As summer travel inspires dreams of relaxing getaways and future escapes, many buyers begin seriously considering a second home. Florida and North Carolina stand out as top destinations — each offering unique lifestyle benefits, investment potential and natural beauty that make vacation homeownership appealing.
One of the biggest myths, according to Zillow.com, is that you need to own a primary residence before buying a vacation property. Instead, it’s about aligning your housing choices with your lifestyle.
For example, someone renting in the city might find more value in purchasing a retreat on the coast or in the mountains. Florida offers year-round sunshine, world-class beaches and strong rental demand from tourists, while North Carolina’s mountains and coastlines create idyllic backdrops for outdoor enthusiasts and those who seek serenity.
So, it’s important to understand how you plan to use your vacation home, whether as a second home, a primary residence or investment property, as each carries different financing requirements and tax implications.
So why buy a vacation property? According to whitecoastinvestor.com, the reasons are many. It’s a reliable escape from home. It allows you to establish roots in a desired location you otherwise would only be vacationing to. You can share it with family and friends, and all this while potentially earning extra income.
Whether you use it regularly, share it with friends and family, or rent it for additional income, a second home provides a consistent escape and long-term value.
That’s why Jennifer Campbell-Overbeeke, global real estate advisor in North Carolina, says buyers aren’t just looking for a property — they’re looking for something they can feel.
“More than anything, these buyers are looking for something special. Not cookie-cutter. Not builder-grade. They want properties with character and design intention, homes that spark curiosity and create a sense of experience,” she says. “That could be an in-home sauna and wellness suite, a custom outdoor kitchen and fire pit, or a fully equipped home cinema. It doesn’t need to be massive — but it must be meaningful.
“The home should feel like a destination in itself.”
Joel Schemmel, global real estate advisor in Florida, agrees. “It’s not just a getaway; it’s a retreat for the senses.”
So, if you are dreaming of a permanent vacation and a retreat for the senses, however it suits your needs, consider these exceptional homes in Sarasota, Clearwater Beach and Naples, Florida, and Maggie Valley and Banner Elk, North Carolina.
1354 Westway Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236 | Listed by Joel Schemmel
In the prestigious Lido Shores community, this extraordinary three-bedroom, three-bath, 3,364-square-foot home is the ultimate vacation escape — where iconic architecture, indoor-outdoor living, and a serene coastal setting converge. Designed by acclaimed architect Guy Peterson, this modern masterpiece delivers the peace and privacy of a retreat, with effortless livability that makes extended stays feel like home. Whether lounging by the pool, entertaining in the courtyard or enjoying the exclusive Lido Shores neighborhood that grants its residents access to a private stretch of gulf-front beach, every day here feels like a getaway.
"As a vacation home, 1354 Westway is truly unmatched,” Schemmel says. “You’re in one of Sarasota’s most iconic neighborhoods with private access to a residents-only beach, and the home itself feels like a work of art — courtyard pool, Zen-inspired gardens and architecture that’s as calming as it is striking."
Welcome to the poster child for coastal luxury living! This extraordinary four-bedroom, five-bath penthouse at The Grande redefines direct Gulf-front elegance with 5,042 square feet of refined space and unmatched, panoramic water views. Enjoy 360-degree, unobstructed vistas from every angle of the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway. With access to The Grande’s desirable amenities of three pools, tennis courts, a community room, gym, and library/den, this is the coastal vacation experience at its spectacular finest.
A living masterpiece, this five-bedroom, four-bath, 7,238-square foot Maggie Valley resort-like home combines architectural brilliance, natural beauty and tasteful luxury. A sensory experience from wherever you are on the property, this 2023 log-and-stone chalet, framed by panoramic views, offers three levels of world-class lifestyle amenities. Over 3,300 square feet of decking, complete with three fire pits, summer kitchen with fireplace and a recessed hot tub, creates the year-round vacation you’ve always wanted.
“It’s about comfort, experience and connection — to the land, the view and the slower pace of mountain living,” Campbell-Overbeeke says.
“In today’s market, second homebuyers in the Great Smokies and Blue Ridge Mountains are looking for more than just a cabin in the woods, they want a turnkey retreat that feels intentional, elevated and easy to enjoy,” she says. “Long-range, layered views are a priority, especially from a covered deck or great room with expansive windows. Many buyers are specifically seeking higher elevations, not just for the scenery but for the cooler summer temperatures and sense of seclusion they offer.”
But that’s not all this vacation home represents.
“Neighborhood amenities like walking trails, stocked ponds and clubhouses add value, as does proximity to charming mountain towns for dining, culture and year-round events,” Campbell-Overbeeke says. “And for many investor-minded buyers, the ability to offset expenses by renting the home as a luxury or boutique retreat is a bonus, but it’s not the driving force. These clients are focused on long-term equity.”
In the heart of downtown, this beautiful three-bedroom, three-bath, 2,920-square-foot Old Naples cottage is just three blocks from the beach and one block to stores and eateries on 5th Avenue. Combining urban flair with vacation vibe, this exceptional light-filled home comes with a west-facing pool and spa, a modern outdoor fireplace and is surrounded by tropical landscaping.
Escape describes this dream mountain home in the sought-after Lodges at Eagles Nest. This 5-year-old mostly furnished three-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 1,924-square-foot home blends refined mountain construction with luxurious comfort and awe-inspiring views. Established in the Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals program, this potential income-producing property could become your next investment opportunity, a vacation getaway or full-time place you call home.
“It's this blend of lifestyle and investment potential that makes our market so attractive to buyers,” according to Anna Story, global real estate advisor in North Carolina.
“In my experience, buyers in our unique market are primarily looking for second homes they can enjoy as personal vacation getaways. What sets our area apart is that many of our vacation communities, such as The Lodges at Eagles Nest in Banner Elk, not only offer a beautiful place to unwind, but also provide the opportunity to list the home as a rental,” Story says. “This dual-purpose appeal allows buyers to enjoy their home while capturing a return on their investment when they're not using it or at least keep that option open for the future.”
Have you ever dreamed of a log home as your vacation retreat? Then look no more. This three-bedroom, three-bath, 3,645-square-foot luxury residence is where rustic charm meets refined craftsmanship, in one of Maggie Valley’s inspiring locations. With multi-layered views of Lake Junaluska and the Great Smoky Mountains, this property presents a jaw-dropping visual experience. If you appreciate landscape and luxury, this ideally positioned vacation-like home is a remarkable find.
