Featuring firelit spaces, secluded suites, or private terraces with sweeping views, each of these seven homes has a carefully created ambience that’s just right for romance.
Casa Leo Linda
Montecito, California | Sandy Stahl, Sotheby’s International Realty – Montecito – East Valley Road Brokerage
The romance of the Old World pervades this six-bedroom villa, which features graceful decorative elements—including a domed trompe l’oeil ceiling—ornate ironwork, richly hued woods, French doors, classical columns, warming fireplaces, and balustraded terraces and balconies. Throughout, spaces benefit from beautiful light. The 2.7-acre grounds offer plentiful sunny alfresco living areas, a pool and cabana, a tennis court, a waterfall and koi pond, vibrant landscaping, and glorious views of majestic mountains and blue skies.
Southwestern Luxury
Santa Fe, New Mexico | Britt Klein & Marion Skubi, Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe – 326 Grant Avenue Brokerage
Surrounded by shady trees and vibrant landscaping on the desirable historic Eastside of Santa Fe, this home epitomizes luxurious Southwestern living. Cozy fireplaces, the organic curves of adobe and plaster, warm natural hues, and a master bedroom with a private deck contribute to an ambience of romance. Furthering that feel are a lush backyard with a fountain, a swath of rare lawn beneath towering trees, and serene secluded outdoor entertaining area with built-in bancos for alfresco seating.
Light-Filled Modern Oasis
Malibu, California | James Whalen, Sotheby’s International Realty – Malibu Brokerage
The centerpiece of this sleek contemporary home is a view—easily enjoyed through a disappearing wall of glass—stretching across the waters of the Pacific to the horizon. Bright, airy, open public spaces and a refreshing oceanside pool and terrace allow for effortless indoor-outdoor lounging and entertaining while basking in the warm glow of sunset. The breezy master suite benefits from a window wall opening to a glass-framed balcony. The Encinal Bluffs neighborhood is one of Malibu’s most exclusive.
Inspired Waterfront Compound
Palm Beach, Florida | Cristina Condon, Sotheby’s International Realty – Palm Beach Brokerage
Taking inspiration from timeless Bermudian getaways, this unique six-bedroom compound on the Intracoastal Waterway is a waterfront paradise enveloped by tall trees, tropical gardens, and lush grass. Among the hallmarks are scalloped roof gables, “welcoming arm” banisters, cool breezy interiors, light-filled living spaces, gracefully curving archways, and a lofty master suite with a pitched beamed ceiling and a view across the water. A covered alfresco loggia with a fireplace and an infinity-edge pool allow for consummate enjoyment of the outdoors.
Telegraph Hill Treasure
San Francisco, California | Thomas Biss, Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage
In this sophisticated Telegraph Hill residence, ornate ironwork, plentiful arched windows, columns, a classical palette, and an art deco bar conjure the allure and romance of a stylish Parisian flat. The master bedroom enjoys expansive water views, as does the uppermost floor, which opens on two sides to terraces with sweeping city, water, and bridge views. Other highlights include gallery space, a home theater, and a wine room. Secluded behind the home are patio spaces tucked amid secret tropical gardens.
La Ladera
Montecito, California | Tina Stern, Wish Sotheby’s International Realty
On 2.72 acres enveloped by the mountains of Montecito, this 1912 Spanish Revival estate conjures the romance of the Mediterranean. It features an 8,306-square-foot residence with four bedroom suites, a two-bedroom guest apartment, and elegant living and dining spaces. The master suite’s private balcony, a breezy rooftop deck, and a stalwart brick terrace overlook the grounds, which boast colorful manicured landscaping, a pool and spa, a pergola beside a tranquil koi pond, and a meditation garden—all with serene views across the treetops to the coastline.
Classical Luxury in the Lone Star State
Houston, Texas | Susan Boss & Laurie King, Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty – Central Houston Brokerage
With its regal columns, balconies, arched and dormer windows, balcony, classical moldings, and gracefully curving stairway, this elegant home on approximately 3.5 gated acres exudes an ambience of timeless Texas Americana. Flooded with glorious natural light, it features a lofty ballroom-scale living area with a fireplace and towering Palladian window, both a bright and airy natatorium and an open-air pool and spa, a handsome wood-paneled study, and two master suites. The peaceful property also includes lush gardens and a tennis court.
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