In Alan Cumming‘s Paradise Homes — the Scottish actor and comedian visits some of the most beautiful homes in the world. It’s a fresh take on the home-and-travel genre. With his usual sense of humor and friendliness, Cumming shows off homes that are true examples of a “paradise”: places with beautiful views, peaceful surroundings and well-designed buildings. This one-of-a-kind series not only shows off amazing design, but it also shows how interested Cumming is in home aesthetics and how much he values personal retreats.
Alan visits these beautiful retreats and meets the families who made them come true in each episode, which takes place in a different place. Take a closer look at each place, episode by episode:
Episode 1: Norfolk & Ontario
Norfolk, England: Alan starts his trip close to home by going to a paradise in the beautiful Norfolk Broads. With a house that blends in with its marshy surroundings, the family has made a peaceful haven. Alan enjoys the beauty of nature and even goes on an adventure by the river to collect blackberries for a pie he makes at home. This house has a quiet beauty that makes people feel like they are in a charming English country village.
Ontario, Canada: Alan then goes to Ontario, where he sees a log cabin from the 1800s that has been updated to fit modern tastes. This cabin is in the woods and has both rustic and modern touches, like a breezeway that leads to a new addition. This Canadian retreat is an interesting mix of the past and the present because the family talks about how they are preserving history while also adding new design elements.
Episode 2: Sweden & France
Sweden: Alan goes north to see a paradise in Sweden that combines modern architecture with simple Scandinavian design. This house strikes a balance between sustainability and style, capturing the essence of calm Nordic life.
France: Alan visits a small chateau in the beautiful French countryside. It used to be a farmhouse that was turned into a royal retreat. The renovation of the farmhouse brings together historic details with modern luxury, creating a paradise that is both rustic and elegant.
Episode 3: Mull & Sicily
Isle of Mull, Scotland: Alan goes back to his Scottish roots by going to Eagle Rock, a cliff-top retreat with a view of the Sound of Mull. The home’s elliptical shape gives it stunning views of 20 miles and lets in a lot of natural light through VELUX skylights that were placed in just the right places. Roderick James and Amanda Markham built this house so that it would blend in with the natural surroundings, making it a beautiful and ever-changing Scottish sanctuary.
Sicily, Italy: Alan’s trip continues to a secret spot in Sicily where the island’s rich culture is celebrated through Mediterranean architecture and bright colors. This paradise in Sicily is the perfect mix of relaxation and style, capturing the warm spirit of the Mediterranean way of life.
Episode 4: Liguria & Northern Ireland
Liguria, Italy: Alan goes to the hills of Liguria to check out a fancy villa with a view of the Gulf of Monte Carlo. The villa takes advantage of the Mediterranean’s beauty and light with seven VELUX roof windows and a lot of living space. It’s a luxurious getaway with gardens, a swimming pool and a whirlpool.
Northern Ireland: Alan visits a futuristic underground villa in Northern Ireland that is tucked away in the countryside. This villa is built into the land itself and has beautiful views. It blends in with its surroundings to make a peaceful, private retreat.
Episode 5: Vancouver & Denmark & Norway
Alan is amazed by Toni’s amazing building, Time House, which is on Vancouver Island in Canada. Toni combines art, nature and architecture into one living space that flows well. With more than 50 skylights, the house is filled with light, creating beautiful patterns and bringing the outdoors inside. Every room in this house flows into the landscape outside, making the idea of time and space come to life.
Denmark: Alan visits the Tania and Casper’s Strand Hus on the coast of Denmark to look at a home that is both useful and beautiful. The iconic slanted roof shows how powerful natural ventilation can be. The house has twelve VELUX roof windows that let in soft Nordic light. It’s a place to relax and come up with new ideas on the Danish coast.
Norway: Alan ends his trip with Villa AT, a beautiful beach house that Svein and Bente built. This home is light and airy, with six VELUX windows that let lots of light into the living room. It fits the Norwegian idea of combining home and nature. With its flowing lines, the property brings the family closer to the sky and the ocean, capturing the best of coastal life in a stylish way.
Alan Cumming visits each house in each episode and finds not only beautiful architecture but also the life and stories behind the people who live there. Alan’s series puts viewers in the peace and happiness of a truly perfect paradise through humor and a love of unique designs. Whether it’s on a cliff in Scotland or a beach in Denmark, each home is a peaceful piece of paradise that will inspire both dreamers and travelers.
For more detailed recaps, visit otavo.tv.
