Everyone dreams of a house by the sea, and this book presents the best examples of homes for escaping to the serenity of the seaside. Beautifully photographed interiors, exteriors, gardens, and patios offer a peek into these appealing homes, including Martha Stewart’s Seal Harbor, Maine, residence, Donna Karan’s Zen-like East Hampton retreat, Tommy Hilfiger’s Pop art-inspired Miami house, and Giorgio Armani’s Antigua getaway. Such top designers as Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Steven Gambrel, and Ken Fulk have decorated these lovely and inspiring homes-in quintessential seaside communities, including Block Island, Harbor Island, Malibu, and Martha’s Vineyard.

A seaside house is a place to unwind in a relaxed setting-white floorboards, whimsical nautical touches, pastel tones, and vivid colours. Indoor-outdoor living is the norm. Yet it is also a place to entertain friends and family in style and can express a range of chic decorating and design tastes. From clean, modern beach houses to traditional-style cottages, these breathtaking interiors-presented by a team known for style and taste-will inspire homeowners, designers, and anyone who loves a water view.