Q&A with designer Francis Sultana—plus four luxury homes with stylishly furnished outdoor spaces
In this Luxury Defined edition, designer Francis Sultana gives us an exclusive insight into the creation of his Chatterley outdoor furniture. Plus, tour four luxury properties offering inviting, stylish outdoor spaces with trendy furniture to serve as the ultimate entertainment space or private retreat.
The collection was inspired by a romantic interpretation of the woods around my countryside house, the Hunting Lodge in Hampshire, U.K. I am influenced by fairy tales, which were also a huge inspiration for me in the overall design.
I do the actual designing quite fast—in about a month. But making models and getting ready for production takes around three months. That said, I have been thinking about this collection for a long time as I really wanted to design an indoor–outdoor collection, especially since my recent work for the iconic hotel La Palma, Capri, which has had a lot of indoor–outdoor furniture.
The Henry chair was the first piece and it led me on the journey for the rest of the collection.
It’s all about practicality—knowing what you need: tables, comfy chairs… and understanding the main requirements for outdoor furniture, which is to help you relax and to provide chic and comfortable places for eating.
I always eat outside in summer months if I can. I mean, why would you be indoors if you had the choice?
francissultana.com
Villa Parthenope is a refuge of serenity in the Dominican Republic’s exclusive Cap Cana seaside resort.
This contemporary, eco-conscious villa was designed to connect its residents to the tropical environment, with clear sight lines of the Caribbean Sea from nearly every room, lush indoor gardens, and tranquil water features.
The palm-lined sundeck terraces, styled with elegant outdoor furniture, direct the sun worshipers’ gaze toward the white sands and cerulean seas. There are two pools: a heated infinity pool and a smaller pool, illuminated by multi-colored lights, for romantic nighttime swimming.
Each of the seven bedrooms has a view of palm-lined hillsides or the Caribbean Sea, and a private balcony for watching the sunrise. There are two kitchens, a sauna, gym, wine cellar, and a lovely, intimate chapel.
Adding to the environmental ethos are tropical gardens and a solar-panelled roof.
This romantic Venetian-inspired villa is the picture of perfection in the Hollywood Hills.
Designed for entertaining on a grand scale, this palatial private compound offers 9,000 square feet of lavish interior spaces and more than half an acre of private grounds with spectacular canyon views.
The top level has an open-floor plan which includes a living room, dining room, family room, and kitchen. The level below has five bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms and direct access to the outdoor area. The opulent primary suite has a custom-built fireplace, large walk-in closet, a large soaking tub, and dual bathrooms with showers.
The lower level is dedicated to the movie theater, club-style bar, and wellness facility with sauna, steam-room, and double shower.
Outside, a grand double staircase leads down to a 3,000-square-foot pool terrace with Jacuzzi, cabana, custom swings, outdoor bar, kitchen, and barbecue, overlooking the treetops. This immaculate property offers utmost privacy and tranquility, just minutes from the city.
BV8 is a luxurious three-bedroom villa sited on a gentle bluff overlooking Long Beach on the eastern coast of South Caicos Island, in the Turks and Caicos archipelago.
In addition to 100 feet of white, sandy beachfront, the villa offers abundant outdoor lounging and dining spaces appointed with Janus et Cie outdoor furniture.
The grandly scaled great room flows out to a pergola terrace with an oversized, temperature-controlled swimming pool facing the beach. The chef’s kitchen has a center island with breakfast bar. Just outside is a tranquil garden for dining alfresco.
Two of the bedrooms are primary suites, each with an ocean view, a large bathroom, and a private garden with an outdoor shower.
Surrounding the villa are tropical gardens with native plants and flowers.
Residents enjoy access to the Sailrock resort’s five-star amenities, including a spa and wellness center, bars and restaurants, private dining, water sports, and nature trails. The resort also offers a comprehensive villa management service.
Paddock Wood in Killiney, County Dublin, has a breathtaking hilltop setting with panoramic views of Killiney Bay and the Wicklow Mountains.
The property is approached through a sweeping gravel driveway leading to a granite forecourt with ample parking for residents and guests.
The 10,691-square-foot main house is a triumph of contemporary design by architects Conroy Crow & Kelly. Three levels of glass-fronted interior space lead out to an additional 2,000 square feet of sea-view terraces.
The kitchen, living room, lounge, and dining room are on the main level. Down the main stairs is an expansive owners’ suite in addition to two guest suites and a voluminous family room. The lower level offers two bedroom suites, a large library/office, and a sunny garden room.
Beyond are the 1.3-acre grounds, a private retreat with an infinity-edge pool, a gym, and a putting green. A two-story, four-car garage and an independent, self-contained guest suite complete the offering.
Explore more design and architecture trends and industry expert interviews in our current magazine. Or find your dream home with a stylish outdoor space on the market now.
