There’s much to be discovered on the road less traveled, and the same is true for lesser-known second-home markets. Of course, there are incredible cities and regions that immediately spring to mind when it comes to buying an additional property—their top-rated amenities and bespoke luxury homes speak for themselves. But if you’re seeking more solitude, a fresh perspective, and possibly even more square footage for your dollar, these second-home locales are well worth your consideration.

Despite an unprecedented year due to COVID-19, including necessary public health restrictions and uncertainty surrounding the economy, Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported over 95,000 home sales in 2020 – the third-best result on record. The average selling price reached a new record of almost $930,000.

“The Greater Toronto Area housing market followed an unfamiliar path in 2020. Following the steep COVID-induced drop-off in demand during the spring, home sales roared back to record levels throughout the summer and fall. A strong economic rebound in many sectors of the economy, ultra-low borrowing costs and the enhanced use of technology for virtual open houses and showings fuelled and sustained the housing market recovery,” said Lisa Patel, Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) President.

Pattern is more than just a point of interest or an aspect of style: it’s one of the fundamental elements of design. As humans, our eyes are naturally drawn to order and repetition—in a tumultuous world, patterns provide the pleasure of orderliness.

Sometimes whimsically detailed but always thoughtfully outfitted with top-tier systems and comfortable seating, these home theatres allow for the celebration of cinema in cozy seclusion.

From the sale of the highest-priced home in the history of Vail, Colorado, to that of an architectural masterpiece in Las Lomas, Mexico, highlighted here are 10 Significant Sales from 2020 represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty® global network.

With the winter months upon us, now is the time to create warm and cozy spaces for relaxing on chilly nights. While there are many tried and true strategies for making winter bright (with a steaming mug of mulled wine at the top of the list), set a foundation with inviting interior design. Whether you’re giving your current rooms a makeover or thinking ahead on inspiration, here are five sophisticated features to help welcome in the cheer.

Many of the best luxuries in life come in small packages: a perfect bottle of wine, a vintage watch, a bespoke handbag. But occasionally, the old adage that “bigger is better” rings true. When it comes to real estate, larger square footage or acreage means more room for living. From Greece to The Bahamas to Chicago, these five listings shine the biggest and the brightest on an international scale.

From Connecticut to California, these five estates feature striking fireplaces that—whether surrounded by stalwart stonework or part of a classic East Coast aesthetic—provide warmth, charm, and style.

Turrets. Stone. Majestic halls and ornate fireplaces. It’s hard to ignore the romance and mystery of a castle.

Sticking to a daily wellness routine is no sweat when top-tier fitness equipment, private pools, and expert-level sports courts are just steps away.

Amid the coveted confines of Piney Point—perhaps the most prestigious of Houston’s renowned Memorial Villages—Farnham Park is widely regarded and revered as one of the city’s most exclusive communities. On a treasured tree-lined street, this magnificent residence, designed by award-winning area architect Robert Dame, boasts an impressive floor plan of some 15,000 square feet, and while its façade hints at inspiration from English manors of old, it is undeniably and stylishly modern, an exceedingly gratifying home that accommodates the finest contemporary living and entertaining with ease.

Ranging from classically elegant to crisp, clean, and minimal, these staircases are fascinating focal points that create dazzling first impressions.

Imagine, if you will, the perfect winter home. What does it look like? Is it a classic colonial with a foot of snow on the roof and smoke spiralling from the chimney? Perhaps the interior is crisp and bright, with sunshine streaming through the windows, blankets to warm cold toes, and a hot drink steaming on the stove. With a few thoughtful touches, any home can feel welcoming and warm, despite the chill outside.

The record pace of home sales in the fall continued with 8,766 sales reported in November by Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® through the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board’s (TRREB) MLS® System. This result was up by 24.3 per cent compared to November of last year.

It’s that time of year again—time to say hello to luxurious throws, steaming hot chocolate, cozy rustic decor, and rich, warm colour palettes. It’s also time to embrace hygge, the Scandinavian concept of taking pleasure in life’s simple joys, like the presence of gentle and comfortable things.

The living room is the heart of your home, and it’s also your most versatile space. While kitchens are for cooking, dining rooms are for eating, and bathrooms and bedrooms are self-explanatory, the living room is the only space dedicated entirely to relaxation and enjoyment—whether that’s decompressing with a good book or entertaining company.

As temperatures drop in the Northern Hemisphere, homeowners are looking for creative ways to bring their outdoor activities in where it’s warm. From sports facilities to home theaters to spacious places to gather with loved ones, it’s never felt more important to focus on the interior spaces that support year-round hobbies.

With a little ingenuity and creativity, these homes succeed in bringing typical outdoor activities to the indoors, letting homeowners continue to recreate no matter the season.

We recently explored why a luxury rental might be your next real estate investment; now let’s take a closer look at a country with a thriving luxury rental market and hear directly from our local area experts there.

From a light-filled Parisian apartment to a timeless fieldstone home in Washington DC, these are this month’s four featured notable properties for sale over $5 million.

In desirable settings from West Coast to East, these distinctive, expertly appointed home bars prove that sometimes, the best spot for a festive nightcap is home sweet home.