1. The Sea Ranch – Iconic Coastal Modernism

On a windswept stretch of the Sonoma County coast, The Sea Ranch offers a rare blend of architecture, ecology, and introspection. Originally developed in the 1960s, this environmentally planned community is known for its iconic modernist homes, many clad in weathered redwood that seems to grow organically from the blufftop landscape.



Architectural guidelines strictly preserve views, quietude, and visual harmony—favoring low profiles, neutral palettes, and minimal disruption to the coastline. There are no commercial zones here, no streetlights, and no fences—just clean lines, rugged trails, and the constant hum of the Pacific. It is ideal for those who seek solitude, sustainability, and slow living by the sea.

2. Inverness – Scandinavian Calm Meets California Wild

Tucked along Tomales Bay at the gateway to Point Reyes National Seashore, Inverness is the kind of place where time seems to pause. The aesthetic here is earthy and restrained—think midcentury cabins softened by Scandinavian textures, modern wood stoves, and sun-dappled decks that look out to quiet coves.

Days in Inverness are spent hiking trails in open fields, along rugged cliffs, and through a cypress-lined row, paddling on the water, or discovering hidden beaches. This is where architectural simplicity pairs perfectly with nature’s grandeur, and where every view feels like a painting waiting to be framed. The best rentals here blend seamlessly into nature, offering comfort without excess—and peace without pretension.

3. Carmel-by-the-Sea – Storybook Charm, Timeless Style

On the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a fairytale made real. Cobblestone courtyards, vine-covered cottages, and cypress-lined lanes give this seaside village a uniquely enchanting feel—but behind its charming facades lie thoughtful planning and enduring craftsmanship.



Since its founding, Carmel has prioritized preservation. Development was shaped by nature, not the other way around—homes were designed around trees, light was kept low to honor the moonlight, and architectural scale was intentionally modest. Today, Carmel’s rental properties and boutique inns echo these values, offering California ranch homes and Spanish-style villas that feel intimate yet elevated. White-sand beaches, art galleries, and wine tasting round out the experience.

4. Healdsburg – Modern Wine Country Refinement

In the heart of Sonoma Wine Country, Healdsburg blends vineyard views with architectural minimalism and culinary brilliance. Surrounded by the Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valley wine regions, this town has become a destination not just for its wines—but for the elevated design that frames the experience.

Accommodations range from modern farmhouses to crisp, glass-walled estates. Many rentals feature seamless indoor-outdoor living, curated interiors, and spa-level finishes. With over 90 wineries within city limits and 26 tasting rooms downtown, Healdsburg invites long, slow days of exploration—and equally thoughtful nights around the table.

5. Big Sur – Wild Beauty, Natural Architecture

Few places capture the soul of California quite like Big Sur. Set between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this stretch of coast is known for its redwood forests, steep cliffs, and impossibly blue horizons. Architecture here bends to nature: cabins are tucked into hillsides, boutique hotels hide in the trees, and glass-walled sanctuaries open to panoramic sea views.

The design language is raw and poetic—wood, stone, light, and space. Stay in a cliffside cabin, explore iconic sites like McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach, or discover artist enclaves and literary landmarks like the Henry Miller Memorial Library. In Big Sur, nature leads—and design listens.

Why These Places?

Each of these destinations showcases a commitment to thoughtful design—rooted not in trends, but in place. What unites them?

• Natural materials and eco-conscious finishes that speak to each region’s texture and climate
• Seamless indoor-outdoor living that softens the edge between landscape and lifestyle
• Architectural authenticity, from post-and-beam modernism to hand-plastered adobe, that reflects each micro-region’s cultural DNA

These are not just getaways—they’re philosophies made physical. They remind us that how we live—and where—can be as intentional as what we do.

When a Getaway Becomes Something More

For many Bay Area residents, these destinations offer more than just beautiful weekend escapes—they represent a vision of a life more balanced, more connected to nature, and more intentionally designed. Increasingly, clients are not just visiting these places. They are purchasing in them.

The rise in second-home interest is being driven by a powerful combination of lifestyle shifts and financial opportunity. The idea of a “vacation home” has evolved into something far more dynamic: a multi-functional asset that enhances everyday living while building long-term wealth.

Here are just a few reasons why more homeowners are exploring second-home ownership in design-forward destinations:

1. Designated escape: Having a dedicated place to go—one that reflects personal taste and offers restorative contrast to city life—can be transformative. It becomes part of a family’s rhythm and tradition.

2. Better weather and seasonal comfort: Whether escaping coastal fog, rainy winters, or just seeking sunshine on demand, a second home provides flexibility in climate and mood.

3. A sense of adventure: Owning in a place like Big Sur or Inverness is more than an investment—it is an invitation to explore, unplug, and live differently. A second home becomes the anchor for a more spontaneous, enriching life.

4. Rental income potential: With the right property and local management, many second homes generate income when not in personal use. It is a lifestyle asset that can also serve as a performing investment.

5. A future place to retire: For those thinking ahead, a second home can be a gradual transition into retirement. It allows time to build community and create a home that evolves alongside life’s next chapter.

Just as each of the destinations featured in this piece reflects a clear architectural and ecological identity, the second-home conversation is about more than numbers—it is about alignment. Alignment between what a space provides and what a life requires. Between financial foresight and everyday joy.

The places we return to—again and again—tell us something about how we want to live. Whether it is the weathered redwood homes of Sea Ranch, the quiet rhythm of Inverness, or the architectural elegance of wine country, these design-forward escapes offer more than aesthetic pleasure. They offer perspective.

Each destination reminds us that good design is not just visual—it is emotional. It shapes how we move through a space, how we relate to nature, and how we mark time with the people we love. For some, that means visiting these places seasonally. For others, it means taking the next step: turning a favorite escape into a second home.

And if your vision stretches beyond Northern California—whether to the mountains, the desert, or an entirely different country—our team’s global reach through KW allows us to support you wherever your next chapter leads. We are connected to the best in the world, and can guide you seamlessly across markets.