See 11 incredible homes on the world's most beautiful lakes

Stunning lakeside homes with unbeatable views

If you'd rather spend your days looking at natural scenery instead of skyscrapers and high-rise office buildings, then these incredible lakeside homes are sure to seduce. The world is awash with beautiful lakes, from North America to Europe and Oceania, so there are plenty of envy-inducing residences that are perched moments from their waters.

Click or scroll as we take a look at luxury lakeside living, from Lake Como to Lake Austin...

Newly built villa, Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como, in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, is loved for its dramatic scenery set against the foothills of the Italian Alps. Most of the homes here are historic and sprawling, with lakefront lawns and wrought-iron verandas. 

But if you know where to look, you’ll find plenty of modern homes, too. This incredible, newly built villa benefits from enchanting lake views and was completed in 2022.

Inside, you’ll find just 1,453 square feet (135sqm) of living space, but every inch is dreamy. The living room, complete with large windows, provides exceptional privacy and comfort while letting you take in stunning views.

There’s also a kitchen, a dining zone and four spacious bedrooms – one of which is only a few steps from the water. This huge balcony is also the ultimate spot for taking in unforgettable vistas.

Stylish villa, Lake Tegernsee, Germany

Germany is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, including Black Forest National Park and the Rhine Gorge, but the country is also home to plenty of gorgeous lakes, too.

Enter this stylish villa on the shores of Lake Tegernsee, in the Bavarian Alps of southern Germany.

Constructed in 1996, the prestigious property has a bold green and white exterior and an interior that is both stunning and meticulously designed.

There’s around 6,092 square feet (566sqm) of inside space and every room is decked out with exquisite furnishings, designer light fixtures and the finest materials.

Room-wise, there's a dramatic entrance hall, an open-plan lounge and dining room, a stylish kitchen, a conservatory, five bedrooms and four bathrooms. This remarkable suite is perhaps the finest space in the house.

With its stunning vaulted timber ceiling and French doors that open to an exterior balcony, it is the ultimate tranquil oasis.

Luxury contemporary home, Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

New Zealand isn’t short on incredible natural landscapes, but Lake Wanaka in the Otago region of the South Island is up there with the best of them.

Situated close to stunning Queenstown, Lake Wanaka has quickly become a tourist hot spot thanks to its unrivalled scenery and access to the Treble Cone Ski Resort. It is on the edge of this enchanting lake that you'll find a truly remarkable modern home.

The luxury home invites any lucky residents to immerse themselves in nature, with direct lake access and scenic walking trails all around. Whether enjoying a peaceful paddle in the water or simply sitting back and taking in the spectacular surroundings, every day here would feel like a holiday.

The property itself is gorgeous and unique. Ultra-modern and discrete, it was designed to make the most of the views without impacting neighbouring outlooks.

Architecturally designed, the residence spans 4,542 square feet (422sqm) and every single room is utterly stunning. The front door opens into a striking atrium, which flows through to multiple indoor and outdoor areas, including sheltered courtyards and sunny terraces.

Designed for entertaining, the pad has a gorgeous lounge, a contemporary open-plan kitchen and dining space, four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

Historic chalet, Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Located in Pully, not far from the Swiss city of Lausanne, this majestic mansion sits on over one acre (0.40ha) of land on the shores of iconic Lake Geneva.

Equal parts historic and imposing, the home's design and finish are just as incredible as the surrounding scenery.

While we don’t know exactly how old the residence is, it’s clear it has been on this piece of land for decades.

Described by the listing agents as "an extremely rare property", the home stretches 10,763 square feet (1,000sqm) and is arranged over five spacious floors.

Every single room is brimming with character and original features, such as exposed timber beams, decorative wood doors, intricate mouldings, elegant fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling French doors that connect to pretty exterior balconies. Yet it's clear the home has been lovingly restored and maintained since it features plenty of modern touches, as well.

Room-wise, there's a magnificent hallway with a sweeping staircase, numerous sitting rooms, an exquisite home office, 10 bedrooms and seven bathrooms. 

Lake coastal property, Lake Worth Lagoon, Florida

Positioned on a truly enviable plot, this luxurious property is sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Worth Lagoon, meaning it is entirely surrounded by water.

Located on sought-after South Ocean Boulevard in Manalapan, Florida, the residence was constructed in 2019, and no expense was spared.

As soon as you step inside, the entrance hall draws the eye to the water outside, while a dramatic sweeping staircase leads up to 11 bedrooms.

The ground floor is home to a state-of-the-art stainless-steel kitchen, a formal dining room and numerous lounges, all kitted out with immaculate interior design and the finest finishes.

The home also boasts plenty of special extras, too. There’s a temperature-controlled wine room, his and her powder rooms, a gym, a spa and a speakeasy-style bar and lounge. There's also a charming guest house that's perfect for visiting friends and family.

Outside, there’s a landscaped garden with numerous verandas and a summer kitchen – ideal for enjoying ocean breezes and alfresco meals. What’s more, the home is located inside a secure compound and is protected by a surveillance system and guardhouse.

It's no wonder this mansion was for sale in March 2025 for £65.9 million ($85m).

The Hideaway, Lake Windermere, UK

Nestled just outside the vibrant town of Bowness, overlooking the iconic waters of Lake Windermere, The Hideaway at Higher Longtail is an idyllic retreat in the heart of England’s Lake District National Park.

The modern home has been designed for ultimate comfort and relaxation and is equipped with everything you could need for a cosy weekend away.

Both bedrooms offer a king-size bed, adorned with large throws for added snugness. Perhaps designed with hygge in mind, the interior is all about texture, rustic finishes and places to unwind. Close your eyes and you could well be in the Alps, about to put on your skis!

The property even comes with a luxury spa room that overlooks the garden and is accessible from the ground floor patio. Here, you'll find outdoor seating, a five-person hot tub and a custom-built sauna – perfect for rejuvenating the soul and soothing tired muscles after a long day.

Waterfront estate, Lake Tremblant, Canada

Despite appearances, this waterfront estate was actually built in 2009. Inspired by classical architecture, the castle-like residence sits within a serene private enclave on the banks of Lake Tremblant in the Quebec region of Canada.

As grand as it is impressive, the mansion, which was designed by architect Richard Landry, is one of the most exceptional in the Laurentian Mountains.

Having recently undergone a major redesign, the magnificent custom-built home harmoniously blends modern elegance with the natural beauty of its surroundings. The interior measures 9,700 square feet (901sqm) and it’s clear that every single inch has been meticulously crafted.

The main floor is defined by impressive vaulted ceilings that soar up some 30 feet (9m) and are supported by reclaimed timber beams. The entrance hall provides an imposing welcome, while the spacious great room boasts a stunning 25-foot (7.6m) bay window that offers breathtaking views of the lake.

There are five bedrooms and eight bathrooms in total, including an amazing principal suite, which lies in its own wing. It has a coffered ceiling, a limestone fireplace, an office and access to a private balcony. 

There’s also a stylish bar area with a double-sided stone fireplace, a dining room that blends English and French style, an eat-in kitchen, a nine-seater cinema and a spa area, complete with steam room, sauna, showers and a changing room.

Contemporary villa, Lake Annecy, France

Lake Annecy is one of the most striking parts of France. Situated in the Haute-Savoie region of the country, the lake is fed by mountain springs and is known for its crystal-clear water and its medieval namesake city, which is dotted with canals and bridges. 

Located in Annecy-le-Vieux, just northwest of the city of Annecy, this elegant modern home is an absolute real estate gem.

The interior stretches around 3,229 square feet (300sqm) and there’s a striking kitchen, a serene lounge, a formal dining space positioned next to floor-to-ceiling windows and five bedrooms – two of which are ensuite.

There’s even a cinema room and a state-of-the-art home automation system for convenient and intelligent management of everything from the lights to the blinds.

Of course, the exterior of the home is every bit as dreamy. There’s a spacious swimming pool that provides incredible views, a garage, an independent annex and an outdoor gym with a shower.

Rustic waterfront home, Minho River, Spain

This quaint waterfront home doesn't technically sit next to a lake, but instead, it almost touches the waters of the Minho (Miño) River, in Galicia, Spain.

This tranquil body of water is so still that it looks like a pristine private lake. That's because there's no current in this part of the river, since it's located between two dams, allowing guests of this charming Airbnb to take in truly mind-blowing natural panorama. 

Known as Casa Morriña, the property is historic and was left abandoned for years until it was rescued and restored in 2019.

Blending original features with striking lighting and furnishings, the inside of this home is cosy, rustic and incredibly welcoming. Think exposed stone walls, glossy timber floors, vaulted ceilings and walls of glass.

Laid out over two floors, the first level boasts a lounge, kitchen, dining space and bedroom, which is given privacy thanks to sliding barn doors. Upstairs, there’s a second bedroom tucked under a vaulted timber ceiling. 

The home's glass doors can be opened up fully, creating an amazing indoor-outdoor flow that makes the water outside feel like part of the living space.

Guests can dangle their feet in the water, enjoy scenic walks and even rent a boat, kayak or pedalo.

Pristine mansion, Lake Austin, USA

Known as The Legacy of Lake Austin, this spectacular contemporary estate is unrivalled in terms of scale, scenery and design.

Nestled on nearly six acres (2.4ha) of premier Lake Austin shoreline, a water reservoir on the Colorado River, the mansion was designed by Brett Ames of Ames Design Build and could certainly be described as an architectural triumph.

The house can be approached via a gated entrance and circular driveway, and the closer you get, the more the billionaire estate unfolds.

A 2,574-square-foot (239sqm) Concierge House provides a convenient welcome point for guests or staff, while the house itself sits further inside the estate, at the end of a meandering private road. There's a stunning landscape garden and a pretty pathway that leads to a 10-square-foot (3sqm) custom pivot door.

As soon as you step inside, you’ll be blown away. The 10,505-square-foot (976sqm) home boasts a formal dining room, a chef’s kitchen, nine bedrooms and eight full bathrooms.

There’s also a remarkable great room with a 20-foot (6.1m) ceiling and expansive glass walls that frame breathtaking views of the lake. A masterpiece of design and functionality, the house blends the finest materials, including Italian brickwork, stone and wood, with designer lighting, custom built-ins and an advanced home automation system.

Casa Ambar Villa, Lake Chapala, Mexico

Large windows flood the whole home with natural light in the bright, open-plan interior.

The main living area is situated on the central floor to make the most of the view, with a contemporary kitchen and relaxed dining areas. On the other side of the room, there's a cosy seating area with a plush corner sofa for kicking back and relaxing.

The third storey is home to four bedrooms, all similarly decorated with a minimal aesthetic.

However, residents will likely not be looking inwards when views of Lake Chapala and the mountains beyond can be savoured. What's more, two of the bedrooms open up onto a shared balcony with comfortable seating – perfect for sharing breakfast or even a nightcap before bed.

Outside, there's an enormous patio with a dining area and a raised dipping pool for taking in panoramic lake and mountain views under the Mexican sun.

If that wasn't enough, a garden and in-ground lap pool can be accessed via the basement level entertainment room, which also has a pool table. There really is something for everyone!