Ever wonder what the inside of a Hamptons beach house looks like? Or a rustic cabin nestled in the woods of Upstate New York? This summer, we're taking you on an exclusive tour of the season's most stunning vacation homes. Get ready to step inside sprawling oceanfront mansions, cozy lake houses, and everything in between.
From the shores of Nantucket to the mountains of Colorado, these summer homes have it all - designer kitchens, infinity pools, floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views. Escape with us as we explore incredible properties most people only dream of owning. By the end, you'll want to start planning your own getaway to one of these enviable summer retreats. The vacation of a lifetime awaits!
When it comes to envy-inducing summer homes, architectural stunners top the list. Who wouldn’t want to stay in a place that blends in with the landscape or has a layout perfect for entertaining?
The Fallingwater House in Pennsylvania is a prime example.
Designed by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the home incorporates cantilevered balconies that make you feel like you're living in a lush forest. With its open-concept rooms, stone floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows, the vibe is organic yet elegant.
For a minimalist escape, the Farnsworth House in Illinois fits the bill. This one-room steel and glass box seems to float above a floodplain. The transparent design blurs the line between indoors and out, creating a sense of openness and calm.
If hosting friends is your top priority, the Eames House in California should inspire. The dynamic husband-and-wife duo Charles and Ray Eames built this home in 1949. With its open courtyard, movable wall dividers, and sheltered outdoor spaces, the layout encourages mingling and flexibility. The plywood and steel construction was ahead of its time and still looks striking today.
When summer calls for an unforgettable retreat, homes with innovative architecture fit the fantasy.
Whether nestled in nature, pared-back, or party-ready, these places offer design that shapes how you experience your surroundings. A true feast for the senses, they're the ultimate summer house eye candy.
What about beach getaways?!
If endless summer is your vibe, coastal homes are calling your name. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to the sound of waves lapping at the shore and a sea breeze drifting through open windows? Beach getaways offer a chance to soak in the natural surroundings and a slower pace of life.
A weathered cedar shake exterior and wraparound porches are a must for these laid-back abodes. Whitewashed walls, natural wood accents and breezy, beach-inspired decor instantly transport you to a vacation state of mind. Open floor plans ideal for entertaining connect indoor and outdoor spaces. Cookouts on the patio, anyone?
Hammocks, Adirondack chairs and outdoor showers are perfect for whiling away the hours beachside. That being said, the hideaway on Carbon Beach in Malibu ticks all our summer dream boxes.
Large windows and French doors usher in loads of natural light and sea views. You might never want to leave! Neutral, coastal color palettes like sand, seafoam and driftwood keep the vibe casual and calming. Who can resist a beach house? If you’re searching for a serene escape by the shore, coastal homes were made for making memories. One visit and you’ll be hooked on the easy, breezy lifestyle. Start dreaming of your perfect summer sanctuary by the sea!
The other chosen elevated escapes are the Mountain and Lake retreats. For the ultimate elevated getaway, set your sights on rustic mountain retreats. Cabins tucked into pine forests or perched on hillsides offer the perfect escape from summer heat while still enjoying scenic vistas.
In the Pacific Northwest, cabins on Washington’s San Juan Islands or in Oregon’s Cascade Mountains provide opportunities for hiking, boating and spotting wildlife in a pristine setting. The charming towns nearby have shops, restaurants and breweries for when you want to come down from the hills.
The Appalachian Mountains in the eastern U.S. also offer appealing options.
Rent a secluded North Carolina cabin with a wraparound porch for lazy days filled with nothing but the sounds of birds and a babbling brook. When you’re feeling more adventurous, head out for whitewater rafting, zip-lining over the treetops or tackling part of the Appalachian Trail.
For alpine scenery straight out of a storybook, look to cabins in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains or California’s Lake Tahoe area. During summer, wildflowers bloom, waterfalls gush and wildlife emerges under the glow of golden sunsets and starry night skies. By day, options abound for hiking, biking, rock climbing and fly-fishing. By night, cozy up next to a fireplace and catch up on your reading while enjoying mountain quietude. A perfect image is Kevin Systrom's Lake Tahoe home. Now there... I would live!
Summer homes on lakes take relaxation to the next level. Whether you prefer an A-frame cabin, villa, or houseboat, languid days enjoying lake vistas and sunsets await. Activities include swimming, kayaking, sailing or simply lounging by the water with a cold drink in hand. For the perfect lake getaway, consider destinations like Lake Tahoe, Lake George in upstate New York or Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. A summer home by the lake is perfect for making memories with friends and family that will last long after the season fades.
The summer season always feels fleeting, so take a few moments to enjoy the beauty, tranquility and inspiration these summer homes provide. Before you know it, fall will be here and it'll be time to cozy up for the winter. But for now, keep dreaming of long summer days and let these spectacular properties take you away to warmer days ahead. The summer homes of your dreams are out there, so start envisioning your perfect escape!