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Living Lakeside: 60 Luxurious Waterfront Properties

Sit back, relax and enjoy the views. Gather inspiration for your lakefront dreams with help from these stately waterfront homes.

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Photo: Eric Hausman. From: Michael Abraham
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Patio With a View

A spacious, open-air pavilion is one of the notable features of this lakeside home. With bluestone pavers and large columns, this covered sitting area provides the outdoor entertainment space every home needs.

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Photo: John Bessler. From: Heather Garrett Interior Design
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Floating Party Place

Who wouldn't want a floating lounge? Complete with comfy chairs and a huge TV, a wet bar that boasts a kegerator and even a swimming dock, this space has it all. Hosts and guests alike can nap, lounge, party and relax — the perfect way to pass away the summer days.

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Photo: Westphalen Photography. From: Wagner Hodgson
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Lakeside Terrace

A stone wall creates a backdrop for this wooden terrace. Lounge chairs and a small couch provide seating for lakeside viewers. A cable guardrail ensures there is nothing in the way of the awe-inspiring vistas.

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Photo: Bullis Photography. From: Mom's Design Build
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All-Season Space

The infinity-edge pool and house overlook seemingly unending lake views. Multiple seating areas and fire pits make the patio a great hangout to gather with friends and family and enjoy the great outdoors all year long.

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Photo: John McManus. From: Lisa Furey
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Calming Cottage

Nestled between the trees situated on the shoreline, this small cottage has the charming, peaceful feel of front porch living with all the conveniences of the modern world.

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Photo: Chase International, a member of Luxury Portfolio International
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Glass-Front Cabin

This contemporary, mountain-style home sits perched on the edge of the lake. Glass, accordion-style doors open up to provide panoramic views for those inside and out. An over-the-lake entertainment patio is topped with a wonderfully expansive sun deck, providing the perfect al-fresco dining space.

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Photo: Houlihan Lawrence, a member of Luxury Portfolio International
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Luxury Midcentury Home

Decked in a myriad of modern finishes, the luxurious feel of this bathroom is undeniable. Wash up at the cool farmhouse sinks below floating mirrors and, thanks to the giant windows, never miss out on the view.

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Photo: Alise O'Brien Photography
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Nantucket Waterside

This beautiful vacation home sits right on the edge of a glassy lake. The homeowners desired to recreate the look and feel of a Nantucket cottage and we think they did just that.

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Photo: Houlihan Lawrence, a member of Luxury Portfolio International
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Wake to the Lake

The fresh yellow and white floral pattern of the bed linen makes a stylish graphic counterpoint to the dark gray walls. Catch up on work or emails at the desk while being inspired by the unending lake views.

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Photo: Houlihan Lawrence, a member of Luxury Portfolio International
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Midcentury Vacation Home

This superb waterfront vacation home features midcentury style on the beautiful Blue Heron Lake. The lowkey dock and boat launch blend seamlessly with the home's style. The expansive property includes over 6 acres and 200 feet of lake frontage.

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Photo: Jason Brownlee. From: Jason Brownlee
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Poolside Retreat

To create a water-to-water illusion from the pool to the lake, this patio touts two infinity-edge pools. With no obstructed views, inhabitants of this lakefront property can enjoy the vistas with no distractions.

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Photo: Houlihan Lawrence, a member of Luxury Portfolio International
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Covered Lounge

This estate sits on a wonderfully open, yet private estate that includes a swimming pool, secluded boat dock and a sandy beach. A covered patio provides the perfect place for entertaining or relaxing in peace and quiet.

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Photo: Windermere Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International
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Vine-Covered Pergola

A vine-covered pergola extends off the front of this house and towards the water. The wide open porch includes enough seating for a small crowd, while still maintaining a sense of intimacy. With three sets of stairs, access to the waterfront is not only easy, it's a must.

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Photo: Bosworth Hoedemaker. From: Bosworth Hoedemaker
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French Doors Galore

French doors, which open up from every room on the back of the house, provide immediate access to the lakefront and accompaning views. A modest deck provides seating in a peace-filled setting.

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Photo: Mary Andrulaitis. From: NMA Architects
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Mountaintop Lake Home

From both outdoor patios, guests have breathtaking views of the mountains surrounding them and the lake below. The dark exterior blends seamlessly into the nearby natural landscape making it the perfect mountain home.

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Photo: Moreland Properties, a member of Luxury Portfolio International. From: Luxury Portfolio International®
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Mediterranean Style in Texas

This covered patio — one of the home's many outdoor living areas — overlooks a breathtaking view of an infinity pool and lake beyond. Cozy cushioned seating ensures the space is fit for long nights of relaxation and conversation.

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Photo: Chase International, a member of Luxury Portfolio International. From: Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®
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Log Cabin on Lake Tahoe

A 1920s log cabin, original to the land, sits perched on the shoreline overlooking the bright blue water. The surrounding estate covers over 5.5 acres which includes 500 feet of frontage of the infamous Lake Tahoe. A bouy and pier maximise waterfront living for the vacationers.

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Photo: Harry Norman Realtors, a member of Luxury Portfolio International. From: Harry Norman, REALTORS
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On a Glassy Lake

Sunlight sparkles off the glassy lake surface, inviting guests to take a boat out or dive right in. The second story of the boathouse includes a spacious covered porch. With water like this, who wouldn't want to swim and sunbathe all day long?

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Photo: Harry Norman Realtors, a member of Luxury Portfolio International. From: Harry Norman, REALTORS
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Rustic Outdoor Sitting Room

Incredible tree trunk beams and posts support this outdoor great room. A large stone fireplace, multiple lounging areas and a dining table create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in this space.

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Photo: Windermere Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International
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Tudor on the Lake

This Tudor-style home, as seen from above, has an expansive estate. The beautiful brick exterior and the winding pathways make this home seem like an escape. Although the front of this house is beautiful, the back of the house is certain to be better with a lakefront like that.

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Photo: Miranda Hattie Photography. From: Project Groundwork
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Fire Pit on the Shore

A simple, modern fire pit adds ambiance to this outdoor seating area. The deck is located near the dock and offers a place enjoy the passing boats or simply relax and take in the stunning views.

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Photo: Matthew Collins, Uptic Studios; Photo by Oliver Irwin
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Bright + Open Great Room

This lakefront home's open floor plan is no joke. With the kitchen flowing into the living room, large sliding doors and windows were the perfect choice to continue the flow outside. A large patio with minimalist guardrails make the entire home feel like one open-air space.

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Photo: FINNE Architects. From: FINNE Architects
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Cantilevered Cabin

In a compelling architectural move, this lakefront cabin cantilevers out toward the water. While appearing to float towards the shore, a wall of windows makes the most of the beautiful views beyond the cabin walls.

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Outdoor Kitchen Dream

This lakeside home features an outdoor kitchen with a grill and a pergola overhead. An island bar sits in the middle of the space with high chairs for sitting and watching the sunrise as you enjoy your breakfast.

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Photo: Eric Perry ©
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Tucked in Nature

Pine trees and evergreens dot the landscape that surrounds this lakeside cabin. With large windows and quaint architectual details, this home seems to have a little bit of everything, making it the perfect getaway destination.

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Photo: Landmark Photography. From: Andrea Swan
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Rambling Landscape

The privacy this home has is unreal. Situated on its own at the end of a peninsula, this remarkable lakefront home has 360-degree views and ramble-worthy landscaping.

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Picture-Perfect Views

Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a spectacular view while seated in this luxury dining room. White decor was carefully chosen to give nature the attention it deserves. With views like this, there's no need to hang wall art.

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Photo: Tre Dunham. From: Jenkins Design Build
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Sitting on Stilts

Sleek stone columns elevate this contemporary home above the ground, ensuring nothing will get in the way of those much-desired lake views. The raised home creates a built-in covered patio that houses an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit and a swimming pool. Ample lighting keeps the patio fully illuminated at night.

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Photo: hoamz ltd., a member of Luxury Portfolio International. From: hoamz ltd.
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Sprawling Hills

The privacy and phenomenal views of Lake Hayes are just a couple positives of this contemporary home. Landscaping is kept to a minimum with mature tussock covering the hills, ensuring that the eye is always drawn to the body of water.

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Photo: Photo Courtesy: Betty Lou Phillips ©. From: Betty Lou Phillips
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Lakeside in Italy

A bell tower looms over a view of the Italian lake district. A neo-classical home covered in vines sits directly over the water, creating the most idyllic setting imaginable.

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Photo: Specht Harpman. From: Specht Architects
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Rooftop Garden

This contemporary rooftop deck, which boasts its own herb garden and sweeping views of the lake beyond, serves as a quiet getaway for relaxation or intimate conversation. A factory cart table offsets the rustic quality of the deck and balances the modern look of the home perfectly.

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Photo: Westphalen Photography. From: Wagner Hodgson
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Lake Life From Above

From the entryway to the dock, this home made the most of the space it possessed. Layered decks and patios ensure ample entertaining space, while a pool adds the luxury of staying cool without entering the lake.

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Photo: James Michael Kruger. From: Andrea Swan
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Light Up the Lake

This stunner of a home offers many ways to enjoy its lakefront views: balconies, walkways, decks. The large windows and bright lighting creates a sort of lakeside lighthouse, making sure this house gets the attention it deserves.

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Photo: Chase International, a member of Luxury Portfolio International. From: Chase International
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Luscious Landscaping

Lake, sky and gorgeous landscapes as far as the eye can see — it's enough to make anyone break into a round of "America the Beautiful." With an upper and a lower deck, guests can chose to relax waterfront, or stay in the shade close to home.

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Photo: Nick Johnson. From: Furman and Keil Architects
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Panoramic Views

One of the new additions to this 1980s home on the edge of Austin's lake was a screened-in porch. A casual sitting area lets residents get lost in those panoramic views without having to deal with the annoying pests. Large sliding doors that open into the porch make one open, indoor-outdoor living space.

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Photo: Chris Luker Photography. From: Christopher Architecture and Interiors
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Stately Home on a Hill

Set up on a small hill, the house commands great views of the lake. A private bridge connects the home with the floating boathouse.

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Photo: Chase International, a member of Luxury Portfolio International. From: Chase International
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Crystal-Clear Views

This vacation gem is nestled amongst the evergreens on the shore of Nevada's Lake Tahoe. With private lake access and tons of outdoor entertaining potential, it's a must see. The crystal-clear water will make you want to jump right in.

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Photo: John Bessler. From: Heather Garrett Interior Design
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Lounging on the Lake

With peaked ceilings and a comfortable lounge area, this floating dock is the perfect place to relax waterside. A wet bar ensures that you have what you need to relax, while a hammock provides the perfect place to take a nap.

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Photo: Stephen Allen Photography. From: John McClain Design
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Luxury Pool + Lakeside Views

This incredible backyard is equally suited for entertaining or chilling out. With a large swimming pool, multiple seating areas, a grassy lawn and views of the nearby lake, there would be no need to move elsewhere.

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Photo: WETAG Consulting, a member of Luxury Portfolio International. From: WETAG Consulting
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Stunning Mediterranean Views

This Mediterranean home has arched doorways that lead out to a partially-covered gray stone patio with comfortable living and dining areas. Beautiful trees and vegetation frame the views of the Lago Maggiore.

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Photo: Nick Johnson. From: Furman and Keil Architects
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Serene Bedroom

Washed in whites and creams, this bedroom feels serene and peaceful. A corner window looking out onto the lake makes the room feel as though it is really part of nature.

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Photo: Chase International, a member of Luxury Portfolio International. From: Chase International
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Blue Balconies

Rising gracefully on a hillside, the two-story house has balconies that wrap around the buildings offering plentiful outdoor entertaining spaces and gorgeous lakefront views.

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Photo: Chase International, a member of Luxury Portfolio International. From: Chase International
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Cabin on Lake Tahoe

Sitting on the crisp and clean shore of California's Lake Tahoe, this expansive home touts stunning views from all sides. With access to Bali Beach in addition to a private beach, this luxury cabin is a proper vacation retreat.

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Photo: Nick Johnson. From: Furman and Keil Architects
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Fresh + Airy Galley Kitchen

A long island with barstools means that it's easy to keep the chef company and take in the delicious lake views. The room's neutral palette only enhances the appeal of the unbeatable natural surroundings.

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Photo: Nick Johnson. From: Furman and Keil Architects
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Views on All Sides

Originally constructed with a series of enclosed rooms, the spectacular location was admired very little. Now, an open-concept layout with walls of windows mean the interior gets treated to lake views from every corner.

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Photo: Windermere Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International
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Brick Breakfast Nook

Imagine enjoying a cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast out on this stone-clad patio. With views like this, you're certain to start your day off the right way. The historic-looking brick and the surrounding landscape create an idyllic setting you'd never want to leave.

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Photo: Keefe Real Estate, a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. From: Keefe Real Estate
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Private Tudor Estate

This Tudor-style manor sits pretty on an almost 20-acre estate. With a dock that extends into the water and perfectly placed landscaping, this property feels like a private island escape.

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Photo: WETAG Consulting, a member of Luxury Portfolio International. From: Luxury Portfolio International®
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Lakeside Glass House

With sculpted glass walls and modern lines, this home's inhabitants can be sure that they'll never miss out on the views. Located on Lake Lugano, this homes sits near the water and is surrounded by a beautifully mountainous terrain.

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Photo: Carolyn L. Bates
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Modern Elegance

With sleek, angular lines and a soaring roof, this lakefront home defines modern elegance. The home's rear facade is made up entirely of windows to showcase the site's most impressive feature — uninterupted views of a gorgeous lake.

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Photo: Nick Johnson. From: Stephanie Wohlner
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Pool With a View

However beautiful the front of this house may be, the backyard is the spot to be. With a spacious swimming pool and a covered patio, this space seems like the perfect place to enjoy the expansive lakefront.

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Photo: John Bessler. From: Heather Garrett Interior Design
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Saltwater + Freshwater

Etheral outdoor drapery helps blur the lines between the indoor spaces and the exterior porch. Filled with upholstery, swings and places for lazy napping next to the saltwater pool, the neutral palette of this outdoor space allows nature to take center stage. And after the sun goes down, the party can easily move to the lakeside fire pit for an evening of relaxation.

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Photo: James Haefner. From: DesRosiers Architects
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Glowing Lakeside Mansion

Every room in this French Renaissance home boasts beautiful vistas. To the left, an infinity pool looks out over the water while a strategic landscape lighting plan makes the house glow like a lighthouse.

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Photo: John Bessler. From: Heather Garrett Interior Design
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Dueling Swings

Instead of uncomfortable outdoor chairs or upholstered couches that are easily dirtied, this deck features wicker-like swings. Swing to face the rest of the room for company and coversation, or relax in peace by looking out over the water.

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Photo: Chase International, a member of Luxury Portfolio International. From: Chase International
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Rustic Bar Top

This waterfront home makes it easy to entertain in lavish style with a large bar, outdoor kitchen, multiple balconies and an expanisve deck. The entertainment potential doesn't stop there — with a hot tub, sauna and private swimming area, this home is the lakefront place to be.

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Photo: Specht Harpman. From: Specht Architects
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Rooftop Lake Views

A rooftop-level entry provides access to this contemporary dwelling, giving the home its own unique appeal. Raised beds flank the front stairs for a natural touch, embedding the home into the surrounding scenery perfectly.

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Photo: Westphalen Photography. From: Wagner Hodgson
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Stacked Living Space

The tight dimensions of this site required that the entire lakefront be thought of as an outdoor space with everything in close proximity. With the pool and corresponding patios stacked up the hillside, this home used every inch of available space without losing any of the viewing potential.

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Photo: Hocker Design Group and ASLA
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Sunken Firepit

A cantilevered fireplace adds a level of coziness to the sunken courtyard at this wooded lakefront property. After a long day of swimming and boating, this is the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy a fireside treat.

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Photo: John Bessler. From: Heather Garrett Interior Design
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Breezy Lounge

Floor-to-ceiling draperies create privacy without having an entirely enclosed space, creating a picture-perfect place to catch the lakeside breeze.

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Photo: Lesley Taylor; Nick Johnson
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Sunbathe in Style

A metal roof shades stools and tables sitting outside this modern lakeside home. Chaise lounges create a sunny spot to sunbathe and a metal guardrail ensures that the views of Horseshoe Bay, which stretches around the house, aren't missed.

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Photo: The Whistler Real Estate Co., a member of Luxury Portfolio International. From: Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®
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Picturesque Setting

Sitting on a picturesque lake, this house touts quaint barn features that make this dwelling completely unique. Large windows and ample lighting are essential in any home, but especially so when the home sits on the water.