Second Homes with Purpose: Designing a Place to Return To

Whether it’s a stone cottage in the Scottish Highlands or a breezy coastal villa in southern Italy, second homes are more than just getaways. They’re spaces to reconnect, recharge, and reflect. In recent years, we’ve seen a growing interest in designing second homes that feel deeply personal and rooted in place. Some are used for short seasonal stays. Others evolve into long-term retreats, creative spaces, or even future homes. But behind the beauty, second homes also require a careful balance of vision and practicality, especially when designing in unfamiliar contexts.

Why Second Homes Are on the Rise

According to Savills, second home ownership across Europe has grown by 18% in the last three years. The reasons are clear:

•  Rental yields in high-demand areas can reach 8 to 12% annually

•  Many buyers want a space to step away from daily life, somewhere they can return to regularly

•  Properties in scenic areas like the Greek islands, southern Italy, coastal Croatia, and rural Bulgaria offer long-term investment potential, often at a lower entry price than UK equivalents

  
  

Even in the UK, locations like Dorset, Cornwall, and the Highlands are seeing steady growth as people seek spaces closer to nature and further from routine.

Designing a Home That Works Now and Later

When approaching second homes, we focus on creating spaces that are:

•  Durable and low-maintenance, especially if not occupied year-round

•  Adaptable, with layouts that work for couples, families, or occasional guests

•  Connected to landscape, making the most of views, shade, and natural light

•  Responsive to climate, especially in hotter or more remote regions

  
  

Whether it’s a new-build or a sensitive restoration, good design helps ensure the home continues to feel useful and inviting through seasons, life stages, and changing routines.

Local Realities: What to Consider Before You Build

Designing in another country or region brings added layers to the process. Before committing, it’s important to understand:

•  Local planning laws (coastal and heritage areas often have strict controls)

•  Ownership rights and any restrictions for foreign buyers

•  Tourism regulations if rental income is part of your plan

•  Construction methods, availability of materials, and reliable contractors

•  Language and legal systems, which can affect communication and contracts
  

We always recommend working with a well-established local architect or technician alongside your design team to help navigate permissions, building codes, and cultural context.

Final Thoughts: A Space to Grow Into

A second home isn’t just a destination. It’s a rhythm. A pause. A return. The most successful ones are those designed with both intention and flexibility. Somewhere that holds up to time and travel, but still feels entirely yours.

If you’re starting to think about creating a retreat of your own, whether in the hills, by the sea, or tucked away in a quieter part of the world, thoughtful design will make all the difference.

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