A DESIGNER WEEKEND

Want perfectly proportioned surroundings? Rent a striking home designed by an architect . . .

FRENCH GEOMETRIC GEM

YOU’LL want to spend all day lolling in the pool at the Lauzerte House. On a sloping site, it gazes out over the Tarn-et-Garonne countryside, is clad in local timber and has three terraces. It is also eco-conscious, with a green roof and solar panels.

INSIDER TIP: The nearby village of Lauzerte is considered one of France’s prettiest. There is a farmers’ market on Wednesdays and Saturday mornings.

DETAILS: The Lauzerte House sleeps six and costs from £700 per week, themodern

house.com. Fly to Toulouse from £74 return, britishairways.com.

SUPER CHIC CAPE COD

HATCH Cottage, built in 1960, appears to hover above the hillside in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. It’s a celebration of cubes, with outdoor decks offering views over the bay and sensational sunsets.

INSIDER TIP: If you’re heading out, pack a Cape Cod picnic with lobster rolls and fried fish sandwiches from Mac’s On The Pier at Wellfleet harbour.

DETAILS: Hatch Cottage sleeps four and costs from £2,205 for a week, ccmht.org. Flights to Boston from £480 return, virgin atlantic.com.

SWISH SHED ON SKYE

THE award-winning Black Shed, by Rural Design, sits at the foot of Skye’s two curious flat-topped hills, Macleod’s Tables. Huge windows in the open-plan living room offer views over Loch Dunvegan.

INSIDER TIP: Climb Macleod’s Tables and reward your efforts with dinner at Lochbay, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the fishing village of Stein.

DETAILS: The Black Shed sleeps two and costs from £600 a week in low season, blackshed.co.uk.