Cottage Farms Gardening Made Easy

There's a keen satisfaction that comes from tending to one's own garden or orchard, and with an increased interest in self-sustainability as of late, it's no wonder homeowners are turning to their own garden plots for dining inspiration. From vegetable gardens to orchards and olive groves, there's little else quite like harvesting a bounty from your own property.

The right space and conditions are needed to achieve farm to table dining at home, and these five luxury properties are all set with spectacular garden plots to make it possible.

Historic Country House in Mallorca, Spain

With 300 years of history, this five-bedroom, six-bathroom home with mountain views exudes Spanish charm while offering modern amenities, including air conditioning, central heating, and an electric gate. Located conveniently close to Palma's city center, the interior boasts bright and cheery décor along with beautiful natural wood accents. There's also plenty of space to soak up fresh air in the tiered courtyard, complete with a vegetable garden for creating sumptuous Spanish-inspired feasts.

Wine Country Haven in Kenwood, California

Sonoma County is synonymous with exceptional wine, and oenophiles will appreciate not only the location, but the spaciousness of this eight-bedroom Kenwood compound on over 10 acres. The impressive property fulfils almost every dining desire with its grove of Mission olive trees, a large vegetable garden, orchard, fully-fenced chicken coop, and over five acres of Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Add to this the library, media room, open air terrace with firepit, heated swimming pool with entertainment area, and a Tesla charger, and the only reason to leave home is to explore the rest of the surrounding wine country.

Tudor-Style Heritage Home in Johannesburg, South Africa

This four-bedroom Johannesburg heritage home is truly a feast for the eyes, starting with the exquisite panoramic views offered by its location on the Parktown Ridge. The idyllic setting includes an irrigated garden, perfect for growing vegetables and herbs—best enjoyed while eating on the covered braai area adjacent to the outdoor pool, in the impeccable formal dining room, or when entertaining in the courtyard. With state-of-the-art security, this residence also offers a tennis court, gourmet kitchen, library, and a wine cellar to round out luxurious living.

Cape Cod-Inspired Cottage in Oakland, California

This beautifully-finished three-bedroom house in Oakland offers the opportunity to call a Cape Cod-inspired cottage home, in California of all places. With its vaulted living room ceiling, oak hardwood floors, and light-filled layout, the home encourages a laid-back, inside-outside lifestyle. The backyard takes full advantage of the west coast's longer growing season with a luscious garden—primed for vegetables, fruit trees, and other vegitative opportunities, there's room for avid gardeners to enjoy the Californian climate for all year harvesting.

Greenridge Cottage in Sagaponack, New York

Situated on nearly five acres of rolling greenery, this historic nine-bedroom compound in Sagaponack is for sale for only the second time since its construction in 1899. The home, which consists of the main house, pool house, and a separate guest cottage, has charm to spare, with details including a gambrel-roof, teak gated entrance, ancient trees shading the patio, and grand staircase. The landscaped grounds feature a heated gunite swimming pool, hot tub, and dining gazebo, but it's the garden that makes the property exceptional—with abundant vegetable plots and perennial flowers blooming around the property, avid gardeners will find there's plenty of room to expand and grow.

As sustainability becomes increasingly important to homeowners, it's the small changes that can have a major impact on daily life. An at-home garden, orchard, or even chicken coop, allow for a little more self-sufficiency, convenience, and undeniable freshness added to each meal. These properties prove that sitting down to eat on a gorgeous terrace or in a spacious dining room is made even more special when enjoying the fruits—and vegetables—of one's own land.

Looking for more outdoor inspiration? Appreciate the beauty and functionality of these four charming courtyards.

Originally published on Sothebysrealty.com