Built for summer: Houses for sun-seekers

The home can be a refuge from the pressures of life, a place to savor the simple beauty of the world. Here are several homes for sale that embody the serenity that summer can offer - and make putting your feet up with a cool drink in hand seem irresistible.

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BABYLON, $699,000

 LISTING HISTORY: Since April 8

ANNUAL TAXES: $16,703

WHY IT'S PERFECT FOR SUMMER: Since this property is on a wide canal, it's a snap to get out to the Great South Bay to fish and clam in either a kayak or boat. Hungry? It offers easy access by water to restaurants in Babylon, the neighboring communities of Bay Shore and Lindenhurst. It's also just a quick cruise to Cedar and Gilgo beaches in Babylon and to Fire Island. There is a 66-foot bulkhead with electricity and water, a deck with a hot tub and specimen landscaping.

Most memorable summer moment: Homeowners Howard and Donna DeNardo never had kids but, spanning a period of two decades, hosted 26 high school exchange students for a year each from countries such as Sweden, France and the Czech Republic. Howard says: "Some of these countries are landlocked. . . . I'll never forget the smiles on their faces. . . . For some, it was their first experience of the ocean. They keep coming back, and now they're bringing their kids."

OTHER FEATURES: The Colonial has four bedrooms and 21/2 baths.

LISTING AGENT: AnnChristine Hernandez, Westcott Group Inc., 631-661-8888

CLICK HERE for more info.

BAYVILLE, $499,000

ANNUAL TAXES: $6,693

LISTING HISTORY: Listed Feb. 4 for $525,000; price dropped in April

WHY IT'S PERFECT FOR SUMMER: One block access from private beach, less than a half-mile from village beaches and a few blocks from eating and drinking spots. There also is a hot outdoor beach shower, as well as a gazebo outfitted with electricity that holds a full dining set and small refrigerator.

MOST MEMORABLE SUMMER MOMENT: Parties in the summer - the firepit, barbecue area and gazebo were always great gathering points, homeowner Rob Griffith says.

OTHER FEATURES: This seven-room expanded Cape has been updated with two-zone heat and central air conditioning, a new kitchen and two new baths.

LISTING AGENTS: Lora Cusumano and Charlene Luna, L.I. House Hunters, Glen Cove, 516-801-1059

CLICK HERE for more info.

BRIDGEHAMPTON, $8.95 million

ANNUAL TAXES: $29,000

LISTING HISTORY: On and off the market for last few years; listed originally for more than $10 million; reduced to current price in January

WHY IT'S PERFECT FOR SUMMER: Dubbed "Three Waters," the two-acre parcel is surrounded by ocean, bay and the cut connecting them, so it's got panoramic views from every window. There are large terraces on the bay. There also are sunsets over Mecox Bay, a heated pool and a patio, a rooftop deck and an ocean beach.

MOST MEMORABLE SUMMER MOMENT: As Prue Mortimer and her husband, Jay, drive from Manhattan to the East End, she says her sensibilities are tapped from within. "When I hit Route 27, it just becomes magic," she says. "The sea air is fabulous. I love to eat outside, and I almost live outside. There's dining off the living room on a balcony. At night, the view on the bay is much more interesting. You've got the twinkling lights of homes that look like votive candles. Frankly, it's hard to leave to go back to the city. It's got great therapeutic qualities."

OTHER FEATURES: The European-style villa has four bedrooms and 41/2 bathrooms.

LISTING AGENT: Diane Saatchi, Saunders & Associates, Bridgehampton, 631-375-6900

DIX HILLS, $899,000

TAXES: $16,049

LISTING HISTORY: Since September for $879,000 to $929,000; the price was adjusted in November

WHY IT'S PERFECT FOR SUMMER: The heated gunite pool is backed on one side by a fieldstone wall and surrounded by lush plantings. A wraparound multilevel deck and patio with access by six slider doors is good for large parties and weekend barbecues. There is a covered patio area, a fish pond and mature specimen plantings.

MOST MEMORABLE SUMMER MOMENT: The engagement parties for Geri and Adam Frank's two children. At their daughter's Caribbean-themed party, they had "150 guests . . . decorated the house like the Bahamas . . . hired a steel drum band we saw play in the Bahamas that set up on the deck by the pool . . . and even hired a valet service so people could park at my neighbor's," Adam Frank says.

OTHER FEATURES: The five-bedroom, 31/2-bath contemporary is on an acre backing a nature preserve.

CO-AGENTS: Nancy Wild and Cora Dinka, Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty, 631-754-3400

CLICK HERE for more info.

GLENWOOD LANDING, $949,000

ANNUAL TAXES: $11,639

LISTING HISTORY: Since May

WHY IT'S PERFECT FOR SUMMER: You can launch a kayak, canoe or small fishing boat from steps in the backyard leading to Mott's Cove. Or walk the stone and slate path surrounded by ornamental grasses and perennials. Or simply enjoy unobstructed views of wetlands filled with shore birds and other wildlife. There's also a pergola and a hot tub off the property's 40-by-15-foot deck.

MOST MEMORABLE SUMMER MOMENT: The pictures taken of her daughter's wedding, homeowner Colleen Connors says. "It was a magnificent June day with clear blue skies," she says. "When someone asked where the pictures were taken, I could proudly say they were taken in my backyard."

OTHER FEATURES: Built in 2000, the three-bedroom, 21/2-bath Colonial has more than a third of an acre bordering wetlands that overlook Roslyn Harbor.

LISTING AGENT: Marilyn Jenney, Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty, 516-759-6822

CLICK HERE for more info.

LLOYD HARBOR, $3,795,000

ANNUAL TAXES: $39,964

LISTING HISTORY: Since August

WHY IT'S PERFECT FOR SUMMER: Surrounded by two-plus private acres of grassy knoll and landscaping, a free-form gunite pool overlooks 290 feet of waterfront cove off Huntington Harbor, from which kayaks and personal watercraft can be launched. There is a 3,800-square-foot tiered deck, as well as water views from all major rooms, a poolside cabana and guest quarters.

MOST MEMORABLE SUMMER MOMENT: "Our daughter's wedding," homeowner Roger Flore says. He with wife, Mary, who celebrated 45 years of marriage last month, also throw anniversary parties for themselves every five years.

OTHER FEATURES: This custom-built home has 13 rooms.

LISTING AGENTS: Peter Kavanaugh and Kathleen Ryan, Coach Real Estate Associates Inc., 516-922-8500

CLICK HERE for more info.