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8 Exceptional Waterfront Properties Around the World

With scenic locations, unmatched views, and resort amenities, these waterfront homes are the last word in luxury

Whether beside the sea, a lake, or a river, a waterfront property has that most desirable of assets: location, location, location. Add some scenic views, gentle breezes, a range of water sports and outdoor leisure, a private beach on the doorstep, and a dock—for the sailboat or superyacht—and life by the water can seem like a permanent vacation. Herewith, Luxury Defined presents eight properties in choice waterfront locations around the world. Consider a villa on the finest piece of canal-front property in Lyford Cay, Bahamas, or a boater’s paradise with Sydney Harbour views, a classic log cabin on Montana’s Flathead Lake, or an oceanfront hideaway on Kauai’s north shore. All offer luxury, adventure, and the timeless glamour of living on the water.

Palmilla Beachfront Six in San José del Cabo, Mexico

This fully furnished, Spanish Colonial-style home is in the private, secluded beachfront community of Palmilla Norte in the legendary resort of Los Cabos.

Palmilla Beachfront Six is a luxurious villa in the private and secluded beachfront community of Palmilla Norte, home to the landmark One&Only Palmilla Hotel and Resort. The villa is one of only a handful of homes with access to the best swimming beach in Los Cabos, and offers sunrise views over the Sea of Cortez. Designed in the Spanish-Colonial style with Mexican materials, finishes, décor, and craftsmanship, the property is fully furnished and outfitted for the absolute comfort for owners and guests. The indoor-outdoor living spaces flow out to tropical gardens with a pool. Moments away are the resort’s world-class amenities, including the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. The marina at Puerto Los Cabos and downtown San Jose del Cabo are a few minutes’ drive as is Los Cabos International Airport.

Lake Norman Haven in Mooresville, North Carolina

Residents will enjoy the sunset views and resort amenities at this gated estate on the shores of Lake Norman, the largest manmade body of water in North Carolina.

This private, gated estate on the shores of Lake Norman was designed for indoor-outdoor living, with an infinity-edge saltwater pool, covered lakeside dining area with firepit, meandering terraces, and a private sandy beach. The Mediterranean-inspired main residence, cabana, and covered outdoor space total 15,000 square feet with six bedrooms, six bathrooms, and four half bathrooms. The interiors are grandly appointed with double-height ceilings, polished travertine floors, and walls of glass to frame the lake and sunset views. A separate West Indies-style guest cottage with a bar, a five-car garage, and 1.74 acres of landscaped grounds are further highlights of this lakefront haven.

Manchester Villa in Lyford Cay, Bahamas

Manchester Villa offers a dream waterfront lifestyle with access to the world-class amenities of the renowned Lyford Cay Club in New Providence, Bahamas.

Manchester Villa is situated on the finest piece of canal-front property in Lyford Cay, offering panoramic views of the marina and waterways. The property’s versatility derives from three various living quarters with a total of 12 bedrooms, 12 full bathrooms, and one half-bathroom. With 12,000 square feet of graceful living space on 3.29 acres and 180-degree views, residents will also enjoy an infinity pool, a tennis court, and beach volleyball court. The seawall provides extensive dockage with lift, electricity and water, and 6,000-gallon fuel tank. Four lots, landscaped with gardens and mature trees, were originally purchased to ensure the estate’s ultimate privacy and unobstructed views. The centerpiece is the main villa, which offers a seamless transition to the pool terrace and gardens. The carriage house is a recent addition and offers three en suite bedrooms, a gym, and a kitchen. The Captain’s Cottage is ideal for younger guests with four en suite bedrooms, a game room, and kitchen.

Seafront Villa Close to Cannes, France

The timeless glamour of waterfront living is evident at this chic seaside villa near Cannes.

This chic, south-facing 1960s villa offers the sun-worshipper ultimate privacy and luxury on the French Riviera. Built into the cliffs above the sea, the property has an idyllic waterside location with direct access to the beach and a boat dock with annex. The living spaces were updated in grand, contemporary style. The light-filled reception areas and four bedroom suites open to serene sea-view terraces planted with palm trees and lush vegetation, and a heated outdoor pool is built into the rocks. The property also includes a hammam, separate studio, garage, and carport, all just 30 minutes’ drive from Cannes and an hour from Nice airport.

Coolong Road Waterfront in Vaucluse, NSW, Australia

Located in the exclusive suburb of Vaucluse, this private estate is located on a generous waterfront plot and offers sweeping harbor views.

This private 17,943-square-foot landholding offers unobstructed views of Sydney Harbour, world-class boating facilities, and a coveted waterfront setting between Vaucluse Beach and Nielsen Park in Sydney’s northern suburbs. The main residence is an elegant European-inspired mansion designed by architect Andre Porebski, with bespoke interiors by Thomas Hamel. The stately residence features magnificent reception rooms, casual living spaces, a chef’s kitchen, entertainer’s terrace, billiards room with cocktail bar, wine cellar, and wellness center with sauna and gym. There are five en suite bedrooms and a self-contained guest house, owner’s wing, home office, and a four-car garage. The rear gardens lead to a heated pool, private jetty, slipway, boatshed, and 69 feet of waterfront with a deepwater mooring on Vaucluse Bay. Several marinas and beaches, including Parsley Bay Beach, are close by.

Stono River Estate in Charleston, South Carolina

South Carolina’s Stono River tidal channel is the setting for this home, which comes with a private dock equipped with a 16,000-pound lift, a pierhead, and multi-boat floating dock to accommodate a variety of watercraft.

Situated on South Carolina’s Stono River, this three-acre Lowcountry estate has nearly 340 feet of deepwater frontage. A paradise for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, the property includes a dock equipped with a 16,000-pound lift, as well as a pierhead and multi-boat floating dock to accommodate a variety of watercraft. The 5,800-square-foot main residence was renovated in 2018 with great attention to detail. At the entrance, a dramatic two-story foyer’s 30 windows frame the river views. Farther along are the formal dining room, sitting room, and a dream gourmet kitchen with breakfast bar. The main-floor owner’s suite has three large walk-in closets, a “wet room” with Japanese soaking tub and shower, and private outdoor access. Upstairs is a second suite and two guest bedrooms that share a bathroom with a river rock shower. The home’s outdoor spaces offer year-round functionality. The porch, with built-in fireplace, media space, barnwood bar, and retractable screens, opens to the pool and hot tub. Beyond are fields and wetlands leading down to the river’s edge.

Golden West Lodge in Bigfork, Montana

Built in 1924 and meticulously restored for the 21st century, Golden West Lodge offers a classic log cabin experience on the shores of Flathead Lake.

Golden West Lodge is a classic log cabin estate on Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Built in 1924, the property was meticulously restored yet keeps its classic log cabin ambience with warm, bright interiors with exquisite wood finishes. The property encompasses 15 acres and 888 feet of lake frontage with a covered dock. There are seven cozy cabins. The original structures were refinished; while others were built to match the original siding and cedar interiors. There are 14 bedrooms, an entertainment lodge, a huge gym, lap pool, and two docks with seven boat slips. Each cabin is fitted with top-of-the-line appliances, air-conditioning and heating. Surrounding the dwellings are lush wooded grounds, including a two-acre cherry orchard and five-acre forest.

Kauai Oceanfront Hideaway in Hanalei, Hawaii

This oceanfront escape is set against the breathtaking backdrop of Kauai's North Shore.

This stunning beachfront hideaway, crafted from natural materials like lava rock and teak, was designed for 21st century island living. Situated on a half-acre beachfront parcel on Kauai’s North Shore, the property offers direct access to the ocean. The heart of the home is the great room, with its vast floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that invite in abundant natural light and views of the breaking surf. The designer kitchen has teak cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a large center island. An infinity-edged DaVinci spa is placed to capture spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the Pacific. The owners’ suite has incomparable ocean views, as well as an impressive view of the rugged mountains of Ha`ena and Manoa Falls. The high-tech features including a security system, retractable shades, automatic hurricane shutters, a photovoltaic array, and two Tesla Powerwalls. “Tunnels Lagoon,” famed for its world-class surfing, snorkeling, beach-combing, kite-surfing, and diving, is nearby.