Hinterland: 5 Properties Near Remote Lakes

With over 117 million lakes across the globe, lakeside living is much more than Adirondack chairs and sunsets. Water is in and of itself life giving, so it’s no wonder civilizations have been drawn to it for centuries. From jetting out across its surface to standing in awe of its natural beauty, however you define a water-filled day, these unique properties on remote lakes are ready to host your next adventure.

Nesting on a whopping 2,400 acres in the heart of the Chilean mountainside, lakeside living doesn’t get much more secluded than this Patagonian hacienda. Discover how much more fun a day on the lake becomes when you are the commander of your own seas—or rather, the three distinct lakes that give this estate its name: Hacienda Tres Logos. Spend your days lounging on the private beach with its massage room, sauna, hot tub, and dock, or try your hand at fly fishing, climbing, or hiking in one of the neighboring reserves. With a main building, six family cabins, and 12 bungalows, entertaining at this property is never an issue, except when it comes to who gets to stay in the two-bedroom floating cabin—the property’s most spectacular feature.

If a Rocky Mountain respite is more your speed, seek higher altitude at this 11-bedroom, 12-bathroom ranch home in Silverthorne, Colorado. Save for the world-renowned ski resorts like Keystone, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain located just a short 30 minutes away, outdoor enthusiasts may never need to leave these grounds. An equestrian’s paradise, the property boasts more than 250 acres to roam by horseback, while anglers can cast their rods across three stocked ponds perfect for fly fishing.

Get some face time with the natural world at this 3,200-acregame reserve offering a front-row seat to over 35 species of wildlife—including four of Africa’s Big Five: buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino—in their natural habitat. Lakefront porches offer an ideal vantage point from which to take in grasslands positioned at the junction of the Keurbooms and Palmiet Rivers. Decorated in elegant safari lodge style with elevated rustic interiors, this luxuriously-appointed property is sure to give guests an outdoors experience they won’t soon forget.

Sometimes you have to see a view from a distance to appreciate how magnificent it truly is. A sun-filled deck offers a commanding perspective to take in the breathtaking views of the Vaud Alps at this hillside villa located on Lake Geneva. Enjoy fragrant lavender breezes while lazing by the outdoor swimming pool, or gaze out across Europe’s largest alpine lake through the floor-to-ceiling windows of this home’s contemporary living room. With several luxury amenities including an onsite spa, you may find your guests routinely requesting a late checkout.

Boundaries between indoor and outdoor living are all but dissolved at this luxury jungle oasis perched on the edge of Queensland. Inspiration for this exquisite home comes from the original “Batujimbar” in Bali, designed by Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Set beside a beautiful private lake covered by water lilies and lotus plants, the home boasts an enviable stretch of peaceful waterfront, outdoor showers, and plenty of corners for reclining. Entertain guests on the large back deck next to the lake with its reflected palm trees, or paddle out by rowboat to explore lush foliage evocative of the tropical rainforest.

Whether it’s watersports or relaxation you’re after, no matter which continent, the sentiment remains the same—life is better at the lake.