Hacienda

The house enjoys panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and three volcanoes. Its renovation included new stonework in a variety of spots outside.

A clean-lined bathroom of stone and concrete.

Homeowner and interior designer Julie Crosby worked with developer Soheil Nakhshab to transform a rundown midcentury property in the coastal Del Mar neighborhood of San Diego. The 5,400-square-foot, four-bedroom residence incorporates a natural palette and tall windows.

The kitchen was the first room to be modernised and revealed some surprises, including the arched stone wall.

This sprawling retreat is perched high on a ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and it comes with a guesthouse and an infinity pool.

Before: Manuel Strebinger and Stefan Davids bought this historic palazzo in Nardò, Italy, with the goal of restoring the best historic features, like the star vault ceilings, and taking away the 70s finishes, like the pink walls here. "We didn't want to use too much strong color,

Set on 22 acres in the arid Alentejo region, the estate was designed by Portuguese architect Bartolomeu Costa Cabral as a home and studio for a creative duo.

Floor Plan of Palazzo Ventidue

Floor plan of Ancient Woodland House by Tom Turner Architects

Floor plan of Shed/House by John Redington

An outdoor breezeway between the storage shed and the main house is ideal for outdoor dining.

Before: Catherine Schneider's house in Merida, Mexico was built in 1928 as part of a public works initiative to provide housing for the working class.

"Our many ideas were floating around the mountain, and we needed someone to bring them down and turn them into reality,

Floor Plan of Courtyard House by Murray Legge Architecture

Set in Highland Park, the 1920s Spanish-style home pairs smooth plastered walls with Saltillo, Talavera, and zellige finishes.