Feasting Alfresco: 4 Homes with Delectable Outdoor Kitchens

Author Claudia Roden’s assertion that “everything tastes better outdoors” is certainly true at these four homes, where meals come with a side of fresh air and vistas of sparkling city lights or starry nighttime skies.

Relaxing Retreat

Friendswood, Texas | Geri Mills, Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

This four-bedroom home in peaceful Friendswood, Texas—just on the outskirts of Houston—deftly combines charm and elegance. It features a gourmet kitchen, a spacious game room, an office or fifth bedroom, tumbled travertine floors, and a whole-house generator. The one-acre grounds are colorfully landscaped and offer a swimming pool and a covered outdoor entertaining pavilion with a warming fireplace and a summer kitchen that boasts a cast-iron grill, a refrigerator, an ice maker, a microwave, and two sinks.

Chic Condominium Aerie

New York, New York | Tom Doyle, Sotheby’s International Realty – Downtown Manhattan Brokerage

Perched atop one of Manhattan’s landmark Beaux Arts buildings, this three-bedroom penthouse is the ideal setting for sophisticated living and entertaining. Among the highlights are a generous living and dining area, an impeccably designed chef’s kitchen, three bedroom suites, and home automation and Sonos sound systems. The enviable roof terrace offers space for lounging, built-in speakers, and a streamlined alfresco kitchen with a refrigerator, a sink, and a stainless-steel grill. Two storage units and furnishings are included in the sale.

Texas Treasure

Houston, Texas | Ruthie Porterfield, Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty 

This Palladian-style Houston home is distinguished by its exceptional architecture and finishes. The interiors boast a grand staircase, formal living and dining rooms, a butler’s pantry with a wine vault, a study, a light-filled great room, a chef’s kitchen with top-tier appliances and a breakfast area, a media room, and five bedroom suites. The grounds offer an alluring resort-caliber pool and a living and dining terrace with built-in speakers, television wiring, a stone fireplace, and summer kitchen with eye-catching tile and a built-in grill.

California Contemporary

Los Altos Hills, California | Arthur Sharif, Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

A collection of artisans, contractors, engineers, and designers joined esteemed architect Robert Swatt in the creation of this spectacular contemporary Silicon Valley estate. The heart of the striking home is a living room where window walls on each side open to the outdoors. Surrounding the residence are sculptures, emerald lawn, a refreshing pool, terraces and decks for lounging and basking in city light views, and a Carrara marble–wrapped outdoor kitchen with a grill, smoker, and other amenities sure to please any chef or entertainer.

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