Best properties on the market

1. Walpole, N.H. Rice Mountain Estate is located on the top 356 acres of the mountain. The 10,275-square-foot main residence features two separate towers, marble floors, a banquet hall, and a six-flue center chimney. The landscaped grounds are registered and recognized by the Smithsonian as one of the top gardens in the country. Four additional residences and a barn are also located on the property. $5,300,000. John Hayes, LandVest, (603) 227-2416

2. Middletown, R.I. This four-bedroom shingle-style house, built in 1994, is set on 0.75 acres abutting the conserved lands of the Norman Bird Sanctuary. The property includes a brick patio with an arbor, mature plantings, and a greenhouse. The home has multiple fireplaces, a great room with a wall of windows, and kitchen skylights. $2,475,000. Paul A. Leys, Gustave White Sotheby’s, (401) 849-3000

Steal of the week
3. Charlotte, N.C. Built in 1979, this three-bedroom home is set on 0.4 acres in the Stonehaven neighborhood. The renovated home includes high ceilings, a sunroom, and a master bath with spa. The current owner is a garden historian, and the property features a pond, lush plantings, stone pathways, and an arbor. $399,000. Brandon Boyd, Helen Adams Realty, (704) 661-2195

4. Santa Fe This five-bedroom adobe house has attached guest quarters as well as a separate guesthouse. The garden entrance leads to an inner landscaped courtyard with brick and rock paths, hollyhocks, roses, and mature trees. The home includes a kiva fireplace, exposed vigas, and a loggia that overlooks the gardens. $2,295,000. Kevin Bobolsky and Marilyn Foss, Santa Fe Properties, (505) 982-446 

5. Castle Rock, Colo. This three-bedroom home was recognized by Colorado Homes & Lifestyles as their 2012 home of the year. The one-acre grounds feature terraced landscaping, Japanese gardens, a tea house, and koi ponds. The 10,000-square-foot home has oak and stone floors, and a master bedroom with two spa baths and a private terrace. $10,000,000. Judy Fahrenkrog, Kentwood City Properties/Christie’s International Real Estate, (303) 888-4760

6. New Canaan, Conn. Built in 1938, this four-bedroom Cotswold-style cottage is located on 2.3 acres and was owned by a gardener for over 30 years. The backyard has formal boxwood gardens, apple orchards, and a pool. The residence features hardwood floors and a gourmet kitchen. $1,895,000. Mary Higgins, Halstead Property, (203) 966-7800

7. Diablo, Calif. Located on 1.27 acres, this five-bedroom home is surrounded by a tea-rose garden with 400 roses, a dahlia garden with 100 varieties, a vegetable garden, and a tropical garden with a koi pond. The property has vintage cobblestone walkways, nine water features, a greenhouse, and a saltwater pool and spa. $12,800,000. Kouros Tavakoli, Decker Bullock Sotheby’s International Realty/Top Agent Network, (415) 518-2439