Beach houses are the ideal getaway homes, offering the peace and relaxation of living near water, the fun of hanging out on the beach, and the change of environment from city life. Selected from the pages of "Fine Homebuilding," this book provides inspiration for anyone dreaming of such a home.

Beach houses are the ideal getaway homes, offering the peace and relaxation of living near water, the fun of hanging out on the beach, and the total change of environment from city life. Selected from the pages of "Fine Homebuilding, this book provides inspiration for anyone dreaming of such a home, plus practical guidance for designing and building in this often-challenging environment. Chosen for their variety of styles and settings, these outstanding examples range from Northwest eclectic in Seattle to an elegant houseboat in Rhode Island, from the quintessential California beach house to an oceanfront classic in Nantucket, and from a kick-back Floridian cottage to a charming Canadian retreat. Throughout the book, photographs, floor plans, drawings, and expert building information give a full picture of the possibilities for living at the beach.