wning a home on or near a lake means unlimited access to nature, along with endless recreational possibilities—in, on, and near the water. As summer reaches its peak (in the northern hemisphere, at least) a home by the water offers a breakfrom the hustle and bustle of city living, and privacy other types of property can’t rival.
1. 1390 Kirkway Road
Bloomfield Township, Michigan
Overlooking Lower Long Lake in historic Bloomfield, Michigan, 1390 Kirkway Road enjoys 230 feet of lakeside frontage. The property sits on almost two acres, and the interior is designed to accentuate the views over the water.
The expansive great room has domed skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows, while the luxurious first-floor master suite, with its Travertine bathroom and two custom walk-in closets, offers views of a pond in addition to the lake.
The lake itself has public boat landings and a public beach. Fishing enthusiasts will find bluegill, northern pike, and largemouth bass among the potential catches.
2. 178 Mariner Pointe Lane
Mooresville, North Carolina
The property at 178 Mariner Pointe Lane is ideally located to appreciate the 520 miles of shoreline along North Carolina’s Lake Norman. For those looking to polish their sailing skills, Lake Norman Yacht Club is nearby, as is the privately owned Peninsula Club.
“The newly built private, covered pier with boat slip and lift are ready for you to get out and enjoy the lake,” says Jessica Simpson of Ivester Jackson, the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate in North Carolina. “There are breathtaking long-range, panoramic views of Lake Norman from almost every room.”
The four-bedroom property also features a detached 1,800-square-foot guesthouse with two bedrooms, an infinity saltwater pool and hot tub, and a garage with parking for eight cars. As well as catfish, crappie, and yellow perch, the lake is home to eastern box and soft shell turtles.
3. A modern home in Geneva
Genthod, Switzerland
Lake Geneva and its surrounds have long been favorites with international jet-setters thanks to the area’s year-round appeal: swim and sail in summer, ski and snowboard in winter. This modern home in Genthod is a perfect base to enjoy these outdoor activities while still within reach of Geneva city center.
“It’s just 10 minutes away from Geneva and close to the airport, so perfect for the frequent traveler,” says Loïc Fuhrer of SPG Finest, the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate in Geneva.
Offering more than 6,900 square feet of living space, the modernist glass home has unparalleled lake views from all rooms. Double-height windows in the living room blur the line between indoor and outdoor, and three of the property’s bedrooms are accessed via a glass elevator. There’s even an outdoor swimming pool to complement the lake.
4. 1196 Lakeshore Boulevard
Incline Village, Nevada
Part of the appeal of Lake Tahoe—the largest alpine lake in North America—is undoubtedly Incline Village. Named after the Great Incline Tramway built by loggers in 1878, the area receives an average of 300 days of sunshine a year and attracts visitors in all seasons. The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (at nearby Sand Harbor State Park) is a cultural must in summer, while winter is all about the Diamond Peak Ski Resort and Mount Rose Ski Tahoe. For a slice of Lake Tahoe, the property at 1196 Lakeshore Boulevard in the village has 80 feet of shoreline frontage.
“This home is a classic Tahoe lodge, perched above crystal-clear waters, with its own private lakefront cove and views over the Sierras,” says Claudia Thompson of Oliver Luxury Real Estate, the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate in Lake Tahoe.
The home is offered with a classic Chris-Craft 1959 Woody boat to make the most of what the water has to offer. “Incline Village is just 45 minutes from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, within 20 minutes of the Truckee private aviation facility, and just 3 1/2 hours from the San Francisco Bay area, Silicon Valley, and California wine country,” Thompson adds.
5. 1347 Rosseau Lake Road 1
Kelly Point, Muskoka Lakes, Ontario
The Muskoka Lakes offer everything for water lovers, from swimming and kayaking to water trampolining, with hiking and bike rentals available year-round for those who favor terra firma. A burgeoning craft beer scene and Muskoka Lakes Winery only add to the appeal. (Never tried cranberry wine? Now’s your chance.)
“The Muskoka Lakes area is often referred to as the Hamptons of Toronto and is just two hours from the city,” says Sandra Waldie of Chestnut Park Real Estate, the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate in Toronto.
The house has it all: it’s oriented to the sunset, it’s private, and it has deep water and a beach
Anyone familiar with real estate in Muskoka Lakes will tell you that people tend to keep their properties for generations, which makes No. 16 at 1347 Rosseau Lake Road 1 on Kelly Point all the more exceptional. The elegant four-bedroom cottage sits on the water’s edge, benefiting from an almost unprecedented 1,825 feet of shoreline—including a private beach—and ensuring magnificent views across the water.
There are two boathouses, one with an antique launch slip and one with two large slips, as well as a swim dock, change house, and sauna. “It’s increasingly rare to find such large landbanks as lots are split up,” Waldie says. “The house has it all: it’s oriented to the sunset, it’s private, and it has deep water and a beach. It really is a magical place.”
6. 11536 Lake Butler Boulevard
Windermere, Florida
There is a lot of lake going on in this part of Florida: the lakes that make up the Butler chain have been deemed “Outstanding Florida Waters” by Florida’s Department of Environmental Regulations for their high water quality and animal habitats. Biggest of them all is Lake Butler itself.
Because it’s so tranquil here, it can feel as though you’re a world away
For a taste of lakeside living, Florida style, this plantation-style manor is hard to improve upon. With some 550 feet of Lake Butler shoreline, the home—spread over 8,000 square feet—has five bedrooms and eight bathrooms, and extensive entertaining spaces.
“Because it’s so tranquil here, it can feel as though you’re a world away,” says Chris Christensen, Owner of Regal Real Estate Professionals, the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate in Orlando. “Yet you’re actually only 20 minutes from Downtown Orlando with its amazing restaurants and luxury shopping.
“The quaint little town of Windermere, where there’s a weekly farmers’ market, is also nearby, and you’re just an hour away from the east coast and two hours from the west coast beaches.”
There’s a spacious kitchen in the property, including a butler’s pantry and separate breakfast area, with exceptional lake views. The property also has an office, as well as a gym with weight machines.
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