Miami is right there, but Miami Beach Venetian Drive gives you somewhere to hide from it. The heart of this renovated Biscayne Island home is the courtyard. A heated pool, greenery and covered outdoor living create a protected little world in the middle of the city, while glimpses of Biscayne Bay and the skyline remind you how close everything is. That contrast is what we like most. The six-bedroom setup gives a family or group room to spread out, but the house feels more approachable than many of Miami's mega-villas. High ceilings and open living areas keep the interiors bright and easy, and the outdoor spaces invite the kind of days that drift from breakfast to pool time without much planning. When you do leave, Biscayne Island puts Downtown, the museums, Wynwood and Miami Beach within easy reach.