In its latest article, the online magazine Luxury Defined from Christie’s International Real Estate writes that there are only a few places left that let them completely off the grid, to unplug, to unwind in the great outdoors. The article continues: “Such places are remote, difficult to reach, and can be … uncomfortable. But, it is still possible to get close to that edge of the world, to that splendid silence without roughing it, without camping in tents or subsisting on freeze-dried rations. Behold the lodge.

Luxury Defined presents five of these jewels in its article on the subject:

Magic Hills Conservation Preserve on the Eastern Cape, South Africa

This privately owned, 49,668-acre preserve on South Africa’s Eastern Cape is a refuge for more than 50 species of wildlife. The property offers one of the most profound conservation and wildland-expansion endeavors in Africa: regreening and linking biodiversity sites and corridors to allow the natural movement of wildlife, including the “Big Five”—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo.

This privately owned, 49,668-acre preserve on South Africa’s Eastern Cape is a refuge for more than 50 species of wildlife. The property offers one of the most profound conservation and wildland-expansion endeavors in Africa: regreening and linking biodiversity sites and corridors to allow the natural movement of wildlife, including the “Big Five”—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo.

Glenasmole Lodge in County Dublin, Ireland

Country comfort and luxurious living await in this converted hunting lodge in the Dublin Mountains, a world apart.  Built in 1792, this refined country estate raises its tall chimneys and steeply pitched roofs and gables from 220 rambling acres of rolling countryside just 10 miles from Dublin city center. Originally configured for hunting, riding, and shooting, Glenasmole Lodge underwent a thoughtful, mid-20th century refurbishment. It yielded a graceful reception room, living room, a study, a classically inspired library, five comfortable bedrooms and four full bathrooms.

Country comfort and luxurious living await in this converted hunting lodge in the Dublin Mountains, a world apart.  Built in 1792, this refined country estate raises its tall chimneys and steeply pitched roofs and gables from 220 rambling acres of rolling countryside just 10 miles from Dublin city center. Originally configured for hunting, riding, and shooting, Glenasmole Lodge underwent a thoughtful, mid-20th century refurbishment. It yielded a graceful reception room, living room, a study, a classically inspired library, five comfortable bedrooms and four full bathrooms.

Muskoka Waterfront Resort in Port Sydney, Ontario, Canada

Canada’s beautiful Muskoka Lakes region is the setting for this century-old lodge and four-season resort on the shores of Devine Lake. Muskoka Waterfront Resort is a one-of-a-kind turnkey offering with a luxury lodge, 11 ancillary structures, and 100,000 square feet of buildable space. The wooded grounds are a haven with a natural waterfall, gardens, and 6,095 feet of waterfront, including a boathouse, dock, and sandy beach.  Over the last 15 years, the property has been a successful wedding and events space in Port Sydney, Ontario. A Hallmark movie was also filmed on site.

Canada’s beautiful Muskoka Lakes region is the setting for this century-old lodge and four-season resort on the shores of Devine Lake. Muskoka Waterfront Resort is a one-of-a-kind turnkey offering with a luxury lodge, 11 ancillary structures, and 100,000 square feet of buildable space. The wooded grounds are a haven with a natural waterfall, gardens, and 6,095 feet of waterfront, including a boathouse, dock, and sandy beach.  Over the last 15 years, the property has been a successful wedding and events space in Port Sydney, Ontario. A Hallmark movie was also filmed on site.

Seaside Farm & Lodge in Friendship, Maine, United States

Seaside Farm is a wild and beautiful 24-acre refuge on a private peninsula at the southern tip of Friendship Long Island, Maine. The property has views of Morse and Otter islands, Muscongus Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. The traditional, Shingle-style main house was built in the 1920s, but its 5,300 square feet of interior spaces have been updated to dazzling contemporary standards. The estate’s outbuildings, linked by paved roads, include a four-bedroom guest lodge, a seaside cottage/personal gym, a historic barn, a studio, and a yurt—a total of 14 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms.

Seaside Farm is a wild and beautiful 24-acre refuge on a private peninsula at the southern tip of Friendship Long Island, Maine. The property has views of Morse and Otter islands, Muscongus Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. The traditional, Shingle-style main house was built in the 1920s, but its 5,300 square feet of interior spaces have been updated to dazzling contemporary standards. The estate’s outbuildings, linked by paved roads, include a four-bedroom guest lodge, a seaside cottage/personal gym, a historic barn, a studio, and a yurt—a total of 14 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms.

Black Bear Lodge in Dahlonega, Georgia, United States

Black Bear Lodge resides on 14 acres within the majesty of Chattahoochee National Forest in northern Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The 8,500-square-foot lodge, completed in 2020, is a masterpiece of natural wood arches and angles framing big, tall glass that lets in the light and the views. The grand foyer’s 27-foot cathedral ceiling introduces the great room and its monumental fireplace, one of five masonry hearths designed by local artisans. Adjoining the great room are the formal dining room and the expansive gourmet kitchen. Glass doors open to a covered stone balcony with a full summer kitchen.

Black Bear Lodge resides on 14 acres within the majesty of Chattahoochee National Forest in northern Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The 8,500-square-foot lodge, completed in 2020, is a masterpiece of natural wood arches and angles framing big, tall glass that lets in the light and the views. The grand foyer’s 27-foot cathedral ceiling introduces the great room and its monumental fireplace, one of five masonry hearths designed by local artisans. Adjoining the great room are the formal dining room and the expansive gourmet kitchen. Glass doors open to a covered stone balcony with a full summer kitchen.

Seeking the sporting life? Explore more luxury lodges here.