The different reports in this book reflect this variety of opinions: they range from historic country houses to recently built, distinctive homes for young families with lots of children. The same theme keeps emerging from these very different backgrounds: the sense of conviviality, the warm welcome, the informal, timeless character that each of these family homes exudes. These are houses that are not just there to be looked at – first and foremost, they are places where people really live: ideal environments for parents, children and guests. In these havens, architecture and interior are never purely aesthetic, but always have a functional role, helping to make life more enjoyable for the people who live there.