Spring Equinox: 6 Serene Homes in Nature

March 19 is the vernal equinox: the stately waltz of planet Earth around the sun. Those who dwell in the Northern Hemisphere will rejoice in the slightly tipsy tilt of its axis that wobbles us toward Spring. 

The days grow longer, brighter, warmer, while the brusque north wind becomes more polite, and Mother Nature’s raiment begins to cloak and soften the winter-hardened earth, heralded by sweet morning birdsong and the first green shoots of daffodils. 

Abide with us then in the splendors of the springtime in this Luxury Defined collection of homes surrounded, enrobed, and exalted by nature. 

1. Alpine Equestrian Estate in Bavaria, Germany 

Effortless charm and comfort emanate from this breathtaking equestrian estate nestled in the Upper Bavarian Alpine foothills, with panoramic views of snowcapped mountain peaks.  

The star of this secluded 225-acre estate is the main villa’s Alpine-inspired design, with ultra-modern interior space extending to roughly 15,000 square feet. Simply put, that’s one-third acre of indoors, where traditional Alpine architectural elements, such as bare structural beams, hand-carved details, and rough wood surfaces, are enhanced with tall, wide glass to frame the views. 

The great rooms of the main house access the indoor swimming pool and its spa space with lovely views of the mountains. A separate building offers additional guest rooms, a professional catering kitchen, and office space.  

Equestrian guests reside in extensive stables with palatially spacious loose boxes. A vast indoor riding arena allows for all-weather workouts., The grounds provide a horse walker, dressage and jumping arenas, pastures, and wildflower meadows. 

The estate also includes a leased ski hut on the nearby Blomberg Mountain, famous for its summer toboggan runs. It offers winter snow sports too with a chairlift and two cabled surface lifts. There is also a helicopter landing for this estate, just about 30 miles south of Munich. 

2. The River House Estate in Telkwa, British Columbia, Canada 

The River House Estate is a private, 282-acre compound on the Bulkley River between the towns of Smithers and Houston, some 200 miles from Prince George, BC, and 70 miles from the Alaska border. 

There are three main structures on the property: The River House is a four-bedroom, five-bath, three-story log home built on a bluff overlooking the river, mature forests and the Telkwa Mountains. 

The River Cabin, just steps away, is a two-story, two-bedroom, two-and-a half-bathroom guest house with a living room, full kitchen, balcony, deck, laundry room, and garage. The Lake Cabin, with two bedrooms and a bathroom, is set on a 15-acre private lake, with a deck and attached dock. Bear, moose, elk, and deer make regular appearances. 

The property offers world-class wildlife and steelhead fishing, miles of hiking and snowmobiling trails, and a lake perfect for stocking trout.   

Flocks of migrating swans and geese visit the lake, which is also habitat for the endangered Western Spotted Toad. The property is 45 minutes from Smithers Airport, a 1.5-hour flight to Vancouver. 

3. Lakeside Villa in Gerra-Gambarogno, Switzerland 

This stately villa has a secluded, parklike setting on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore in the Swiss region of Gerra-Gambarogno, about an hour from the Italian border.  

The home’s southwesterly aspect provides a picturesque panorama of Lake Maggiore, the rolling hills, and snow-tipped peaks of the Alps. 

A stately driveway leads to the main residence, a grand, three-story villa built circa 1880. A second villa, on the waterfront, and five apartments housed within the original stables provide additional accommodations and private parking for five cars.  

What sets the property apart is the serene, private park: two acres of verdant lawns, landscaped with specimen trees and exotic plants, and threaded by stone paths for lovely lakeside walks. 

4. Lynn Cove Estate in Asheville, North Carolina 

Just seven miles west of the city of Asheville, North Carolina, this woodland retreat offers luxurious accommodations, indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, and spectacular sunset views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  

Bordering the Elk Mountain Preserve, the property is surrounded by millions of acres of national forest, offering four-season recreation.  

The 7,522-square-foot home is appointed with vaulted ceilings, arched windows and doors, and numerous decks, balconies, verandas, and patios to contemplate the views.  

The double-height great room, and its monumental arched window, offers a bird’s-eye view of the mountains. The kitchen, the heart of the home, is equipped for cooking, dining, and entertaining. The primary suite has a fireside sitting room and mountain-view balcony.   

Smart-home systems, such as one-touch, four-zone climate control; and SONOS surround-sound, add another layer of comfort.  

The grounds will delight the senses. There’s a hot tub, a wood burning fire pit, and a koi pond enhanced with the soothing sounds of a waterfall. Steel fences provide privacy, should the odd deer or bear wander by. 

Related: Discover Beautiful Eco-Friendly Homes 

5. Villa Parthenope in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 

Villa Parthenope is an ultra-luxurious contemporary villa in the Dominican Republic’s exclusive Cap Cana seaside resort. 

This livable work of art was designed to connect its residents to the tropical environment, with clear sight lines of the Caribbean Sea from nearly every room. Adding to the environmental ethos are lush indoor gardens, tranquil water features, and a solar-panelled roof.  

The sundeck terraces and heated infinity pool, perfect for entertaining on a grand scale, direct the sun worshipers’ gaze toward the turquoise seas. A second pool, illuminated by multi-colored lights, invites nighttime swimming. 

Each of the seven bedrooms has a view of palm-clad hillsides or the Caribbean Sea, and a private balcony for watching the sunrise. A sauna, gym, wine cellar, and a lovely, intimate chapel add to the allure. 

6. Ringvaartweg 193 in Rotterdam, Netherlands  

This waterfront idyll in Ringvaartweg, Rotterdam’s Golden Mile, is the vision of RIBA Award-winning Dutch architect Erick van Egeraat. 

The home’s striking thatched-roof design reimagines the traditional country cottage for the 21st century. Below the exaggerated roofline, the jewel-like, cantilevered glass façade encloses three light-infused levels. 

The glass-enclosed living room, modern kitchen, library, and dining room are on the main level. Above are three spacious bedrooms with glass balconies overlooking the gardens.

The lower level is dedicated to a media lounge and a luxurious hammam. Beyond is a sunken terrace surrounded by glorious parklike gardens leading down to the Ringvaart Canal. 

Searching for a home amid the majesty of nature? Find it here.