The August Collection: Freedom with Belonging
August is rethinking what it means to own a second home. Founded by Melié Dunod and her co-founder Nico Watzenig, the concept blends flexibility, community, and design. The August collection is about creating houses that feel like home, wherever you are.
The Beginning
For Melié, the idea for August grew out of frustration. While working on design projects in Spain and France, she noticed how discouraging and unclear it was for people to buy a home abroad. “From permits to agents and lawyers, nothing gave certainty,” she recalls. The traditional model also felt outdated: one house, high costs, and too often standing empty.
“Clients wanted flexibility, variety, and experience. That became the foundation for August: multiple beautifully designed homes, fully managed, so the local community benefits too.” Her own attempt to buy a holiday home with friends confirmed the feeling.
“The process was so complex that I realised it had to be different.” Out of that realisation, August was born, a new way to enjoy several homes without the burden of upkeep.
Design Rooted in Place
What sets August apart is its design philosophy. “It’s not only about location or interiors, but the entire experience. Each home is restored with local artisans and antique details, while we add modern refinement,” says Melié. In her words, an August house “feels like a real home, where you return to relax, work, or share with family and friends.”
This approach has become known as the August house design. Every detail counts, from antique furniture to Villa Valeria, their own amenities line inspired by regional scents and produce. “Small touches, with big meaning,” Melié says. These elements turn houses into something more than property: they become places to belong.
Community at the Core
August is as much about people as it is about homes. “We create a community of like-minded travelers and life enthusiasts. From day one, owners feel part of something bigger,” she explains. Stories confirm this. One Dutch family, tired of maintaining their Costa Brava house, found new freedom with August. “Within two weeks they were owners again, this time with flexibility and joy instead of stress.”
For Melié, the vision remains simple. “Freedom with belonging. Access to several homes, without the burden of upkeep. Always the feeling of coming home.” With August, ownership becomes less about bricks and more about identity, travel, and shared experiences.
Find out more about the August collection here!
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