Containing rarely seen images from the Côté Maison magazines, Modern Country – Inspirational interiors for Contemporary Country Living  by Caroline Clifton-Mogg,  brings together relaxed, informal homes that reflect the gentler pace of life in the country while being resoundingly modern.

The house we’ve chosen to feature here is a very modern house on the island of Ibiza, built by the Spanish architectural practice Andrés Jacque. It feels like a tree house (in fact three pine trees and two palms push up through the roof) and is built on a series of concrete piles that make up the different levels of the sloping land. The sheet metal used inside, and the blues, greens and fluorescent colours used on the surfaces, add to the playhouse feel. The bed cabin with the porthole window is reached by a bridge-like walkway from the main building.

The book is divided into four sections, all featuring a wealth of case studies. ‘Country Locations’ considers the appeal of contemporary rural havens, mountain retreats and coastal escapes; ‘Architectural styles’ surveys conversions, renovations and new building in the natural landscape; ‘Materials and finishes’ explores the use of stone, brick, metal, glass, plaster and concrete. The final part of the book ‘ Country Living’ is devoted to the different living spaces in the home.

Published by Jacqui Small, £30. www.jacquismallpub.com