Ah, the great outdoors. If indoor/outdoor living wasn’t popular enough before last year, the new way of life has increased the demand to new heights, with renovated outdoor spaces at the top of everyone’s wishlist. Who wouldn’t want to relax in the privacy and safety of their own backyard oasis? From al fresco dining spaces to intimate fire pit conversation areas, outdoor kitchens and rooftop decks, these listings exemplify a lifestyle of outdoor entertaining, relaxing in nature, and of course enjoying the scenic views California has to offer.
Main image: 1365 Appleton Way, Venice | Photo by Anthony Barcelo.
1365 Appleton Way, Venice
An architectural masterpiece created by award-winning design studio Minarc, this Venice home is the epitome of indoor/outdoor flow, with floor-to-ceiling windows opening to this delicious lounging situation. Bonus: there’s also a rooftop deck and an outdoor screening area to enjoy movies, al fresco. Listed at $6,250,000 by Carl Gambino and Alyson Richards.
729 North Kilkea Drive, Beverly Grove
This new construction Modern home in Los Angeles’s Beverly Grove neighborhood has a stunning backyard with a pool, but why stop there? Gispan Design, the developer behind the sleek property, made terrific use of the roof. Floating steps lead to this private rooftop deck with panoramic views, complete with a freestanding jacuzzi, several seating areas, and a BBQ island. Perfect for watching the sunset with a few friends. Listed at $4,995,000 by Or Brodsky.
1150 Wellington Avenue, Pasadena
It would be tough to name just one favorite part of this picture-perfect backyard—perhaps the sunken conversation pit? Completed in 2021 by visionary architects IVA Design and designer Cody Elderkin of KIN Home Design, this modern Pasadena compound features an outdoor garden setting like something out of a contemporary dream. The landscape, designed by Maria Newton, centers a large pavilion directly off the main house, a 618 square foot pool house, a sixteen-person jacuzzi, and a Bocce ball court. Listed at $5,750,000 by Thomas Atamian & Deanne Anderson.
126 Moonlight Drive, Healdsburg
Heading up north to the resplendent wine country town of Healdsburg, a nature-wrapped estate features an oasis-like backyard with an indoor/outdoor bar and plenty of poolside lounging space for entertaining. The resort-like amenities also include a chef’s outdoor kitchen & bar, bocce ball court, a built-in fire pit, and multi-level deck. Plus, the brick patio and native plants emanate charm and character. Listed at $3,499,000 by Ann Amtower & Kate Gomes.
45 Hacienda Drive, Tiburon
This is a deck overlooking the Bay, lush green hillside, and resort-quality pool in Tiburon—where else? The one acre of flat yard space features multiple deck and patio areas for entertaining or just catching breathtaking views of the water over your morning cup of joe. Listed at $4,125,000 by Missy Zech & Stacy Achuck.