Sumptuous photography and architectural plans showcase the qualities of restorative second homes. They answer today's aesthetic, functional, and ecological demands while underscoring the uniqueness of each location.

On a remote island, among sand dunes, adjacent to a lake, and on a rocky beach—these are just some of the stunning sites of the architect-designed contemporary houses featured in this celebration of getaways that connect strongly with nature. Renowned architecture and design commentator Stephen Crafti takes us on a private tour of residential getaways across the US and Canada, Australia, Italy, and New Zealand.

Some second homes, such as a luxury yacht designed by architect Stephen Jolson, spare no amenity, mirroring the type of kitchen one would find in a house firmly anchored to the ground, rather than moored at a jetty. Others, such as a home by Bongiana Architetture on the outskirts of Padua in northern Italy, have a raw, almost industrial aesthetic. Sumptuous photography is juxtaposed with architectural drawings and floor plans, making this book an inspirational resource for architects and designers, as well as anyone seeking to build their own second home