5 exceptional places to make the most of summer around the world

Summer transforms the way we live. As the days grow longer, life naturally moves outdoors — into the garden, onto the terrace or by the water. The home becomes a place to come together, where family and friends can gather and enjoy the season.

For buyers seeking a holiday home, the surroundings, the quality of the views and proximity to the water are therefore essential considerations. Outdoor spaces and amenities designed to be enjoyed by all generations also rank among the most sought-after features.

Private docks, swimming pools, expansive gardens and terraces overlooking the landscape: we have selected five exceptional properties presented by Sotheby’s International Realty, from the American coastline to Europe’s great lakes, each offering a different way to make the most of summer.

On the island of Martha’s Vineyard, Chilmark has an atmosphere all its own. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, its unspoilt landscapes and long stretches of beach provide the perfect setting for summers spent outdoors.

In this exceptional setting, a seven-bedroom property offers an ideal place to gather with family and friends. Its expansive grounds feature a tennis court and a deep-water dock, providing direct access to the ocean.

Here, days naturally unfold between water activities and time spent outdoors. A way of life shaped by the proximity of the water, with the surrounding landscape setting the tone throughout the summer season.

In northern Italy, nestled between mountainous landscapes and historic villages, Lake Garda embodies the essence of the Italian way of life.

Along its shores, a ten-bedroom villa is set within a private park. Its own dock provides direct access to the lake, inviting residents to explore its waters whenever the mood takes them.

Boat trips, leisurely lunches in the shade and long evenings overlooking the lake set the rhythm of summer days. A property that fully embraces the dolce vita, in a setting where the house, garden and water seem to flow seamlessly into one another.

In Finland, summer unfolds beneath a unique light. As the days grow longer, the sun seems never to truly set, giving way to long evenings illuminated by the glow of the Nordic nights.

Set on a private island of nearly five acres, this property offers a particularly secluded way to experience the season. Accessible by boat, car or helicopter, it comprises a main residence and a guest house.

From the expansive terraces, views stretch across the water and surrounding landscapes. A private retreat designed for slowing down and making the most of the nature that surrounds it.

In the English countryside, summer takes on an entirely different character. In the heart of Wiltshire, not far from the Cotswolds, Ladyswood House provides an idyllic setting for a season spent among gardens and wide-open spaces.

The residence is surrounded by 60 acres of land and landscaped gardens featuring a swimming pool, a wisteria-draped pergola, an outdoor kitchen and a pool house.

Here, there is no need to be by the water to make the most of summer. Days unfold in the garden and around the pool, while evenings invite outdoor entertaining. Just a few miles away, Stonehenge, the Neolithic monument associated with the solstices and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recalls the region’s ancient connection to the changing seasons.

Between lake and mountains, Annecy offers its own distinctive interpretation of the summer season. From the early hours of the day, the lake becomes the heart of an outdoor lifestyle: morning swims, boat trips, lunches in the garden and evenings overlooking the surrounding peaks.

Along its shores, certain properties enjoy a particularly privileged connection with the water.

Set directly on the lakefront, an exceptional property benefits from direct access to the water via its private dock. Hidden from view, it is nestled within an expansive landscaped park with a swimming pool and enjoys panoramic views of the lake and mountains.

From the dock, which can accommodate several boats, to the park stretching along the shoreline, the property blends naturally into its surroundings. Here, immediate access to the lake allows residents to live in tune with the water and make the most of every summer day.

From Martha’s Vineyard to Lake Garda, from Finland’s Nordic light to the English countryside, each of these properties offers a different way to experience summer. Places where the surroundings are not simply a backdrop, but become a natural extension of the home.