Discover the astounding secret courtyards, gardens and beauty spots nestled at the heart of some of the world's most beautiful homes. On the market now, these luxurious dwellings offer the ultimate in outdoor living for a truly out-of-sight hideaway.

Sitting in the middle of National Forest land, this ranch in West Lake Creek, Colorado, is surrounded by dramatic scenery — a far cry from just a cabin in the woods. 

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Designed by renowned architect Annabelle Selldorf, the seven-bed property is a modern work of art that blends nature with everyday living. The characterfully overgrown courtyard is surrounded by locally sourced beetle-kill pine and a decking area that's perfect for some private sunbathing.

The courtyard is visible from every room in the house and vast floor-to-ceiling windows flood the stylish interior with natural light. This ranch-style home sits on a single level, apart from the three-bedroom tower that sits on the east end of the 70-acre estate.

The scenic pond, which is accessed by a floating dock that sits off the back porch, offers a number of activities including fishing and ice skating in the winter. It also has a dock-gazebo in the centre for warmer weather.

Perfectly located within the stunning gated community of Allison Island in Florida, this contemporary home has a grand entrance with a bespoke mahogany door no less. We wouldn't expect much less for £14 million ($18.5m).

The bright and spacious living area opens up onto a private courtyard, which is framed by two 20-foot living walls that add a calming natural backdrop.

Situated between the courtyard and the striking waterfront views is an airy indoor lounge space that can be completely opened up to the outside. With stone floors and white walls, it also has a unique lacquered fireplace for chillier climates. 

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The amazing view outside comes complete with an infinity pool. And, if that was enough, the property also has an elevator, cinema and a three-car garage at the owner's disposal.

Located in Arizona, this imposing estate is made from the world's finest materials. Designed in a 17th-century colonial style, the house still has every modern convenience you could imagine. The custom-made Honduran mahogany door is just one of the dwelling's impressive stand-out features.

Built over a period of two years, the house features two stunning courtyards. This one includes a vast saltwater swimming pool and a hot tub that's been decorated with mosaic tiles. The second terrace space hosts an array of impressive fountains and gardens.

The two courtyards include a 6,800 square-foot patio that's finished with cooling tiles and decking. With some outdoor areas covered for all-weather use, there's even a quirky outside kitchen and numerous fireplaces too.

All the interior walls and ceilings are made from either Venetian plaster, marble or granite. The property doesn't scrimp on luxury features and boasts 13 fireplaces with Canterra Stone fronts, as well as a basement with a 70-foot long shooting range.

This silver chestnut-clad house in Kensal Rise, London, was inspired by Turner's sketch, 'Interior of an Italian Church'. However, the exterior looks completely different to the inside, which is made entirely from concrete. 

The small, but light-filled courtyard is accessed via glazed arched doors. The pebbled outside space is decorated with a Japanese Acer tree and an outdoor shower.

The home was designed as a calming refuge from the outside world. With a simple palette of concrete, natural wood and stone, the dwelling marries together natural and artificial lighting for an exquisite space that's crafted for modern life.

The living area, located next to the courtyard, benefits from plenty of light from the arches and uses a warm colour palette of browns and woods for its paired-back soft furnishings.

This elegant 18th-century property revolves around a grand central garden which offers total privacy. Recently restored, it has a wealth of original features, including a beautiful ancient courtyard.

With a Bacchus wall fountain and a private terrace overlooking a jasmine tree, the romantic courtyard is reminiscent of a backdrop from Romeo and Juliet.

With over 7,000 square metres of space, the dwelling boasts seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Luxury living spaces include a sitting room, kitchen, library and drinks room.

The bathroom features contemporary flourishes, with bespoke decorative hardware and fittings imported from London and Paris. You can expect a comfortable dwelling no matter the season as the property includes both underfloor heating and air conditioning.

This mid-century modern style home in Florida is the ultimate in luxury living. On the market for £4.4 million ($5.7m), the gated entrance with a high wall provides complete privacy from the outside world.

Centred around a circular courtyard and tranquil outdoor pool, the sophisticated and elegant dwelling boasts an impressive six bedrooms and six bathrooms.

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Full-length windows flood the interior with light and give each room an incredible view of the idyllic courtyard. For those that get tired of the pool, there's private beach access from the home as well.

This impressive property also comes with a generous chef's kitchen and hardwood floors throughout, as well as a butler's pantry and a sizeable double garage.

Situated a short distance from Brixton Village, London, this three-bedroom conversion features a private courtyard garden. Once a Salvation Army church, it's been restored and refurbished by the current owners.

The 2,800 square-foot house has a cute and cosy courtyard garden with climbing plants up the walls and enough space for a table and chairs. It's the perfect green oasis to relax and unwind in.

The open-plan living room with double-height vaulted ceilings has natural light pouring in from the courtyard and roof lights. A spiral staircase leads up to a mezzanine library with wall-to-wall bookshelves — a booklover's dream.

The master bedroom, located above the living room, overlooks the courtyard and benefits from a large dressing room, ensuite bathroom, and a grand double-door entrance

Nestled in a tranquil oasis, you wouldn't think that this villa is just 30 minutes from New York City. With impressive, open-plan living, it's certainly the perfect place to relax and entertain in style.

The 40-foot indoor pool, which was inspired by the iconic Hearst Castle, opens out onto one of the many palatial courtyards. There's even a hot tub at the end for the ultimate in luxury living.

Embrace indoor-outdoor living with the dwelling's numerous courtyards, including this special space which comes complete with a small water fountain.

Inside, the house offers five bedrooms and five bathrooms, as well as a wet bar, library, billiards room and a veranda that overlooks the lush gardens.

This 5,400 square-foot home in Texas is an outdoor paradise, featuring a collection of gorgeous courtyards and outdoor spaces. There's plenty to admire about this villa, including this stunning pool which is surrounded by French terracotta tiles.

Part of the entrance to the house, this courtyard is surrounded by a trellised walkway draped with lush vines, which leads to a double front door entrance.

The second courtyard is shaded by a large tree and dotted with plant pots. It's the perfect place for a keen gardener, and even includes a potting bench.

The interior of this sophisticated villa is adorned with luxe chandeliers and imported antique flooring. Vast glazed doors bathe the living space in light and lead out to the private garden retreats. 

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