Making a splash: 15 beautiful pool properties

On the odd occasion that it gets really hot in the UK, we invariably find ourselves fantasising about diving (or more likely belly-flopping) into a swimming pool.

But buy one of these incredible properties and the fantasy can become reality. Whether it's at home or overseas, a grand mansion or a modern villa, there's something for every taste here – so what are you waiting for? Dive in...

1. Villa Paradisia, Mykonos
 

This place is cool. Very cool. One of the three sitting rooms has been built underground so that its 'windows' look straight into the water of the pool, creating a surreal aquarium effect. It's also got a platform bed cubby, so you can sleep on a mattress in a spacious but cosy nook, and a beautiful twisting staircase – plus each of its four bedrooms as an en-suite bathroom. We like a lot.
EUR7 million (£6.16 million), BeauchampEstates.Blogspot.com
 

2. Beachfront villa, St Barts
 

Epitomising the dream Caribbean property, this new villa offers stunning views of Lorient Bay and the nearby islands. The huge sun deck, covered terrace, Jacuzzi and infinity pool make it perfect for those seeking an indoor-outdoor lifestyle and four of the five en-suite bedrooms face onto the ocean and have walk-in showers.
EUR15,000,000 (£13.12 million), KnightFrank.com

3. Home Green, Surrey
 

From the moment you pass through the electronic wrought-iron gates of Home Green, you'll be bewitched by the six-bedroom property's period features and modern layout. The landscaped grounds are simply magnificent and there are no nosy neighbours to worry about as the gardens back onto a golf course. The heated pool comes complete with poolside cottage, the master bedroom has not one but two en-suite bathrooms and there's even a tennis court.
£2.95 million, Hamptons.co.uk
 

4. Natal Ocean Club, Brazil
 

An under-construction development on a stunning white sand beach, the Natal Ocean Club is set in 20 acres of tropical gardens. Each villa has a private garden with soaking tub, pool and rain shower as well as a fully equipped chef's kitchen and hidden maid's quarters.
One-bedroom villas from £318,000, PropertyFrontiers.com
 

5. Modern house, Aquitaine
 

This property is set in the pretty Dordogne village of Lamonzie Montastruc and, having been built just seven years ago, it's still covered by the developer's ten-year guarantee. There's under-floor heating throughout, three spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms, 2.3 hectares of land and views of local chateaux in the distance.
EUR945,000 (£828,729), FrenchEstateAgents.com

6. La Boladilla Alta, Estepona
 

Nature fans will love this seven-bedroom, seven-bathroom villa, as its four-hectare plot is home to an array of wildlife. It's situated between Puerto Banus and Estepona and is 4km from the sea, which can be seen along with dramatic mountains from the grand outdoor terrace.
EUR9 million (£7.89 million), KnightFrank.com
 

7. Farmhouse Ronchi, Tuscany
 

This charming five-bedroom, three-bathroom farmhouse in Borgo A Mozzano was built in the 18th century but its current owner has restored it and it's now bang up to date. We just can't stop thinking about how lovely it'd be to dine alfresco beside that glorious pool.
EUR1 million (£880,000), AlfaImmobiliare.com

8. Keeper's Cottage, Wiltshire
 

A detached period farmhouse to the north of Salisbury Plain, Keeper's Cottage is hidden behind a hedge on a no-through road – so it's ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. Four is the magic number here, with four bedrooms, four bathrooms and four reception rooms, but the property also has a swimming pool and gym complex linked to the house via a glass corridor, plus its 2.5 acres house five stables, several paddocks and a two-storey office.
£995,000, FoxGrant.com

9. Castle, Cap D'Antibes
 

The price tag may be "aspirational" (you've got to love estate agent speak), but you certainly get a lot for your euros in this 11-bedroom property, which comprises main house, guardian house, two guest houses and an office building spread across 1.5 hectares of land. The main house has a gorgeous cloistered courtyard complete with fountain and abundant flora and fauna, and while the outdoor pool is pretty breathtaking, there's also an indoor jet pool in the rather spectacular conservatory.
EUR55 million (£48.31 million), HomeHunts.com

10. Overseas Estate, Dartmouth
 

There's no denying that the views from this five-bedroom property are exceptional – and the swimming pool, formal gardens and principal bedrooms all offer perfect vantage points. In the estate agent's words, "The house itself would benefit from some updating," which makes it a perfect option for buyers willing to roll their sleeves up and get stuck into a project.
£1.5 million, KnightFrank.com

11. The Shed, Corfu
 

Less a shed, more a ‘mikro kastro’ (little castle), this rather fabulous two-bedroom property combines traditional architecture – stone walls, planed wood ceilings – with modern interior design. What could be lovelier than waking up to a view of your infinity pool, Kalami Bay and the Albanian mountains beyond?
£875,000, Aylesford.com

12. Windsor House, London
 

The first thing that'll grab you about this newly built pad is its jaw-dropping entrance hall, the likes of which we haven't seen since watching Beauty and the Beast – and if you don't know what we're talking about, you can brush up on your Disney knowledge in the seven-bedroom property's cinema. Other blingtastic features include bespoke 2.5-metre doors with Swarovski crystals set into the handles, wireless touch-screen remotes which control all TV and music systems, an indoor/outdoor pool and an eight-seater outdoor Jacuzzi with integrated TV and iPod system. Wowser.
£18.5 million, Glentree.co.uk

13. Halcyon Hills Luxury Spa Resort, Samos
 

Nestling in a sheltered bay on the south-eastern tip of Samos, Greece, the Halcyon Hills development offers a great opportunity if you're looking for fractional ownership of an off-plan holiday home. Due for completion by mid-2014, the villas will each have their own infinity pool and garden, also enjoying access to the onsite spa. The three-bed Premier Villa pictured here sleeps eight.
£95,000 for a fractional ownership, Barrasford and Bird Worldwide

14. Renovated farmhouse, Tuscany
 

Located 2km from the tranquil hillside hamlet of Montecatini val de Cecina, this conversion property offers stunning views of the valley below and sits in almost two acres of land, complete with fruit and olive trees. It's currently divided into three apartments and an annexe, which offer a combined total of six bedrooms, so it's perfect if you want to be able to let it out and make some money. While the exposed beams and 'cotto' floors are gorgeous, the highlight has got to be the sight of the 13-metre pool when it's lit up at night.
EUR1.2 million (£1.05 million), CasaTravellaPremier.com

15. Saracens, Surrey
 

Built in 1901, this refreshingly quirky Arts and Crafts property has been meticulously refurbished by the current owners and the gorgeous gardens are equally flawless. As well as a sparkling swimming pool, the house has six bedrooms, five reception rooms, five bathrooms and 1.9 acres of land.
£4.5 million, KnightFrank.com

Published August 15th 2011; compiled by Ele Cooper

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