Waterfront Sanctuary
Chincoteague Island, Virginia
This four-level house has bedrooms on three different levels, a great room with hardwood floors, a two-story fireplace and fantastic water views. Drive to the beach through the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge to see the shore birds and wild ponies and eat some of the best seafood including Chincoteague salt oysters and Eastern Shore crabs. Or, do your own crabbing, boating
and swimming from the house's private dock.
-Sleeps 8, available year-round, weekly rates, no pets, smoking on screen porch only
484-905-5072 or 888-604-1576
www.vrbo.com
www.ponyisland.com

Private Reserve
Ojai, California
This 560-acre ranch compound is surrounded by national forest and made up of a 1908 Craftsman, a 1920s bungalow and a newer lodging that includes of three barns from antique designs. It features screened porches, antiques, fully-furnished kitchens and modern amenities designed for families, reunions, and church or corporate groups. Once a retreat used by the ancient Chumash, there are lush valleys, hidden swimming holes, three perennial trout streams and endless hiking trails to enjoy.
-Sleeps up to 22, three houses with 11 bedrooms, available year-round, nightly and weekly rates, separate rates for entire ranch, main house, barns or farm house, no smoking
805-646-8311
www.thedenthouse.com

Na Pali Bungalow
Kauai, Hawaii
At this secluded North Shore location is a beautiful, plantation-style cottage perfect for a couple's getaway. Na Pali Coast features 4,000-foot volcanic cliffs, emerald basins, secluded caves and sandy beaches that are all protected by the largest reef in the Hawaiian islands. The place is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, beach combing, hiking, windsurfing and kayaking.
-Sleeps 2, available year-round, rent by week or night, no smoking
808-828-0371
www.hawaiiancottage.com

Big Bend Guesthouse
Terlingua, Big Bend, Texas
This unusual 15-acre guesthouse is a three-bedroom, adobe-style house in the heart of the desert mountain country of western Texas. It stands between Big Bend National Park, Big Bend State Park, the Rio Grande and Mexico. Visit the city of Terlingua for art galleries and extensive shopping. For more adventure, trek to the Terlingua Ghost Town or head to the Chisos Mountains for a river tour, boating, biking or hiking.
-Sleeps 8, available year-round, nightly rates — two night minimum, no pets
325-473-4400
www.vrbo.com
www.terlinguahouse.com

Acadian Cottage
Bar Harbor, Maine
This cottage, built in 1895, was completely renovated in 1995 to restore it to its original state in woodwork, hardwood floors, turn-of-the century slate sink, clapboard and shingled siding. It's also decorated with antiques vintage 1870s to 1950s. Two hundred fifty feet from Somes Sound, the only natural fjord on the East Coast, the area offers many opportunities for whale watching, boat rentals and charters, fishing, swimming and kayaking. Or, explore Bar Harbor village for tennis, restaurants and shopping.
-Sleeps 6, available year-round, weekly rates, one-week minimum, no pets
207-299-8055
www.vrbo.com

Desert Pad
Joshua Tree, California
Privacy and seclusion abound at this 15-acre, modern, two-bedroom abode. Here you can enjoy the outside as much as the inside with an outdoor fireplace, barbecue and patio dining before wonderful mountain and desert vistas. Joshua Tree National Park, world famous for its spectacular scenery, is a Mecca for rock climbers and nature lovers. Palm Springs, only an hour away, is famous for world-class golf, restaurants, casino gambling and fabulous shopping.
-Sleeps 4, available year-round, weekly and nightly rates, three-night minimum
310-558-5544
www.joshuadesertretreats.com

Oceanside Highlands
Inverness, California
This designer three-story house is situated on five acres. It features a high-ceilinged living room decorated with the art of local craftsmen and treasures from the owners' extensive travels. The great room is designed in the Tramoya country Japanese style. High on secluded Mount Vision Ridge, the house sits next to Point Ryes National Seashore, where you can go kayaking, biking, swimming and bird watching. If city adventure sounds more appealing, you are only an hour north of San Francisco.
-Sleeps 8, available year-round, rent by week or night, no smoking, no pets
415-663-9338 or 800-808-9338
www.a1vacations.com