The benefits of your own green hideaway go beyond aesthetic and curbside appeal. Scientific articles back up the health benefits of being in nature. Why leave your backyard to practice Shinrin-Yoku (the Japanese practice of forest bathing) when you can sit amongst your own evergreens, just steps from the wine cellar? If the quiet wash of wind through the trees isn’t enough to convince you, consider the added privacy and picturesque scenes from your first floor windows, and get inspired with these dream homes across Canada with incredible gardens.

Dream Homes: 4 Properties With Incredible Gardens

By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 82 Wychwood Park, Toronto, ON

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 82 Wychwood Park, Toronto, ON

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 82 Wychwood Park, Toronto, ON

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 82 Wychwood Park, Toronto, ON

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 82 Wychwood Park, Toronto, ON

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

Lush Lakeside Estate, Toronto, ON

Southern views of Lake Ontario are a welcome addition at this already impressive Wynchwood Park Estate property. Built in 1915 and lovingly restored, the interior has incredible presence thanks to its high ceilings, antique stained glass skylight, and dramatic staircase.

Outside, the grounds are more subtly commanding. Naturalized gardens climb and complement the classic architecture, while a gazebo and pool offer another outdoor space for repose and leisurely hours spent wandering (and wading) outside. Nearby common areas include a tennis court and picturesque pond.

Dream Homes: 4 Properties With Incredible Gardens

By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 10365 Boul. des Mille-Îles, Saint-François, QC

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 10365 Boul. des Mille-Îles, Saint-François, QC

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 10365 Boul. des Mille-Îles, Saint-François, QC

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 10365 Boul. des Mille-Îles, Saint-François, QC

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 10365 Boul. des Mille-Îles, Saint-François, QC

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

Palatial Retreat, Saint-François, QC

This gated, stone-clad property on Québec’s Rivière des Mille Îles offers a grand setting to relax in your own personal castle. Wood, marble, and wrought-iron detailing throughout create a sumptuous feel, and the 10-foot ceilings and abundant windows offer views of the river and surrounding property. In the private, hedged backyard, recline by the swimming pool surrounded by elegant gardens and fountains. The property backs directly onto the river, so when adventure calls, sail away from your private dock for a cruise to nearby golf courses and stables.

Dream Homes: 4 Properties With Incredible Gardens

By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 6 Aspen Ridge Lane SW, Calgary, AB

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 6 Aspen Ridge Lane SW, Calgary, AB

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 6 Aspen Ridge Lane SW, Calgary, AB

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 6 Aspen Ridge Lane SW, Calgary, AB

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 6 Aspen Ridge Lane SW, Calgary, AB

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

Garden Gathering Space, Calgary, AB

Stately is an understatement at this Aspen Estates manor house. This one-acre property begs for guests and outdoor gatherings. The 1,200-square-foot patio features warm cherry wood archways awaiting string lights and climbing plants.

Rundlestone and sandstone rock frame the property, and a stunning waterfall feature sets the welcome tone as you arrive in the stamped concrete driveway. Well-considered landscape lighting makes it just as incredible after dusk. When you aren’t entertaining, retreat inside to the gourmet kitchen, relax in the great room by the fireplace, or enjoy a pint at the Irish pub–style bar.

Dream Homes: 4 Properties With Incredible Gardens

By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 4411 Escarpment Side Road, Caledon, ON

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 4411 Escarpment Side Road, Caledon, ON

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 4411 Escarpment Side Road, Caledon, ON

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 4411 Escarpment Side Road, Caledon, ON

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 4411 Escarpment Side Road, Caledon, ON

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

Stoneridge Hall, Caledon, ON

Feel like you’re living in a Jane Austen novel at Stoneridge Hall, a country Georgian residence on 86 acres of land in Caledon, Ontario. J.F. Brennan designed the home in the Doric Order, and his attention to detail is visible everywhere—from the elegant formal gardens and enormous swimming pool to the ornate Great Hall and spacious, light-filled bedrooms.

Dream Homes: 5 Properties With Incredible Gardens

By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 9344 Ardmore Drive, North Saanich, BC

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 9344 Ardmore Drive, North Saanich, BC

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 9344 Ardmore Drive, North Saanich, BC

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 9344 Ardmore Drive, North Saanich, BC

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 9344 Ardmore Drive, North Saanich, BC

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

Oceanfront Dream Home, Saanich, BC

Entertain in style at oceanfront Ardmore Hall. The Hampton-style main residence faces due west over the vast Pacific, and the party-ready features include a guest house, pool, games room, wine cellar, theatre room, and parking for 12. The two-acre grounds feature several ponds, fountains, waterfalls, sculptures, and an imported marble gazebo.

Whether you’re in search of serious seclusion or looking for a magnificent space for entertaining, these outdoor properties offer much in the way of naturally-walled privacy and room to accommodate your guests in a tasteful and serene setting.

Get inspired to spend more time outdoors with these garden-party ready homes from Sotheby’s International Realty Canada.