Readers’ Most-Loved Spots: 14 Indoor and Outdoor Rooms With Views
Houzzers’ favorite places at home? Their window-filled rooms, porches and patios where they can enjoy the scenery
Brenna Malmberg
March 4, 2017
When we asked Houzzers to share their most-loved spots, a theme arose: great spots with great views. Let’s take a look at these 14 spaces and enjoy the views the home dwellers love.
1. Cheerful Sunroom
Isis Wu and her family enjoy this window-filled sunroom all year long in Roswell, Georgia. “It’s bright, full of sunshine, has lots of comfy seating and a beautiful view into the backyard,” Wu says. The view offers sightings of wildlife, such as deer, and seasonal flowers, such as azaleas in the summer and pear blossoms in the spring.
Isis Wu and her family enjoy this window-filled sunroom all year long in Roswell, Georgia. “It’s bright, full of sunshine, has lots of comfy seating and a beautiful view into the backyard,” Wu says. The view offers sightings of wildlife, such as deer, and seasonal flowers, such as azaleas in the summer and pear blossoms in the spring.
The family congregates in the sunroom for meals and crafting time. “The skylights make it feel as if we’re basking in the sun,” Wu says. Her husband likes to do office work from the desk and is known to take a nap on the daybed. Wu also enjoys the room’s proximity to the kitchen, which allows her to watch over the kids and take in great outdoor views. “No matter rain or shine,” she says, “the room is always bright and cheery.”
2. Cozy Cabin Living Room
This living room sits at the center of Beverly Peters’ Marble Hill, Missouri, home. It’s a hub of family activity, yet still manages to keep a serene and comfortable feel, Peters says. She works from home, typically sitting at the table behind the sofa, and loves the outdoor views the spot affords her. “The only downside is I sometimes get distracted from my work by watching eagles, ducks, deer or some other wildlife,” she says.
Through the windows, the family has views of the lake below, a tree canopy and a large expanse of sky. They can watch the seasons and weather change. Winter brings big sky views, eagles, migrating waterfowl and snowstorms. “In the spring, you can literally watch the leaves unfurl in front of you,” she says. Summer means scenes filled with lush, green vegetation, swimming kids and thunderstorms. Fall brings changing leaves and the best sunsets.
And at night, they can stargaze. “I’ve even watched a lunar eclipse while lying on the sofa,” Peters says.
This living room sits at the center of Beverly Peters’ Marble Hill, Missouri, home. It’s a hub of family activity, yet still manages to keep a serene and comfortable feel, Peters says. She works from home, typically sitting at the table behind the sofa, and loves the outdoor views the spot affords her. “The only downside is I sometimes get distracted from my work by watching eagles, ducks, deer or some other wildlife,” she says.
Through the windows, the family has views of the lake below, a tree canopy and a large expanse of sky. They can watch the seasons and weather change. Winter brings big sky views, eagles, migrating waterfowl and snowstorms. “In the spring, you can literally watch the leaves unfurl in front of you,” she says. Summer means scenes filled with lush, green vegetation, swimming kids and thunderstorms. Fall brings changing leaves and the best sunsets.
And at night, they can stargaze. “I’ve even watched a lunar eclipse while lying on the sofa,” Peters says.
3. Inspirational Studio
This studio space greets Lynn Purse and her family with ample sunshine and inspiration. The south-facing windows let lots of light stream in as family members read by the fire, challenge each other to a chess match or play the piano. The scene beyond the windows — tall trees and wildlife — continually inspires Purse as she composes music on a piano given to her by her late aunt, who was a concert pianist. “The window on the woods and garden is a year-round spectacle,” she says.
This studio space greets Lynn Purse and her family with ample sunshine and inspiration. The south-facing windows let lots of light stream in as family members read by the fire, challenge each other to a chess match or play the piano. The scene beyond the windows — tall trees and wildlife — continually inspires Purse as she composes music on a piano given to her by her late aunt, who was a concert pianist. “The window on the woods and garden is a year-round spectacle,” she says.
The view includes a deciduous forest at the back of her Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, property. “In the summer, it is a wall of green; in the winter, it looks like a fairyland when it snows,” she says. Her plants below on the deck attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees, and the woods are filled with birds, such as woodpeckers, owls and hawks.
4. Restful Master Bedroom Sofa
Kimann Schultz likes to retreat to this cozy spot in her home. Compared with the rest of the Indianapolis, Indiana, house, this corner of the master bedroom has a lower ceiling and a smaller scale, she says. For additional coziness, the family used dark paint on the walls, added muslin curtain frames on the doors that lead to the deck and filled the sofa with down pillows, a faux fur coverlet and crocheted afghan.
Snuggled onto the couch, Schultz watches the seasons change outside the large windows. “I so love the fall, when the maples turn gold then go bare,” she says. “I can then see way into the woods, and I love that transparency.” She also watches the birds and deer, especially a doe and two babies that the family have seen grow up.
Shop comfortable sofas on Houzz
Kimann Schultz likes to retreat to this cozy spot in her home. Compared with the rest of the Indianapolis, Indiana, house, this corner of the master bedroom has a lower ceiling and a smaller scale, she says. For additional coziness, the family used dark paint on the walls, added muslin curtain frames on the doors that lead to the deck and filled the sofa with down pillows, a faux fur coverlet and crocheted afghan.
Snuggled onto the couch, Schultz watches the seasons change outside the large windows. “I so love the fall, when the maples turn gold then go bare,” she says. “I can then see way into the woods, and I love that transparency.” She also watches the birds and deer, especially a doe and two babies that the family have seen grow up.
Shop comfortable sofas on Houzz
5. Toasty Great Room
Houzz user JmsPdx loves everything about this great room in the family’s Mount Hood, Oregon, house, especially the view of the Sandy River through the French doors. The year-round lodge feel is complete with a 22-foot-high fireplace made in 1925 from local stone. During the winter months, family members keep the fire crackling, and in the summer, they open the French doors to listen to the rushing river. This gives the spot not only a great view, but a great sound.
Houzz user JmsPdx loves everything about this great room in the family’s Mount Hood, Oregon, house, especially the view of the Sandy River through the French doors. The year-round lodge feel is complete with a 22-foot-high fireplace made in 1925 from local stone. During the winter months, family members keep the fire crackling, and in the summer, they open the French doors to listen to the rushing river. This gives the spot not only a great view, but a great sound.
6. Action-Packed Porch
A lot fits into this narrow porch in John OBrien’s Coronado, California, home. This window-lined, second-floor porch acts as a favorite dining spot but is also great for relaxing with a good book or the morning paper. The porch, which is 8 feet by 6 feet, includes a built-in bench, a dining table and windows that swing to the ceiling. “It’s certainly cozy, but that is the fun of it,” OBrien says. “And the view of the park and Pacific Ocean is pretty special.”
From the second-story vantage point, the family can watch people playing Frisbee in the park and ships sailing into the harbor. At night, they can watch the lights of Playas de Tijuana, Mexico, twinkle. “The view is best in the summer,” OBrien says, “because we will raise the windows to the ceiling as the day and night time temperatures are pleasant and the view is unobstructed.”
A lot fits into this narrow porch in John OBrien’s Coronado, California, home. This window-lined, second-floor porch acts as a favorite dining spot but is also great for relaxing with a good book or the morning paper. The porch, which is 8 feet by 6 feet, includes a built-in bench, a dining table and windows that swing to the ceiling. “It’s certainly cozy, but that is the fun of it,” OBrien says. “And the view of the park and Pacific Ocean is pretty special.”
From the second-story vantage point, the family can watch people playing Frisbee in the park and ships sailing into the harbor. At night, they can watch the lights of Playas de Tijuana, Mexico, twinkle. “The view is best in the summer,” OBrien says, “because we will raise the windows to the ceiling as the day and night time temperatures are pleasant and the view is unobstructed.”
7. Quiet Writer’s Office
Every morning, Lisa Amico Kristel walks into her office at 5:30 a.m., a hot cup of coffee in her hand. She lights a pair of candles and then settles down at the keyboard to work on her novel. She spends a lot of time here, so it’s no surprise that she loves many things about the room. She loves the design: African slate floors, cushy chairs and framed art throughout the space. She loves the function: a place dedicated to her writing, from a master’s thesis to an in-progress novel. And lastly, she loves the view. The room is wrapped in windows, and her desk faces the east so she can watch the sky turn to orange as the sun rises. “When I feel like procrastinating,” she says, “I watch dozens of birds alight on the feeders hanging from the trees or on the outdoor sills where I sprinkle extra seeds.”
She loves this view in Oyster Bay, New York, all year long, but winter stands out as a favorite. The sunrise is softer. Red cardinals flit among the snowy leaves of the dark green hedges. Other birds leave little footprints across her snow-covered lawn. “Winter sights like these are my favorite distractions,” she says.
Her pup, Jasper, also loves this view and spends hours watching the birds alongside Kristel as she works.
Find a pro to add new windows to your home
Every morning, Lisa Amico Kristel walks into her office at 5:30 a.m., a hot cup of coffee in her hand. She lights a pair of candles and then settles down at the keyboard to work on her novel. She spends a lot of time here, so it’s no surprise that she loves many things about the room. She loves the design: African slate floors, cushy chairs and framed art throughout the space. She loves the function: a place dedicated to her writing, from a master’s thesis to an in-progress novel. And lastly, she loves the view. The room is wrapped in windows, and her desk faces the east so she can watch the sky turn to orange as the sun rises. “When I feel like procrastinating,” she says, “I watch dozens of birds alight on the feeders hanging from the trees or on the outdoor sills where I sprinkle extra seeds.”
She loves this view in Oyster Bay, New York, all year long, but winter stands out as a favorite. The sunrise is softer. Red cardinals flit among the snowy leaves of the dark green hedges. Other birds leave little footprints across her snow-covered lawn. “Winter sights like these are my favorite distractions,” she says.
Her pup, Jasper, also loves this view and spends hours watching the birds alongside Kristel as she works.
Find a pro to add new windows to your home
8. Serene Screened-In Porch
This porch in Huntsville, Alabama, feels like a treehouse most of the time to its owner, Tracy Bond. Bond and her family live in a wooded area, so the porch places them right in the middle of nature. “The wooded view from the porch will make your blood pressure drop,” she says. “It’s that calming.”
When they aren’t relaxing and watching the birds, they use the space to entertain friends and family. And because they live in the South, Bond says, they can use this outdoor oasis all year long.
This porch in Huntsville, Alabama, feels like a treehouse most of the time to its owner, Tracy Bond. Bond and her family live in a wooded area, so the porch places them right in the middle of nature. “The wooded view from the porch will make your blood pressure drop,” she says. “It’s that calming.”
When they aren’t relaxing and watching the birds, they use the space to entertain friends and family. And because they live in the South, Bond says, they can use this outdoor oasis all year long.
9. Peaceful Porch
Barb Hurley starts the day by sitting on this DIY daybed on the porch of her Leland, North Carolina, home. She made the daybed herself from old porch railings and deck boards. As she sips her morning coffee, she watches the birds at the bird feeder. In the afternoon, she curls up here with a good book or her dog. And when the evening comes, she once again takes in the views, this time a beautiful sunset. “Mother Nature is truly amazing as she ‘paints’ some of the most awesome views in the sky,” she says.
She gets the most out of the space by adding a solar heater, turning a three-season porch into a four-season one.
Barb Hurley starts the day by sitting on this DIY daybed on the porch of her Leland, North Carolina, home. She made the daybed herself from old porch railings and deck boards. As she sips her morning coffee, she watches the birds at the bird feeder. In the afternoon, she curls up here with a good book or her dog. And when the evening comes, she once again takes in the views, this time a beautiful sunset. “Mother Nature is truly amazing as she ‘paints’ some of the most awesome views in the sky,” she says.
She gets the most out of the space by adding a solar heater, turning a three-season porch into a four-season one.
10. Downtown Terrace
Liz Whitla loves her terrace in Boston, especially at night when the lights of Fenway Park and the glow of the Prudential Tower can be seen. This 1,000-square-foot terrace features a fire pit, and the Whitlas spend hours next to it soaking in the views. “It’s like having a backyard in the city,” she says. They also gather here for drinks with friends before walking over to Fenway Park for an outdoor concert. They are eagerly awaiting another warm season and many more nights on the terrace.
Shop fire pits on Houzz
Liz Whitla loves her terrace in Boston, especially at night when the lights of Fenway Park and the glow of the Prudential Tower can be seen. This 1,000-square-foot terrace features a fire pit, and the Whitlas spend hours next to it soaking in the views. “It’s like having a backyard in the city,” she says. They also gather here for drinks with friends before walking over to Fenway Park for an outdoor concert. They are eagerly awaiting another warm season and many more nights on the terrace.
Shop fire pits on Houzz
11. Summertime Deck
Surrounded by forest, this deck offers Cindi Anderson an outdoor spot with privacy in the middle of a subdivision. She lives in the mountains in Sun Valley, Idaho, which means the temperatures can swing drastically. This limits the time she can spend on her deck. Yet, from June through October, she makes every effort to take advantage of the summer temperatures and sunshine. She loves to spend the day out here working on the computer, reading magazines and doing yoga. For a little warmth, she sometimes brings out blankets and a propane heater. “These allow me to be out just about any time except winter, when it’s all buried in snow,” she says.
Hire a local deck builder to create your own retreat
Surrounded by forest, this deck offers Cindi Anderson an outdoor spot with privacy in the middle of a subdivision. She lives in the mountains in Sun Valley, Idaho, which means the temperatures can swing drastically. This limits the time she can spend on her deck. Yet, from June through October, she makes every effort to take advantage of the summer temperatures and sunshine. She loves to spend the day out here working on the computer, reading magazines and doing yoga. For a little warmth, she sometimes brings out blankets and a propane heater. “These allow me to be out just about any time except winter, when it’s all buried in snow,” she says.
Hire a local deck builder to create your own retreat
12. Backyard Seating
Velma and Gerardo Casanova enjoy morning and afternoon breaks at this table for four. This spot didn’t exist when they bought their Brownsville, Texas, place, so they added the patio and pergola to make it the perfect retirement home.
Today, they use it daily to take in the views of the backyard. “We get to enjoy the hummingbirds, the blooming hibiscus, the papaya trees and palm trees while enjoying the breezy, warm outdoors,” Velma says.
Velma and Gerardo Casanova enjoy morning and afternoon breaks at this table for four. This spot didn’t exist when they bought their Brownsville, Texas, place, so they added the patio and pergola to make it the perfect retirement home.
Today, they use it daily to take in the views of the backyard. “We get to enjoy the hummingbirds, the blooming hibiscus, the papaya trees and palm trees while enjoying the breezy, warm outdoors,” Velma says.
13. Outdoor Sanctuary
From here, Beverly Ann and Ray Howe can enjoy all the nature Cary, North Carolina, has to offer. They listen to the birds and watch all the different critters pass through the yard. Beverly Ann also keeps her binoculars at the ready so she can take a closer look at the woodpeckers and other nearby birds. “Nature and wildlife are delightful to watch,” she says. Occasionally, a deer or squirrel might also stroll through the grass.
“Each season of the year brings a different view,” Beverly Ann says, “and each one brings its own charm.” But spring is a favorite. The grass turns a bright green, and turtles can be seen sunning themselves along the creek just beyond the fence. The potted plants also start to bloom, which makes the patio spot that much more beautiful.
From here, Beverly Ann and Ray Howe can enjoy all the nature Cary, North Carolina, has to offer. They listen to the birds and watch all the different critters pass through the yard. Beverly Ann also keeps her binoculars at the ready so she can take a closer look at the woodpeckers and other nearby birds. “Nature and wildlife are delightful to watch,” she says. Occasionally, a deer or squirrel might also stroll through the grass.
“Each season of the year brings a different view,” Beverly Ann says, “and each one brings its own charm.” But spring is a favorite. The grass turns a bright green, and turtles can be seen sunning themselves along the creek just beyond the fence. The potted plants also start to bloom, which makes the patio spot that much more beautiful.
14. Weekend Retreat
This most-loved spot is a little bigger than others: a cabin in Holyrood, Canada. Linda and Garry Browne’s home away from home includes a front yard pond and views of the ocean. The couple, along with another family member, designed and built this home with those grand views in mind, making sure to include a large wall of windows facing the ocean. They share the pond, seen here, with other residents of the town. “A few years ago, the town installed a fountain — much to our delight — that goes in at springtime and out late fall,” Linda says.
The Brownes enjoy summer at the cabin the most. It’s complete with a view of Conception Bay, with its sailboats and the occasional whale. This summer they also hope to complete a wraparound porch, which will allow them to enjoy even more time outside.
Your turn: Which season brings the best views at your home?
More
We Can Dream: 28 Kitchens With Breathtaking Views
Why We Want a House With a Great View
Photo Flip: 101 Rooms With a Vacation-Worthy View
This most-loved spot is a little bigger than others: a cabin in Holyrood, Canada. Linda and Garry Browne’s home away from home includes a front yard pond and views of the ocean. The couple, along with another family member, designed and built this home with those grand views in mind, making sure to include a large wall of windows facing the ocean. They share the pond, seen here, with other residents of the town. “A few years ago, the town installed a fountain — much to our delight — that goes in at springtime and out late fall,” Linda says.
The Brownes enjoy summer at the cabin the most. It’s complete with a view of Conception Bay, with its sailboats and the occasional whale. This summer they also hope to complete a wraparound porch, which will allow them to enjoy even more time outside.
Your turn: Which season brings the best views at your home?
More
We Can Dream: 28 Kitchens With Breathtaking Views
Why We Want a House With a Great View
Photo Flip: 101 Rooms With a Vacation-Worthy View
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So many more great spots with views! Thanks, everyone, for sharing. I am totally up for an afternoon on one of those decks, or a snooze in the hammock. The windows and balcony at my apartment just look out over some train tracks. Thankfully, I can venture up to the roof and see out across the city and up into the mountains.