7 retreats where you can live, work and play

Published Date: January 6, 2023

living room in St. Helena
Yes, you can have (and do) it all! These seven stunning second homes are designed for spending quality time with people you love AND getting the job done when necessary. Plus, they’re in locations that offer year-round adventures. We call that the best kind of work-life balance. 

Magical micro-resort 

Bacana’s resort-like backyard is made for playing, with a spacious cabana, outdoor kitchen, and saltwater pool and spa. But this luxe mini compound is just as stunning inside, with designer touches in five micro living spaces that offer plenty of quiet spaces for work.
Pool area with outdoor seating
Pacaso listing: Bacana — Palm Springs, CA

Work and play, your way

Explore the trail system that runs behind this gorgeous Pacaso, or hit the nearby slopes of Deer Valley or Park City — then return to a fire pit, hot tub and stunning vistas. And when it’s time to get down to business, you can work in one of two dedicated office spaces (and still enjoy those magnificent views).
Living room in Park City
Pacaso listing:  Uinta — Park City, UT 

Outdoor fun, indoor focus

This crisp and contemporary retreat offers modern outdoor spaces with a pool, covered dining area and private backyard for easy entertaining. Inside, the spacious primary bedroom offers a quiet desk area for work and a wet bar for when the work day is done.
Desk that leads out to the pool
Pacaso listing: Riesling — St. Helena, CA 

Naturally Napa

This contemporary Pacaso features walls of glass that frame the stunning beauty of Napa Valley from nearly every room — including the exquisite loft office. The three-bedroom main home and one-bedroom guest house are situated on 31-plus acres with a pool with three waterfalls, bocce court, fire pit and an outdoor kitchen. Its wine country location offers so much to explore too … but you may never want to leave.
Upper-floor office with large vaulted ceilings
Pacaso listing:  Arterra — Napa, CA

Beach or backyard?

The only question is, “Where will you play?” Just blocks from Lauderdale Beach, this breathtaking Pacaso boasts a lush, private backyard with an expansive covered entertaining area, plunge pool and adjoining spa. When it’s time to work, you can settle into the elegant second-floor office area overlooking the open-concept interior with soaring 20-foot ceilings.
Outdoor space with pool and seating
Pacaso listing: Vista Park — Fort Lauderdale, FL

Estate escape

An elegant office opening to a sunny patio and vineyard views? That should be enough to lure you to work, despite the temptations of this magnificent 4-acre estate. After hours, blow off steam on the outdoor courts for bocce, pickleball and basketball, or relax by the outdoor kitchen and bar, massive pool and spa, and fire pit.
Office with deck
Pacaso listing:  Bennett — Calistoga, CA

Aspen ambience

This masterfully remodeled home is ideally located in Aspen’s historic West End, close to the gondola, golf course, music tent, opera house, shops and restaurants. It offers a private light-filled office for reading or work, lots of artfully designed spaces for indoor and outdoor entertaining, and an elegant wet bar in the main second-floor living area.
Wet bar and living room
Pacaso listing: Hallam — Aspen, CO

Michelle Millard Headshot

Michelle Millard


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