Going with the Flow | 6 Estates with Private Lakes

Few things can compare to time spent by a lake. The relaxing sound of fresh water, the cool shade of trees, and soothing sylvan scents create the most tranquil settings at these six estates, each of which includes its own peaceful private lake.

Sonoma Mountain Ranch

In the foothills of Sonoma Mountain, this unparalleled estate exemplifies modern California living. Its roughly 350 idyllic acres are home to main residence that blends Spanish Colonial architecture with modern design, a private one-bedroom guesthouse, a caretaker’s home, a detached three-car garage, a luxurious pool enveloped by a sunny limestone terrace, a lighted tennis and sports court with a viewing pavilion, expansive lawns, manicured gardens, equestrian facilities, and a refreshing private lake lined with a boardwalk.

Old Mill Farm

These 75.7 emerald acres, considered among the largest and finest landholdings in Greenwich, could easily be mistaken for an English country estate. In addition to a 15,800-square-foot classical home and an enchanting Cotswold-style stone cottage with two four-bedroom apartments, and stately stables with access to miles of trails, it encompasses a swimming pool, a tennis court, a professional greenhouse, expanses of verdant lawn, flower gardens, an orchard, and a spring-fed lake with a dock.

Silicon Valley Sanctuary

This impressive estate was once owned by Robert Noyce, co-founder of Intel, and local legend has it that the dining room in the main residence served as the company’s first boardroom. Secured at the end of a gated drive, the 2.8-acre property includes a four-bedroom home, a three-bedroom guesthouse, a unique swimming pool, bocce and tennis courts, a putting green, a barn, a vineyard, and a fruit-tree orchard, and two private lakes.

Distinctive Texas Contemporary

In a 2.4-acre wooded setting outside Houston, distinctive contemporary style meets the spaciousness and ambience of a sporting lodge at this 5,292-square-foot estate. It features four bedrooms, a study, a gourmet kitchen, a generator, blackout shades, surround sound, a Control4 smart home system, and pastoral views from every room. In the lush fenced backyard, the heated pool is joined by an outdoor pavilion with a fireplace and a summer kitchen. The acreage also includes a private stocked lake surrounded by shady trees.

Pat Kuleto’s Villa Cucina

High on a hill, this unique Napa Valley estate was designed and built by legendary restaurant designer and vintner Pat Kuleto as his own personal residence. Sited on approximately 40 acres, it offers 6,000 square feet of singular spaces for living and entertaining and sweeping views from nearly every window. The grounds feature shady alfresco living and dining areas, an infinity-edge pool with a pool house, a wine cave, a 4.5-acre vineyard, a guesthouse, and three private lakes.

Sunny Dell Farms

This pastoral 220-acre farm is a pristine private property in the Texas countryside between Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. At the end of a tree-lined private road, it features century-old live oaks, a spring-fed pond, a trap and skeet range, a fire pit, a portion of the West Navidad River with pecan trees running along one bank, custom cattle pens, work sheds, a barn, and a comfortable five-bedroom farmhouse in a picturesque setting overlooking a five-acre lake stocked with bass.