Luxury Living: Homes fit for a garden party

Atop a private knoll with 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Solana is one of Montecito’s original ‘Hilltop Barons’ estates. This magnificent circa-1916 compound unfolds over 22,000 interior square feet and more than 11 acres. Velvet lawns are punctuated with pools, fountains, classically inspired statuary, and alfresco entertaining spaces. The highlight, however, is the terraced rose garden and flowering gazebo.

The word escape takes on a whole new meaning at this country retreat in the Dutch village of Budel, near Eindhoven. This private estate is composed of a cottage-style home surrounded by a lake and 25 acres of gardens — a wonderland replete with mature trees, exotic plants and vibrant flowers, interspersed with tranquil ponds, fountains, and waterfalls.

This rare jewel in the Tuscan countryside dates from the 13th century, and encompasses 10 acres composed of vineyards, olive groves, cypress trees, and forests. Included in this estate in the Chianti Classico hills are five separate villas, seven apartments, a chapel, three swimming pools, and classical gardens adorned with artworks, including a sculpture by famous Dutch artist and former resident Karel Appel.

It took three years and 1,300 artisans to construct this faithful replica of the great Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain. Located in the heart of La Palmeraie, an exclusive palm oasis outside Marrakesh, this private palace encompasses 60,000 square feet of interior space surrounded by 4.6 acres of Andalusian-style grounds, which include a bamboo forest, and rose, orange, and cactus gardens.

Mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086, Arreton Manor’s origins date to Alfred the Great (849-899 AD) — the first of eight monarchs to own this property. Sited at the foot of Arreton Down on the Isle of Wight, this Grade II listed manor house is a blend of Elizabethan, Jacobean, and medieval architecture. Surrounding the manor are 4.5 acres of formal grounds, which have a historical provenance of their own: King Charles I assembled troops on the lawn in 1629 and Queen Victoria planted a tree in the garden.