From minimizing stress to improving moods and enhancing creativity, spending time in nature benefits both bodies and minds. So, you can imagine how the owners of these homes must feel. With large windows that overlook mountains, forests and oceans, they can feel connected to the great outdoors all the time. Keep on scrolling to see what we mean.

Photo: Janis Nicolay

Rock Star

When Sherry Hakimzadeh was brought in to renovate this West Vancouver home, she immediately fell in love with its wild exterior. So, she installed a large picture window at the back of the dining room to frame it. The rocky, rugged topography ended up being the perfect backdrop for a Bocci chandelier and a custom Lock and Mortice table. Learn more about this beautiful space.

Photo: Ema Peter

Deep End

If we had to guess, we’d say the owners of this Cadboro Bay home probably don’t own a white noise machine. After all, they have the natural sound of waves to help them sleep. This 5,400-square-foot property was designed to be an extension of the beach; the material and colour palettes were inspired by driftwood, rocks and water. Step inside this oceanfront retreat designed by Falken Reynolds.

Photo: Ema Peter

Tree House

The owner of this property had a very clear vision for his future home—and even used an old cereal box to build a model, which was ultimately shared with Walker McKinley. “I’ve got to give him credit,” says the architect. “Yes, it got refined and architect-ed, but in the end, all the details were right there.”

How the house interacts with its natural surroundings was carefully considered, too. “[The homeowner] literally knew what tree could come down, how light would hit at what time of day,” recalls McKinley. And by the looks of this cantilevered glass room, all that planning really paid off. Explore the rest of this spectacular chalet.

Photo: Tina Kulic

Light Touch

There’s no denying that Whistler homes look magical under a blanket of snow… but this one designed by Denise Ashmore and the team at Project 22 Design seems to really shine in the sunlight. Inspired by Italian ski chalets, it blends classic alpine charm with exposed beams, a fresh palette and expansive glass windows that expertly frame the forest views. Find out why this space won a WL Design 25 award.

Photo: Ema Peter

Nature Walk(way)

This Whistler residence wasn’t easy to build. According to designer Mark Simone, who spent hundreds of hours working on the project, it was a complicated puzzle that required a lot of 3D modelling. But the results make it all seem worth it. The home embraces nature at every turn, including the hallway!

“When I walked up into it the first time, I was like ‘whoa,’” says the principal of Shelter Residential Design. “You just can’t help it.” Tour this 3,400-square-foot abode.

Photo: Ema Peter

Peak Performance

Not only is this BattersbyHowat-designed home built into a mountain, but it also boasts breathtaking vistas of the mountains. “The view is ever-changing with the seasons and weather systems,” says homeowner Carly. “We feel deeply tuned into the cycles of nature.” See more of this Squamish sanctuary.