Living on the Riverside

Oh for a life by the river! To spend long, sunny afternoons by the riverside, lounging, lazing, or simply messing about in boats on waters great and small, “all a-shake and a-shiver—glints and gleams and sparkles, rustle and swirl, chatter and bubble.” To the gentle Mole, from the classic novel The Wind in the Willows, the river’s soothing sounds were “a babbling procession of the best stories in the world, sent from the heart of the earth to be told at last to the insatiable sea.” These eight delightful dwellings on the riverbank’s watery wonderland will enchant and entertain. Choose a home off the beaten path, on a river brashly traversing a wild wood, or a murmuring brook rambling through a wildflower meadow. Or perhaps, the riverfront retreat is on an ancient waterway that winds through a great city. Some might think their happiness is complete, until, like Mole and his friends, they’ve lived by the edge of a “full-fed river”.

Sui Generis in Brielle, New Jersey

This riverfront idyll combines the owner’s architectural vision with the sweeping beauty of the Manasquan River as its backdrop. Sui Generis—Latin for “of its own kind,” “in a class by itself”—is a beautiful merger of pure opulence and supreme functionality. The stunning nine-bedroom residence offers 31,000 square feet of living space that frame the sweeping river views. A 12,000-bottle, climate-controlled wine cellar, billiards room, and theater are a few of the lavish appointments. Beyond the splendor of the home’s interior is an alluring pool with cabana, bar, and outdoor kitchen; a pretty, Japanese-style garden, and two deepwater docks and slips to accommodate boats of up to 65 feet.

Chao Phraya River Residence in Bangkok, Thailand

This sumptuous apartment offers sweeping views of the Chao Phraya River from its luxury perch in the Banyan Tree Residences Riverside Bangkok. The light-filled, 2,669-square-foot home features three luxurious bedrooms, a large open-plan kitchen, and a living area with double-aspect floor-to-ceiling windows and nearly 10-foot-high ceilings to take in the breathtaking vistas. Situated on two acres of grounds, just 50 feet from the riverbank, the building’s developers and designers envisioned it as a “sanctuary for your soul.” Ownership comes with exclusive access to the five-star amenities of the Banyan Tree Bangkok, including private chef catering, spa treatments, housekeeping, and a complimentary river boat service.

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Riverbend in Savannah, Georgia

The most significant offering in Savannah, Georgia, Riverbend is aptly named for its panoramic views over the Wilmington River. This world-class estate is sited on a high bluff with 300 feet of deepwater frontage. Private and secluded, the property is accessed through a secured gated entrance with a beautiful drive enhanced with lush landscaping. Complementing the French Caribbean-style main residence are two cottages, a pool with “dive-in theater,” and a charming dock house perched above the river.

Amstel Riverfront Estate in Amsterdam, Netherlands

This Grade I-listed estate just outside Amsterdam city center takes advantage of its majestic waterfront setting with its own private mooring on the Amstel River. Built circa-1725, the original manor house and coach house have been renovated for 21st-century living. The grand, 9,000-square-foot manor house is entered via stone steps leading up to vestibule and center hall. Farther along is a palatial living room with a fireplace and a library with custom-built bookcases. A large hall, gourmet kitchen, and family room are on the garden level. An elevator serves all four floors. The upper levels include four bedroom suites, a hammam, and sauna. The carriage house has its own entrance, and a new outbuilding is suitable for residential conversion. The grounds include a walled terrace and a natural swimming pool surrounded by mature gardens.

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Grand Apartment on the River Seine in Paris, France

Île Saint-Louis is the historic setting for this elegant apartment on the second floor of an 18th-century building on the banks of the River Seine. The three-bedroom residence has an enviable south-facing location, offering panoramic views of the river and the many of the city’s most famous landmarks. The stately living spaces are adorned with period details, such as parquet floors, chandeliers, moldings, and a marble fireplace. A magnificent reception room, formal dining room, contemporary kitchen, study, and master suite with spa bathroom are among the appointments. A self-contained studio apartment on the ground floor is also available for purchase. The building includes caretaker services and an elevator.

Red Lily Vineyards in Jacksonville, Oregon

Red Lily Vineyards is an award-winning vineyard, winery, and residence on more than 250 acres with over half a mile of frontage on the Applegate River in Jacksonville, Oregon. Located in Southern Oregon’s celebrated Applegate Valley AVA, Red Lily’s small cuvée winery has an annual capacity of 5,000 cases, producing 3,000 cases of Tempranillo, Verdejo, Grenache and other terroir-driven varietals. The wine production is complemented by a tasting room with entertaining terrace, and a pole barn. A bridge over the Applegate River leads to the main residence, an American-cedar shingle-style home with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. A second residence, a Craftsman-style guest house, offers two additional bedrooms and two bathrooms. The estate also includes an equestrian facility and a private beach on the riverbank.

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Riverside Retreat in Ketchum, Idaho

Majestic mountain views and a prime waterfront setting on Idaho’s East Fork Wood River make this home the ultimate getaway for recreation, relaxation, and privacy. The classic log-style home features contemporary design details and an open floor plan for entertaining. Beautiful wood floors lend to the rustic charm, while floor-to-ceiling windows and stacking slider doors frame the river views. There are five bedrooms and five bathrooms, including a main-level master suite with river views. Residents can share fishing tales by the enormous fireplace in the great room or on the dining terrace facing the river. The private wooded grounds include a lawn leading to the river. Sun Valley Resort and the historic town of Ketchum are both within 30 minutes’ drive.

Bali-Style Villa on Pohakuhonu Stream  in Kilauea, Hawaii

This Bali-style villa is a tropical sanctuary on Kauai’s North Shore. A three-quarter-mile private drive leads to the seven-acre estate and its peaceful, private grounds on the banks of Pohakuhonu Stream. The private quarters and the main living areas are in separate wings. Exotic hardwoods of merbeau, monkeypod, ipe, and teak are used throughout the living spaces. The home is partially powered by solar energy. The landscaped grounds are an oasis of lush vegetation, including palms, fruit trees, and 16 varieties of bamboo, and koi ponds and streams, which connect to the river. A riverside soaking tub is the perfect place to take in the mountain views and the sights and sounds of nature.