As soon as the weather warms up, a home by the water starts to look a lot more appealing than many other places.
There’s something about being close to a lake or the coast that makes hot weather easier to handle. That could be a cooling breeze off the water, a spot to plunge your feet after a walk, or simply a view that makes the heat feel worth it.
We’ve rounded up seven of our favourite waterside homes for sale right now, from lakeside family houses to coastal estates. Some come with private beach access, others with their own lake frontage, but all of them make the most of life by the water.
Lake views take centre stage at this Kent family home
This waterside property sits in one of the best spots in the Holborough Lakes development, with a first floor living room balcony overlooking the water. Recently upgraded by its current owners, it comes with built-in wardrobes, underfloor heating in the entrance hall and plenty of storage throughout.
The ground floor has an integrated kitchen flowing into an open-plan family area, while the huge second-floor master bedroom makes the most of those lake views again. The development itself has landscaped waterside pathways, an on-site gym and a swimming club, all set against the backdrop of the North Downs.
A Grade II listed oast conversion with its own pond
Set on the rural outskirts of a village near Northiam, this attached oast conversion pairs twin roundels with far-reaching views over an adjoining pond. An oast is a traditional kiln once used for drying hops, and its distinctive roundel shape has been preserved here to striking effect.
Inside, there are four bedrooms including two roundel bedrooms, three reception rooms and a roundel kitchen/breakfast room. Outside, there is a fenced paddock of just under an acre comes with double cart lodge barn garaging. The extensive rear terrace looks straight out over the water, making it a peaceful spot to sit with a morning coffee.
A Cotswold retreat with direct lake access
This contemporary holiday home occupies one of the most sought-after positions on Minety Lake, which is part of the Lower Mill Estate. It enjoys uninterrupted water views and benefits from direct access to the lake from a south-facing plot, which makes for a perfect sun trap.
Extending to around 3,040 sq ft across three floors, it’s fully furnished and finished with a striking mix of Cotswold stone, timber cladding and extensive glazing. Inside, oak internal doors and tiled flooring create a polished first impression. The bedrooms have the bonus of ducted air conditioning for year-round comfort.
Anglesey home with private beach access
Just 2.5 miles from Beaumaris, this contemporary waterside home sits on landscaped grounds with private access to the beach below. Gorgeous views stretch across the Menai Strait towards Snowdonia and the Great Orme. The property itself houses a floating walnut staircase and an outdoor infinity hot tub.
The open-plan living space is built for those views, with pocket doors that disappear to blur the line between indoors and out. Direct gates lead onto the beach and the Wales Coastal Path, and there’s even scope for the current owner’s boat mooring to be included in negotiations.
An eco-conscious island home suspended above the water
Bridging two islands on a private river lake near Bursledon, this five-bedroom eco house is one of a kind. Completed in 2021 to the designs of Peter Huf, its glass façades and open-plan layout keep the surrounding water and woodland constantly in view.
The lakeside property holds an EPC A rating thanks to triple glazing, air-source heat pump and roof-mounted solar panels. Outside, a wraparound balcony and private slipway lead down to the tidal River Hamble. This is a natural fit for anyone who loves being out on the water.
A lakeside home with six bedrooms and private pool
On the exclusive Lakes by Yoo Estate near Lechlade-on-Thames, this waterside property makes the most of its south-facing plot. A heated swimming pool sits right at the water’s edge on a spacious lakefront terrace, complete with direct pontoon access for anyone keen to get straight out on the water.
The two principal suites upstairs are framed by dramatic cantilevered windows that make the most of those southerly lake views. Five of the six bedrooms have en suites. Rooftop solar panels provide an added bonus of helping to keep running costs down.
A private castle and 3,702 acres of Scottish coastline
With an asking price of £9,000,000, this is a truly enchanting coastal estate on the Isle of Mull. The site stretches across grazing land, ancient woodland and hills, plus over three miles of rugged shoreline and three lochs.
At its heart sits an 18-bedroom, B Listed Scottish Baronial castle with far-reaching views out to the Atlantic and the Outer Hebrides. The estate also includes a portfolio of holiday cottages, long-term rental homes, a working pedigree livestock farm and its own coffee shop. It’s a rare chance to own a sizable slice of Scottish coastal heritage.