Incredible homes on the world's most beautiful lakes

Luxury lakeside living

Sotheby's International Realty

If you're a fan of the quiet life and fancy waves lapping at your lawn, then look no further. The world is awash with beautiful lakes, whether you fancy living in America or Europe. There is sure to be something for you in our round-up of the most incredible lakeside houses that you'll want to call home.

Balla Wray, Lake Windermere, UK

Onthemarket.com

Located within its very own stunning landscaped grounds, Balla Wray sits above Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England. This residence has one of the most stunning vistas in the Lake District area, and therefore the world!

Balla Wray, Lake Windermere, UK

Onthemarket.com

Originally built in the 1870s for a family from the north east of England to use as their summer residence, the house has nearly 9,000 square feet of floor space and is arranged over three floors with a wine cellar and pantry in the basement.

Balla Wray, Lake Windermere, UK

Onthemarket.com

The handcrafted kitchen has luxurious granite and oak work surfaces, a wood burning stove and a stone fireplace. The large oak-topped island is the centrepiece to the dining area, which is perfect for relaxed meal times.

Balla Wray, Lake Windermere, UK

Onthemarket.com

All of the main reception rooms have panoramic views over Lake Windermere and the Cumbrian countryside. The main building has been completely renovated to retain the original grand Victorian style with added modern elements and neutral decor.

Balla Wray, Lake Windermere, UK

Onthemarket.com

Outside, the two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens include stone pathways, manicured lawns and a gated entrance for a magical appearance. The magnificent stone building also comes with a separate three-bedroom cottage and even includes the lease on a boathouse and jetty that sit on the lakeside. No wonder it's on sale for $5.2 million (£4m).

Alpine palazzo, Lake Como, Italy

Sotheby's International Realty

You could be neighbours with the likes of George Clooney, Madonna and Richard Branson if you snap up this estate in Laglio, Lake Como, Italy. The upscale resort area is known for its dramatic scenery set against the foothills of the Alps, and you'll get just that with this property.

Alpine palazzo, Lake Como, Italy

Sotheby's International Realty

The palatial property has seven-bedrooms and 17 bathrooms, which is more than most people would ever need. The estate is so special that the listing only gives the price on application – and if you have to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.

Alpine palazzo, Lake Como, Italy

Sotheby's International Realty

The numerous reception rooms are decorated with gold accents and luxurious furniture with the majority having views out to the sweeping shores of Italy's most stunning lake.

Alpine palazzo, Lake Como, Italy

Sotheby's International Realty

The one-of-a-kind house also features a 1000 square foot guest apartment which comes complete with a balcony and plush decor.

Alpine palazzo, Lake Como, Italy

Sotheby's International Realty

If this isn't enough, you can spend your spare time relaxing in one of the two pools, take a wander around the landscaped gardens, or cosy up with a film in the home cinema. It's got some of the most jaw-dropping views of any home in the world!

Casa del Ensuenos, Palm Beach Lakes, Florida, USA

Sotheby's International Realty

Built in 1923, Casa del Ensuenos is a classic Palm Beach estate. The Venetian-style mansion is right on the water's edge of what used to be the front of Lake Worth, until engineers linked the inland waterways to the Eastern seaboard and created the Palm Beach Lakes trail popular with cyclists and nature lovers.

Casa del Ensuenos, Palm Beach Lakes, Florida, USA

Sotheby's International Realty

Designed by famed architect Addison Mizner, the estate has nine-bedrooms and 10 bathrooms spread between the main house and a guest house.

Casa del Ensuenos, Palm Beach Lakes, Florida, USA

Sotheby's International Realty

Inside this magnificent house there are swathes of stunning details including classic wooden beams, stone walls and four fireplaces along with multiple living areas that include a library and dining area.

Casa del Ensuenos, Palm Beach Lakes, Florida, USA

Sotheby's International Realty

The main house is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. It is listed for $32.5 million (£25m) with Sotheby's – not bad for a mansion in this lakeside property hotspot.

Casa del Ensuenos, Palm Beach Lakes, Florida, USA

Sotheby's International Realty

On top of all this, it also features a large pool with a cabana and a private dock complete with a boat lift so you can moor your motor yacht and head out to explore the waterways without ever leaving home. It's the perfect compromise between lake living and a luxury beach house and can give these incredible homes by the sea a run for their money!

Vivian Lane lodge, Lake Tahoe, Nevada, USA

Sotheby's International Realty

This mountain lodge located on the shores of Lake Tahoe, Nevada, a large freshwater lake that is known for its beaches and ski resorts, is just as luxurious on the inside as it is on the outside.

Vivian Lane lodge, Lake Tahoe, Nevada, USA

Sotheby's International Realty

The 9,469 square foot house uses exposed Montana logs which are up to 75 years old. The exterior is also covered in 400,000 pounds of hand-picked flat faced stone which is also used for the three interior fireplace hearths. They'll be sure to keep you cosy during ski season.

Vivian Lane lodge, Lake Tahoe, Nevada, USA

Sotheby's International Realty

On the market for $28.5 million (£22m), the seven-bed, eight-bath property is rich in charm and decorated in a traditionally rustic ranch style.

Vivian Lane lodge, Lake Tahoe, Nevada, USA

Sotheby's International Realty

The indoor pool has retractable doors and an attached beach-side cabana that would not be allowed with today's building regulations. The lakeside patio with a grill also leads to an outdoor spa and to the terraced gardens, where you can look out to the sparkling waters of Lake Tahoe.

Vivian Lane lodge, Lake Tahoe, Nevada, USA

Sotheby's International Realty

If this isn't quite enough, the private 125-foot beach has a boat and jet skis on lifts under the covered pier, as well as two permitted boat buoys that lead out into the waters. If rustic living is your thing, check out these unbelievable ranches for sale.

Mid-century style mansion, Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Sotheby's International Realty

This stunning property sits on the shores of Lake Geneva, a crescent-shaped body of water shared between France and Switzerland, with the majestic Alps soaring above it. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes on the planet.

Mid-century style mansion, Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Sotheby's International Realty

The 7,534 square foot property has lots of unique design features like these wooden beams that concertina out to create a gorgeous fan-effect that follows the curve of a bespoke fireplace.

Mid-century style mansion, Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Sotheby's International Realty

This house has lots of beautiful mid-century touches that give the house a sense of history, though it's by no means stuck in a time warp with bright modern decor throughout. Located in the sought after area of Cologny and just a short walk from the lake and Jura, it has spectacular views from many of its rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Mid-century style mansion, Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Sotheby's International Realty

The dining room also has a unique sloped ceiling. On the market with Sotheby's International Realty, the property is so exclusive that you can only get the price on request.

Mid-century style mansion, Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Sotheby's International Realty

The house was designed by an architect and also comes with a raft of luxury amenities including an indoor heated swimming pool, spa area and an eight-car garage.

Seluded maison, Lake Annecy, France

Prestige Property

This spacious six-bed property sits on the shores of Lake Annecy in France. In the Haute-Savoie region, the lake is fed by mountain springs and is known for its clean water.

Seluded maison, Lake Annecy, France

Prestige Property

Just 50 minutes to Geneva, the property has a simple and neutral interior theme and is on the market for $7.5 million (£5.7m). Who wouldn't want to eat while looking out at this view?

Seluded maison, Lake Annecy, France

Prestige Property

The reception rooms have numerous brick fireplaces and parquet flooring to add a traditional twist to the modern interior. It's the perfect setting to relax by the fire in winter.

Seluded maison, Lake Annecy, France

Prestige Property

The six-bed, six-bath property is set in a quiet location away from the hustle and bustle and has its own pontoon and mooring ring, which is probably why it's on the market for $7.9 million (£5.6m).

Seluded maison, Lake Annecy, France

Prestige Property

The patio has uninterrupted views of the lake, which is no surprise when you consider that this romantic retreat comes with over 67,000 square feet of mature gardens and outside space.

Exclusive chalet, Flathead Lake, Montana, USA

Christie's International Real Estate

This elegant home on Flathead Lake in Montana boasts a spacious floor plan and even a bar. Flathead Lake is a large natural lake in northwest Montana with pure sparkling waters and miles of tree-lined shores overlooked by the Swan and Mission mountain ranges.

Exclusive chalet, Flathead Lake, Montana, USA

Christie's International Real Estate

Decorated in a typical chalet style, the property has multiple stone fireplaces and traditional wooden beams to give it a cosy feel. The spacious living area has a huge stone fireplace and soaring wooden beam work to give the room a sense of grandeur and warm the house during the cold Montana winters.

Exclusive chalet, Flathead Lake, Montana, USA

Christie's International Real Estate

The gourmet kitchen features Viking appliances, custom cabinetry and marble countertops. The lower level includes a 1,500-bottle wine cellar, games room, sauna and gym.

Exclusive chalet, Flathead Lake, Montana, USA

Christie's International Real Estate

Outside, exploring the lake by boat is easy with the private dock. Complete with multiple cover lifts and weather-sensing sunshades, it's an impressive year-round option for living on the water.

Exclusive chalet, Flathead Lake, Montana, USA

Christie's International Real Estate

If all this isn't enough, you can show off your new abode to your friends. They can stay in the accompanying guest house which includes a full kitchen, two ensuite bedrooms and a cosy fireplace.

Contemporary lakeside estate, Oswego Lake, Oregon, USA

Zillow

Located at the widest point of Oswego Lake, a naturally occurring body of water in Oregon, this jaw-dropping contemporary estate was built in 2003.

Contemporary lakeside estate, Oswego Lake, Oregon, USA

Zillow

Constructed mainly of steel, this huge house has high ceilings, soaring windows and stone walls – it's a sweeping and luxurious space for entertaining.

Contemporary lakeside estate, Oswego Lake, Oregon, USA

Zillow

The house is also packed with luxury amenities including a wine cellar, a wet bar and a hot tub, as well as three ensuite bedrooms.

Contemporary lakeside estate, Oswego Lake, Oregon, USA

Zillow

Outside, the property has numerous balconies with panoramic views out onto the tranquil lake, which hosts many beautiful homes nestled along its shores.

Contemporary lakeside estate, Oswego Lake, Oregon, USA

Zillow

The house, which sits on a plot of over 10,000 square feet is on the market for $7 million (£5.4m), for that price you also get a gated entrance for extra security and a self-contained guest house.

Charlevoix property, Lake Michigan, Michigan, USA

Christie's International Real Estate

This house is as close to the water's edge as you can get. Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, one of the five great lakes of North America and the only one located entirely in the United States, it is a popular place for summer homes.

Charlevoix property, Lake Michigan, Michigan, USA

Christie's International Real Estate

Originally built in 1992, it was extended and remodelled in 2001 to enhance the 180-degree views of the lake. The six-bedroom estate offers luxury as well as privacy as it is set in 19 acres of private woodland.

Charlevoix property, Lake Michigan, Michigan, USA

Christie's International Real Estate

It offers open-plan living in the reception rooms with vaulted ceilings and giant beams. The kitchen feature granite counters and sociable space for guests to relax.

Charlevoix property, Lake Michigan, Michigan, USA

Christie's International Real Estate

The rest of the house is designed in a warm cabin style with fieldstone fireplaces and hardwood floors.

Charlevoix property, Lake Michigan, Michigan, USA

Christie's International Real Estate

The commanding view could be all yours for $1.95 million (£1.5), which seems like a reasonable amount for a private view of one of the world's most stunning natural lakes. Loved these houses? You should check out the world's dreamiest ski resort homes.