KAREN HOWES is a well-known interiors writer whose books include Private Ireland (1999), Homes & Gardens Book of Design (ed. consultant; 2000) and Gérard Depardieu’s My Cookbook (2005).

This stunningly illustrated book features over 40 vacation homes from around the world, reflecting a wide range of cultures, styles and ways of life. From Sweden to South Africa, New England to Mexico and Provence to Lamu, "Vacation Homes and Perfect Weekend Hideaways" reveals the extraordinary variety of places where people go to get away from it all. While some of the properties are highly sophisticated, others are altogether more vernacular or even 'shabby chic', their individuality a testament to each owner's unique sense of style. Elegantly written by interiors expert Karen Howes, and illustrated throughout by today's top interiors photographers, this book will appeal as much to the armchair traveller as to those wishing to do up their own home-away-from-home in the sun. It features over 40 inspirational homes from around the world that perfectly capture the essence of vacation living. It is stunningly illustrated throughout with more than 500 images by leading interiors photographers. It includes the homes of such celebrated designers as Jasper Conran, Liza Bruce, Carolyn Quartermaine and Ou Baholyodhin. It is an armchair escape and an essential sourcebook for anyone passionate about interior design and global travel.