The Lush Life: 5 Homes with Glorious Gardens

From a historic Hamptons estate to two inspired Southern California villas, these homes are surrounded by picturesque grounds and gardens that bring indoor elegance to the outdoors.

La Ladera

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

At the heart of a 2.72-acre sanctuary in Montecito, this 8,306-square-foot Spanish Revival residence exudes Mediterranean majesty. Built in 1912 and impeccably maintained, it features luxurious living and dining spaces, four bedroom suites—including an owner’s retreat with a balcony—a two-bedroom guest apartment, and a rooftop deck, all with stunning views sweeping toward the coastline. The breathtaking grounds are a delightful, colorful idyll boasting terraces, a pool and spa, formal landscaping, a pergola beside a koi pond, and a tranquil meditation garden.

Old World Luxury in Houston

Houston, Texas | Walter Bering, Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty 

Elegance and refinement pervade nearly every space of this classical five-bedroom Houston home. Highlights include living and dining areas, a family room, a well-outfitted gourmet kitchen, a game room with a wet bar, a library or office, a sitting room, an owner’s suite with a coffee bar and a private terrace, a wine cellar, and a loggia with an outdoor kitchen. A rare rooftop terrace overlooks the refreshing pool, fountains, an arbored patio, and lush landscaping that includes colorful lighted foliage and mature trees.

Denbigh Farm

Greenwich, Connecticut | Janet Milligan, Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage

Meticulously manicured formal gardens are a hallmark of this 17.2-acre estate, the Greenwich home of Susie Hilfiger. An air of timeless refinement and style pervades the seven-bedroom residence, which shares the acreage with a carriage house, a handsome barn, a cottage, a gym, and a playhouse and is enveloped by an enchanting outdoor assemblage of a dazzling pool, a tennis court, a chicken coop, sculpted hedges, an apple orchard, a treehouse, a vine-draped arbor, expanses of emerald lawn, and fenced pastureland.

Casa Leo Linda

Montecito, California | Sandy Stahl, Sotheby’s International Realty – Montecito – East Valley Road Brokerage

At the end of a gated palm-lined drive, this magnificent 8,577-square-foot villa is both classically inspired and comfortably welcoming. A feeling of peace and serenity fills every space, from the living room, library, formal dining room, spacious gourmet kitchen, and family room to an owner’s suite with a balcony and five restful guest suites. With their koi pond, alluring pool, tennis court, inviting terraces, and vibrantly hued flora, the fastidiously detailed and tended grounds are a peaceful 2.7-acre oasis basking in majestic mountain views.

A Piece of Hamptons History

Southampton, New York | Harald Grant, Sotheby’s International Realty – Southampton Brokerage

Lovingly maintained and meticulously renovated, this iconic 12-bedroom Federal-style residence dates to the 1860s and is replete with charming historic elements, from leaded-glass windows, handsome hardwood floors, lovely plaster walls, and classic wainscoting, paneling, millwork, banisters, and mantelpieces to breezy covered porches and serene verandas. The grounds are equally enchanting, with manicured privacy hedges, a shady allée, a pool surrounded by sitting areas and porches, an outdoor fireplace, an alfresco grilling area, breathtakingly green grass, and sculpted gardens.

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