Homes like these make the perfect summer getaway. Here are some features to appreciate in these appealing summer cottages located across the East and West coast.

A Cottage for Sun, Sand, and a Drink in Your Hand

One of the ways great cottages make up for their smaller size is by proximity to beautiful places--like this chic cottage in Carpinteria, California.

With stunning views of the Pacific coast out of every window, it's the perfect hideaway house for lounging on the deck after shaking the sand out of your toes.

Cottages often have traditional builder's touches like the handsome exposed beam ceiling in this cottage's great room.

The whitewashed walls and neutral floors allow the natural blue of the water outside to give this room a real splash of color.

It's almost like being tucked inside a pristine polished seashell, feet from the crashing waves.

This cottage is offered by Haute Real Estate Expert, Emily Kellenberger.

A Victorian Cottage in a Former Whaling Town

A cottage can often contain remembrances of times past. Sag Harbor on New York's Long Island used to be a big whaling town a century ago. Now it's an elite enclave providing several great styles of elegant properties.

This adorable townhouse cottage from Deborah SRB is in the center of the village and may have been inspired by the sea captain's homes of old. However, the amenities present here feel more like being at a seaside resort.

One block from the main street, two from a deep-water port. This place allows nautical dreams to be imagined while not sacrificing an inch of luxury. There are smooth wood floors throughout. A fireplace in the living room and ample bedrooms upstairs each with great window views.

The vertical height may not be ideal for those who are tired of stairs but rocking on that sunny front porch while breathing in the salty sea air might just change a few minds.

A Waterfront Cottage in Hemingway's Old Hangout

When Earnest Hemingway wanted to dock his boat Pilar, unwind and do some angling, he put his anchor down in Bimini Bay in the Bahamas. Papa Hemingway lived and traveled all over the world, so what was it about Bimini that made this island one of his favorite retreats?

Well, if his books The Old Man and The Sea and Islands in the Stream can be counted as clues, it might have had something to do with this area being one of the premier sport fishing spots in the world.

This clean cottage on the Bimini coast provides the perfect place to rest up before going after the next big catch.

Casa Blanco is a 4 bedroom, 4 bath cottage located within the Bimini Bay Resorts World Community. Gamble with the swordfish over open waters, or take the short walk to Hilton Casino to cast some bets.

The best thing about this cottage is the ability to dock a boat right in the back and shuffle right in. Contact Guido Rolle for long-term summer rental info.

A Carmel Cottage That is Better Than a Fairy Tale

Many cottages contain elements of the craftsman style, such as A-line roofs and charming exposed soffits.

Carmel California, near Big Sur, boasts quite a collection of fairy tale-inspired cottages.

These magical-looking nooks by the sea can transport people to a world of fantasy-without ever leaving the landscaped yard.

This cottage is framed with hand-cut stonework and bordered by artful twisting oak trees. It's just a happy place--evoking the same vibe Jack Kerouac must have been feeling in California when he said, "the fog's over and the stars and the moon come out at night it'll be a beautiful sight.”

Which sums up the cottage lifestyle. These compact dwellings are all about enjoying the moment and basking in the simple life.

The post Your Guide to Stunning Summer Cottage Style appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Blake continues to act in films while being a health and style icon for legions of fans. The mother of two consistently looks fabulous whether in $2 million worth of jewels at the Met Gala or strolling home in her sneakers from a Westchester gym.

When they do manage to escape the seemingly endless press junkets and paparazzi shutterfests, Ryan and Blake recoup and re-center their family on 1.8 acres of a bucolic garden estate in Pound Ridge, NY.

When Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively enjoy the country life, they're not cleaning chicken coops and milking dairy cows. Picture Martha Stewart cottage living. Seriously, Martha is actually the couple's neighbor and a homemaker mentor to Blake.

The glamorous couple purchased the 4,753-square-foot home that sits an hour's drive from Midtown Manhattan in 2012 for $2.35 million. Maybe it had something to do with the two pink dogwoods perfectly framing the home's sunny yellow sloping peak that sealed the deal.

There's plenty of luxury details built into this country house. Two private dressing rooms off the master, french doors leading out to a covered porch, a custom stone terrace overlooking the water, and a two-bedroom guest suite, are just some of the unique features that give this place its character.

The lush grounds provide amazing views of the Cross River Reservoir during the day, while Ryan and Blake can cozy up to one of the three fireplaces spread out over gleaming hardwoods on those chilly upstate nights.

Blake Lively is unashamedly domestic–her Instagram will attest to the fact that she uses every inch of her country kitchen to whip up tasty home-style family feasts.

Ryan is much more toned-down in real life than the Deadpool character he plays. After months of acting the part of a sarcastic superhero, he probably welcomes the breathing space his spacious house and sprawling yard provide. That is until neighbor Ralph Lauren pops by to borrow some curry-ketchup.

Locals describe Ryan and Blake as being "really nice" as they shop together in town for homemade goods or appear at chef Jean‑Georges' The Inn at Pound Ridge for some farm-to-table cuisine.

Three years ago, when Blake still maintained a website called Preserve, dedicated to all things handmade and local in Bedford, she explained to Vogue her reason for wanting to move to a more rural area. "People want things with meaning. I know that because I want that."

Meaningful is a great word to describe the stylish yet substantial life that Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have curated for themselves.

Photos from realtor.com

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