This beautifully photographed book explores the lure of the countryside: the wide open spaces and starry skies, the lack of neighbors, noise and pollution and the ability to 'get away from it all'. Many people are choosing to pursue their 'sea change' inland, and are creating some spectacular homes in well-hidden locations.

However, the diversity and fragility of rural locations provide substantial challenge for the architect of today; primarily, how to insert a building into a pristine environment without affecting often-delicate ecosystems. With the preservation of the natural environment a high priority, architects must work with challenging topography to create structures that 'touch the earth lightly'.

Out of Town brings together a wonderful collection of architects' responses to the challenges of building homes in the country proving that nature and lifestyle do not have to be at odds with each other-they can just as easily co-exist.

Content - Introduction, Bishamon Float House, Japan, Broadford Farm Pavilion, USA, Canyon View Office/Guesthouse, USA, Carver Residence, Australia, Fritidsbolig, Finland, Hermitage Road Residence, Australia, House of Earth and Light, USA, House to Catch the Forest, Japan, Jackson Family Retreat, USA, Jai House, USA, Kerrisdale Farmhouse, Australia, Kpopach/Catlow Farmhouse, Australia, Les Abouts Residence, Canada, Lookout House at Red Hill, Australia, Malibu House 3, USA, Maunu Poolhouse, USA, Memoria Casa Schmitz, Chile, Misonou House, Japan, Podere 43, Italy, Retreat Summer House, Norway, Richards-Ebert Residence, USA, Ridge House, USA, Smith Residence, USA, Solar Tube, Austria, Swann Residence, USA, Texas, Twister, USA, The Fritz Residence, USA, The Keenan Tower House, USA, The Moore Honey House, USA, The Raveau House, Chile, The Sinquefield House, USA, Wall-less House, Japan, Walla Womba Guest House, Australia, Warabi Cottage, Japan, Wheatsheaf Residence, Australia, Withers Residence, USA, Yakeyama House, Japan, Index, Acknowledgements