The renovation of a sophisticated London home gave Matthew and Patricia Allen a tempting pied-a-terre to offer to their fellow international house-swapping fans.
There is a new property trend that is becoming increasingly popular with young professional families looking to enjoy the freedom of global travel and the ability to work from anywhere in the world – international house swapping. For American couple Matthew Allen and his wife Patricia, this concept has become an integral part of how they choose to live.
‘We’ve been in the UK for 10 years,’ says Matthew. ‘I’m from California and Patricia is from Chicago, but we met while working in London. We both love to travel and have enjoyed house exchanges abroad since we got married. With two young children – Theo, 2, and Noa, 3 months, we’re keen to make the most of the opportunity while they’re still preschool age. Immersing ourselves in the culture of somewhere new and experiencing the authentic charm of living like a local in a real home, not a hotel, whether that be for two weeks or six months, is something we really enjoy.’
Denne historien er fra September 2016-utgaven av 25 Beautiful Homes.
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Denne historien er fra September 2016-utgaven av 25 Beautiful Homes.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
NATURE'S colour scheme
Interior designer Charlotte Thomas has transformed a centuries-old country house into a haven of charm, with hues that are in harmony with her personality
SPECIAL BLEND
Marcus and Eliza Waring’s captivating new build combines modern style with Georgian charm
Southern belle
Interior designer Michael Mitchell breathed new life into y a home in South Carolina with colour, art and antiques Lan
LOFTY AMBITION
Bespoke joinery and a light palette were used to maximise the space in this cosy bedroom under the eaves
Modern CLASSIC
Interior designer LeeAnn Baker has infused this elegant new-build waterfront home with a sense of history and a welcoming atmosphere
European VIBES
Italian and French mid-century pieces, exquisite marbles and a calming palette of blues and greens lend an international flavour to a historic apartment in Stockholm
A return to grandeur
An extensive remodel has given this 1990s home fabulous character, with designer Jeffrey Neve’s eye for fresh colours softening the space
SHEER GLAMOUR
Eleanor and Ollie Bowmer gave their new en suite the five-star treatment with luxe finishes and a statement bath
Relaxing RUSTIC
Designer Claire Garner has concocted a warm and welcoming interior scheme that perfectly complements the oak beams of this modern Tudor-style home
The little house of CALM
Sue and Jonathan Eley turned a timber cabin in a beautiful secluded New Forest setting into a luxurious country escape