New York, New York | Stan Ponte & Randall Gianopulos, Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage
As temperatures drop in the Northern Hemisphere, homeowners are looking for creative ways to bring their outdoor activities in where it’s warm. From sports facilities to home theaters to spacious places to gather with loved ones, it’s never felt more important to focus on the interior spaces that support year-round hobbies.
With a little ingenuity and creativity, these homes succeed in bringing typical outdoor activities to the indoors, letting homeowners continue to recreate no matter the season.
1. Pickup Games
Purchase, New York | Wendy Alper, Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty
This colonial-style home in New York state boasts a spacious backyard with a pool, hot tub, and patio area—appealing amenities for the summer months. As an added bonus for the basketball fan, the property includes an indoor court, meaning the game can go on whatever the weather. The home also features a full rec room, gym, and bar, so staying active and enjoying a post-game drink are always on the menu.
2. Movie Screenings
Malibu, California | Drew Mandile and Brooke Knapp, Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage
While an outdoor movie night is a perfect summer activity, once the temperature drops it’s time to relocate. This coastal home in Malibu, California, solves any seasonal challenges with its lush indoor movie theater. Complete with velvet seats, cinema-style wall sconces, and draped curtains, the at-home cinema experience feels just like the real thing. While the theater is a dark, cozy place to while away a winter afternoon, the rest of the Southern Californian home remains awash in natural light, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, white walls, and Bianco Carolina white marble floors.
3. That Poolside Feeling
Set in the prestigious 16th arrondissement of Paris, this seven-level home exudes contemporary elegance and old-world charm. The original historic façade of the home has been preserved, while the rest of the space is newly built, providing a unique combination of modern features and breathtaking history. Further adding to the home’s ambiance, an indoor 16-meter swimming pool can be seen through a glass wall as you descend the stairs—the only pool of this kind in Paris. The dreamlike space is ethereal thanks to intricate gold and blue tilework and a cloud-filled sky painting on the ceiling, celestial details that transcend the ordinary. Adjacent to the swimming pool is a fitness room, massage room, and hammam, providing a complete spa experience in all seasons.
4. Sitting by the Fire
There’s nothing quite like gathering around a fire pit during the warmer months—except gathering around an equally impressive and warming indoor fireplace. Set amidst the majestic Mount Evans range in Evergreen, Colorado, this elegant chateau was inspired by the Biltmore Mansion in Asheville, North Carolina. In addition to the large custom limestone fireplace, the great room features a wall of windows, offering views of the snow-capped peaks—a view best enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa in front of the fire.
5. Patio Drinks
Bring the patio drinks indoors this winter with a bespoke bar and lounge area. Designed for sparking conversation and the end-of-day unwind, the indoor bar in this home in Vancouver, British Columbia is the ideal spot for a small gathering. With a marble bartop, walk-in wine cellar, and lit shelving for storing spirits, the bar is a sleek and refined place for socializing. The space also features leather-backed lounge seating and two inset gas fireplaces, as well as a billiards table. With its own movie theater and indoor swimming pool, this home has no shortage of indoor activities to enjoy all winter long.
The turning of the weather doesn’t mean your favorite activities need to be put on hold until next year. These homes make creative use of indoor spaces so guests and homeowners can bring the fun inside, too.