All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.Overwater bungalows are now deeply embedded in our collective consciousness, but are still a relatively newer phenomenon in the world of hospitality characterized by sublime seascapes on all sides, water glittering like gemstones beneath your bed, and steps leading directly into the ocean.There was a time when cruise ships, yachts, and other sailing vessels were your primary options for housing right on the sea, when comfort was subject to swells and storms, not to mention space constraints. Now, as planes—both the standard and float version—descend into destinations such as the Maldives and French Polynesia, passengers can spot long, often gracefully arching lineups of bungalows that cut across famously crystalline cerulean waters. This type of villa has become so prolific it’s now found from Saudi Arabia to Indonesia, Belize to Switzerland.It all started in 1967, on the island of Raiatea—which, without a sandy beach, was proving a challenging sell for tourists. A trio of Californians known as the Bali Hai Boys conceived of a new type of accommodation: the overwater bungalow. At the time they assured the government that, like traditional Tahitians’ fishing huts, they would not harm the coral with their pandanus-leaf-thatched-roof structures, and that edict still holds true. Their trio of bungalows at Bali Hai Hotel became a craze that spread to Bora Bora and beyond; after all, the charming stilted cottages offered immersion into the magic of the sea, sans snorkel mask or air tank. Now nearly 60 years old, the iconic honeymoon hideaways, sought-after spots for not just romance but easy access to throngs of Technicolor sea creatures below, are looking better than ever.Over more than a half century, but especially in the last decade, the overwater villa has gone from strikingly simple to, in some cases, over-the-top opulent—though there are still plenty of affordable, modest versions around the world. Its homeland, French Polynesia, lays claim to somewhere around 1,000 properties, from Moorea to Rangiroa and Bora Bora. Of any destination, overwater villas are most abundant in the Maldives, with more than 170 resorts in the same category.Wherever they stand, overwater accommodations often feature similar elements, such as thatched roofs made of natural, indigenous materials. Bungalows are usually attached to a wooden pontoon walkway unless we’re talking about one very special overwater villa in the Maldives that floats, can be moved to different locations, and (thanks to state-of-the-art engineering) doesn’t rock and roll with the ocean’s swell. As interiors go, barefoot island rustic with lots of wood is a popular aesthetic, while some spots, like JOALI MALDIVES and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, are incredibly glamorous. Panoramic views of the countless shades of blue outside are requisite, while overwater pools, jacuzzis, and suspended hammocks have become popular amenities, too.Because these revolutionary structures make for fun daydream fodder, here we look at some of the most heavenly modern overwater bungalows from around the world.Photo: Courtesy of Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve1/30Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Saudi ArabiaPerks: Private beach with cabanas, spa, watercraft rental, kids’ club, Bang & Olufson speakers, stargazing experiences, nature walksThe birds soaring above have perhaps the best view of Nujuma, Saudi Arabia’s solar-powered Red Sea villas which debuted in 2024—20 of which are of the overwater persuasion. The walkway connecting them is circular, evoking a string of pearls, while each of the dwellings is vaguely seashell-esque, with sculpted, shapely rounded roofs. Inside, those graceful curves are intact, arching over the bedrooms and bathrooms tinted in sandy hues and embellished with locally made artifacts. Even the swimming pools are devoid of any sharp edges or corners, which is all in keeping with the soft, sweeping lines that are so pleasing to the eye. From $1,999 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Joali Being2/30JOALI Being, Bodufushi Island Raa Atoll, MaldivesPerks: Hydrotherapy hall, herbarium, yoga and fitness classes, wine cellar, multi-generational play zone, sound pathThere’s a heavy emphasis on wellbeing at this Maldives private island resort, and that ethos extends to its strikingly-hued villas, each of which has its own pool and comes with bicycles for guests, plus meditative musical instruments and mindful games. Curvy, arcing, and spiraling, like nature herself, the biophilic overwater villas reference seashells and waves and take their palette from the island’s foliage and sand. With soaring ceilings and tubs you’d want to spend all evening in, there would be seemingly no reason to leave, yet among the resort’s extra-comprehensive spa and hydrotherapy hall are two sanctuary-like watsu (water massage) pools and an inspiring yoga pavilion, not to mention Edenic open-air restaurants and an ocean-view tea bar. From $1,851 per night.BOOK NOWPhoto: Gili Lankanfushi3/30Gili Lankanfushi, North Malé Atoll, MaldivesPerks: The world’s largest standalone overwater villa, Mr/Mrs Friday private butler service, sunset cruises, Coral Lines project and coral nurseryIt’s not only the overwater bungalows but the attitude on Gili Lankanfushi that makes it a unique proposition. Shoes go in a bag at the outset of the boat ride to the resort and are literally not worn again until departure, and it even exists in its own special time zone to maximize sunshine hours. A Robinson Crusoe vibe pervades the 45 villas that fan out around a North Male Atoll private island, operated ultrasustainably down to an extensive plant-based menu featuring island-grown ingredients. The overwater bungalows have rooftop terraces, al fresco bathrooms, and water hammocks, with the world’s largest overwater villa, dubbed the Private Reserve, also featuring a gym, cinema, steam and sauna, and a water slide that delivers guests directly into the sparkling sea. From $1,796 per night.Book NowPhoto: Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts4/30Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts, Leeward Islands, French PolynesiaPerks: Local art, tennis, swimming pool, spa, three restaurants and two bars, wedding coordinator, vanilla plantation visits, Tahitian pearl jewelry shopTraditional Polynesian architecture and its natural materiality—see thatch, mother of pearl, wood, bamboo, pandanus leaves, coconut fiber, coral, and stone—feature heavily in this lush resort within view of Bora Bora but peacefully set apart from it. The panoramas are what differentiate the bungalows; guests can choose to gaze at Taha’a, Bora Bora or the west for the sunset, however the Taha’a Overwater Suite has perhaps the best perspective toward the first, known also as Vanilla Island. From $1,352 per night.Book NowPhoto: Patina Maldives, Fari Island5/30Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, MaldivesPerks: 13 culinary concepts, including plant-based and Nordic-Japanese fusion, spa, art and creative workshops, visiting practitioners, marina, beach clubAt this Maldives resort, modernist architecture by Marcio Kogan of Studio MK27—think clean lines; low, flat roofs that hold solar panels; expanses of glass that open fully on three sides; and concrete infinity pools that bleed into the seascape—contrasts the majority of overwater bungalows beautifully. The serene one- and two-bedroom hideaways were built with sustainably sourced materials and are outfitted with custom millwork, free-standing double bathtubs, earthly palettes of rattan, linen, and fiber, as well as furniture by the likes of Vitra, Bassam Fellows and Paola Lenti. Beyond showcasing the natural resources surrounding it, the resort’s ethos embraces wellness, responsible and innovative dining, and art from global names as well as the artist-in-residence program. From $2,630 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort6/30Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, Emirate of Ras Al KhaimahPerks: Mangrove lagoon sanctuary, six F&B outlets, curated experiences, cruising, padel, kids’ and teens’ clubs, spa with seen treatment roomsWhen it debuted in early 2024, Anantara’s new Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah resort became the first in the Emirates with overwater villas, and they’re as decadent as one would imagine for the deluxe destination. The Maldives’ dhoni-shaped thatched roofs inspired these, which feature vaulted ceilings, large decks, Arabesque flourishes, mashrabiya motifs and infinity swimming pools, naturally, across layouts that sprawl from 880 to 2,200 square feet. Free-standing bathtubs plus dual rain showers in the indoor-outdoor shower maximize enjoyment of the turquoise Persian Gulf and might even result in guests watching sea turtles swim in the protected mangrove lagoon while bathing. From $240 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Bawah Reserve7/30Bawah Reserve, IndonesiaPerks: Seaplane arrival, plastic free, private overwater dinners, included activities, 13 beaches and two lagoons across six private islandsAn Earth-first attitude pervades Bawah Reserve, where among treehouse lodges, beaches, suites, and pool villas, the 11 overwater suites give guests the most intimacy with the Indian Ocean. Refined wood-shingled roofs, rustic timber railings, warm recycled teak walls, recycled copper bathrooms and tables and chairs made from flotsam with mural walls—designed by Sim Boon Yang—provide a new fresh feeling take on the concept, in Indonesia’s Anambas Islands in the Riau Archipelago. The private island escape is all-inclusive, so although the suites are a paradisiacal world in and of themselves, there are many activities as well as 13 beaches and two lagoons to explore. From $1,628 per night.Book NowPhoto: Stevie Mann for Soneva8/30Soneva Secret, Makunudhoo Atoll, MaldivesPerks: Remote, dedicated team for each villa of Barefoot Guardian, Barefoot Assistant and private chef, in-house marine biologist, astronomical dinner cruise, retractable roofsThirty years of experience went into the creation of Soneva’s new-in-2024 ultra-luxe, uber-bespoke, super-secluded concept in the remote Haa Dhaalu atoll. It has just 14 total villas across beach and water, with some on a lagoon that can only reached by boat, and each comes with three dedicated staff including a private chef and a Barefoot Guardian butler who can plan astronomical dinner cruises, snorkeling with manta rays or “secret day” options for surprise personalized itineraries. The villas themselves—built of FSC-certified wood with open-air bathrooms—are an exercise in thinking of everything: bedroom roofs that retract with a touch for sleeping under the stars, adventurous roof deck slides for splashing into the crystalline lagoon, and massage beds for private therapies. Coming online in 2025 is a perhaps even more immersive accommodation than the overwater villa: the Maldives’ first floating villa, a two-story wonder designed to eradicate movement from waves, as well as three floating solar farms. From $3,300 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of TA’AKTANA9/30Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo, Flores, IndonesiaPerks: Spa and salon, water sports, overland and water-based explorations (including to Komodo dragons), cocktail masterclasses, high tea, lap poolThe emerging destination of Labuan Bajo—gateway to Komodo National Park—on Flores had never seen overwater villas until seven of them opened in 2024 with Ta’aktana, a luxurious resort that draws from the region’s unique culture as much as it does its land- and seascapes. Still, the genre isn’t totally unknown. The seven circular bungalows with rounded interiors reference Labuan Bajo’s historical sea nomads who once lived in stilt houses, and they include fossil wood from antique phinisi sailing ships, upcycled stingray leather detailing, hand-carved patterns inspired by Flores’ lingko cancar rice field, and local macrame. From $431 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Nayara10/30Nayara Bocas del Toro, PanamaPerks: Solar-powered treehouses, 70-foot freshwater pool, 100-year-old Elephant House restaurant, elevated oversea sandy beach on stilts, 100% off-gridSixteen overwater villas at this sustainable adults-only resort in Panama’s Bocas del Toro province hug the mangrove-thronged coastline of a lush private island that also includes a collection of solar-powered treehouses designed by IBUKU. Highlighting traditional materials such as thatched roofs, timber walls, and glass floor panels, they invite intimacy between guests and the aquamarine water, which is easily accessible via stairs for kayaking, SUP, or snorkeling excursions. The resort also boasts the world’s first overwater beach, a 90-by-20-foot tray of creamy sand with steps descending into the sea. From $1,077 per night.Book NowPhoto: Moeava de Rosemont11/30Four Seasons Bora Bora, French PolynesiaPerks: Private islet, tennis courts, sunset cruises, beach bar, spa with signature rituals, ATV excursions, kids’ club, vegan and vegetarian menusWhile all the overwater bungalows at this impeccable property epitomize the genius of the genre with their celebration of the gorgeous environs, the four Otemanu Overwater Bungalow Suites are truly awe-inspiring. Whether you're in the airy living room, noshing at the dining table, bathing in the sculptural tub, lounging in the palapa, or swimming at the edge of the infinity pool, the lagoon’s beautiful blues are staring back, truly the star of the scene. From $1,967 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Song Saa Private Island12/30Song Saa Private Island, CambodiaPerks: Open-air spa, diving and snorkeling, scenic boat trips, meditation sessions, sea kayaking, spa and wellness programs, private beachCambodia might not be the last place you’d expect a breathtaking resort of overwater bungalows, but it’s probably surprising. In 2012, the Koh Rong Archipelago became home to this sustainable Robinson Crusoe–chic property with, among other layouts, a two-bedroom overwater Royal Villa of rough-hewn timber, with a vast glass floor in the living room (alongside driftwood furnishings), a half-moon infinity pool with an expansive terrace, dual oversize sunken bathtubs, a personal chef, and a private jetty complete with a boat for the guests’ exclusive use. From $1,338 per night.Book NowPhoto: Laucala Island Photographer13/30COMO Laucala Island, FijiPerks: 240-acre organic farm, glass-sided infinity pool, hilltop spa and yoga pavilion, three bars, private 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course, horseback riding, surfingThe Overwater Villa on this private island property is more like an overwater estate. It’s distinctive not just for its split-level design, but its dramatic outdoor spaces—massive terraces and a large pool carved directly into the rocks on the shore. Guests of the two-bedroom stunner are transported to and from the main resort facilities by private yacht (or they can walk on a wooden pathway), but with 3,000 square feet of flawlessly curated luxury and the emerald lagoon at their feet, there’s not much reason to go anywhere at all, except maybe to the signature COMO Shambhala Spa. From $6,500 per night.Book NowPhoto: Mel Yates14/30One&Only Reethi Rah, North Malé Atoll, MaldivesPerks: beach club, treehouse, beach cruisers, wellness activities and spa, adults-only pool, outdoor movie theater, kids’ clubThere are hundreds of overwater bungalows in the Maldives, but these have the distinction of being some of the most private, since only a couple connect to each pontoon, each facing a different direction in the unbelievably turquoise Indian Ocean for an edge-of-the-earth feel. Lofty wood-beam ceilings keep things light and airy in the Grand Water Villa, but understandably extras like the long infinity pool (complete with built-in submerged chaise), separate jacuzzi, draped outdoor daybed and lounge areas minimize time spent inside. (It’s also worth booking a visit to one of the spa’s overwater couples'-treatment suites.) From $2,680 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Cayo Espanto15/30Cayo Espanto, BelizePerks: Personal butler, private dock, just seven villas, customized meals by private chef, scuba diving, yacht, helipad, fly fishingAs island paradises go, this one—featuring the first overwater bungalow in Belize—is up there. While all the recently refreshed villas are luxe, Casa Ventanas, at 1,100 square feet and more than 150 feet of privacy, goes above and beyond with custom-crafted furnishings, a glass floor featuring a light that can be switched to different colors to filter the sea-creature-filled waters below and new glass shower walls for taking in ocean panoramas while bathing. From $2,295 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Hotel Palafitte16/30Hôtel Palafitte, Neuchâtel, SwitzerlandPerks: Lakeview restaurant, bar with live music, cycling adventures, seasonal outdoor terrace lounge, Sunday brunchThe overwater craze is not confined to tropical climes. This Swiss bolthole became the first and only hotel in Europe built on stilts when it was constructed as part of the National Expo 2002 as a “surprising work” by architect Kurt Hoffmann with a group of students. Actually, the stilts reference ancient Swiss construction techniques, but also give guests of the 26 over-lake bungalows (each with a private terrace) the sense of being on a remote island, complete with access to stand-up paddling, boating, and waterskiing to make up for the lack of tropical fish. From $382 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of St. Regis Hotels & Resorts17/30The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, French PolynesiaPerks: Lagoonarium sanctuary, spa and fitness center, 24/7 butler service, sailing and diving, swim-up bar, complimentary non-motorized watersportsAt a low-season rate of more than $4,500 per night, the Overwater Royal Otemanu Villa with Pool—it’s worth noting the 20-by-16-foot infinity edge pond is the largest suspended pool in the South Pacific—is one of the more extravagant ways to vacation at this St. Regis resort. Crafted of exotic noble woods with vibrant accents, the nearly 3,000-square-foot bungalow is a prime place to watch neon lagoon fish either behind glass portholes or in the flesh via private ladder access. From $2,013 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Six Senses18/30Six Senses, Ninh Van Bay, VietnamPerks: Six Senses Spa and Alchemy Bar, yoga pavilion, kids club, Earth Lab sustainability center, outdoor cinema, private beachOne of the beautiful things about overwater bungalows is that, to a large degree, they allow nature meld with the indoors, and tend to act as frames for their postcard-perfect surrounds. An ideal example is this destination on the bucolic coast of Vietnam, where excessively private 1,600-square-foot Water Pool Villas overlook the bay’s coral formations and give way to flawless sunset vistas, not to mention boasting plunge pools, outdoor showers, handcrafted wooden bathtubs, and steps into the water for snorkeling. From $770 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Conrad Hotels19/30Conrad Bora Bora Nui, French PolynesiaPerks: Private beach, infinity pool with swim-up bar; gratis snorkeling equipment, paddleboards and kayaks; private island for picnics and dining, spa and hammam, floating helipadThe former Hilton Bora Bora Nui, fully and beautifully reimagined to become a more sumptuous Conrad is set on arguably the most spectacular part of Bora Bora, and is home to the only two-story overwater bungalow in French Polynesia. With a palette that reflects their azure surroundings, the Presidential Villas (there are two)—outfitted with a well-being room with sauna, three bedrooms, a private sundeck, a pool, and a bar—are like the ultimate playgrounds in one of the planet’s prettiest neighborhoods. From $1,588 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Six Senses20/30Six Senses Laamu, Laamu Atoll, MaldivesPerks: A well-known surf wave, wellness programs, spa and salon, two restaurants, ice cream parlor, sandbank dining, scuba diving, library, volleyballThe over-ocean villas at Six Senses Laamu have at least one thing most don’t: a sunken glass bathtub over the turquoise saltwater. A soak there is one time to skip the bubbles for an experience akin to an ocean bath. The timber-clad bungalows with signature pops of color also have their own treetop deck for appreciating the sun-soaked seascape or vibrant sunset. Other signature hallmarks of the genre are present here, too: net overwater hammocks, wide timber terraces, sun loungers, and outdoor showers. There are also offerings with personal swimming pools. From $1,056 per night.Book Now

Banánka House / Pauliny Hovorka ArchitektiSave this picture!© Matej HakárHouses•Banka, Slovakia Architects: Pauliny Hovorka Architekti Area Area of this architecture project Area:  416 m² Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2024 Photographs Photographs:Matej Hakár Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers:  Geberit, JUNG, OTIIMA, Schöck, Vibia, Duravit, Agape, Ceadesign, Eden Design, Glas Italia, Kingspan Isoste, LED eco, Napoleon, Regency, USSPA, WaremaMore SpecsLess Specs Save this picture! Text description provided by the architects. The Banánka family house responds to its natural surroundings through a raw and honest use of natural materials, a restrained horizontal form, and the clarity of minimalist design. Living here is defined by a seamless connection between the interior and the outdoors, primarily achieved through large glazed walls that stretch along significant portions of the house. This connection can be fully opened by sliding the glass façade between the central living hall, the terrace, and the garden area with a pond—something that's not just a design gesture, but frequently used throughout the extended summer season. This allows the melancholic atmosphere of the rock garden, flowing stream, pond, and tall surrounding trees to flow right into the interior.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The property is located on the outskirts of the village of Banka, in a peaceful, intimate setting at the end of a lush valley. The name "Banánka" refers to a female resident of Banka (with "Banánec" as the male equivalent). The area's relaxed, natural atmosphere stems from its established garden character and the loose, organic pattern of surrounding homes and cottages. The house is accessed via a narrow asphalt road that transitions into a forest path leading further into the valleys of the Považský Inovec mountains. A stream runs along the edge of the property, adjacent to a dense deciduous forest that borders the site both from the access road and from the rear, creating a natural privacy screen and a green backdrop. The valley is relatively narrow along the longer sides of the plot, with the forest rising steeply into the hills beyond. On the shorter sides, neighboring houses are present but obscured from view by thick garden vegetation. The former garden plot offers a rare advantage—deep privacy amidst mature trees and well-established greenery. The brief was to design a single-storey home with a carport, fully connected to the garden. The atmosphere was to be centered on relaxation and contemplation, with a clear separation between the private areas for parents and children. The house also had to be positioned to maximize sunlight in living spaces and preserve every existing tree. The material palette emphasizes natural elements—concrete, stone, wood, and glass—prioritizing durability, longevity, and timelessness. The result is a tranquil retreat immersed in greenery, which embodies the vision behind Banánka.Save this picture!Save this picture!The design solution takes the form of a Y-shaped floor plan, with three wings extending outward at 120-degree angles, carefully positioned to avoid existing trees and divide the plot into smaller garden segments. Each room enjoys its own unique view into a private corner of the garden. The structure is solid and expressive, with brushed board-formed monolithic concrete ceilings, concrete interior walls, and prefabricated parapet panels. The material concept is enhanced by crushed stone encased in galvanized mesh gabions, which flow from the exterior into the interior. These are complemented by wooden cladding, floors, and decking. Windows feature ultra-slim frames and can be fully retracted into wall pockets to maximize the visual and spatial connection with the outdoors. Hidden doors are integrated into cladding and plastered surfaces. The interior, largely free of decorative objects, is defined by custom-built furniture, beds, and a modular sofa that can be reconfigured as needed.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The internal layout follows the three-winged shape of the house, all organized around a central living hall. This setup provides privacy for the main bedroom suite with a wellness area, separated from the children's and guest rooms. The smallest, north-facing wing houses the entrance, storage, and utility rooms, with an extended roof forming both a carport and a covered entryway. The southeast wing contains three smaller bedrooms, a shared bathroom, and a multipurpose room used as a study and meditation space. The southwest wing is dedicated to the master suite, featuring a bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe, a spacious bathroom, a WC, and a sauna. The wellness area connects to a smaller terrace with a hot tub and a cooling plunge pool adjacent to the stream.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!At the heart of the home lies the central living hall, combining kitchen, dining, and living areas and serving as a hub connecting both residential wings. One side houses the kitchen, the other the living room, with the dining area in the center. A glass-enclosed wine room, cooled and designed for presentation, forms part of the living area. A fireplace with a massive stone heat-retaining wall anchors the space. Large sliding glass walls allow the hall to fully open onto the covered terrace, merging inside and outside into one. The terrace includes a summer kitchen with a grill and an outdoor dining area oriented toward the garden, pond, and forest beyond.Save this picture! Project gallerySee allShow less About this office MaterialsGlassConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on May 20, 2025Cite: "Banánka House / Pauliny Hovorka Architekti" 20 May 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1030304/bananka-house-pauliny-hovorka-architekti&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!想浏览ArchDaily中国吗?是否 You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre. Photo credit: Matias Kunzle The newly completed Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre (PRC) designed by Montgomery Sisam Architects in association with DDL Studio, is a first-of-its-kind acute mental health treatment facility in the Cayman Islands that is aiming to redefine care through architecture, nature, and community support. PRC is the Cayman Islands’ first purpose-built, government-run acute mental health treatment facility, which responds to the long-standing need for specialized, dignified care that allows residents to receive treatment closer to home. The name for Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre was inspired by the vibrant local Poinciana tree, known for its red blossoms. A Poinciana tree has been planted on the grounds as a living emblem of healing, growth, and connection to place. Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre. Photo credit: Matias Kunzle Historically, Caymanians who required mental health treatment had to travel to Jamaica or Florida, which placed an emotional and financial strain on families. PRC closes this gap by offering a therapeutic farm community that aims to empower residents through peer support, vocational training, and holistic care. The facility reflects the values of the Caymanian community, incorporating local stone, bright colours, and an emphasis on access to nature and culture. Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre. Photo credit: Matias Kunzle Dr. Lockhart, the Jamaican physician behind the project’s vision, saw the need for a more compassionate approach to mental health care, one that combines clinical treatment with community and nature. The campus includes nine six-bedroom cottages, and separate building structures for administration, clinical functions, dining, and other indoor activities. Cottages are designed with domestic-scale forms and finishes, and grouped to reflect a small island settlement, promoting privacy and dignity while ensuring passive supervision. Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre. Photo credit: Matias Kunzle Each cottage is painted in one of three natural tones: sun (ochre), sky (blue), or earth (terracotta), which help residents identify their home within the cluster. At the heart of the campus is a series of buildings known as the village square, that form a central gathering area, housing critical program spaces including staff offices, clinical exam rooms, counselling and treatment areas, multi-purpose activity rooms, classrooms, and meeting spaces. Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre. Photo credit: Matias Kunzle This cluster also features a lobby-reception area with a resident-run café and gift shop, offering training opportunities and fostering social connection in a non-institutional, community-like setting. Outdoor elements include fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, a labyrinth, basketball court, and quiet paths, all designed to provide daily contact with nature, encourage movement, and support healing. Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre. Photo credit: Matias Kunzle The buildings were clustered to preserve the existing landscape, minimize ground disturbance, and reflect the spirit of a small community. Newly planted native trees and shrubs also enrich the natural setting, creating a village-like environment. The campus also uses natural surveillance and biometric access control to ensure security without fences, bars, or institutional signage which support residents’ dignity, autonomy, and mental well-being. Additionally, the project incorporates passive design strategies, permeable ground surfaces, rainwater harvesting, and hurricane-resistant construction, while maximizing daylight and natural ventilation in all spaces. The post Montgomery Sisam Architects and DDL Studio design mental health treatment facility in the Cayman Islands appeared first on Canadian Architect.

As Country Living’s Senior Homes Editor, I spend a lot of time looking at homes, so let me share a little bit of advice: Whether it is special landscaping or a happily painted front door, every home needs an exterior element to give it personality. The quickest way to accomplish that? An interesting exterior color palette. But we understand that painting a home’s exterior (or choosing a new color of siding) is a big investment both of money and time, so you want to make a color decision that know you’re going to love for years to come. When picking the best paint color for your home, there are lots of things to take into consideration such as architectural style, the setting and light situation, and your region. You also need to decide if you’d rather keep it simple and classic with a white or neutral color, or take a bold approach with a deeper shades like green or blue. Below, I’ve gathered up 10 paint colors designers and homeowners alike love for home exteriors that are guaranteed to stand the test of time. (And, if you want even more exterior paint color inspiration, here are 35 more exterior paint colors ideas.)Looking for more curb appeal ideas? Check out these stories. 1Wythe Gold by Benjamin MooreErin KellyDesigner-architect duo Liz and Greg Dutton chose this soft yellow shade for their historic Ohio farmhouse because it mimics the landscape’s flowering goldenrod. Buttery warm yellows are definitely trending, but their nostalgia factor keeps them feeling timeless. Get the Look:Exterior Paint Color: Wythe Gold by Benjamin MooreTOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: These 80 Tiny Homes are Small in Size, but Big in Charm2Blueberry by Benjamin MooreRead McKendreePerfect for coastal homes or darling cottages, this true blue is quintessentially charming, which is exactly why designer Katie Rosenfeld chose it for this Maine getaway.Get the Look:For similar, Exterior Paint Color: Blueberry by Benjamin MooreRELATED: Our Best Beach House Decorating IdeasAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Rustic Red by Sherwin-WilliamsAdam Albright for Country LivingCherry reds might be trending this year, but we say they are a classic choice for country-style cottages and cabins any year, especially for homes near the water. This lake home’s bright red shade feels perfectly pleasant against a verdant, woodsy backdrop. Get the Look:Exterior Paint Color: Rustic Red by Sherwin-WilliamsTOUR THIS HOUSE4White Dove by Benjamin MooreJane BeilesIn search of a timeless, somewhat creamy white to match your equally timeless architecture? Then the designer favorite, White Dove by Benjamin Moore, is just what you need. Take palette inspiration from antiques dealer Ali Mahon, who paired her Connecticut barn home’s crisp white exterior with a poppy red door. Talk about timeless!Get the Look:Exterior Paint Color: White Dove by Benjamin MooreFront Door Paint Color: Spanish Red by Benjamin MooreAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Night Watch by GliddenBrie Williams, styling by Elizabeth DemosThe perfect camp green is hard to find, but luckily homeowner Kelly Gray did the legwork. Her Georgia lake cabin is clad in this deep green that is nicely offset with crisp white trim to give the exterior the ultimate summer camp appeal. Get the Look:Exterior Paint Color: Night Watch by Glidden TOUR THIS HOUSE6Evening Hush by BehrBrie Williams for Country LivingWhile I’m a staunch believer that gray paint should be used sparingly, Bambi Costanzo’s West Virginia cottage, painted a steely blue-gray shade by Behr, proves it does have star power. White trim keeps the look crisp.Get the Look:Exterior Paint Color: Evening Hush by BehrTOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Black Bean Soup by Benjamin MooreBrian Woodcock for Country LivingWhile stain is always an option, there’s something charming about the opaque look of painted wood. In this Alabama farmhouse, artist-meets-farmer Kelly Bentley Ash chose designer-favorite Black Bean Soup from Benjamin Moore to complement the shining tin roof. It also makes a great backdrop to have fun with a unexpected front door color.Get the Look:Exterior Paint Color: Black Bean Soup by Benjamin MooreTOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: Get More of Our Top Brown Paint Colors To Use All Through the House8Brilliant White by Benjamin MooreDylan Chandler for Country LivingAuthor, aesthete, and antiques-lover Nora Murphy chose a simple white shade for her recent seaside Colonial makeover. Bright, almost reflective whites such as this are perfect for coastal homes; pair it with a black front door and shutters for a more traditional touch. Get the Look:Exterior Paint Color: Brilliant White by Benjamin MooreRELATED: These Are The Best Designer-Approved White Paint ColorsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Barn Red by ValsparAudrey HallIf you’re looking to add a bit of quintessential country flair to your home’s exterior, try a barn-inspired red. Valspar’s aptly named Barn Red takes a grounded, more historic approach to the saturated shade thanks to its purple-brown undertones. Get the Look:Exterior Paint Color: Barn Red by ValsparTOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Barndominiums10India Yellow by Farrow & BallAlpha SmootLooking for a shade that looks as good in the summer sun as it does in the fall foliage? Floral and event designer Justin Reis chose this timeless muted ochre for his Georgian-style Connecticut home. Get the Look:For similar, Exterior Paint Color: India Yellow by Farrow & BallTOUR THIS HOUSEAnna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.  

A few summers ago, when the culture was moving through micro trends as fast as they could be Instagrammed, Cottage Core was born. The trend, which came out of a Covid-influenced romanticism for living close to nature (but not ruffing it, à la gorpcore, fashion’s cousin trend), inspired an infusion of chintz and whicker-filled interiors, and, of course, lush English-style gardens.Flash forward to 2025. All those cottage gardens planted in early 2020—rustic, sophisticated, chic—are at their peak. And there really is something to an outdoor space that merges with the indoors, is there not? On a warm summer evening, when the bougainvillea is in bloom, and the grass is a bit damp, what could be more appealing than a home built to nestle into a fantastical garden.Here, we’ve collected some of our favorite cottage gardens. They range from fairy house gardens to campground landscape, historical (Anne Hathaway’s famed cottage that has inspired Shakespeare devotees the world over) to contemporary compound gardens in the woods.While we may have a specific notion of a cottage garden, but they are—and should be—as unique as the people who tend them. One lesson for planting your own? A small space is an asset rather than a limitation.Below, you’ll find 15 of our favorite cottage gardens from Marin County California to Stratford-Upon-Avon, England.William Jess LairdThis Amagansett cottage was literally designed for “summertime snoozes.” It’s also a good reminder that a delicate slate garden pathway can take you far. Designer Melissa Lee noted how “unexpected” the whole place felt, surrounded by the many mansions of the Hamptons. As she rightfully notes, the charm is in the surprise. A suggestion of mystery always adds to a cottage! Think The Secret Garden or the unexpectedly expansive Weasley Family home.Noe DewittVines climb up this 1920s English Art and Crafts style cottage in the Hamptons. The elegant and eclectic cottage was re-designed by Nick Olsen to emphasize outdoor living with comfy couches, a tiled patio and a pool.William James LairdThis pink cottage kitchen looks out over a garden in Litchfield County, Connecticut. Designer Clive Lonstein’s work is vibrant and unexpected, particularly for a modest Connecticut cottage built in the late 1800s. In a way though, the bright colors all throughout the house are a reflection of the original design for the house. The architect, Ehrick Rossiter was known for his own whimsy, and even included a turret in this design. This cottage is a great reminder to leave the door open all summer long.Stephen Kent JohnsonThis former fishing shack in Provincetown proves that a sprawling garden can fit into a small space. From Windex yellow fox gloves to arching lavender, this is a bucolic slice of heaven. A classic shingled home, complete with flower boxes and a white picket fence, it has a deeply cottage-core sequence backstory. It was used as an artist studio for William Maynard until his death in 2016, and when it was sold, prospective buyers were asked to write why they wanted to live there.Rachael SmithWe love an indoor / outdoor cottage garden. Ideally, you have a branch that grows through a window, like this one in Suzie de Rohan Willner’s English Country Garden. It is a charming marriage of dynamics: English and French, contemporary and historical, and, of course just as eclectic as a cottage should be. Willner notes, “The whole house is a collection of things from each period of my and my husband’s lives. I love to pick up bibs and bobs and it all comes together very happily.”Chronicle / Alamy Stock PhotoKate Middleton’s Adelaide Cottage conjures images of an Arthurian fantasy. The Wales family made this their Windsor home since 2023. Built in 1831 for Queen Adelaide (the German-born wife of William IV, who was the Uncle of Queen Victoria). It went through a transformative renovation in 2015 which left the historical decorations in tact. Fun fact: the Wales family pay market rent for their use of the home.Photo 12//Getty ImagesThe poet, actor, and playwright Anne Hathaway’s famed cottage and accompanying garden must have inspired her husband’s plays (that would be Shakespeare). This might be what comes to mind when you think of a cottage garden. Now open to the public daily, it was originally built more than 500 years ago, and is the site of Hathaway’s own birth in 1556.CostcoThis Costco (yes, Costco!) shed turned cottage is an ideal backdrop for your cottage garden fantasy. If you’re feeling very DIY this year, start here. Priced at $6,499, it measures 12’ x 24’ feet, a perfect amount of space for your own summer hide away or gardening shed.Richard PowersThis glass house is a reminder that a cottage garden doesn’t have to follow a prescribed style. The Amagansett cottage, originally built in 1960, is a marvel of mid-century design, an aesthetic reflected in the mod-furniture choices. Again, we love a stylistic mix in an updated cottage. Japanese Maple Trees complete the woodsy vibe.© David Hockney, Photo By Jonathan WilkinsonDavid Hockney illustrated his own cottage garden during the Pandemic. His drawing is illustrative of the benefits of an English garden: a bit wild, extremely lush, and more green than anything else. If we could, we’d jump right into this scene like Mary Poppins on a rainy day.John M. Hall for ELLE DecorHere’s a rule of thumb: trust Ina Garten. This cottage-like structure, on the grounds of the East Hampton home Garten shares with her husband Jeffrey, is perennially perfect. Note, too, the green and purple color scheme here. This is perhaps the dream cottage garden and something of a childhood playhouse. It has just enough space for a cozy chat and is a reminder that you can build your own little cottage on a very small plot of land.Photo 12//Getty ImagesMarie Antoinette’s Hamlet on the grounds of Versailles still sets the standard for the cottage garden with a thatched roof, hedges, and roses straight out of a fairy tale. During the former French Queen’s reign, her hamlet was used as a faux farm house, where she and her young daughter, Princess Marie Thérèse, would dress as idealized versions of French peasant farmers and milk cows. The interior, though, of this modest cottage, is appropriately grand with silk furnishings and canopy beds.Douglas FriedmanA garden that proves succulents and cottages are a match made in heaven. This one, in Marin County, California, adds a bit of desert flair. On the other side of this cottage is a water way and a perfect little dock for launching paddle boards. We love how the greens liven up this side of the house and create a completely different, almost modern desert-like, aesthetic. As with any great cottage garden, there is a distinctly transportive factor.Michael CliffordA light wood sauna and cold plunge on the grounds of Jenni Kayne’s Hudson Valley farmhouse are hidden behind shrubbery for a sense of privacy against a wide open landscape. We love the idea of adding a spa-like ambiance to a cottage garden as well as finding inventive ways to use the space. This is exactly where we want to be in the summer!Getty ImagesThis is sort of cheating, but Bunny Williams is a necessary inclusion! Williams’s Oak Spring Garden in Upperville, Virginia continues to inspire garden and cottage enthusiasts the world over. Rather than one cottage, the grounds of Williams’s large estate feature a guest cottage and a basket house, both of which are charming in the extreme.Dorothy ScarboroughDorothy Scarborough (she/her) is the assistant to the Editor in Chief of Town & Country and Elle Decor.