Old & new Page 5 of 16

Medieval walls, imposing frescoes from the 19th century and 1930s terrazzo - Umberto 121 near Montalcino is a spectacular interplay of eras that stretches right up to the modern day.

A green oasis with urban flair: light and air fill the open, bright architecture of Casa Joana. A retreat in the sun-drenched Algarve that celebrates laid-back outdoor living.

Tradition in fresh colours: With its five holiday apartements, the Black Forest farmhouse on the southern slope of the Wutach Gorge balances historical building fabric, authenticity and contemporary comfort.

The walls of the former patrician house Ca' Giuconda are over 500 years old. Situated in a beautiful borgo - one of the "Borghi più belli d'Italia" - it towers over the Piedmontese vineyards and masterfully stages its patina.

In the Swiss mountain village of Vals, the two houses of Brücke 49 offer a harmonious mix of local architecture, unique antique pieces and Scandinavian design – and a temporary home for design lovers.

The Gutshaus Friedenfelde lies like a novel in the Brandenburg countryside. An ensemble, partly from the 18th century, which blends history, modernity and culture in a striking way.

Simplicity, peace, space and light: La Ferme de Brouage hides like an enchanted garden in the green hinterland of the Atlantic coast and merges old walls with sophisticated architecture, French charm and farm-fresh vegetables.

Like a canvas, the white backdrop of Monopoli reflects the sky and the sea. Casa Santa next to the San Salvatore Church also focuses on the essentials, staging light, texture and the magnificent view.

Red brick amidst greenery: the carefully renovated Albrechtshof in the small village of Petershagen near the Oderbruch is an atmospheric place that is stylishly pared down and transposes life in the countryside into the present day.

The Calitardo Suites tower majestically over the poetic Umbrian landscape. The manor house, which has been transformed into an agriturismo, combines history and modernity with ease and elegance.

Mediterranean muse: The listed manor Le Rossignol in the German wine-growing region Markgräflerland is a carefully renovated, atmospheric place that combines history and zeitgeist with the lightness of southern France.

Old barn with new perspectives: The Ferienhof Busch in the tranquil south of Franconia is a model project for sophisticated revitalisation down to the last detail. Three individually designed holiday homes offer plenty of space for spending time together.

Like a group of friends, the eleven holiday homes stand on the edge of the forest of idyllic Lübbesee. Each with a hexagonal floor plan and a green view - partly left as bungalows, mostly raised, all with the same basis and yet each renovated with its own character.

Between Lake Constance, St. Gallen and the Alpstein mountains lies the baroque town of Bischofszell. Once, fabric merchants, craftsmen, innkeepers and Thurgau noblemen lived here behind the picturesque façades on Grubplatz. Today, the Jacob 1808 is a wonderful place to spend a holiday.

A garden of Mediterranean trees and flowering shrubs in a small village in the hinterland of the Algarve: in the middle of it all is Casa Linear - a farmhouse renovated with a great deal of sense and flair, looking out over the sea that sparkles in the distance. A straightforward homage to simplicity.

From the outside, the listed Dortmannhof seems as if it has fallen out of time; inside, an artistic backdrop of historical inventory and unusual perspectives opens up. A subtle and clever concept by architect and furniture designer Sigurd Larsen, which now also welcomes guests.

Nestled along the banks of Latvia's spectacular Salaca river valley, a relocated fisherman's house fills its listed architecture with new life and minimalist design.

Alluvial forest and litter meadows as far as the eye can see, with Lake Chiemsee glistening in the distance - the Schneeganserhof occupies an exclusive box seat. And it has done so for many hundreds of years. Renovated to be summer-fresh and winter-proof, it offers a holiday accommodation for two in the former barn.

In the wide expanse of the Simmental valley, framed by grassy hills, rugged rock faces and the glaciated Wildstrubel, the 100-year-old Lenk Lodge offers spectacular views and individual spaces.

Belle Époque in Belgium: Close to the sea, in the midst of the historic splendour of the seaside resort of Blankenberge, stands this listed holiday home. A bright and atmospheric gathering place for families, friends and larger groups.

Since 1775, the Pfarrhof (vicarage) in Eastern Styria has always been a place that connects people. Freshly renovated, re-imagined and lovingly furnished, the baroque monument draws a bridge between past and present.

Around 250 years have gone into the stone walls and wooden beams of Haus Greates in the Lechtal Nature Park. Situated in a small village surrounded by alpine scenery and turquoise mountain lakes.

Poetic minimalism behind an artful façade: the virtuously decorated Casa 1923 is one of Faro's outstanding Art Nouveau buildings. With their careful handling of traditions and materials, the architects of PAr tie in with the building's past and redefine it for today's needs.

Heritage monument on the outside, versatile space on the inside: Between the Westerwald and Taunus, at the center of the postcard view of Runkel, the Alte Färberei (Old Dyehouse) mirrors in the tranquil Lahn River.