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 Annecy, to Lake Geneva...

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...

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.

But of course the home's most enticing asset has to be its garden. With sprawling lawns that stretch to the shoreline of Lake Geneva, there are plenty of spots for sunbathing, unwinding or soaking up the scenery. The backyard boasts a swimming pool and even a dock, so the lucky owner can park up their boat or jump off into the cooling waters of the lake.

This stunning residence was for sale in March 2025 via Cardis Immobilier Sotheby's International Realty for a sealed sum. We're sure it would be worth every penny!

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.

Available to rent on Airbnb, the home is perfect for four guests and comes equipped with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as an open-plan kitchen and dining area on the ground floor.

Upstairs, there’s a cosy living room, where comfortable seating invites you to unwind beside a rustic fireplace, or step out onto the balcony for a drink with garden and lake views.

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.

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.

For sale in March 2025, through Annecy Sotheby's International Realty, the property was completed in 2020 and is therefore in immaculate condition.

Positioned on a spacious landscaped garden, the villa was designed to face the lake and surrounding mountains, so almost every room enjoys unobstructed scenery.

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.

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.

Available to rent on Airbnb, this four-bedroom lake house in Montana is a dream come true. With a bird's eye view of Montana's second largest lake, Flathead Lake, from numerous rooms and points on the property, you're surrounded by a tranquil setting of woodland and mountains.

A small beach is just a 2-minute walk from the house via a natural-made path, where you'll find paddle boards and a boat, but why would you want to leave such a beautiful house? Let's take a look around...

With huge windows letting in tonnes of natural light, the living space is perfect for relaxing in front of the fire after a day out exploring. Enormous sofas are for sinking into.

Amenities include a laundry room and a deck with grilling equipment, plus an open-plan living and dining space to enjoy.

You'll find four comfortable bedrooms and three bathrooms, accommodating up to ten people. A games room and a well-equipped kitchen complete the home's layout.

And don't be surprised if you meet friendly deer or even see bald eagles; this place is truly at one with nature.

Outside the home, there's a fire pit for gathering to toast marshmallows as you watch the sun set over Flathead Lake. The sleek black arondirdack chairs for relaxing in are positioned for peak views.

Elsewhere on the property is a hot tub for a dip that's sure to be warmer than the lake waters, for a spa-like experience in the heart of nature.

Loved this? Take a tour of more envy-inducing real homes around the world