Making a Splash: 5 Idyllic Waterfront Homes

From Cape Cod to California, these five waterfront homes are buoys for modern-day living, offering enviable views and the soothing sounds of harbor, river, and ocean waters from West Coast to East.

Chatham’s First Light

Jeffrey Marcus | Sotheby’s International Realty – Osterville Brokerage

Although it brings to mind a vintage Shingle-style cottage, this timeless getaway on a high ocean-facing site minutes from Chatham Village was designed and built in 2017. Highlights include inviting living and dining areas, a lower-level media room, four bedrooms—each with its own deck—a gym or additional bedroom, an elevator, four warming fireplaces, central air conditioning, an outdoor shower, glorious irrigated grounds, and a refreshing pool—all with sweeping water views. The property also includes a private beach.

Waterfront Idyll in Greenwich

Lisa Weicker | Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage

This charming waterfront home in the coveted Lucas Point Association enjoys magnificent southwestern views from nearly every room, floods of natural light, and a private beach and dock. Painstakingly renovated, it encourages indoor-outdoor living and entertaining and boasts a sophisticated living room, a formal dining room, a gourmet kitchen, a main-level primary suite with a lavish bath and dressing room, two welcoming guest bedrooms, a sunroom with a balcony, a family room, and a limestone patio with covered and open-air spaces.

Malibu Magic

Shen Schulz | Sotheby’s International Realty – Malibu Brokerage

In Malibu’s desirable La Costa neighborhood, this one-of-a-kind vine-draped residence combines Old World inspiration with contemporary comforts and enviable 180-degree ocean views. In addition to a sunlight-flooded great room and a well-equipped chef’s kitchen, it features three bedrooms—each with double glass doors to an outdoor space—and gardens with the ambience of a tropical oasis. The La Costa Beach Club offers a beach, tennis and volleyball courts, and a trellised picnic area with a commercial kitchen and grill.

Riverfront Retreat

Leslie McElwreath | Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage

In an idyllic setting on the banks of the Mianus River, this 1906 home has been carefully maintained and updated and encourages water-related recreation year-round. It features three bedrooms—including a primary suite with a vaulted ceiling, a woodstove, a study, and a large river-view balcony—a light-filled kitchen and breakfast area, living and dining rooms, two family rooms, a wonderful covered deck, a flagstone terrace, emerald lawn that rolls toward the water, and a private floating dock.

A California Classic

J.R. Rouse II, Jan Pratt, & Gianna Malfitano | Sotheby’s International Realty – Pacific Grove Brokerage

Overlooking Monterey Bay, this enchanting Arts and Crafts–style residence is filled with classic materials and elements, including impressive vintage woodwork and plentiful windows revealing the truly spectacular view. In addition to three bedrooms, it offers elegant living and dining spaces, a cheerful kitchen and family room, an office or craft room, a 600-square-foot studio, and multiple fireplaces and outdoor living and entertaining areas.

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