Dream Spaces: 10 Inspiring Ideas for the Ultimate Winter Retreat
Fuel your daydreams with this roundup of luxurious must-haves every fantasy winter retreat should offer
As the nights draw in, many of us will start to dream of toasting marshmallows around an open fire in a rustic ski lodge with vistas over snowcapped mountains.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to hunker down for the winter with friends and family in exquisite surroundings like these, where getting snowed in would be a pleasure? With a fantasy lottery win firmly in mind, here are 10 must-haves for the ideal luxury winter haven.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to hunker down for the winter with friends and family in exquisite surroundings like these, where getting snowed in would be a pleasure? With a fantasy lottery win firmly in mind, here are 10 must-haves for the ideal luxury winter haven.
Must-have No 2: A deep, cocoon-like bath
There’s nothing more inviting after a brisk walk in the wintery countryside than a soak in a deep and steaming tub. This bath has been strategically placed so the user can gaze out over the landscape or look up at the sky above.
There’s nothing more inviting after a brisk walk in the wintery countryside than a soak in a deep and steaming tub. This bath has been strategically placed so the user can gaze out over the landscape or look up at the sky above.
Must-have No 3: A designated cosy zone
Oversized loungers like these – partway between day bed and sofa – are perfect for snuggling up with a loved one under a soft blanket or relaxing with a good book and hot chocolate, while secretly praying for more snow.
Oversized loungers like these – partway between day bed and sofa – are perfect for snuggling up with a loved one under a soft blanket or relaxing with a good book and hot chocolate, while secretly praying for more snow.
Must-have No 4: A well-stocked bar
A stylish bar that blends beautifully into your living space is surely a key component of any dream winter retreat? In this industrial-style living room, the combination of distressed vintage leather seating and a rustic dresser used as a drinks cabinet works perfectly. It’s the ideal place for a nightcap.
Check out how to fit a home bar into any scheme
A stylish bar that blends beautifully into your living space is surely a key component of any dream winter retreat? In this industrial-style living room, the combination of distressed vintage leather seating and a rustic dresser used as a drinks cabinet works perfectly. It’s the ideal place for a nightcap.
Check out how to fit a home bar into any scheme
Must-have No 5: A sauna
Everyone needs somewhere they can relax and leave their cares behind, so follow those Nordic bathing rituals and discover the delights of the sauna. In Finland, most homes have a built-in sauna as an antidote to the chilly climate, and they offer a wonderful way to soothe aching muscles, open up pores and escape into a Zen-like state of calm.
Discover whether you could install a sauna at home
Everyone needs somewhere they can relax and leave their cares behind, so follow those Nordic bathing rituals and discover the delights of the sauna. In Finland, most homes have a built-in sauna as an antidote to the chilly climate, and they offer a wonderful way to soothe aching muscles, open up pores and escape into a Zen-like state of calm.
Discover whether you could install a sauna at home
Must-have No 6: A cinema room
Why crunch through snow to the movies when you can flop down with your nearest and dearest in your own personal cinema room? This one is the ultimate in comfort, with cosy sofas for lounging and soft floor cushions ready to receive tired feet.
Find out how to create a cinematic experience in your own home
Why crunch through snow to the movies when you can flop down with your nearest and dearest in your own personal cinema room? This one is the ultimate in comfort, with cosy sofas for lounging and soft floor cushions ready to receive tired feet.
Find out how to create a cinematic experience in your own home
Must-have 7: An open fire
A crackling fire softening the light and warming everyone through is a magical winter essential. This supersized central fireplace is a particularly dreamy design. Throwing out heat in every direction and acting as a twinkling focal point, it’s perfect for festive parties and family gatherings alike.
Get expert advice on choosing the right fire for your home
A crackling fire softening the light and warming everyone through is a magical winter essential. This supersized central fireplace is a particularly dreamy design. Throwing out heat in every direction and acting as a twinkling focal point, it’s perfect for festive parties and family gatherings alike.
Get expert advice on choosing the right fire for your home
Must-have No 8: A super-sociable table
If the weather outside is too frightful to head to your local restaurant or pub, the dining table can become your hub for entertaining instead. The owners of this Alpine home have spent time laying and dressing the table so it’s inviting enough that no one will want to leave.
Why not add super-soft sheepskins to the chairs for extra comfort, or drape throws on the chair backs for guests to pull around themselves, helping to prolong the after-dinner chat?
If the weather outside is too frightful to head to your local restaurant or pub, the dining table can become your hub for entertaining instead. The owners of this Alpine home have spent time laying and dressing the table so it’s inviting enough that no one will want to leave.
Why not add super-soft sheepskins to the chairs for extra comfort, or drape throws on the chair backs for guests to pull around themselves, helping to prolong the after-dinner chat?
Must-have No 9: A hot tub
A hot tub is a great winter luxury, but if you can brave it, an outdoor one is the ultimate indulgence. Imagine taking in the twinkling starry sky while sipping champagne surrounded by candles and lanterns? This design goes the whole hog with an outdoor fireplace, too, for toasty warmth all over.
A hot tub is a great winter luxury, but if you can brave it, an outdoor one is the ultimate indulgence. Imagine taking in the twinkling starry sky while sipping champagne surrounded by candles and lanterns? This design goes the whole hog with an outdoor fireplace, too, for toasty warmth all over.
Must-have No 10: Fun and games
Well, it’s still snowing, and playing Scrabble and Monopoly is getting a little bit tiresome, but with your very own pool table, you needn’t be bored. Traditionalists may prefer a ping pong room on their wish list, or what about a bowling alley or games room with table football and air hockey to keep the kids amused?
TELL US…
What would be on your wish list for the perfect fantasy winter retreat? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Well, it’s still snowing, and playing Scrabble and Monopoly is getting a little bit tiresome, but with your very own pool table, you needn’t be bored. Traditionalists may prefer a ping pong room on their wish list, or what about a bowling alley or games room with table football and air hockey to keep the kids amused?
TELL US…
What would be on your wish list for the perfect fantasy winter retreat? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Like to get away from it all? With windows looking out on to snowy peaks and giant fir trees, this stunning rustic mountain retreat is decorated simply, in neutral colours, so as not to detract from its beautiful surroundings. Placing a large mirror behind the sofa reflects every last drop of the amazing view.
Tour a dream mountain home with a modern twist