Introduction | Your own private island | Your own country estate | Your foreign fling

Vacation properties in prime areas have soared in price over the past decade and now easily surpass the seven-figure mark in the very hottest neighborhoods. But don’t go thinking that your dreams of finding the perfect getaway are hopeless. We searched for great buys and wound up discovering that the emerging deals are to be found in properties that are just a little unusual. Rather than lakeside cottages or mountain chalets, it’s farms, islands and foreign casas that are drawing the attention of the smart money. Here’s what you need to know about the next frontiers of recreational real estate.