The traditional second home was often imagined as a seasonal indulgence. It was the one with a beach cottage, mountain cabin, or lakefront house reserved for holidays and long weekends. But with time, the second home market has become more intentional. Buyers want a combination of emotional and practical value, ranging from remote work flexibility to rental potential and long-term lifestyle. 

For women, it is having a space designed around personal priorities like the time outdoors, room for friends and family, easier entertaining, creative pursuits, or the freedom to step away from a demanding routine. Even the definition of ‘luxury’ has evolved. 

A luxurious second home is not limited to being an enormous house; it may also have direct water access, a walkable downtown, a low-maintenance floor plan, a peaceful setting, or a dedicated office with reliable connectivity. 

Reasons behind the escape

Several forces are encouraging buyers to reconsider where and how they spend their free time. Firstly, flexibility has become a major part of residential decision-making. Hybrid and remote work have made it possible for some owners to extend weekend trips, spend the entire season away, or work from a scenic location without taking extended leave. 

Secondly, second homes are increasingly viewed as lifestyle infrastructure now, with lake property becoming a family gathering place, mountain homes supporting hiking and skiing, and small-town cottages offering cultural activities.    

Since financial considerations matter too, some buyers are interested in renting their properties when they are not using them. A 2025 vacation-home survey found that 42% of surveyed high-net-worth respondents considered investment income a major justification for purchasing a vacation property, up from 33% in 2023. 

Of course, second-home ownership still requires careful planning. Mortgage costs, insurance, maintenance, local regulations, and rental restrictions can all affect the true value of a property.

5 categories of second-homes   

1. The waterfront estates 

Waterfront property remains one of the most compelling options as a second home. It puts water as the centerpiece of daily life, transforming ordinary routines into something more restorative. It also gives a strong sense of place. Unlike a generic vacation rental, a lake house can become associated with family traditions and recurring rituals. 

In southeastern Wisconsin, Delavan Lake illustrates the range of possibilities within this category. The approximately 1,900 acre recreational lake supports boating, fishing, sailing, and other water activities, while nearby communities provide restaurants, parks, golf, and everyday conveniences. Locals highly recommend checking Delavan Lake real estate listings for detailed research.

1. The outdoor adventure base 

Some second-home buyers want a property as a base camp for hiking, cycling, skiing, kayaking, climbing or exploring nearby public lands. Such homes are often found near mountain towns, forests, lakes, trail systems, or protected landscapes. You might not have a sprawling estate, but the location is the real luxury here: being able to step outside and get to work without a long commute. 

Buyers in this category love durable materials, gear storage, mud rooms, outdoor showers and oversized garages and flexible sleeping arrangements. The most successful outdoor escapes are a combination of recreation and recovery, like a spa-like bathroom, covered porch or a comfy kitchen.

2. The walkable weekend town

Buyers who value culture, dining, shopping, and social connection, crave for a second home in a walkable small town. These properties are often close to cafes, independent shops, galleries, farmer markets, restaurants, parks, and community events. This category is particularly attractive to buyers who want a second home that remains enjoyable outside the traditional vacation season. 

A walkable town can offer changing experiences throughout the year, helping the property feel like a real community rather than an occasionally occupied asset. The most desirable homes may be historic cottages, renovated townhouses, compact condominiums, or newer properties near a lively commercial district. 

3. The family gathering place 

For some owners, a second home’s main purpose is togetherness. Family gatherings are for birthdays, holidays, reunions, milestone celebrations and spontaneous visits from relatives and friends. They like generous common spaces to formal rooms. 

The key is flexibility. Today a guest bedroom could be a playroom, media room, or quiet work area tomorrow. Location is important, too: A family retreat is more likely to be used regularly if it’s within a reasonable drive from the primary residence.

1. The low-maintenance retreat 

A second home can lose its appeal if every visit begins with repairs, yardwork, cleaning, and complicated preparation. That is why low-maintenance retreats are becoming increasingly attractive. These properties are designed to make arrival easy. Buyers may look for newer construction, smaller footprints, durable flooring, efficient mechanical systems, minimal landscaping, lock-and-leave security, and homeowners’ associations that handle exterior maintenance. 

Condos, townhomes, and thoughtfully designed cottages can all fit this category. The goal is to reduce the amount of time spent managing the property. For some owners, low maintenance also means choosing a home with professional property management or a reliable local caretaker. This can be especially valuable when the second home is several hours away or is occasionally rented to guests. 

What these markets have in common 

Second homes share multiple important characteristics. The first is location. It should offer something that the primary residence usually does not, like proximity to a water body, trails, walkability, community, or scenery. Secondly, buyers want spaces that can accommodate guests, work, hobbies, and changing family needs. 

Also, easy maintenance, dependable infrastructure, nearby services, professional management can be just as valuable premiums finishes. Finally, buyers are considering how the home will perform over time to match with their rental goal. 

The bottom line

Women buying second homes today are not necessarily searching for one particular architectural style or destination. Instead, they are looking for one particular architectural style or destination that enhances the richer version of life. It is often accompanied with more time outdoors, meaningful family connections, greater flexibility, and space to recharge. 

Whether it is Delavan Lake, an adventure cabin near the mountains, a cottage within walking distance of downtown, or a low-maintenance home equipped for remote work, the modern second home is becoming a deeply personal investment in freedom, comfort, and time well spent. 

Unslapsh photo by Andrea Maiolo

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