{"id":341329,"date":"2024-04-11T14:00:44","date_gmt":"2024-04-11T18:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/blog-api\/?p=341329"},"modified":"2024-04-11T14:00:44","modified_gmt":"2024-04-11T18:00:44","slug":"from-wild-swimming-to-forest-bathing-4-properties-that-get-you-back-to-nature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/from-wild-swimming-to-forest-bathing-4-properties-that-get-you-back-to-nature\/","title":{"rendered":"From Wild Swimming to Forest Bathing: 4 Properties That Get You Back to Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Water comprises the majority of our planet\u2014without it, survival is literally not possible. So it\u2019s entirely understandable that for several million years, humans have been drawn to oceans, lakes, ponds, and rivers. It\u2019s a pull so formidable that our quest doesn\u2019t confine itself to earth, as we seek evidence of water\u2019s presence on other planets to gauge their capacity to sustain life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond its fundamental role in our continued existence, water also acts as a muse. Whether it\u2019s painters striving to recreate its glistening allure; musicians employing it as a metaphor to signify the easy, unrelenting passage of time; or architects incorporating it as a feature to bring vitality into their designs, water both asks and answers the questions necessary for humanity to elevate itself beyond the corporeal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Imagine, then, the joy provided by the bodies of water found on some of the world\u2019s most desirable properties. It\u2019s a luxury these four homes proudly boast\u2014here, we explore different aspects of their advantages.<\/span><\/p>\n

Relaxation<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span>Netherlands Sotheby’s International Realty<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

The stillness of the pond beckons; and so, with a gentle push, you drift out, enveloped by its languid charms. Rolling onto your back, you gaze at the sky while alternating between keeping your ears above or below the water\u2019s surface. By doing so, you create a portal between two distinct worlds\u2014the sounds of nature playing in the garden above, and the mysterious notes emanating from the motion of the pond below.<\/span><\/p>\n

Such serenity awaits in North Holland<\/span><\/a>, where a swimming pond integrates seamlessly into the surrounding garden on more than 37,000 square feet of property. And while access to nature is one of the residence\u2019s most appealing characteristics, it merely starts with this homebase\u2014nearby access to Bergen\u2019s expansive dune and forest area bestows further opportunity to bond with the environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rejuvenation<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a>Netherlands Sotheby’s International Realty<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Though we continuously attempt to replicate its restorative powers, there\u2019s no product that can duplicate the dynamic charge of a plunge into water as a way to greet the day or reset before the evening\u2019s activities. It\u2019s a baptism that allows us to retain the elements that constitute our ideal selves, while washing away the tribulations that compromise our best intentions.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the outskirts of Rotterdam <\/span>lies this idyllic property<\/span><\/a>, with a swimming pond that\u2019s perfect for such re-energizing. Effortlessly blending indoor and outdoor living, with nearly every room opening invitingly onto a central terrace perfect for al fresco dining and basking in the sun, the residence also features a gym, cinema, and wine room with a bar for the times not spent admiring its natural bounty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Exhilaration<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a>Lydia Sarkissian and Magda Sarkissian – Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Stepping out on the beach in a warm robe, you survey the ocean and ready yourself for the challenge ahead. Initially, merely sampling the chilly embrace of the water was sufficient; as soon as the first wave hit, you were turning back to the refuge of the shore. But over time, you\u2019ve come to eagerly anticipate its rush and spend more time submerged\u2014your body invigorated, your mind sharp, your mood resilient.<\/span><\/p>\n

These ocean dips can be the enviable routine of residents <\/span>at this Pacific paradise<\/span><\/a>, located on the Tiburon Peninsula outside of San Francisco. The spacious residence is located on seven manicured acres and bordered by Northern Californian forest and a private, white sand beach on the turquoise shores of San Pablo Bay. From nearly every room, there are views of the immaculately mosaicked pool and waterfront beyond, which blend softly into the horizon line to create an infinite blue vista.<\/span><\/p>\n

Edification<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a>Leslie McElwreath and Joseph Barbieri – Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Originating in Japan during the 1980s, <\/span>shinrin-yoku<\/span><\/i> (\u201cforest bathing\u201d) was introduced to combat stress and reconnect with nature\u2014and you\u2019re grateful to be aware of the concept. For as you set foot into the water, the embrace of the surrounding woods provides comfort for reasons beyond pleasing aesthetics. The essential oils released by evergreens boost immunity and are rich in antioxidants and vitamins; tangible benefits to accompany the poems forming delightfully in your thoughts.<\/span><\/p>\n

With more than 80 acres of lush woodland, <\/span>this Connecticut farm<\/span><\/a> offers the room to write as many thankful sonnets as you please. A meticulously designed Zen garden creates space for contemplation during the warmer months, while the indoor swimming pool and sauna\u2014both brightly lit by large windows\u2014helps you rest and recharge when the weather is cooler, while continuing to enjoy the bucolic countryside.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the earth and the human body primarily consist of water, we should seek means to understand the implications of this deep and enduring connection wherever possible\u2014and there\u2019s no more immediate and fulfilling way to do so than communing with it in its natural form.<\/span><\/p>\n

Interested in more ways water can improve your surroundings? <\/span><\/i>Explore these four homes with astonishing water features<\/span><\/i><\/a>.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Water comprises the majority of our planet\u2014without it, survival is literally not possible. So it\u2019s entirely understandable that for several million years, humans have been drawn to oceans, lakes, ponds, and rivers. It\u2019s a pull so formidable that our quest doesn\u2019t confine itself to earth, as we seek evidence of water\u2019s presence on other planets […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":64295786,"featured_media":341333,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_first_post":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1399],"tags":[1423,1428,1500],"class_list":["post-341329","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-and-design","tag-california","tag-connecticut","tag-the-netherlands"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pf4gbL-1qNj","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":341567,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/blue-crush-properties-perfect-for-swimming\/","url_meta":{"origin":341329,"position":0},"title":"Blue Crush: Properties Perfect for Swimming","author":"SIR Admin","date":"May 2, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Annie Lee Borges - Turks and Caicos Sotheby\u2019s International Realty\u00a0 A meditative state is most commonly associated with stillness; a way to transcend beyond disruptive thought into a state of pure observation. But in the water, this calmness, awareness, and focused attention are fostered through the motion of swimming. \u201cBlue\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/image2-2-1024x682.png?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/image2-2-1024x682.png?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/image2-2-1024x682.png?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":426,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/designing-a-climate-resilient-home\/","url_meta":{"origin":341329,"position":1},"title":"Designing a Climate-Resilient Home","author":"Procurement Admin","date":"March 13, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Today\u2019s luxury properties can have low environmental impact without sacrificing elevated aesthetics, says Elizabeth Fazzare Lisbon, Portugal | Portugal Sotheby\u2019s International Realty To weather the future\u2019s proverbial storm, it\u2019s clear that construction requires a pivot to climate-resilient design: in short, architecture and landscaping that anticipate the effects of climate change\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/header-3.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/header-3.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/header-3.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/header-3.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/header-3.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/header-3.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":341615,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/sustainable-property-features-for-better-home-value\/","url_meta":{"origin":341329,"position":2},"title":"Sustainable Property Features for Better Home Value","author":"SIR Admin","date":"May 9, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Trends are supposed to be ephemeral\u2014but in architecture and design, sustainability is vaunted for its permanence; for being \u201cevergreen\u201d in more ways than one. Sustainability grows and gains in value because of its positive impact on the planet and its economic efficiency. So why is sustainability so worthwhile for luxury\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image8-1024x683.png?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image8-1024x683.png?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image8-1024x683.png?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":347173,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/6-magical-spots-to-enjoy-midsummer-around-the-world\/","url_meta":{"origin":341329,"position":3},"title":"6 Magical Spots to Enjoy Midsummer Around the World","author":"Natalie Davis","date":"June 18, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Waterside living, lush landscapes and plenty of room to entertain combine in the best seasonal retreats for summer\u2019s longest days, writes Elizabeth Fazzare Provo, Utah | Summit Sotheby\u2019s International Realty Though earlier soaring temperatures may suggest otherwise, the official calendar start of Northern Hemisphere summer is Sunday, June 21, a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"private island estate in Finland surrounded by a grouping of islands","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Midsummer_Finland2.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Midsummer_Finland2.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Midsummer_Finland2.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Midsummer_Finland2.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Midsummer_Finland2.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Midsummer_Finland2.jpeg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":345597,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/inside-a-getaway-in-southamptons-fordune-estate\/","url_meta":{"origin":341329,"position":4},"title":"Inside a Getaway in Southampton\u2019s Fordune Estate","author":"Natalie Davis","date":"December 9, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Simultaneously relaxed and elegant, this 7,500-square-foot modern home\u2014along with a 40-foot heated swimming pool, a spa, and a pool house\u2014is one of a very few residences that today occupy the prestigious Fordune Estate, founded by a scion of American icon Henry Ford. For more than a century, Southampton has drawn\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"white bedroom with water views","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/7-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/7-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/7-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/7-1.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/7-1.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/7-1.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":346102,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/inside-a-waterfront-haven-in-palm-beach\/","url_meta":{"origin":341329,"position":5},"title":"Inside a Waterfront Haven in Palm Beach","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"February 17, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The elegant ease for which Palm Beach is renowned is epitomized at this timeless 8,387-square-foot residence on the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway. Epitomizing a life of elegant ease, relaxation and recreation amid colorful flora, and time spent in or beside the water, Palm Beach is widely known for its\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Estate in Palm Beach, Florida","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/back.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/back.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/back.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/back.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/back.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/back.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/341329","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/64295786"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=341329"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/341329\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=341329"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=341329"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=341329"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}