Living Jewels: 6 Homes with Koi Ponds

Koi carp, or Nishikigoi as they are known in Japan, are gentle, inquisitive creatures aptly referred to as living jewels or swimming flowers because of their vivid colors. They’ve been a symbol of prosperity, strength, and good luck in Japan since the 18th century, but were introduced to the world at the Tokyo Taisho exposition of 1914. They’re also highly regarded by international collectors, with rare varieties fetching up to US$2 million. But their ease of care and ornamental nature means that they’re a popular feature in water gardens across the world. In this Luxury Defined collection, we showcase homes where beautiful koi gently swim in sculpted ponds to the gentle sounds of water. After contemplating the koi, relaxation and tranquility follow. There’s no shortcut to Zen enlightenment, but it could start here.

Related: Explore 6 Homes with Swim-Up Bars

Shangri-La on Narragansett Bay in Bristol, Rhode Island

Shangri-La on Narragansett Bay is a magnificent waterfront estate on nearly two acres of private shoreline in the historic seaside community of Bristol Highlands. The property is a collection of four waterfront residences nurtured by award-winning architects and designers to enjoy family, community, or a quiet retreat. The main house is complemented by two guest houses, staff quarters, garages, and a teahouse. Other enchanting features include a koi pond and abundant outdoor living space expertly placed among the residences. The private sandy beach and heated infinity pool capture the dramatic sunset views of Narragansett Bay.

Posada Del Sol in Port Royal, Naples, Florida

Posada Del Sol on the Gulf of Mexico is a collection of waterfront properties in the exclusive enclave of Port Royal in Naples, Florida. A private, silky white sand beach and stunning sunset views await at this sheltered bayside retreat. The private compound encompasses nearly 2.5 acres of beautiful grounds enhanced with koi ponds, a heated outdoor pool, and an abundance of outdoor living and entertaining areas. The beachfront property has four bedrooms and a private den, a separate guest house, and two indoor parking bays. The two contiguous bayfront lots are set amid a canopy of majestic banyan trees and include a chickee hut, four-bedroom guest bungalow, two-bedroom carriage house, three indoor parking bays, and a floating 60-foot deepwater concrete dock.

Stonewall Farm in Westchester County, New York

Encompassing 740 acres, Stonewall Farm is the largest privately owned property in Westchester County. Dedicated to raising championship Thoroughbred racehorses, Stonewall Farm has been scrupulously preserved over the last 40 years by its current owners, Barry K. Schwartz, co-founder of the Calvin Klein global fashion empire, and his wife Sheryl, who have created an estate of refined elegance and exceptional taste. The property offers a magnificent owner’s compound, superbly maintained grounds, and world-class equestrian facilities. At the heart of this private demesne, just an hour from New York City, is the 24,000-square-foot colonial-style manor house, designed by New York-based architect Rebecca Rasmussen with interiors by British designer Kelly Hoppen. The interiors flow out to meticulous formal gardens by notable landscape architect Edmund D. Hollander. The French gardens lead to the 4,000-square-foot pavilion-style pool house. Beyond are the Japanese gardens with a koi pond and butterfly house. Other grace notes in the landscape are the tranquil pools shaded by weeping willows, an allée of trees, verdant parkland, and natural woodland overlooking the Westchester countryside.

Westwoods Estate in Westwood, Massachusetts

Westwoods is an elegant, quiet retreat within easy reach of Boston. The 74-acre estate consists of four contiguous parcels of land abutting nearly 300 acres of conservation and municipal land in Westwood, Massachusetts. The property is used as a non-profit retreat with private walking trails and ponds adjacent to the town’s trail network. The private grounds are graced with a koi pond overlooking a central open field with a meditation labyrinth, framed by landscaping. A rustic-wood gazebo/meditation well and stone terraces are further delights. There are several dwellings: The main house is an elegant shingle-style residence on 52.7 acres of landscaped grounds. Nearby is a 1,600-square-foot gambrel art studio on 2.82 acres. A short walk away is a 620-square-foot shingled office building. The caretaker’s house is a 1,900-square-foot, three-bedroom residence. There are also two barns across the field from the main house and studio, and a 16.85-acre parcel.

Old Fort Bay Beach Estate in New Providence, Bahamas

Aspara is a stunning beachfront estate on the northern shore of Old Fort Bay, New Providence. The one-acre, “sea-to-sea” parcel boasts 150 feet of prime bayfront (including a private sandy beach) as well as 150 feet of canal frontage. The residence offers an impressive 18,500 square feet of living space under roof with eight bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. Oversized sliding doors with treated impact resistant glass allow a seamless transition to the outdoor areas, which offer an additional 12,600 square feet of living space with a koi pond, outdoor steam room, and infinity pool. A protected dock with boat lift and boathouse, a two-bedroom guest/staff suite, and a two-car garage are further highlights.

Saratoga Country Estate in Cambridge, New York

The allure of Black Hole Hollow Farm goes far beyond its pastoral splendor. For a time, the 440-acre estate near Saratoga was the summer retreat and place of inspiration for Ian Fleming, the British novelist and creator of James Bond. The landscape is one of tiered ponds, open pastures, and miles of private trails, bordered by a 5,000-acre preserve. The centerpiece of the estate is an elegant 18th-century farmhouse surrounded by picturesque English gardens with three stocked ponds, a swimming pool, and a charming greenhouse with stone walkways and a tranquil koi pond. Further highlights include four delightful dwellings, a maple-syrup production facility, four barns, a riding arena, and fenced paddocks.