We’re not the biggest advocates of minimalist homes here, but every now and then an anomaly arises from the wood work.

Case in point, this quaint 18th century English estate which merges breathtaking minimalism with racing cars and classic icons stowed away indoors. You read right, inside the house. And it’s for sale too for a cool AU$25,000,000. From the outside the property appears as a spacious premise made for well-heeled retirees to toil away in their veggie patch.

A closer inspection though will easily debunk that myth. For starters a Ferrari 312 PB Le Mans race car is parked pretty between the living and dining room and the interior is decked out with modern art, contemporary architecture and period-correct motoring memorabilia (including a trophy wall).

It’s a sight to behold for any machine loving man, with the cars taking away most of the spotlight from the 10 bedroom, 10 bathroom luxury living quarters.

Stepping outside will reveal even more prestige with multiple buildings, Japanese-inspired gardens, a swimming pool, a heritage barn erected from the timbers of Mayflower and one hell of a collector’s garage spread out across 2.43 hectares. Take that, fancy loft apartments.

If that’s not enough to bump this property up to the top of the list right next to Melbourne’s Batcave home, it should also be noted that this one also has a proper history. The residence is built opposite the final resting place of estate entrepreneur and philosopher, William Penn.

Easily one of the coolest ways to provide the perfect balance of automotive art and historical cues.

The post Step Inside The Ultimate Car Collector's English Estate appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Space is a hot commodity, especially in the world’s most interesting and iconic cities. Some opt to escape the urban rat race entirely (or at least have an alternative available, like Tom Ford’s magnificent Santa Fe ranch). Others content themselves with cramming into apartments barely big enough for a bed.

Only the lucky few, like the owner of this London loft, score both ample area and an enviable address.

It’s not just high ceilings and square metres that make this place special. Sure, it’s spacious and airy and all the other size-centric things you want from a loft, but it also doesn’t skimp on style. An unusual fireplace floats above the floor. A black statement wall brings the drama. Exposed brick adds industrial charm. A sculptural spiral staircase pulls double duty as architecture and art.

Any of these elements could be the focal point in another apartment. They’re strong and eye-catching – exactly the kind of detail that could overwhelm a smaller space. Even here, where area isn’t a limited resource, putting all of them together is a risk.

The post A Spacious London Loft With Industrial Appeal appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The world’s most renowned artists have made a living off their canvasses, so there’s no doubt that their living quarters would be just as creative. Well, now we have proof, as Apartment Therapy took a step inside 3 incredibly homes of artists and designers to give you just the interior inspiration you’ve been looking for.

The first two homes, belonging to artist and textile designer Martyn Thompson and artists Marianne and Kore Yoors, have been sourced from Greenterior, a book about creative people and their love of plants.

Up next is the Paris home of antiques dealer and decorator Florence Lopez, which as well as her home serves as a showroom for the pieces she sells and is definitely not shy on colour.

Finally is artist Matt Austin’s home in Brooklyn, a bright and bold space that brings together unexpected colour combinations in a seriously cool way. Time to get arty, magnificent bastards.

The post Step Inside The Incredibly Creative Homes Of Artists appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

You’re mum wishes you wouldn’t swear so much, but she may have to eat her words with a recent study finding that profanity is the perfect way to form a stronger bond with the people around you.

Indiana University professor and author of ‘In Praise of Profanity’ Michael Adams says that ‘bad words’ actually bring us together, and because of their taboo nature, curse words give us a “degree of intimacy.”

According to Adams, swear words “are unexpectedly useful in fostering human relations because they carry risk…We like to get away with things and sometimes we do so with like-minded people.” You have to admit, there’s nothing quite like a good old blasphemous D&M with a close mate.

To Adams, profanity should be admired and not frowned upon, going so far to suggest that parents should teach their kids to use profanity so they can ‘bond’ even closer together. It’s a controversial suggestion but one that can be backed up by the success of children’s books like ‘Go The F*ck To Sleep’ by Adam Mansbach.

‘In Praise of Profanity’ also goes on to say that artists have long used swear words “to occupy that particular place in that particular line of that particular poem because doing so accomplished a specific aesthetic object or effect,” and references The Catcher in the Rye, which Adams says “is deliberately full of crap; remove the swear words, and you’ve got a different book.”

The post Professor Says Swearing Will Help You Bond With Your Mates appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Better sex: we all want it, and little is off limits in the quest for it. Aphrodisiac foods? We’re in. Scientific studies? Bring on the knowledge. Exercise? Fine – we needed more motivation in the gym anyway.

A study recently published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology says the key is something more subtle. Having the best sex of your life isn’t about what you eat or how many bicep curls you can do, it’s about how you relate to your partner. The couples who are most sexually satisfied have an important trait in common: high levels of responsiveness.

The study concerns a concept known as the “intimacy-desire paradox.” The closer and more comfortable people get on an emotional level, the theory suggests, the less physically attracted they become. Sound familiar? You may know it better as “falling into a rut” and needing to “spice things up.”

It sounds like dire straits for a relationship, but the study authors say intimacy doesn’t have to breed boredom and discourage desire, provided it’s the right kind of intimacy. Which brings us back to the keyword: responsiveness, or, how attentive a couple are toward each other and how special they make each other feel.

“People who perceive their partner as responsive believe that this partner understands and appreciates their needs, as well as reacts supportively to their goals,” lead study author Gurit E. Birnbaum, PhD, told TIME. Responsiveness not only shows that you care about your partner, it proves that you understand their wants and needs on a deep level and reinforces the uniqueness of your relationship.

Researchers put responsiveness to the test by asking 100 couples to keep diaries for six weeks. Both partners were instructed to record their levels of daily sexual desire, as well as their perceptions of their partners’ responsiveness. Additionally, they reported how special they felt each day, and what they perceived their partners’ ‘mate value’ to be.

The results showed that when someone considers their partner responsive, they feel special and view their partner as a valuable mate. Taken together, those two factors boosted the partner’s sexual desirability. While the effect on women’s desire was stronger than on men’s, it was significant for both.

“Desire has many manifestations,” Birnbaum explained. “Responsiveness instigates desire for one’s partner—and following such interactions, partners may even find themselves tearing each other’s clothes off!”

So how can you show greater responsiveness? It’s not just about being nice. Birnbaum advises couples to pay better attention to each other. “Allow sufficient time to engage in mutual conversation and listen with an open mind—really listen, without interrupting or pre-judging or showing off,” she says. “Then do one’s best to give the partner’s needs, wishes, and desires every bit as much importance, if not even more, than one’s own.”

Enhancing your responsiveness has relationship-boosting benefits across the board. It can help you learn new things about your partner, express interest and affection in new ways, and share new experiences together.

The post Couples Who Have The Best Sex Share This Trait appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Pack your sunnies and your swim shorts. It’s time to hit the beach.

Europe’s cultural capitals grace bucket lists across the globe, but when it comes to sun and sand, the continent’s seaside sites are often passed over for tropical options. You know the big ones – the thundering clubs of Ibiza, the stunning colours of Corfu and Mykonos, the lavish yachts of the French Riviera – and the rest, well, who cares? You’re going to Paris anyway. Your tan can wait for Thailand.

Navagio Beach | Zakynthos, Greece

Anyone familiar with Instagram’s travel hashtags will recognise this dreamy Greek destination. Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is a firm favourite with users of the social network and it’s easy to see why. The Greek island of Zakynthos looks like a locale out of Neverland, except instead of Captain Hook and his crew, the only ship to be seen is a rusted, half-buried wreck that ran aground in the ’80s. While you could happily spend all day dipping in the turquoise cove, its beauty is best appreciated from atop the soaring limestone cliffs that surround it.

Ölüdeniz Beach | Fethiye, Turkey

Behold, one of the most photographed beaches on the Mediterranean. Turkey‘s Ölüdeniz Beach has two main claims to fame. Number one: it’s an official Blue Flag beach, which means it meets exceptionally high environmental and quality standards. The seawater is famous for its striking cerulean shades. Number two: it’s regarded as one of the best places on the planet to paraglide. Stable weather conditions and the height of nearby Mount Babadağ offer ideal launch conditions, and your reward for taking the plunge is a breathtaking panoramic view.

Rabbit Beach | Lampedusa, Italy

Despite its remote location, this Italian beach was named the best in the world by TripAdvisor users in 2013. Praise for Rabbit Beach ranges from the restrained (“worth a visit”) to the ecstatic (“I have never seen such an amazing beach!!!”). Visitors call it perfect, gorgeous, exotic, and magically more beautiful in person than in photos. Tempted? You’ll find it far off the coast of Sicily, closer to Tunisia than Italy. Be on the lookout for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. The island is one of the last remaining egg-laying sites for the endangered species.

Praia da Marinha | Algarve, Portugal

If you’ve looked at a Portugal travel guide, you’ve seen Praia da Marinha. The beach’s golden cliffs have graced many a tourism campaign and become one of the country’s most iconic images. And the accolades don’t stop there. The Portuguese Ministry of the Environment bestowed the distinguished “Golden Beach” award on Praia da Marinha for its outstanding natural qualities. Even the Michelin Guide got in on the action, calling it one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Europe and one of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world.

Calanque d’En Vau | Cassis, France

Away from the celebs and resorts that usually nab the region’s headlines is this hidden gem in the South of France. Diminutive Calanque d’En Vau is guarded by the country’s highest sea cliffs, making it accessible only by boat or a determined pair of hiking boots. Those who aren’t deterred by the effort it takes to arrive are treated to a secluded patch of sand and water that turns a sensational shade of green when the sun hits it right.

Black Sand Beach | Vik, Iceland

Iceland: not the first place that comes to mind when you picture a balmy beach holiday. You’re partially right. “Balmy” it isn’t, but what the country lacks in UV rays and palm trees it makes up for in moody, dramatic scenery. The beach in Vic boasts black sand and towering basalt columns. Throw in a serious helping of mist, and you have a landscape that looks otherworldly. Legend has it that the beach is home to the petrified remains of trolls, though you’re more likely to see one of the local puffins than a mythical creature.

Playa de Ses Illetes | Formentera, Spain

The Balearic island of Formentera is the quiet cousin of Ibiza. After partying on the neighbouring isle, revellers in need of respite escape to Playa de Ses Illetes for R&R. That’s not to say the beach is boring. In addition to being beautiful, Playa de Ses Illetes is packed with sunbeds, close to top-notch fish restaurants, and especially beloved by nudists. Strip off and stay awhile (just make sure you haven’t missed any bits in your sunscreen application).

Zlatni Rat Beach | Brač, Croatia

It’s hard to pick a single beach from Croatia’s generous selection, but Zlatni Rat stands out for its view of Hvar and its unusual shape – a shape that changes depending on the tide, current, and wind. The waters surrounding the pebble beach are cool and remarkably clear, inviting swimmers, stand-up paddle boarders, and jet skiers to take a dip. Zlatni Rat is a favourite destination for windsurfers who make the most of the afternoon gusts. Visit one of the nearby windsurfing schools if you’d like to join their ranks.

The post 8 Incredible European Beaches You Have To Visit appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

For how much, you ask? If you need to ask then you probably can’t afford it.

The Sante Fe property owned by the American fashion designer Tom Ford spans a casual 20,662 acres across New Mexico and houses period-correct facilities such as an eight-stall horse barn, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, individual staff quarters, two private guest homes and its very own landing strip. Those who demand even more from a home of this calibre will be glad to hear that there’s plans to build an additional compound on the highest point of the property.

The property even comes with some Hollywood charm too with the old set of 1985’s Silverado still on its premises as well as newer films such as Cowboys and Aliens and Wild, Wild West all being shot on the ranch’s premises.

Taking the minimalist lines into the warmer climates, architect Tadao Ando decided to throw in a reflecting pool for good measure. Because why not. Take a closer look at the home in the video below.

Oh and did we forget to mention the price? It’s going for US$75 million. Interested parties can register here.

The post Tom Ford's Ultra-Expensive Santa Fe Ranch Is Now Up For Sale appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Is there life on Mars? Well, we’re pretty close to finding out with NASA’s latest drop of photographs of the red planet.

For the last 10 years, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has been snapping away using its HiRise camera, most recently producing more than 1,000 stunning visuals of Mars’ otherworldly landscapes.

Apparently, every 26 months Mars and the sun appear to be directly opposite from Earth – allowing the Orbiter to take incredibly detailed photographs. “Since that lights the planet up from north to south pole, it gives HiRise a better view of our neighbour than usual,” says Engadget.

The post Check Out NASA's Fresh Batch Of Mind-Blowing Mars Photographs appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Europe is officially the most peaceful region in the world. The 2016 Global Peace Index, put together by the Institute for Economics and Peace, recently named the planet’s 10 safest countries. There’s good news and bad news.

First, the bad news: peace has declined over the last decade and a global inequality in peace has grown. “The tenth edition of the GPI finds that overall global levels of peace continue to deteriorate while the gap between the most and least peaceful countries continues to widen,” says the report. Highly peaceful countries continue to improve while the least peaceful fall into greater violence and conflict.

The Global Peace Index found that terrorism is at an all-time high, battle deaths from conflict are at a 25-year high, and the number of refugees and displaced people is at a level not seen in 60 years.

On the other hand, many of the world’s most peaceful countries have maintained their level or improved. In fact, they’re likely now the most peaceful nations in all of human history.

“The increasing number of deployed peacekeepers and the international community’s improvement in meeting UN peacekeeping funding dues reached record highs in early 2016,” reports the GPI. “This reflects an international community increasing its commitment to peacekeeping and global peace and security.”

The Global Peace Index evaluated 163 countries along “23 qualitative and quantitative indicators” to establish its rankings. After factors such as terrorism impact, perception of criminality, and political instability were considered, each country was given a score on a 1-5 scale (one being the highest). The #1 country secured the top spot for the sixth year in a row with a near-perfect score.

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