The Shrinking
Second Home

Ever Stylish Sunburst Mirror

With bleak winter days settling in, one means of brightening the corners of a home's rooms, entryways and stairwells—while adding distinction and a sense of playfulness—is with a sunburst mirror.

• Photos: The Sunburst Mirror

A Traditional Thai Villa on a Phuket Beach

A seaside shack in a quiet Phuket bay is transformed into a luxurious five-bedroom Thai villa.

My Not-So-Exotic Garden

After 10 seasons spent "futzing" with his garden, columnist Bart Ziegler feels a growing insecurity.

Photos: Tour the Garden

A Peaceful Island Retreat

Photos: An eco-friendly hideaway in Thailand's Phang Nga Bay.

Politically Incorrect Gardening

Purists insist the best way to take care of the Earth is to grow only the native plants that nature has provided in your region. Our columnist is unconvinced.

• Vote: Should gardeners grow only native plants?

A Colonial Bungalow in Goa

When Tarun Tahiliani, one of India's top fashion designers, met Veena Advani, a designer living in New York, in Goa 10 years ago, the two became good friends. Three years ago, they bought a century-old house there together, because they wanted to share a vacation home that reflected their sense of style

Fun and Games

Homes sporting game rooms with pool tables and other amusements in New Mexico, Nevada, Florida.

• Photos: Game Rooms

Gourmets Down the Road

Homes near some fine-dining spots in California, Texas and New York.

• Photos: Fit for Foodies

Club Life

This week's column looks at homes in Las Vegas, Scottsdale, Ariz., and Boca Raton, Fla., that overlook golf courses.

• Photos: On the Green

10 Summer Home Mistakes

Prices for high-end houses are the lowest they've been in some time, making it tempting to get swept away in a less-than-ideal transaction. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Photos: Maine Problem

Sell to Renter or Short Sale?

Underwater on the mortgage to their second home, a California couple debates a short sale, possibly to the home's current renter. June Fletcher offers tips.

10 Gardening Lessons, Learned the Hard Way

In a new column, Bart Ziegler offers some advice to novice gardeners with limited time. First off, those zucchini jokes are true.

Keeping Cool and Green

This Relative Values column looks at homes in California, New Mexico and Thailand with an ecological focus.

• Photos: Warm Climate, Green House

Where the CEOs Roam

Sports executive Dave Checketts, former Citigroup chief financial officer Gary Crtittenden and Armstrong Relocation head Tom Watson are among the owners in this massive luxury gated community in rural Utah.

• Photos: CEO Playground

Keeping Warm and Green

Ecologically focused homes for cold temperatures in Colorado, New york, and Massachusetts.

• Photos: Green Living

Paging Rapunzel

A look at homes in Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts that come with a turret or two.

• Photos: Castle-Like Homes

Baby, It's Iconic Outside

Homes looking out on famous landmarks in New york, Seattle, and Virginia.

• Photos: Iconic Views for $2.5 Million