, 30 minutes from Avignon and 50 minutes from Marseille Provence Airport.

The estate offers the quintessential provencal lifestyle experience in 15,000 square feet of living areas spread over three levels and with beautiful views of the estate’s gardens, vineyards and the countryside beyond. It is decorated with classy contemporary furniture with antique touches like historic paintings, gilded mirrors and crystal chandeliers.

The ground floor includes three dining rooms, a sublime ceremonial hall and a comfortable lounge bar, creating the perfect spaces for a celebrating a special occasion. The common rooms extend to the first floor with a grand VIP lounge, games room, library with billiards and a conference room. Here you’ll also find three of the bedrooms, all with queen beds, two with en-suite baths and one with a private living room, terrace and en-suite bathroom.

The second floor is home to the rest of the bedrooms, among which are the master room with king size bed, dressing, separate toilets and bathroom with shower and a bath, a family suite with two bedrooms, dressing, toilets and en-suite bathroom and one bedroom with access for disabled persons. The gym, hammam and cinema room are also on this floor.

Enjoy a treasured holiday in Provence with In Villas Veritas at this link.

High Breeze – Barbados

Nestled along the breathtaking Holders Polo Ridge overlooking the stunning turquoise waters of the West Coast of Barbados, the recently renovated five-bedroom High Breeze is new to the portfolio of our experts at Blue Sky Luxury as well as being relatively new to the rental market.

The renovations were of the highest standards while maintaining the home’s traditional Barbadian architecture and classic old world elegance. These included a brand new chef’s kitchen, a state-of-the-art gym under the pool with amazing unobstructed coastal views, an office-loft in the living room and a gorgeous dining pavilion located in the tropical garden with views of the coast.

In addition to these improvements, guests will be in awe at the main house’s impressive foyer and formal living room with double height ceiling, vaulted beams, beautiful coral stone interiors and a blend of modern and antique Caribbean furnishings. Hours can be spent relaxing on the spacious covered verandah which benefits from cooling breezes and sparkling sea views. Meals can be enjoyed in the elegant dining nook or in the new, more formal pavilion with seating for up to 14. The pool and sun terrace have a privileged, raised position on the ridge providing exceptional views of the coastline below.

The main house has three tastefully decorated en-suite bedrooms with walk in closets, high ceilings and large windows. An addition two en-suite bedrooms are located in the guest cottage which has a private outdoor patio overlooking the verdant gardens and towards the polo field.

High Breeze is idyllically located along a peaceful, private ridge, however, the hustle and bustle of the coastal towns is only a few minute’s drive away. Some of Barbados’ best known restaurants are also within a 15 minutes drive.

Take in a sunny Barbadian vacation with Blue Sky Luxury here.

Villa F  – Venice, Italy

Featuring incredible views over the San Marco basin and Santa Maria della Salute, this exclusive 16th-century villa, has been entirely renovated.

It includes 11 spacious, self-contained suites which have all been individually decorated in stylish furnishings. These have original wall frescoes, Italian and Venetian ‘Terrazzo’ floors, and modern luxurious amenities like designer pure linen and silk fabrics by Rubelli, Donghia & Jesurum and kitchens with wine cabinets by Brummel.

When not relaxing in their private sitting rooms, guests can stroll the graceful three acres of gardens with a meditation pool or take in the awe-inspiring views of Venice. All rentals include access to the facilities of the nearby Palladio Hotel & Spa and transport to the Bauer Palazzo Hotel and De Pisis Restaurant.

Experience the marvelous world of aristocratic Venice at the refined Villa F at this link.

Paz del Mar Condo – Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica

This three suites and three and a half bathroom condo has 2800 sq ft of indoor space and another 750 sq ft of private terraces on Costa Rica’s gorgeous Papagayo Peninsula.

Recently completely gutted and rebuilt, the condo features an all new kitchen and new architectural detailing to the interior walls and ceilings. Highlights include the locally sourced and designed artwork and custom wooden pieces made from Costa Rican exotic wood.

With families in mind, the guest suite has a custom designed double bunk bed, with a queen bed on the bottom, twin beds up top.  From many vantage points it has fabulous views either of the ocean, out to the Papagayo Marina, over the Four Seasons managed Arnold Palmer course and the lush jungle.

Create a heavenly family getaway to Costa Rica with Papagayo Luxury here.

The Marlborough Lodge – Marlborough, New Zealand

Located in the heart of the famous Marlborough wine region, this refurbished grand country estate is nestled within 16 acres of secluded parklands, providing the ultimate retreat to indulge in New Zealand’s gourmet province. With 10 elegant contemporary suites, gourmet local cuisine, beautiful grounds and attentive staff on hand 24 hours a day, luxury is second nature at The Marlborough Lodge.

Opened in late 2016, this former Victorian-style convent, built in 1901, underwent vast renovations to create a refreshing contemporary vibe whilst retaining the home’s timeless, welcoming quality. Downstairs, a new commercial kitchen is home to a team of chefs who create delicious breakfasts to give you a great start to the day, appetising canapés prepared in the demonstration kitchen-style to help you wind down at the end next to the outdoor fireplace or in the library, leading on to a divine three-course dinner accompanied by local and international wine.

The lodge is the perfect base for exploring the stunning Marlborough region, the idyllic setting and the secluded haven creates time for you to reflect on as much – or as little – as you desire.

Plan the perfect luxurious gourmet getaway to New Zealand with Touch of Spice here.

St Andrews Mansion – Fife, Scotland

Described as one of the finest contemporary homes in Scotland, this exceptional 15th-century mansion has been impeccably restored with a harmonious balance of modern and antique. Set amidst a vast estate only six miles from St Andrews and one hour from Edinburgh airport, it is an idyllic, fully staffed holiday home for golfers or those seeking a peaceful and elegant escape in Scotland’s stunning countryside.

There is accommodation for up to 12 guests in the main house with its six king-size bedrooms with private bathrooms. The Guest Lodge has an additional two king size bedrooms with two bathrooms for up to five guests. The interiors are filled with a range of Dutch master paintings, Japanese and Chinese antiquities and works by contemporary British artists like Grayson Perry and Emily Young.

Guest can enjoy meandering through the estate’s extensive woodland, known for its waterfalls and rare native bluebells which pop out in spring. In summer, cast your line in the Eden River, which borders the grounds.

A medieval walled garden can be directly accessed from the house. It provides a fabulous entertaining space and is the ideal spot for relaxing with a cup of tea and a game of croquet. It is also abundant in fresh edibles during the warmer months, including berries, Italian lemons, apples, and vegetables. The estate harvests 350 bottles of special reserve apple juice from its 100-year-old trees, which guests can sample along with homemade berry jams and fresh honeycombs directly from well-kept beehives.

Treat yourself to the best of Scotland with Loyd & Townsend Rose at this link.

Villa Ganesh – Saint Barthélemy

Located right on beautiful Flamands Beach, this newly renovated villa is the perfect Caribbean villa for families where kids can choose from being steps away from the fun pool or the warm waters of the aquamarine sea.

A spacious open floor plan features a well-equipped kitchen and comfortable living and dining areas decorated in a fresh, modern style. The master suite is found on an upper level offering privacy, a king bed, en-suite with a luxurious bathtub and a terrace with a stunning view. The children will have fun camping out in the bunk room that sleeps four, plus there is a third bedroom (with a king bed) across the hall, both with en-suites.

The pool is surrounded by a large deck providing a fabulous outdoor living, dining, and playing space. It was designed to optimize the gorgeous views of the sparkling water and neighboring islands. When not playing in the water, on the beach or in the pool, hours of entertainment can be had on the ping pong table. Due to its central location, a short stroll along the beach leads to a variety of restaurants or enjoy home-cooked meals al fresco on the covered dining portico.

Start planning your perfect family trip to the Caribbean with Saint Barth Properties here.

Rancioli – Tuscany, Italy

In the heart of the picturesque Val d’Orcia, this spacious Tuscan farmhouse has been completely renovated and launched onto the rental market for 2017. Guest can enjoy a perfectly private and idyllic location while savoring the culinary, natural and cultural delights of Tuscany.

Once occupied by two large farming families, the crumbling home was originally restored in 1991. It has just undergone a thorough updating and reconfiguration to meet the tastes and requirements of the modern villa vacation. Today it combines the classic beauty of Tuscan architecture and materials with chic contemporary design brought by its Rome-based, art-gallery owner.

The ground floor features a living/dining room with a dining area for 12+ and a lounge area with working fireplace, a library and a cafe room. There is also a superb cook’s kitchen with Carrara counters, where on-site classes can be arranged with the amazing Rossa, the villa’s chef and concierge. The six en-suite double bedrooms are spread across the ground and first floors. Their quantity and distribution works well for adult couples who can travel in gorgeous May and September as well as sprawling family groups in the summer.

Its beautiful, relaxed grounds include vast lawns with alfresco dining for eight to 12 under a spreading ‘querce’ tree with stunning views to Monte Cetona, a dining pergola for six to eight under the grape arbor, other seating areas and an 8 x 17 meter pool.

The villa is a 30-minute walk to San Casciano dei Bagni, a lovely Medieval hilltop village and home to the luxurious Fonteverde Spa. Its location makes it the perfect base for exploring many of the cultural treasures of the region, like Siena, Montepulciano or Monticchiell, all within a 30 to 45 minute drive from the property.

Create your perfect Tuscan holiday with Homebase Abroad at this link.

Villa Melissa – Antiparos, Greece

Located on the exclusive lesser known Greek Island of Antiparos, this sprawling, recently renovated 11-bedroom Mediterranean-style villa offers guests extreme privacy and stunning views of the sea and nearby islands.

Its white-washed silhouette basks in the sun on a 12,000 square-meter elevated seafront plot which creates a fabulously calm setting. Its size and location are enhanced by spectacular views, graceful indoor and outdoor living, a sublime infinity pool area and access to a semi-private beach with a pergola and sunloungers.

The bedrooms, sleeping 18 to 21 guests, are ideally spread out over the complex of buildings and most include en-suite baths as well as private entrances. Four are found in a guest cottage.

The large swimming pool is surrounded by daybeds and a lounge area which includes a bar and external shower. The various buildings are encircled and linked by arched courtyards and lovely terraces with seating areas and a dining area equipped with a barbecue.

Enjoy a gorgeous Greek island getaway with White Key villas here.

Villa Paolo – Lake Como, Italy

This gorgeous historic villa, available through Carpe Diem Luxury Travel, has recently undergone extensive renovations making it the most sought after villa on sophisticated Lake Como.

It has been in the current owner’s family of industrialists since the 1900s and has always a private home. As such, the house has a wonderful art collection, furniture, objets d’art and old-world charm, there is even a museum located on the second floor. Twenty guests can be accommodated in 10 bedrooms spread over over three floors.

It sits on seven hectares of land sloping down to the lake. The graceful grounds include a botanical garden with a large collection of exotic plants. There is a simple three bedroom/one bathroom staff-house which can be used. There is one big boat-dock in the garden as well as one smaller one which has a direct access from the house.

Learn more about this exceptional Lake Como property through Carpe Diem Luxury Travel here.

One of the most dreamt of wedding destinations is certainly a fairytale castle, an enchanting and especially romantic venue to seal the bond of a couple’s love. Castle weddings are not merely in storybooks; you too can waltz like a princess in a glamorous ballroom, sip champagne on a terrace overlooking vineyards, dine on the finest gastronomy in a gilded grand salon or enjoy luxurious surroundings fit for a king – and queen! Make your wedding dreams come true at one of these breathtaking castles in France, Spain, England, Ireland and the Czech Republic.

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In this edition of How We Started we meet one of UltraVilla’s directors, Andrew Loyd. We travel back to 1999 to hear how he and Jonathan Townsend Rose founded Loyd & Townsend Rose and persevered through some initial challenges to cultivate one of the finest portfolios of castles, manor homes and estates in England, Scotland and Ireland.

Andrew Loyd Profile

“Returning to Scotland in 1999 after a decade in the States and no clear idea of what he was going to do with himself, Andrew Loyd was extremely fortunate to bump into Jonathan Townsend Rose who for some time had been managing a number of famous estates in the highlands of Scotland. Jonathan had spotted the necessity for some of these homes to generate additional income for their upkeep and suggested that he and Andrew join forces to do exclusive use rentals. Neither had worked in the travel industry before and the learning curve was extremely steep, especially for Andrew after so many years in the rather sheltered world of running estates for some prominent families in the U.S.

“It’s often said that if people knew the hard work and heartache involved in setting up a company that they would never bother and Loyd & Townsend Rose (LTR) certainly had a very rocky start, both with the fast changing face of the internet world, our inexperience of the travel industry and the explosion of world events that worked against us. The horrors of 9/11, foot & mouth disease, Sars and various financial jitters, meant that the company took a long time to finds its feet, however, it did allow us to fine tune our portfolio of houses and castles in addition to spending a lot of time in the States and getting to know a myriad of top travel companies. We also attended many travel trade shows and did numerous press trips to generate interest in our company and the LTR portfolio.

Glenapp Castle Scotland

“Over the years LTR has spread its wings and now works with around 50 houses & castles throughout England, Scotland and Ireland. The homes vary in architectural styles and encompass everything from very contemporary lodges in the middle of nowhere to ancestral homes that are rich in history or glorious manor houses which are incredibly comfortable and very handy for major cities. Whatever our clients are seeking, we can source providing the budget is there, as LTR only works with the best of the best. This is combined with a full concierge service, 15 years of knowledge plus a professional lifetime of looking after high-end travellers. Jonathan also has a huge knowledge of Scotland & Ireland and many of the more remote spots, which are truly off the beaten path.

castle loch ness scotland

“Happily since we started there has been a sea of change in social attitudes from where many owners wouldn’t dream of renting out any of their homes to now where they consider either their principal residence or their holiday homes fair game for the odd exclusive use rental. All our estates come fully staffed and are rented as if in the owner is in residence in terms of contents. It is important to note that we let ‘homes’ and not ‘rental properties’ and this is the unique selling proposition that has allowed LTR to attract many of the world’s top families to their portfolio of houses and castles.

“We are a small, boutique company and we look after a limited number of clients each year but those clients receive a very special welcome on arrival and a very personal level of service throughout their stay.  We are perhaps uniquely qualified to offer this level of personal attention in the UK and the client testimonies speak for themselves. We are a great believer in ‘building memories’.”

Experience the excellence of Loyd & Townsend Rose on your next holiday to the United Kingdom and Ireland by contacting them at this link.