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Across the Midwest’s small-town landscapes, this trio of Desirable Homes celebrates enduring craftsmanship and the lives they can hold. In Allison, Iowa, a one-owner log-cabin–style retreat offers rustic character that has been thoughtfully maintained and recently refreshed. Garrison, North Dakota contributes a beautifully renovated 1917 residence that currently operates as a full-house bed and breakfast, balancing elegance with flexibility. In Clarinda, Iowa, an 1896 Queen Anne showcases 4,737 square feet, seven bedrooms, and remarkable woodwork befitting its lumberman origins.

Everyday comfort designed with entertaining in mind. Nearly 3,000 square feet in Meridian meets a quiet-neighborhood setting near schools, shopping, dining, and quick I-84 access, along with an upgraded backyard featuring stamped concrete, a pergola, and mature landscaping. In Boise, a 2022-built Rainier plan pairs an open layout with a gourmet kitchen and butler’s pantry, plus a main-level primary suite and walkable community amenities including a pool and views.

On Florida’s Placida coastline, one gulf-front residence captures the barrier-island ideal with a rare front-row position and uninterrupted views of turquoise water and sugar-sand beach. Elevated for light and cross-breezes, its glass-lined main level frames the Gulf across an open living, dining, and kitchen arrangement. Outdoor living unfolds in layers, from a Gulf-view lanai to shaded gathering space below and a private primary-suite balcony above. With boating infrastructure alongside beachfront serenity, it balances resort ease with coastal practicality.

Land that is either ready for a custom build or already primed for everyday use. In Blair, three parcels along N 28th Avenue quartet wooded privacy or wide-open views with established build sites, soft entrance roads, paved private access, and city water, power, and gas brought to each site. Near Bayard, a 12+ acre tract unfolds around Red Willow Creek, balancing pasture and timber with fencing and corrals for a versatile country lifestyle.

In Overland Park/Stilwell, suburban convenience meets an unexpectedly expansive way of living in a craftsman-style 1.5-story townhome within the Mission 159 maintenance-provided community. This one stands out for its rare five-bedroom footprint paired with two primary suites—one on the main level and another upstairs—supporting flexible, multi-generational routines. Open-concept living flows from kitchen to deck, while a second-floor loft and walk-out lower level create distinct zones for work, relaxation, or guests, all in a highly connected school district.

In Dumont, Iowa, one split-foyer residence shows how small-town living can selection of 1 comfort with smart flexibility. Set across two parcels, the property balances everyday ease—highlighted by a custom-built dream kitchen, vaulted ceilings, and bedroom-level laundry—with room to expand hobbies or plans. A two-stall attached garage on the primary lot is complemented by a separate three-stall garage next door, while durable upgrades like a metal roof, seamless siding, LVP flooring, and a brand-new deck keep upkeep refreshingly simple.

Across Southern California, a quintet of residences illustrates how luxury is increasingly measured in light, air, and the space beyond the walls. From Woodbridge’s rare premium lot to an 8th-fairway corner setting in Camarillo, each home turns siting into everyday pleasure. Simi Valley adds cul-de-sac calm with sweeping valley-to-library views, while the Venice Canals offer a private, creative refuge with lasting upside. In Studio City, a 2023 build pairs modern design with elevated outdoor living near Ventura Boulevard.

California’s outdoor-minded lifestyle takes distinct shapes across this quintet of residences, from Mandalay Bay docks and turning basins built for serious boating to Mandalay Shores rooftops framing ocean-and-mountain horizons. In Oxnard, beach adjacency and gated walkway access anchor days in the sand and evenings in western-exposure sunsets. Farther inland, a Bakersfield estate pairs resort-scale entertaining with a massive RV shop and sunroom. Rounding out the mix, a Los Feliz hillside home spotlights city-light views and a walkable urban rhythm.

Privacy-forward settings shaped around outdoor living and entertaining. From a gated Clancy Lane retreat in Rancho Mirage to a nearly 1.5-acre South Pasadena equestrian sanctuary, each property treats amenities as a lifestyle anchor. On Hollywood Beach in Oxnard, panoramic ocean-to-mountain views quintet with an elevator and nearby boat docks, while a 2022 Bakersfield build delivers a resort-style lazy-river pool on over 2.5 acres. In Hancock Park, a classic English traditional adds whimsy and a guest house.

In a quiet pocket of Kingman, Arizona, one recently remodeled residence captures the ease of a truly turnkey move. A roof just over a year old and a dedicated laundry room underscore practical livability, while two fireplaces add warmth and atmosphere across seasons. The layout favors togetherness without crowding, anchored by a huge family room and plenty of elbow room. Just a hop and a skip from the golf course, it blends everyday comfort with easy access to a favorite pastime.