Nobel prize Literature Laureate Paul Thomas Mann had the right idea about a change in scenery when he said: “We know full well that the insertion of new habits or the changing of old ones is the only way to preserve life, to renew our sense of time, to rejuvenate, intensify, and retard our experience of time — and thereby renew our sense of life itself. That is the reason for every change of scenery and air.”

If changing up the old routine is on your horizon, then this issue offers just the right form of adult escapism — the dream of a second home. Whether this is of practical imminence or merely fantasy, the simple aspiration itself can be a telling exercise in how you want your life to change, what you wish to keep versus shed, and whether to slow down or be more active. Imagine a place your very own that’s just a short drive (or flight) away, where upon arrival your mood elevates, and the world seems not so bad.

Whether it be a beach cottage, a modernist’s haven in the San Juan Islands, or a charming farmhouse in the countryside, it’s a sanctuary and a place to recharge without the stress of planning trips every time you want to get out of town. It’s not just a luxury. It’s really an investment in your well-being and happiness.

In these pages, we present some of the top architects and builders in that business. All are from the Pacific Northwest and all enjoy national renown. Their bold visions and cutting-edge approaches manifest in the jaw-dropping architecture gracing our pages. You’ll read about master architect Eric Cobb discussing light and space as key drivers of “structural expression” in the Pacific Northwest, resulting in some highly innovative designs that have arguably upped the bar for Seattle’s custom home builds over the last 30 years. The partners at architecture firm mwworks, who specialize in challenging build sites in the San Juans and Hood Canal, also share gorgeous design ideas that balance simplicity, lack of preciousness, and massive weather robustness.

But you’ll also hear from the owners themselves. From Chelan to Bainbridge, what is the reality of second-home ownership truly like? What are the joys but also the downsides? And would they do it over again?

Beyond the personal benefits, a second home can be an investment in your retirement. With a robust annual average appreciation of 4% to 5% per year in our idyllic region, second homes can be enjoyed now and have a strong upside in the years to come. If you’re open to it, you can generate rental income when you’re not using the space, helping to offset costs. It’s a win-win.

So, let’s get out of town for a bit, yeah?