A home office is non-negotiable for the busy professional. With designs that are both efficient and elegant, these quiet, welcoming spaces help keep work from encroaching on life and may inspire increased productivity and new ideas.

Handsome Early-20th-Century Estate

Dating to 1914, this stately Tudor-Craftsman home is a timeless retreat accompanied by a delightful garden pergola and a tranquil fountain. Classic details such as mahogany and oak trim and stained-glass windows can be found throughout, and baths have been updated while retaining their vintage charm. A thoughtful renovation added a new kitchen with Viking appliances and a third-level media room. The wood-paneled office features a discreet folding desk, built-in shelves, hardwood floors, French doors, and an ornate plaster ceiling.

Modern Wine Country Compound

Minutes from the town of Sonoma and less than an hour from San Francisco, this state-of-the-art wine country residence is sited on one gated acre and features eco-friendly design, smart-home technology, luxurious modern amenities, and spaces ideally designed for indoor-outdoor living and entertaining. In addition to three bedrooms, it includes a family room and a home office with hardwood floors, built-in bookshelves and cabinets, and windows on three sides offering a sweeping view.

Timeless Elegance

Steps from Central Park, this stately brownstone was built in 1891 and impeccably renovated by fashion designer Perry Ellis and artist Ward Bennett. Updates to the 7,200-square-foot interiors include a spectacular chef’s kitchen, a study or game room, and a climate-controlled wine cellar. Classic details were revered and retained, such as original mahogany, cherry, and oak woodwork; stained-glass accents; French windows; Art Deco baths; charming Juliet balconies; and ornate fireplaces, one of which warms a light-filled office or library with abundant built-in shelving.

Santa Fe’s Casa de Milagro

Consisting of five separately deeded lots, this gated 25-acre estate perched high above the village of Tesuque encompasses a home, a guesthouse, and equestrian facilities—all with breathtaking views. The main residence combines a rustic elegance with Old World charm and features 12-foot beamed ceilings, skylights, west-facing portales, terraces overlooking wildflowers and a rose garden, open-plan living and dining areas, a spacious kitchen, two bedroom suites, a wine cellar, and an office with a warming kiva fireplace and built-in bookcases.

Stunning California Spanish Colonial Style

On approximately two acres in the foothills of Montecito’s desirable Golden Quadrangle, this Spanish Colonial–style estate features four bedrooms, impressive custom cabinetry and stonework, Saltillo and Moroccan tiles, antique wood beams, and other eye-catching details. Windows and French doors throughout offer views of a heated swimming pool surrounded by lush lawn, mature trees, the ocean, and mountains. Several rooms—including a handsome office with a coffered ceiling, built-ins, richly hued woodwork, and arched French doors—open to a variety of terraces.

Magnificent Modernized Townhouse

Dating to 1860, this timeless townhouse was completely reconstructed in 2016 and outfitted with smart home technology. Behind its landmarked façade are thoroughly re-imagined spaces: five bedrooms, including a full-floor master suite; an eat-in kitchen; two living rooms; a media room with a wet bar, a gas fireplace, and access to two terraces; a screening room; a gym; a climate-controlled 900-bottle wine cellar; and a quiet, secluded home office with streamlined built-ins and soothing natural light.

Originally published in September 28, 2019 by sothebysrealty