After highlighting some elegant French chateaus and Italian castellos in the blog recently, a question came in asking to see some examples of more contemporary homes in Europe. While history-rich regal residences dot the European landscape, the continent certainly has no shortage of modern luxury domiciles, either. Here is a sampling of some more up-to-date splendor across Europe…

This modern villa in the Italian countryside was designed and constructed with the progressive principles of bio-architecture and Feng Shui in mind. The "biological system" of this home mixes contemporary clean lines and interiors with a picturesque park-like setting.  

In contrast to stone turrets and stark surroundings, this Provencal French villa offers luxurious interiors surrounded by a resort-like property with a pool. Defense towers are replaced by an annex offering a garage and a cellar that is meant for storing wine instead of prisoners. 

The above two homes are listed by Giorgio Vigano and LAMY, respectively, who also offer the castles written about previously. 

This brand new Spanish villa could serve as a template defining modern luxury. Listed by Inmobiliaria Rimontgo, it features ornate columns and arches that hover over the pool terrace outside, and also rise out of the marble floors in the stunning main entrance with fountain. While not a castle, you can still live like royalty and take in a kingly view of the Mediterranean from this immaculate home. 

Forget taking those winding stone steps used to reach different levels of a castle, and cruise effortlessly between the four floors of this Swiss luxury villa in your own private elevator. This remarkable residence is just one of many modern luxury homes Switzerland has to offer. The home is listed by WETAG Consulting.