Properties for Waterside Living.
31.03.2025According to a recent article in Luxury Defined, the online magazine of Christie’s International Real Estate, the so-called “Coastal Modern” architecture emerged in mid-20th century California and the Pacific Northwest, with a hint of Key West and British West Indies cottage style, suitable for laid-back, barefoot beach living.
The architects and decorators of the 21st century have created – perhaps even perfected – the refinements of luxury homes designed for the coastal, contemporary lifestyle.
Luxury Defined mentions the following criteria for the emergent Coastal Contemporary style:
- Open-concept floor plans flowing from indoor to outdoor spaces
- Big, tall, even double-height windows admitting abundant light and views
- Natural and local materials, sustainably built and richly finished
- Geometric lines and simpler forms, integral with the landscape
- Neutral color palettes invoking the tans of sand and grays of fog
The magazine presents 5 homes on offer that tick all those boxes – and more.
Modernist villa in Benahavis, Marbella, Spain
This ultra-luxurious villa in the village of Benahavís, Spain has a coveted location in one of Europe’s finest residential developments – La Zagaleta – in It is epic in scale, with over 23,000 square feet of living space across four floors.
In addition are 11,840 square feet of outdoor space, including two beach club-inspired lounges – with an outdoor kitchen, barbecue, and a 72-foot-long infinity pool to bask in Marbella’s favorable Mediterranean climate. On the occasional cloudy day, there’s a heated indoor pool with a sunken Jacuzzi, as well as a wellness suite.
Samara Moon in Samara, Costa Rica
This hideaway in the Costa Rica jungle was converted from a luxury resort into a luxurious single-family residence. Architecture and nature converge at Samara Moon, a unique two-acre estate nestled into the jungle canopy of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province.
The seven-bedroom residence takes the form of the crescent moon, with geometric glass façades providing sightlines of the jungle, the mountains, and the Pacific Ocean.
Lyford Cay Waterfront in New Providence, Bahamas
Papillon, or “butterfly,” spreads its spacious wings for luxurious, coastal living in the paradisal Lyford Cay, Bahamas.
Superb luxury and East Indies contemporary style await in this estate, a turnkey home with 10,000 square feet of graceful, open-plan living space in the private, gated community of Lyford Cay on the island of New Providence, Bahamas.
Tall windows and glass doors illuminate multiple indoor and outdoor reception spaces that flow from the central corridor to the expansive terraces, including reception rooms, a formal sitting room, media lounge, cocktail bar, and office. The gourmet kitchen has custom cabinets, built-in appliances, and storage, and an adjacent breakfast and luncheon space.
Coastal Escape in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Seagrove Beach on the Florida Panhandle is the picturesque setting for this serene, four-story beach house. The luxury beach retreat graces the white sands of the beach, one of the beautiful beach communities of Northern Florida’s Emerald Coast.
The home’s four levels of airy, light-filled living space extend to 9,981 square feet, compactly designed for the indoor-outdoor beach lifestyle.
The seven bedrooms, many with private bathrooms, custom closets, and sea-view balconies, provide plenty of private spaces to relax after beach activities. Residents can also contemplate the sea views (and the spectacular sunsets) from the lavish top-floor deck, with its panoramic vista extending from Destin to Panama City Beach.
Palm Jumeirah Beachfront Mansion in Dubai, UAE, UAE
A magisterial beachfront manor on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah offers opulence and elegance for indoor-outdoor living.
The ultimate in luxurious materials and finishes enfold this extraordinary, fully furnished beachfront villa on Dubai’s most exclusive man-made island: the Palm Jumeirah.
The two-level home provides six bespoke bedrooms and six opulent bathrooms within its 18,423 square feet of living space, with spectacular views of the Persian Gulf and the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building.
The indoor spaces flow seamlessly to outdoor luxury, with a welcoming sunken majlis and elegant garden which includes a crystal blue pool, pool room, a superb bar and cooking station adjacent to the dining and lounge space.
Learn more about these 5 fascinating offers and explore more coastal living here.