By Chris Hayes
Living near a body of water holds a romantic appeal. Summer days spent idling on a beach, long walks along the shoreline and endless opportunities right on your doorstep to dip, splash and sail.
That’s what’s on offer at The Lakehouse, a stylish, low-lying and aptly named home in the picturesque, wildlife-rich Kangaroo Valley, Australia — and, incidentally, it’s one of the few properties in the country that can boast it was designed by singer-songwriter Alfie Arcuri, who worked as an architect before winning The Voice Australia in 2016.
Set on a 34-acre estate, the four-bedroom home is built on a single level, with large glass walls giving views of the surrounding landscape and the shimmering waters of Lake Yarrunga.
Behind a distinctive wood-panelled facade, its interior has soaring panelled ceilings and polished concrete floors, a chunky stone fireplace and a kitchen made using blackbutt (a type of eucalyptus) and stone. Alfresco terraces and a sunken lounge are ideal for relaxing and welcoming friends, and there’s a travertine-framed 12-metre infinity pool from which the lake appears close enough to touch, the two bodies of water blending in a single horizon.
The area is known for its numerous outdoor activities, particularly water sports and bushwalking. Here, local rules ensure tranquillity: no motorised craft are permitted, giving priority to swimming, kayaking and fishing. The closest village — Kangaroo Valley — is a 15-minute drive away.
In Sweden, Norhaga Countryhouse is an architectural landmark on the edge of the scenic village of Hinsnoret that embodies the Scandinavian fantasy of a forest retreat. Constructed in 1903 by renowned architect Lars Israël Wahlman, a supporter of the arts and crafts movement who built Tjolöholm Castle, it’s now considered one of the country’s best-preserved and most acclaimed properties to be built in the national romantic style.
Set on more than 5 acres of land, the property includes a total of nine buildings and has panoramic views over a tranquil lake. Following a renovation completed in 2024, the turn-of-the-century aesthetics have been kept intact and further emphasised with original, carefully restored furniture.
The grand main residence spans 366 sq metres and comprises 14 rooms, including 9 bedrooms, a fairytale tower room and a music room. There are also saunas, a boathouse, a private island and a tennis court.
Over in Florida, 30A Santa Rosa Beach is a newly built residence designed by Geoff Chick. Completed in 2023, the house combines both the appeal of a beach facing on to the Gulf of Mexico and the more intimate Oyster Lake behind.
Five en suite bedrooms, including a bunk room, open out onto balconies on every floor with gulf or lake views. There are sliding glass walls and 12-foot ceilings throughout, and the ground floor leads directly onto the beach.
Photography: Savills; Sweden Sotheby’s International Realty; Florida Sotheby’s International Realty
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