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Tending to a garden has long been a preferred pastime for its ability to lift the spirits. As we all spend more time close to home, there has never been a better time to cultivate outdoor spaces that encourage relaxation and calm.

These five homes, in addition to being stunning works of architecture, also feature skillfully landscaped grounds, inspiring hedge arrangements, and calming lawns that will inspire even the most lapsed green thumb to pick up a trowel and rethink their outdoor space.

Elegant Landscaping in Saint Tropez, France

Cote D’Azur, France | Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty — *Cote D’Azur, France |* *Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty*

As would be expected for a villa in the South of France, this property in Saint Tropez fully embraces the warm climate with tiered landscaping and ample outdoor seating. Stone steps lead from the main home to three discrete levels of garden space—all the way down to the sleek swimming pool and lounge area. Instead of crowding the garden with tall trees, the landscape designer instead chose to plant low evergreen shrubbery of various types, keeping the sightlines open from the home out over the rest of the property. Save for the odd patch of lavender—an icon of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur countryside—and an established tree serving as the central focal point, the garden is a harmonious example of refined and timeless landscaping through greenery.

A Central Water Feature in Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Palma de Mallorca | Alejandra Vanoli, Mallorca Sotheby’s International Realty — *Palma de Mallorca |* *Alejandra Vanoli*, *Mallorca Sotheby’s International Realty*

This stately property in Palma de Mallorca was originally constructed in the 15th century, and its 1998 renovation managed to retain its historic charm. One of the most breathtaking qualities of the estate is the landscaped promenade, a tiered green space where a central water feature flows between the different levels. Tranquil pools provide the backdrop for pensive walks through the garden, which has been designed so that different forms of plant life are arranged in their own quadrants. A courtyard on the property follows the same principle of geometric garden design, with neatly groomed shrubs and small potted trees lining the stone walls—architectural details that hint at the property’s storied past.

An Tranquil Estate in Pennsylvania, USA

Gladwyne, Pennsylvania | Lisa Yakulis, Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty — *Gladwyne, Pennsylvania |* *Lisa Yakulis*, *Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty*

This estate in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania exudes a European sensibility in a distinctly American countryside setting. The grounds are dotted with deciduous trees, a smart landscaping choice that delivers stunning orange leaves in the autumn and vibrant green through the spring and summer. A walk through the property is sure to instill a sense of romance thanks to details like ivy-covered brick walls and stone steps set amidst the green lawns. Reminiscent of a French palace, the home and grounds feature an aviary, tennis courts, and two swimming pools, but it’s the garden details, like the serene pond and strategically placed potted plants, that make the property one-of-a-kind.

Pristine Lawns in New Jersey, USA

Alpine, New Jersey | Dennis McCormack & Dolores McCormack, Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty — *Alpine, New Jersey |* *Dennis McCormack* & *Dolores McCormack*, *Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty*

Redefining what luxury looks like in the Northeast, this estate in Alpine, New Jersey is only eight miles from Manhattan and sits on six acres of lush grounds and gardens. The central lawn backs onto both a swimming pool and tennis court, with the kind of landscaping befitting a European villa. A pristine green is bordered by meticulously groomed shrubs, while bright pink flowers peek out of Grecian-style planters. Additional elements like a water fountain, marble steps, and an assortment of both deciduous and evergreen trees line the property, ensuring that the home feels enveloped in serene plantlife year-round.

Boxes of Lavender in Leinster, Ireland

Leinster, Ireland | David Ashmore, Ireland Sotheby’s International Realty — *Leinster, Ireland |* *David Ashmore*, *Ireland Sotheby’s International Realty*

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of this property in Leinster, Ireland are the garden terraces overflowing with lavender and greeting guests with a calming and welcoming fragrance. The country home, built in the early 19th century, looks as if it belongs in a painting with its timeless pastoral backdrop. Climbing vines accent the façade of the home, while tiny flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple crowd the paths and stone walkways—their intentional-yet-organic placement gives the impression of wildflowers taking over the space on their own accord. The result is an enchanting garden exterior, further enhanced by the 27 acres set against the backdrop of the Dublin Mountains.

No matter the season or the acreage, it’s important that your home provides you with room to breathe deeply and appreciate nature. These gardens serve as spaces for contemplation and creative expression, allowing homeowners to reconnect with their own well-being.

This blog originally appeared on SIR.COM, CLICK HERE to view it.