Second Base

It’s become something of a biannual custom for me to spend at least two months traipsing around Europe. Each time, I secure an apartment in London as my base, my interlude between trips, to avoid being overwhelmed by the constant commuting.

As travel assumes an ever-larger role in our lives, more and more of us are going for a second home in quieter locales, even in far-flung locations, in pursuit of a di erent way of life. After all, not everyone’s a fan of the whole travel rigmarole, but we all appreciate the space and freedom that comes with it.

So welcome to our year-end issue dedicated to homes away from home. The following pages will take you on a journey from the snowy peaks of the French Alps to the historical heart of Chengdu, and the lush expanses of Taipei’s Yangmingshan, as we delve deep into what it truly means to own a second home.

Gracing our cover is a captivating chalet nestled in the picturesque village of Val d’Isère in the French Alps. The owners, parents to three children, sought a getaway where the family can retreat during school vacations and Christmas breaks, be closer to nature, and have room for growth and exploration.

The necessity for multiple en suite bedrooms in a vacation home presented a challenge for one firm given the limited floor space. Turn to page 80 and learn how the London-based design firm Dalrymple Studio found a solution.

A vacation home not only provides us with an alternative living space, it also o ers a playground for designers to showcase their creativity. As DHB Design puts it when describing its new project in Chengdu: “The brilliance of the second residence is the art of ‘wasting’, which is di erent from the calculated and meticulous approach of the first residence.” With a focus more on relaxation and a casual vibe, rather than traditional functionality, a second home provides an expanded canvas for creativity.

We also take you to Yangmingshan, a prestigious enclave for the discerning elites, as we explore the glass-enclosed second home of Jamei Chen, which serves as a curated repository of travel mementos amassed from her journey to Africa. This tranquil space, where inspiration and creativity converge, blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living, all the while paying homage to the surrounding natural beauty. If a home is where the heart is, a second home is where the soul seeks. Enjoy the issue.

JENNIFER CHAN

Managing Editor