Feasting Alfresco: 5 Homes with Outdoor Kitchens

Cookbook author Claudia Roden’s assertion that “everything tastes better outdoors” is certainly true at these five homes, where meals come with a side of fresh air and vistas ranging from the Pacific Ocean to the sparkling New York City skyline.

Majestic Ocean View Villa

Santa Barbara, California | Maureen McDermut, Sotheby’s International Realty – Montecito – Coast Village Road Brokerage

This irreplaceable four-bedroom villa is an Old World–inspired escape offering living and dining rooms, a generous kitchen, a den, a wine cellar, and numerous outdoor living spaces. On an elevated terrace of its own is an alfresco kitchen pergola—shaded by deeply hued wood beams above—that features a grill, burners, a sink, and a refrigerator. It gazes out over the home’s heated infinity pool and spa, lush lawn, colorful gardens, and citrus and avocado orchard toward the ocean.

Classic Meets Contemporary in Santa Fe

Santa Fe, New Mexico | Darlene Streit, Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe – 326 Grant Avenue Brokerage

Enjoying dramatic Sangre de Cristo Mountain views from its location in a historic neighborhood, this impressive, gated estate reflects a rare blend of contemporary style and traditional Santa Fe architecture. It includes a stunning new five-bedroom residence with a 500-bottle wine room, a tastefully remodeled two-bedroom guesthouse, a tranquil courtyard fountain, a private well, and solar power. Flawless outdoor entertaining is easy thanks to a roof deck with a sweeping panorama and a breezy portal with a kitchen featuring a grill and a pizza oven.

Regal Refinement in Houston

Houston, Texas | Lesley Krivan, Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty 

This magnificent residence in a prestigious Houston neighborhood is replete with regal details, from intricate onyx and marble floors to vintage chandeliers. Highlights include a spacious dining room, a kitchen with two islands and commercial-grade appliances, a billiards or media room, and four luxurious bedrooms. Surrounding a spa and a pool with a dramatic fountain and other water features are a series of covered and open-air outdoor spaces, among them a shady terrace designed for poolside grilling and dining.

Chic Downtown Oasis

New York, New York | Gina M. Kuhlenkamp & Olga Reindlova ”Neulist,” Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

On a cobblestone street in Tribeca, this sophisticated three-bedroom penthouse is the perfect backdrop for stylish living and entertaining. The open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area boasts Boffi cabinets, top-tier appliances, built-in wine chillers, and oversized arched windows showcasing views of the city and the Hudson River. Accessed by a distinctive floating staircase is an enviable landscaped terrace offering 2,100 square feet of secluded space for lounging and dining in the open air, a water feature, and an alfresco kitchen with a grilling station.

Elegant Albuquerque Estate

Albuquerque, New Mexico | Dnette Wood, Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe – 318 Grant Avenue Brokerage
326 Grant Ave

Built in 1946 and remodeled and expanded in 2008, this elegant and inviting five-bedroom home in a perennially desirable Albuquerque neighborhood was thoughtfully designed with an effortless floor plan perfect for quiet day-to-day living and grand entertaining. Highlights include a chef’s kitchen, formal living and dining rooms, a family room, bedrooms that can easily function as office or gym space, covered patios, and a lanai with an outdoor kitchen and a fireplace with a striking copper hood.

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