Costa Brava Cliff House

I don’t know why, but when the weather gets steamy — like lately, with the heat more blistering than a fistful of habaneros — I always imagine it would be nice to retreat to a cool, ice-white house. No, not an igloo (although, that’s tempting in its own way), but some open-concept, contemporary place overlooking the sea. Think Miami Vice, then think classy (yes, it’s possible). That’s why I like this 12-bedroom, 15,600-square-foot villa in Spain’s lush Costa Brava region. It’s the kind of place where you could just sit back, sip a gin and tonic, and do what you’re supposed to do when the mercury pushes a million degrees: not much. Let’s take a look.

Getting a cross breeze is clearly not going to be an issue when the walls literally peel away from around the living room. The bold light fixture over the dining room table adds a lot of punch in the minimal room.

For serious workaholics, this office would be an endless frustration. Do you see a filing cabinet? How about a phone? Where would you plug in a laptop? But that’s why it’s so great, and ultimately, fitting for this house. It’s perfect for casually reading and looking out over the Balearic Sea.

The stone-and-wood palette in the principal bedroom is warm and restful, nicely contrasting the bright white interiors elsewhere.

With 12 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms, the house was clearly built to entertain. Of course, your guests will be coming for the company, but secretly, they’ll be staying for the view and that infinity edge pool. I would never leave!

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Photo credits:
Sotheby’s International Realty