Scouted Real Estate Experts Who Can Help You Find Your Dream Beach or Mountain Retreat

42485 Smarts Mill Lane listed by McEnearney Associates. 

As the months of the pandemic stretch on, the allure of owning a second home has never been greater. If quarantine weariness has you envisioning a dream retreat, or you’ve long considered investing in an additional place to lay your head, we’ve gathered 12 of the most desirable beach and mountain markets for a semi-permanent getaway. Here, our editors across the country recommend the realtors in their markets who specialize in delivering dream escapes. 

HUNT COUNTRY, VIRGINIA

REALTOR: Mary Dionisio Roberge of McEnearney Associates, specializing in country cottages, luxury estates, horse farms, and weekend retreats
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Mary is dynamic, fun to work with, and knows Hunt Country like only a local could,” shares Nelina Loiselle, editor of The Scout Guide Hunt Country. “She’s lived here for over 19 years and has been named Best Agent for 2020 by Modern Luxury DC, Northern Virginia Magazine, and Washingtonian‘s “best agents.” 
WHY BUY A SECOND HOME IN HUNT COUNTRY: “Hunt Country, Leesburg, and Loudoun County are by far one of the most ideal locations for a second home. There is no better place to experience nature, wildlife, and a vacation-style setting,” Roberge says. “While homes are surrounded by outdoor wineries, numerous parks, horse country, historic towns, shops, restaurants, and retail, Washington, D.C. is about 45 minutes away and Leesburg is near major commuting routes.”
SCOUTED PROPERTIES: 42485 Smarts Mill Lane, 24450 Old Carolina Road, 17160 Spring Creek Lane

NAPLES, FLORIDA

REALTOR: Alexander Daane of Daane Properties, specializing in Naples most exclusive and desirable neighborhoods — beachfront, golf communities, and downtown
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Alex is a Naples native, so he knows the area and local market well,” says Jennifer Adams, editor of The Scout Guide Naples. “He’s extremely knowledgeable about all things related to the home and home buying, from explaining the ins and outs of the inspection process to recommending a great local interior designer. His attention to detail, level of professionalism, and concierge-style service are among the best of the best.”
WHY BUY A SECOND HOME IN NAPLES: “Naples has been named America’s happiest, healthiest place for four years in a row — longer than any other destination — thanks to our beautiful beaches, delicious dining, near-perfect weather, and friendly locals,” Adams says. “In fact, many who choose Naples as a second home quickly make it their first.”
SCOUTED PROPERTIES: 4049 Skyway Drive, 5645 Spanish Oaks Lane 

HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA

REALTOR: Christine Wicks and Nicole Hartenbach with InTown Partners at Keller Williams, specializing in lakefront getaways, mountain retreats, mini-farms, and equestrian estates
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Christine and Nicole truly have their finger on the local pulse of the region. They know the best properties even before they hit the market and can help a buyer connect with just the right property or investment potential,” says Dawn Pumpelly, editor of The Scout Guide Huntsville.
WHY BUY A SECOND HOME IN HUNTSVILLE: “North Alabama is beautiful country, nestled in the Appalachian foothills,” Pumpelly shares. “We have access to nature’s best hills, lakes, rivers, farms, equestrian estates, and acres of rural and developable properties all within easy driving distance of our city center and regional transportation.”
SCOUTED PROPERTIES: 593 Ripple Lane, 1090 Buck Island Drive 

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING

REALTOR: Latham Jenkins of Live Water Properties, specializing in unique residential mountain properties focused on the second home buyer
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Latham is very involved in the community and truly community-minded,” says Jill King, editor of The Scout Guide Jackson Hole. “He’s built a successful, decades-long career around his personal credo of ‘connecting people with experiences’.”
WHY BUY A SECOND HOME IN JACKSON HOLE: “Jackson Hole is the ideal location for a second home with the National Parks nearby (Yellowstone and Grand Teton), world-class skiing, and it’s home to many winter and summer sports,” King shares. “Located in the least populated state in the U.S,  coming in at 550,000 people, it also does not impose an income tax.”
SCOUTED PROPERTY: Cody Creek Sanctuary

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

12 Sloans Curve Drive, listed by Frisbie Palm Beach Group.

REALTOR: Suzanne Frisbie of Frisbie Palm Beach Group, specializing in Palm Beach and West Palm Beach luxury real estate
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “With over 32 years of experience, The Frisbie team is intimately familiar with the geography, architecture, market trends, and property value in Palm Beach,” says Stacey Leuliette, editor of The Scout Guide Palm Beach. “Led by Suzanne Frisbie, the team has an intense focus on residential sales, acquisition, and development throughout most of coastal Palm Beach County. Known amongst clients and colleagues for her strong quantitative and personable communication skills, Suzanne’s impressive annual sales records speak for themselves.”
WHY BUY A SECOND HOME IN PALM BEACH: “This beautiful palm tree-lined paradise has long been a playground for those lucky enough to call Palm Beach home or snowbirds looking to escape the winter months up north. Some come for the beaches, others come for the social scene, whatever it is — the secrets out,” exclaims Leuliette. “South Florida is one of the most desired places to live in the country and it’s not just for tax reasons. In recent years, our community has enjoyed an influx of  ‘year-round’ residents with young professionals and families moving here in unprecedented numbers. The ability to work remotely has now allowed people to actually live where they want to live and major companies are moving here at a record pace, creating a domino effect that has led to a whole movement to south Florida.”
SCOUTED PROPERTIES: 3 Via Flagler, 12 Sloans Curve Drive, 270 El Dorado Lane

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

REALTOR: Amanda Holland, broker-in-charge, of Carolina Mountain Sales, specializing in luxury estates, land, equestrian properties, and community developments
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Carolina Mountain Sales is an award-winning, full-service real estate company that focuses on serving buyers of distinctive properties,” says Meagan Harris, editor of The Scout Guide Asheville. “The team is passionate about delivering exceptional service and building lasting relationships with its clients. The relationships they build are so much more than a real estate transaction.”
WHY BUY A SECOND HOME IN ASHEVILLE: “Well known for its mountains, arts and culture, and food and breweries scene (distilleries and wineries are making their mark, too), Asheville is also popular for its outdoor pursuits — hiking, biking, rafting, or just simply soaking up the serenity of life in the Land of Sky,” Harris says. “Second home buyers of all ages are snapping up properties throughout the area.”
SCOUTED PROPERTIES: 396 River Club, 54 Gertrude, 232 Sanctuary Way

PHOENIX AND SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA

REALTOR: Monica Monson of The Noble Agency, specializing in private estates, luxury golf residences, and turn-key vacation homes in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and the Greater Phoenix market
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Monica is one of the foremost leaders in the area’s luxury home market, with over 18 years experience,” says Sasha Clements, the editor of The Scout Guide Phoenix and Scottsdale. “Her extensive market knowledge guides clients to the home best suited for their specific needs. And of course, she provides new residents with a warm Arizona welcome.”
WHY BUY A SECOND HOME IN PHOENIX AND SCOTTSDALE: “Arizona is an incredible market to invest in because of its desirable livability,” Clements reports. “From desert to pine trees, our region truly offers something for everyone. The greater Phoenix area is world-renowned for its abundant golf courses and some of the best hiking, biking, resort, and spa experiences. And of course, there’s plentiful dining, shopping, and a bustling arts and culture scene.”
SCOUTED PROPERTIES: Paradise Valley Estate, Whisper Rock, Windgate Ranch

FORT WORTH, TEXAS

REALTOR: Allen Crumley of WilliamsTrew Real Estate, specializing in farm and ranch properties
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Allen is a fifth-generation Fort Worthian known for making the impossible possible,” says Leigh Brown, editor of The Scout Guide Fort Worth. “He has hands-on experience having studied farm and ranch management and runs a cattle operation on his own family’s ranch. He brings this passion and knowledge about ranching life to his clients and loves helping them find the perfect property for their needs.”
WHY BUY A SECOND HOME IN FORT WORTH: “Just minutes from Fort Worth are so many beautiful and sprawling properties available for ranching, hunting, fishing, and equestrian life,” Brown reports. “But you’re still close enough to both Forth Worth and Dallas to get a dose of urban living when you want it.”
SCOUTED PROPERTIES: Schoolhouse Mountain Ranch, 10700 W. Rocky Creek Road, Blanco Mesa Ranch

PARK CITY, UTAH

Legacy Ranch, listed by Engle and Volkers. 

REALTOR: Paul Benson with Engel and Volkers, specializing on-mountain ski homes, private golf community properties, mountain ranches, and homesites
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Paul Benson represents the most diverse and desirable lifestyles in Utah, connecting extraordinary people with extraordinary lifestyle properties,” says Suzanne Dildy, editor of The Scout Guide Park City. 
WHY BUY A SECOND HOME IN PARK CITY: “With a breathtakingly beautiful mountain landscape, world-class winter and summer sports and activities,  and the fantastic cultural events which take place throughout the year, Park City is the ultimate location for a second home,” Dildy shares.
SCOUTED PROPERTIES: Legacy Ranch, Normans Way, Villa del Alce 

TUCSON, ARIZONA

REALTOR: Marta Harvey of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, specializing in lock-and-leave condos,  multi-acre estate homes, the luxury Catalina Foothills market, catering to golfers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Marta Harvey is a local Tucsonan and a total package. She’s infinitely knowledgeable, highly professional, and hard-working,” says MaryAnn Wittmann, editor of The Scout Guide Tuscon and Southern Arizona. “Even in a competitive real estate market and global pandemic, Marta’s five-star reviews make her highly recommended by both buyers and sellers.”
WHY BUY A SECOND HOME IN SOUTHERN ARIZONA: “The weather here is sunny year-round, there’s an agreeable casual desert lifestyle, an abundance of notable dining locations, and destination hiking, cycling, and golf,” Harvvey shares. “What more could you want?”
SCOUTED PROPERTIES: 7510 North Catalina Ridge Drive, 630 West Calle Concordia, 216 East Mable Street

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA

REALTOR: Murdoch Matheson of Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty specializing in listing and selling estate homes, equestrian and working farms, land, and distinctive country properties throughout Virginia, with a focus on Charlottesville and Albemarle County
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Murdoch’s experience and market knowledge, combined with effective communication, relationships, and information make all the difference when trying to find the best property or reach the appropriate buyer,” says Christy Ford, co-editor of The Scout Guide Charlottesville. “The right broker makes all the difference in a market with limited inventory.”
WHY BUY A SECOND HOME IN CHARLOTTESVILLE: “Virginia offers so much in the way of scenic beauty, open space, privacy, autonomy, history, and tradition all coupled with dynamic arts and culture, education, and a sense of belonging,” Matheson shares. “It’s the backbone of the founding of our young nation and enjoys a sense of place unlike most in the world.  To live it and to feel that is a gift from generations before us.”
SCOUTED PROPERTIES: Keswick Estates

SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI

REALTOR: Ted Wight, global real estate advisor at Dielmann Sotheby’s International Realty, specializing in contemporary, mid-century, luxury, and country properties
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Ted is one of the top realtors in Saint Louis,” says Stacey Goltermann, editor of The Scout Guide Saint Louis. “He’s well-connected in the community and frequently brings off-market opportunities to his clients.”
WHY BUY A SECOND HOME IN ST. LOUIS: “Within 30-75 minutes outside of Saint Louis, someone can have a beautiful country place set in the rolling hills of Missouri,” Goltermann explains. “Property prices are reasonable, so having a home set on a nice parcel of acreage is attainable for a variety of budgets. The area has a large collection of historic houses from log homes to gracious brick residences with deep porches.”
SCOUTED PROPERTIES: Melody Lane, Charrette, Ossenfort