There’s much to be discovered on the road less traveled, and the same is true for lesser-known second-home markets. Of course, there are incredible cities and regions that immediately spring to mind when it comes to buying an additional property—their top-rated amenities and bespoke luxury homes speak for themselves. But if you’re seeking more solitude, a fresh perspective, and possibly even more square footage for your dollar, these second-home locales are well worth your consideration.

Sometimes whimsically detailed but always thoughtfully outfitted with top-tier systems and comfortable seating, these home theatres allow for the celebration of cinema in cozy seclusion.

From Connecticut to California, these five estates feature striking fireplaces that—whether surrounded by stalwart stonework or part of a classic East Coast aesthetic—provide warmth, charm, and style.

Sticking to a daily wellness routine is no sweat when top-tier fitness equipment, private pools, and expert-level sports courts are just steps away.

Imagine, if you will, the perfect winter home. What does it look like? Is it a classic colonial with a foot of snow on the roof and smoke spiralling from the chimney? Perhaps the interior is crisp and bright, with sunshine streaming through the windows, blankets to warm cold toes, and a hot drink steaming on the stove. With a few thoughtful touches, any home can feel welcoming and warm, despite the chill outside.

Most dreams of living “la dolce vita” involve an escape to the Italian countryside, but this magnificent 12,247-square-foot villa in Southern California affords a more approachable stateside version of the sweet life. The centerpiece of the 4.18-acre property, ensconced in the rolling hills of Montecito, is a home of majestic proportions and style, enveloped by stately cypress and native trees and dramatic, colorful grounds.

As the landscape of the world continues to change every day, people are looking closely for investment opportunities. Placing their quality of life at the forefront of their decision making, some of these investments will inevitably mean relocation to a new home – and potentially even a new country. In this continuing series we’ll explore destinations around the world with benefits like residency and citizenship by investment programs, tax incentives, and more, as well as hear from local experts throughout the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand network along the way.

As the landscape of the world continues to change every day, people are looking closely for investment opportunities. Placing their quality of life at the forefront of their decision making, some of these investments will inevitably mean relocation to a new home – and potentially even a new country. In this continuing series we’ll explore destinations around the world with benefits like residency and citizenship by investment programs, tax incentives, and more, as well as hear from local experts throughout the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand network along the way.

Fall’s the time for sweaters, apple cider, and scenic drives to enjoy fall foliage. In locales from West Coast to East, these estates offer private showings, allowing for appreciation of autumn’s colors without leaving home.

Health-minded homeowners are converting basements and garages, and allocating square footage in their houses to state-of-the-art workout space. And for equipment choices, the options are endless.

With a never-ending supply of technological advancements and screens seemingly around every turn, modern life often pulls people away from nature. Fortunately, looking up at the stars never ceases to amaze, especially when a postcard-perfect backdrop and ideal conditions are combined with world-class stargazing facilities.

From remote desert moonscapes to exotic islands, these are the best places on the planet for catching views of galaxies far, far away.

Your home is an oasis, a place perfectly appointed to suit your personal tastes. Which is exactly as it should be—until it becomes time to list your home and move on to the next dream.

Buyers aren’t looking for a home that appears too lived-in. They’re looking for a space they can customize to their own styles and preferences, with enough of a starting point in place that they can envision their future life. Selling your home is about showing its potential without too much of anything distracting the eye—and the solution is staging. Before you show your home to prospective buyers, you have to take steps to depersonalize it, without draining it of all personality. It’s a balancing act; and if done properly, it can be the difference between closing a beneficial deal or having your home languish on the market unnecessarily.

You may have visited a city a dozen times, spending countless hours meandering its museums, markets, cafés and parks. But to explore a place when the sun sets — as it comes alive in a whole different way — is to see it for the first time all over again. From the rooftops of Dubai to the operas of Berlin, discover some of the world’s best nightlife.

Whether it’s on the ocean, a lake or a river, you can’t beat the serenity of a waterfront home. With the sound of the water lapping at the shore, and the opportunity to go for a swim or a kayak just steps from your door, staying home has never been so inviting.

Those who love wine would undoubtedly feel at home in the South African Cape Winelands. Home to some of the most established wine regions outside of Europe—vines were planted over 350 years ago—South Africa’s terroir and climate allows the region to produce a wide range of world-renowned varieties.

As restrictions begin to lift all around the world, people are looking closely for investment opportunities. Placing their quality of life at the forefront of their decision making, some of these investments will inevitably mean relocation to a new home – and potentially even a new country. In this three-part series we’ll explore destinations around the world with benefits like residency and citizenship by investment programs, tax incentives, and more, as well as hear from local experts throughout the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand network along the way.

For the wine connoisseur, enjoying a glass is about more than just relaxation: it’s about transporting oneself to far away terroirs through taste, being moved by tradition and innovation, and, sometimes, finding inspiration in the way the light hits the wine. The vineyard doesn’t have to be the only place where the wine lends inspiration, either.

A round of bocce is the perfect way to pass the time during the glorious days and cool evenings of summer—even more so when it’s on a private court just steps from a home filled with luxurious spaces and amenities.

For the avid hiker, there are some trails that must be experienced firsthand. While travel may not be possible at the moment, experiencing the outdoors on a more local scale has never been more appealing. From leisurely, grassy paths to mountainous terrain to desert canyons, there are enchanting and challenging hikes to be found the world over. We’ve sourced six homes that all have one thing in common: their proximity to some of the world’s most notable hikes.

There are those who prefer trend-setting residences in cosmopolitan centers—and then there are those who seek out properties with sprawling fields, breathtaking vistas, and plenty of room to roam. For horse enthusiasts, the latter list describes the perfect home. These five North American properties fill all the requirements for an idyllic equestrian lifestyle for both horse and rider.