This summer, go west and give yourself the getaway you deserve by renting one of these luxury homes.
Sometimes summer vacation is merely an excuse to escape untenable temperatures and stifling routine. But it’s also the perfect time to take on a fact-finding mission — a way to slip into a dreamy destination, live like a local, and decide if a locale is right for rejuvenation, retirement, or even a ranch purchase. And while there are a lot of plusses to staying in a hotel — room service, cleaning service, spa services, to name a few — the best way to get the lay of the land is to rent a house in the middle of town and become the new kid on the block. As you make plans for the next few months, consider these three luxury homes in locations definitely worth visiting, and just maybe right for many happy returns.
Helene Haus
Fredericksburg, Texas
Price Upon Request
Lazy H Retreats
lazyhretreats.com
Sure, you could fly to Europe this summer along with everyone else, or you could save yourself the trouble and head to a German-infused destination nestled in the Texas Hill Country. The charming town of Fredericksburg — located fewer than two hours from Austin and just over an hour from San Antonio — offers a little something for everyone including adult-friendly wineries, kid-friendly restaurants, live music, shopping, art galleries, museums, and more.
After dining at Vaudeville and wine tasting at Heath Sparkling Wines, you can hang your custom hat (purchased at Headquarters Hats, naturally) at Helene Haus. Located only two blocks from downtown, the exterior is 100 percent classic Fredericksburg. However, inside the four-bedroom, three-bathroom home, you’ll find totally renovated, modern interiors by local designer Christina Atkinson. Friends and family will feel right at home lounging in the two living areas, snacking in the well-equipped kitchen with butler’s pantry, and gathering around the large dining table.
But maybe your idea of summer vacation includes chasing fireflies, hanging out by firepits, and firing beanbags during heated games of corn hole. You’re in luck. After you kick off your brand-new boots (also available at Headquarters Hats), take advantage of the wonders of the lush 1.3-acre property. Whether you prefer spending evenings challenging your family to a lawn game, working on your strokes in the heated pool, taking a seat in the gigantic hot tub, or simply hanging out in one of the outdoor gathering spots, you can do it all here beneath the canopy of cedar elm trees.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Lazy H Retreats
Wild Rose Ranch
Aspen, Colorado
Price Upon Request
Heidi Houston, Compass
[email protected]
While some might argue Aspen is best enjoyed spraying Champagne at Cloud Nine in frigid temps, they’re wrong. Lose the parka and enjoy the perks that come with warmer temps like hiking and biking, enjoying alfresco dining, and shopping at places like Kemo Sabe (look for Kyle Richards) and Mavericks of Aspen. Even better, ‘tis the season to enjoy live music to be enjoyed at Jazz Aspen Snowmass events, food to be snacked on at the Food & Wine Classic, and reading to be done at the Aspen Summer Words Writers Conference.
When you’re living this large, you need a big-time house to rest your weary head. That’s where Wild Rose Ranch comes in. Located just 3 miles from Aspen, this exceptional five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom home exemplifies the best of Colorado architecture thanks to large structural pine logs and an abundance of moss rock. Here, you’ll find everything you’ll ever need for an extended stay: large living areas with floor-to-ceiling windows with mountain views; a chef ’s kitchen with copper accents and marble mined from Marble, Colorado; a meditation room tower; a bunkroom that can sleep seven; and a custom-built coke oven, inspired by the mining eras of the valley, which is now used as a wine room.
Because summers in Aspen averagee in the mid- to high 70s, you’ll want to spend as much time in the great outdoors as possible. Do just that on 10 acres or rolling lawns furnished with a firepit, hammocks, and a massive handcrafted table that seats 14. There’s also a pathway that leads to Castle Creek and Forest Service trails. Feeling the need for something a little fancier? The resort fee includes access to the nearby Caribou Club.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Compass
7304 Encelia Drive
La Jolla, California
$30,000 per month
Shannon Casey at the Go Group at Sotheby’s Realty
sothebysrealty.com
There are few vacation spots as picture-perfect as La Jolla. You might be inspired to create Instagram-worthy content while scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking around La Jolla Cove; film a cool TikTok while exploring Sunny Jim Cove, the only land-accessible sea cave in all of California; or simply pose for an old-school family photo while horseback riding on the beach at sunset.
No matter how publicly you live your life, you’ll want a private getaway, and this six-bedroom, nine-bathroom Mediterranean is just the ticket, starting with its location on a quiet street with a long, private driveway. Inside, you’ll enjoy 270-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, La Jolla Country Club, and Catalina Island in fully furnished rooms that offer seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Happy hours will be all the happier in the formal living room, which is outfitted with a wet bar, fireplace, and French doors that open to an expansive terrace. Post-drinks, enjoy the fruits of the chef’s kitchen, including top-of-the-line appliances, tons of prep space, and a breakfast area.
If serenity is the main purpose of your sojourn out west, you’ll want to call dibs on the restorative primary suite. There you’ll find a variety of sitting areas, a lovely fireplace, and French doors that open to a private balcony with ocean views. Unwind in the spa-like en suite bathrooms that are complete with a jetted tub, custom walk-in closets, bespoke shoe room, and two home offices. The home’s fully equipped home gym, private pub with billiards room and temperature-controlled wine cellar, and lush backyard with an in-ground jacuzzi will also go a long way in making you feel like a million — make that a billion — bucks.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Epic Drone Tours for Sotheby's International Realty
From our July 2024 issue.
