Dream homes around the world: where our editors would escape

Escape to historic estates: editors' dream homes

The team at Express Home Solutions loves daydreaming about beautiful buildings and imagining life within them. Our editors have shared their ultimate fantasy homes, spanning from grand estates to literary havens and unique architectural marvels. Each choice reflects a personal connection, a love of history, or a desire for a particular atmosphere.

A touch of literary history: monk's house, sussex

Arabella Bowes, Commerce Editor, longs for Monk's House in Sussex, the former home of Virginia Woolf. This 16th-century cottage, chosen for its garden's 'fertility and wildness,' holds a special appeal. While not grand, its understated beauty and connection to the Bloomsbury Group resonate with her. She appreciates the house's color palette, the subtle nods to its history, and the inspiring writing lodge in the garden.

• Known for being the home of Virginia Woolf
• Features a writing lodge
• Part of the Bloomsbury Group history

Venetian elegance: palazzo fortuny, venice

David Nicholls, former Deputy Editor, would happily reside in Palazzo Fortuny, a 16th-century Venetian Gothic masterpiece. He's drawn to the building's rich colors, intricate decoration, and the abundance of silk, reflecting the work of Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo. The Winter Garden, with its trompe l'oeil murals, is a particular highlight. He appreciates the opulent yet otherworldly interior.

A modernist retreat: 2 willow road, hampstead

Virginia Clark, Digital Director, envisions a life at 2 Willow Road in Hampstead, the former home of architect Ernő Goldfinger. The modernist design, with its light-filled rooms and cleverly configured spaces, appeals to her. She appreciates the aesthetic, the collection of art, and the proximity to Hampstead Heath. The flexible layout is perfect for entertaining, and the spacious rooms foster a soothing environment.

A countryside escape: willy lott's house, suffolk

Victoria Clark, Digital Writer, would choose Willy Lott's House in Suffolk, made famous by Constable's painting. This 16th-century house, with 17th-century extensions, offers a tranquil setting by the River Stour. She envisions exploring the countryside, taking swims in the river, and enjoying the secluded atmosphere. While the interior is currently not as grand as in Constable's painting, the location and natural beauty are key.

A royal residence: cotehele, cornwall

Rose Washbourn, Digital Writer, is captivated by Cotehele in Cornwall, a fortified manor house with a rich history. She is drawn to its Architecture blending medieval and Tudor styles. The gardens, overlooking the river, and the house's atmospheric charm appeal to her. She imagines hosting dinner parties in the Great Hall and exploring the house's collections.

A unique architectural vision: the octagon room, twickenham

Charlotte McCaughan, Deputy Digital Editor, would occupy only the Octagon Room of Orleans House in Twickenham. This surviving room, designed for entertaining by James Johnston, is a masterpiece of baroque Architecture. Its unique shape, marble floors, and elegant details create a peaceful atmosphere. She appreciates the natural surroundings and the room's grandeur.

A deco dream: villa necchi campiglio, milan

Ruth Sleightholme, former Style Director, would choose Villa Necchi Campiglio in Milan, a 1930s Deco villa. She finds its balance of classical layouts and modernist sensibility utterly romantic. The airy rooms, impressive Architecture, and elegant details create a sophisticated and comfortable living space. The well-designed bathrooms and gardens are also major draws.