A showcase of spectacular private getaway homes across the world designed exclusively for sanctuary and rejuvenation. 

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 fl