editorial

Let’s Take This Outside: 6 Porches With Incredible Views

The porch — a space for private meditation. A romantic spot to watch the sun set. The gathering place for reunions with dear friends and family. The porch is where outdoor and indoor living spaces harmoniously collide. Whether you prefer views of mountains, lakes, or beaches, let yourself be transported to your favorite dreamscape from the comforts of one of these six custom-built porches, all within our distinct collection of luxury vacation rentals.

The View | Big Sky, Montana

With a name like The View, you know you’re in for beautiful scenery. But what we mean by “the view” is unobstructed panoramas of Lone Peak, so close, you’ll feel like you can touch it. Situated above the slopes at Big Sky Resort in the Cascade neighborhood, The View’s custom-designed, multi-level decks overlook the surrounding valleys and peaks. Enjoy dinner à la the mountains on the upper-level, wrap-around deck followed by stargazing from the private hot tub on the lower deck. When you’re here, nothing lies between you, the vast open skies, and those incredible Big Sky views.

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Harbor Point Beach Estate | Sea Islands, South Carolina

Imagine basking in stunning ocean views any time of year from an expansive 500 square-foot, climate-controlled porch. You can have just that at the luxurious Harbor Point Beach Estate, with the white-sand Carolina beach just steps away. Impeccably decorated with wicker furniture and a twin trundle daybed, this homey porch may lull you to sleep with the sound of the waves. You’ll also have a table for dining al fresco along with direct access to a 16-by-20 foot deck with an outdoor kitchen and gas grill for home-cooked meals.

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Pioneer Mountain 209 | Sun Valley, Idaho

Pioneer Mountain is the ultimate cabin in the woods. Its log-chinking and wooden beams have the underpinnings of a cabin, but its 4,000 square-foot quarters, styled in modern decor, possess the grandeur of an estate. Surrounded by 35 private acres of untouched forest, river, and mountain access, views from every angle can be seen from four unique outdoor living areas. A screened-in back porch provides views of the vistas to the west while the wrap-around porch offers creek views best appreciated from the hammock or hot tub. Dine under the stars on the outdoor patio or take the stone path down to a private sandy alcove to enjoy the meditative sounds of the East Wood River.

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Bear Ridge #57 | Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Ideally situated atop Carson’s Ridge, Bear Ridge #57 has no shortage of lush mountain vistas, whether from floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room or one of the home’s two bedrooms. But to really appreciate the splendor of The Smokies, we recommend grabbing a mug of something delicious and stepping onto one of this home’s many porches. Our favorite has a stone-stacked fireplace and locally crafted wooden rocking chairs. In the autumn, this is the perfect spot to sit in front of a roaring fire and bask in the kaleidoscope of fall colors on display in the mountains that surround you.

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Park Haus | Park City, Utah

If you prefer your porch setting to have a touch of urbanization, you’ll love the views from Park Haus. This magazine-styled, luxury condo overlooks the charming storefronts and historic landmarks of Park City’s main street. Enjoy front-row seats to local favorite festivals and year-round events from the penthouse rooftop deck or private balcony. Or simply watch the sunset over the dramatic peaks of nearby Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort.

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Waterfront #438 | Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

Sometimes, a porch is more than outdoor space—it’s part of the home. At Lake Winnipesaukee #438, a charming lakefront estate built in the 1930s, its classic screened-in front porch is the social focal point—a place where lazy afternoons are spent telling stories, playing cards, and watching boats on the water or spotting birds in the nearby woods. With a good book or a classic board game, you might even forget to turn on your phone.

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