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Any question that starts off with “Would you rather…” is going to lead to something interesting, especially when two covetable home design features are pitted against each other. A survey released by Cinch Home Services that polled more than 1,000 prospective home buyers uncovered that there is one thing that can trump a house with a swimming pool—and that’s a home with good views.

Over half of respondents (56 percent to be exact) said they would rather own a property with stunning vistas than have a swimming pool in their backyard. Given the latest surge in pool construction (a movement undoubtedly sparked by the pandemic), the findings are a little surprising. However, what’s less shocking is that having a covetable lookout can increase your property’s value. According to a study recently conducted by American Home Shield, a waterfront view can help your home’s value to soar by 78 percent, while lookouts onto mountains and valleys have an average premium of 44 percent.

One pro of opting for a house with sweeping vistas, be it of lush treetops or desert mountains, is that no matter where you live, you can enjoy them year-round. Here are a few ways you can take advantage of said views, no matter what you’re looking at.

Zen Out on a Bench

hot pink window nook closet
Photography by Shade Degges; Design by Chroma

A naturally lit perch is a good place to ponder life or just stare out into space. Either way, make your sun-drenched ledge the best it can be with a punchy paint choice and functional storage (for shoes, books, or toys). 

Round It Out

round window in laundry room
Courtesy of Three Birds Renovations

Rain pouring, snow falling, birds flying—all these things just look better when you’re observing them through a large curved picture window. The framework has a telescopic quality to it; even from far away, what’s on the other side feels zoomed in. 

Apply a Light Filter

sun room
Photography by Tim Lenz; Design by Hendricks Churchill

It’s hard not to feel guilty about compromising a good view with heavy drapery. That’s where bamboo blinds come in. They offer a sense of privacy when rolled all the way down, but the slats still allow you to see what’s happening outside. No wonder the affordable solution is a designer favorite. 

This story was originally published in September 2021. It has since been updated.