Secret Garden

Cloistered within high walls, courtyards are the ultimate private hideaways. Secret, secluded rooms, they are completely hidden from urban commotion and away from the business of daily life.

Perfect for reading, writing and quiet contemplation, they are also ideal for entertaining. Since early times dating back to the Egypt of the Pharaohs, people have delighted in the paradox of these outdoor rooms—so completely hidden away yet open to the elements.

Today’s courtyards can be contemporary or charmingly old-fashioned, dramatic or peaceful, and make ideal summer living rooms. These open-air living spaces provide shade, air circulation and protection from wind, rain and the noon-day heat.

They are perfect spots for creating a simple or sophisticated container garden (gardenguides.com, suite101.com or gardenersnet.com).

This inviting Santa Fe, New Mexico, retreat, with its warm adobe walls and colorful flowers, has a built-in fireplace, perfect for taking the chill off the high-desert evenings and allowing the courtyard to be enjoyed even during the winter months.

Consider a copper firepit (smithandhawken.com) or a gas-fired chiminea (thegrillstoreandmore.com) as an attractive alternative to a built-in fireplace. Well Traveled Living (wtliving.com) has a fun selection of traditional Mexican clay chimineas.