Five luxury homes that we love for sale by the water

The ocean can be mesmerising in all seasons, and perhaps it’s something about the natural landscape that inspires bold, creative architecture. Some homes by the water make sure to use plenty of floor-to-ceiling glass. Others catch the eye with perforated metal.

From city bases near the coastline to sea-change retreats, these are some of our favourites.

42-46 Constantine Avenue, St Andrews Beach VIC 

It’s not floating above the treetops, but visitors could be forgiven for wondering. This coastal home was designed by Sean Godsell Architects and won the Australian Institute of Architects’ Robin Boyd Award, considered Australia’s highest honour for residential architecture, two decades ago. There’s a balcony at either end with views of the sea, and in between there are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a study and an open plan kitchen, living and dining area – all connected by a gallery-like hall and covered by a perforated steel exoskeleton. It’s close to beaches, golf and Mornington Peninsula wineries.

15 Morella Place, Castle Cove NSW 

The floor-to-ceiling glass in the sunny living area of this stylish six-bedroom home offers water views, and also connects neatly with a spacious deck and barbecue area, partially undercover. The oversized windows continue through the other living spaces and bedrooms, so the residents can wake up and watch the bobbing boats. There’s also a swimming pool, wine cellar and walk-in pantry.

12 Sandown Street, Brighton VIC 

This bayside home has three levels from which to enjoy its views of Melbourne’s Brighton beach and Port Phillip Bay. Or the new owner can step out the door and go for a walk or a bike ride along the Bay Trail. There’s access to a tennis court and indoor swimming pool. The price guide is $10 million to $11 million, but it isn’t far from Brighton’s record-setting sale, a compound that fetched $32.8 million last year.

72 Stella Street, Collaroy Plateau NSW 

This stylish home on Sydney’s northern beaches is set a little back from the water, but near enough for views of the Pacific Ocean. There’s a luxurious coastal palette inside, with Linosian Sand marble benchtops in the kitchen and a statement stone en suite in the main bedroom. The outdoor kitchen includes a pizza oven and there’s a swimming pool and lawns for the kids.

11 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach QLD 

This Gold Coast stunner by BDA Architecture is strolling distance to the beach. The living spaces open up to the outdoors – and to the striking above-ground swimming pool on the top-level terrace. There’s a Carrara marble island bench in the kitchen and lawns in the courtyard. Visitors are catered for with a self-contained guest house.