Relaxed Loft-Living | 5 New Homes

While secluded private islands certainly have their merits, you don’t have to venture to a far-flung locale to enjoy the privacy and relaxation island life affords. Even in urban centers, the splash of island light, the waving branches of island trees, and the slower pace of island life can be achieved. These airy lofts offer islands of luxury of their very own.

Tropical Hues in Manhattan, New York

At the top of any New York apartment wishlist—right after square footage—you might find a request for an elevator that opens directly onto a private living space. At The Dance Building in the heart of Chelsea, take the lift to the 10th floor to find light streaming through the windows of this bright and cheery loft, evoking the breeziness of a vacation villa. During the day, sunshine floods the floor-to-ceiling windows lining the north and south sides of the property, while at dusk you can watch the pink glow of sunset fall over Manhattan. A large private balcony frames the south side of the home and offers a view spanning Hudson Yards to the Empire State Building, while inside a well-appointed luxury master bath outfitted with limestone flooring, Wetstyle tub, and Axor Starck fixtures offers all the trappings of a tropical island retreat.

Soothing Textures in Berlin, Germany

A dreamy Berlin loft offers a perfect place for both work and play. A graphic contrast of gray and white creates a bold first impression, setting the tone for the rest of its carefully curated, tastefully minimalist aesthetic. Good lighting is a key fixture in any loft, and this 3,444-square-foot space benefits from well-designed window placement: a beaming skylight in the Scandinavian-inspired spa bathroom and oversized Georgian panes gracing the main living space. Architecture provides the artwork for the home, observable in vaulted beamed ceilings, exposed brick, and views of the neighboring rooftops from the sunny terrace. Shore up books and fruity drinks in this soothing space and imagine yourself far away from it all.

Waving Fronds in Denver, Colorado

Nothing says sanctuary like a private garden atrium teeming with lush plants. Indoor meets outdoors at this spectacular skyward loft space located in historic downtown Denver. Retreat to a life-sized terrarium awash in natural light and outfitted with a wood-planked deck and bubbling fountain. Space is no object across 5,500 square-feet of interior space, with a peaceful master suite occupying its own private wing. Enjoy all of the amenities of a private spa including his and hers master baths with skylights, oversized walk-in showers, and a jetted tub. A rare feature in a historic building, enjoy private access to your own roof space, perfect for hosting sunset gatherings with friends and setting a holiday tone.

A Bright Hideaway in Ivry-sur-Seine, France

Be invigorated by the radiant washes of white in this converted île-de-France loft in the Ivry-sur-Seine suburb of Paris. Daylight spills through triple-exposure windows and skylights, reflecting off of vaulted ceilings and glossy white floors to create a zen-like chamber of light. An ideal spot for an urban vacation, you’ll likely want to set down permanent roots once you take in the views from this home’s spacious deck, which offers the perfect place to create your very own skygarden. Close to shops, the metro, and the Seine, this home achieves a heady blend of European refinement and island bliss.

Indoor/Outdoor Bliss in Atlanta, Georgia

A twinkling terrace and exposed brick walls make this sleek modern loft feel cozy, inviting, and tranquil. Sitting pretty in heart of the Peach State, light pours through the open-concept layout of this Atlanta address through three spacious windows, while retractable screen doors allow for balmy breezes to drift through 24/7. A spacious outdoor entertaining space is this property’s primary calling card. Perfect for hosting twilight gatherings, enjoy an al fresco dining space, grilling station, and a roomy seating area prime for post-dinner golden hour relaxation.

Sometimes the modern comforts of the mainland outweigh the remote draw of the offshore oasis. The next time you’re searching for a private space to call your own, instead of looking further afield, just look up.