There’s nothing quite like waking up by the sea and having the sound of crashing waves and the smell of salty air on your doorstep. Some of us are craving the warm waters of the Caribbean and some much-needed R&R in a palatial luxury beach villa, while others prefer to stay a little closer to home on the UK coastline in a quaint coastal bungalow. However far you are willing to go, here is our selection of the most intriguing and note-worthy residential coastal homes available to buy or rent for long and short stays.
Palatial Alhambra-Inspired Villa in Santa Barbara, California | For Sale $29M
This stunning luxury estate, 848 Hot Springs Rd, on the laid-back coast of sunny Santa Barbara is inspired by Granada's Alhambra Palace. Fusing Moorish, Spanish and Italianate architecture, the sprawling California home impresses in both scale and aesthetics. A rotunda entry with a hand-carved marble fountain sets the tone for the palatial property from the moment you step foot within the 2.4acre, 12,000 sq ft property. The home includes four bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and an attached guesthouse.
7-Bedroom Custom-Built Residence In Killiney, Ireland | For Sale €10M
With views of Killiney Bay and the Wicklow Mountains, this contemporary home balances its surrounding rural environment with a luxurious sense of modernity. A granite entrance leads to a large ground floor dedicated to entertaining and perfect designed for working from home, there is a customised office space just beyond the living room, which is impressively fitted with a glass climate-controlled wine room. The coastal location is tranquil yet still within easy reach of Dublin
8-bedroom Grade II Listed Waterfront Property in Exmouth, Devon | For Sale £5M
This magnificent waterfront home of large proportions boasts beautiful formal gardens with grounds overlooking Exe Estuary. Belvedere is a house of intriguing Georgian crenelated architecture, the oldest parts of which date back to the 17th century. The outdoor space includes a tennis court, large paddock and winding woodland paths.
Elegant Georgian Townhouse Overlooking Falmouth Bay, Cornwall | For Sale £675K
A fabulous refurbishment opportunity, this 3600sqft property includes an abundance of period features. An original flagged floor, original cornices, two marble fireplaces, a turned staircase with mahogany bannister and sash windows with working shutters are yearning to be restored to previous elegance.
Two-Story Beachside Luxury Penthouse in Miami, Florida | For Sale $10.75M
This modern luxury penthouse in Miami's exclusive Coconut Grove boasts unobstructed views of the city and interiors so stunning they were featured in Architectural Digest. Key features include a wall stone with flowing waterfalls and a sprawling rooftop with an infinity pool. Marketed by ONE Sotheby's International Realty, this elegant condominium has 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.
12-Bedroom French Riviera Villa in Nice, France | For Sale €7.9M
With panoramic views over the Baie des Anges, this former palace in need of restoration was originally built in 1870. The historical property includes a main villa and 3 additional properties as well as a south-facing solarium terrace and vast gardens.
Picturesque Italian Villa in Portofino, Italy | For Sale POA
This 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom villa in Genoa, Liguria is set within 3 hectares of land which includes landscaped gardens and olive groves. private land. The sprawling property also has fabulous views over the fishing village of Portofino.
Modern Luxury Spanish Villa in Andalucia, Spain | For Sale €9.95M
Newly Built La Zagaleta Golf Mansion In Andalucia, Spain | For Sale €32M
Listed Coastal Victorian House in East Lothian, Scotland | For Sale £1.8m
This fully refurbished mid 19th-century Victorian property has a tower at the centre, generously-proportioned interiors, magnificent reception rooms and many period features such as plasterwork cornices, ceiling roses and a stunning painted glass window in pre-Raphaelite style.
Detached Beach Front House in Sandbanks, England | For Sale £5.25m
Offering equal amounts of luxury and privacy, this gated, detached waterside house in the well-heeled area of Poole offers an abundance of accommodation. It has been off the market for nearly 20 years and planning is already granted for new build homes or apartments, making it a unique investment opportunity.
4-Bedroom Detached House in Sandbanks, England | For Sale £5.995m
This brand new beach front home has been designed by award-winning architects Terence O’Rourke. The luxurious home is arranged across four floors which are serviced by a lift and includes an indoor swimming pool.
Spanish Coastal Villa in Mallorca, Spain | For Sale €10m
A Mediterranean villa in the Caribbean-like bay of Cala Blava with direct sea access, this extraordinary living space is a modern masterpiece in one of Mallorca's most beautiful settings. The 6-bedroom and 6-bathroom property has been crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
Apsara Beachfront Home in Old Fort Bay, Bahamas | For Sale POA
Referred to as one of the most beautiful homes in the entire Bahamas, this stunning property offers 150ft of waterfront with a private beach and 150ft of canal frontage. Indoor-outdoor living at its very best, the refined aesthetic includes white glass flooring, natural bush hammered white quartz, a Bocci chandelier, Paola Lenti outdoor furniture and indoor furniture by Minotti and B&B Italia.
9 Bay Drive Oceanfront Property in Lahaina, Hawaii | For Sale $37.5m
These 10 acres of conservation land are situated within Kapalua Resort. It offers resort-style accommodations for 12 or more as well as amenities to match, including a pool with lounging area and spa, outdoor barbecue and entertainment area, gym, game room, and two kitchens. A portion of this legacy property is protected by Hawaiian Islands Land Trust.
Fleur De Mer Estate in Colombier, St. Barts | For Sale POA
Perched atop a hill with 360° panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, this dreamy property is the ultimate tropical escape. Occupying almost three acres of land peppered with palm trees and bougainvillea, it offers seclusion, freedom and understated luxury.