Formal living room, “Paradise Dawn,” Daytona Beach, Fla. Gold winner, One of a Kind Home, 2013 Best in American Living Awards.
It’s easy to be jealous of those living near the water, but it’s not as relaxing as it sounds. Insurance, beach erosion and flooding are just a few of the obstacles facing such properties.
From a design perspective, waterfont homes also pose obstacles–often the details you don’t see. There are many more factors to consider, such as views, outdoor spaces, outdoor rooms, winds, shading and other details. These elements should all work together to incoporate the water as an amenity.
However, the overall effect can be magical and make the effort and expense of part- or full-time waterfront living more than worth it.
Kitchen at “Allenwood,” Montague, Mich., Silver Award for One of a Kind Home, 2013 Best in American Living Awards.
In the Summer Best in American Living “It’s All in the Details” section, architect Wayne Visbeen explains 7 tips for making the most of your waterfront property. Concepts like phantom shades, using the sun’s energy to tint windows and firepit/patio safety and placement are just a few of the beautiful, useful methods.
If you are in the design field and would like to learn more about waterfront properties, consider NAHB’s webinar, Water Features and Landscape Architecture for Single-Family Homes and Communities, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET. Our experts will discuss top water and landscape architecture features that home buyers want to see when they purchase either a single-family custom home or buy into an entire community.
Finally, like more pretty pictures of waterfront homes? Try these sites…
- The Best Waterfront Homes of Cool Houses Daily
- 10 of the Best Waterfront Properties in the World
- How to Choose a Waterfront Property
