Destinations

What Makes a Second Home Enduring

A destination property succeeds when it is designed for arrival, absence, gathering, and the character of its place.

By Astonishing Homes Editors · September 3, 2026

Cedar-shingle New England coastal estate overlooking a rocky shoreline
Original image created for Astonishing Homes

Second homes live in unusual rhythms. They may sit quietly for weeks, then fill in an afternoon. Durable design acknowledges that cycle with resilient systems, straightforward arrival routines, and rooms that expand gracefully for guests.

The most memorable examples are also specific to place. Their materials, orientation, and outdoor spaces respond to the climate and local patterns of life rather than importing a generic image of leisure.