York Region, located just north of Toronto, is home to some of the most beautiful and accessible green spaces in Ontario. Known for its vibrant towns, historic charm, and thriving communities, the area also boasts a wealth of outdoor attractions that are perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Biophilia, literally the love of living things, is used to define our innate inclination to nature. In the 20th century, psychoanalyst Erich Fromm argued that contact with other living beings provides healing and comfort.

These five bright and beautiful residences use plentiful windows or full walls of glass to maximize natural light and make the most of their singular settings, from Southern California to Central Park South.

Green is a soothing, refreshing hue that brings to mind lush meadows, leafy groves, and idyllic forests. It fills spaces with cheer, optimism, and a welcome reminder of the long, warmer days ahead.

Sturdy and stately, brick residences can trace their origins back to 3500 B.C., when the first fired brick allowed for the creation of permanent structures. Simultaneously durable and beautiful, brick homes have a special allure due to their environmental friendliness, energy efficiency, easy maintenance, and enduring style.

Signifying prosperity, growth, and a connection to nature, green is having a design moment—take Behr’s 2022 color of the year, a minty green paint called Breezeway that’s inspired by seaglass, or Benjamin Moore’s sage-adjacent shade for 2022, October Mist. Of course there’s a whole palette of verdant hues to choose from, no matter the type of home or room that’s ready for an elevated refresh. Whether it’s time for a full revamp, or a mere spruce up, take note of these four exemplary luxury homes that have taken innovative approaches to integrating shades of green.