For thousands of years, civilisations have settled near water out of necessity: it provides food, transport and trade options, and irrigation for crops. Today, especially in the West, many people dream of living by the water. There’s something special about it, isn’t there? Being able to look out over the ocean, a river or a lake from your bedroom window seems like one of the ultimate luxuries. Yet in some places, people still live by or even on the water out of necessity, whether due to lack of space or for economic motives. Our photographers have managed to capture every aspect of living by the water, from luxurious seaside housing to humble fisherman villages. We’ve made a selection for you to explore, and perhaps to make you dream of your own waterside abode.
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The red lights district of Amsterdam seems to sit directly in the canals.
The red lights district of Amsterdam seems to sit directly in the canals. Read less
by Martijn Kort
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These huts on the water in Halong Bay, Vietnam, are a honeymoon dream for many couples.
These huts on the water in Halong Bay, Vietnam, are a honeymoon dream for many couples. Read less
The village of Tellaro in Italy looks out over the endless ocean.
The village of Tellaro in Italy looks out over the endless ocean. Read less
These colourful houses in the Netherlands have a beautiful view, let’s hope for the owners that the country’s water protection policies keep the water out of their living rooms.
These colourful houses in the Netherlands have a beautiful view, let’s hope for the owners that the country’s water protection policies keep the water out of their living rooms. Read less
Colourful old warehouses now serve as luxury waterside flats in Stockholm.
Colourful old warehouses now serve as luxury waterside flats in Stockholm. Read less
by Frank Chmura
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This little house at the end of a pier must be the ultimate dream for people who like their peace and quiet.
This little house at the end of a pier must be the ultimate dream for people who like their peace and quiet. Read less
An old house sits abandoned in the water, which has risen due to the build of a dam nearby.
An old house sits abandoned in the water, which has risen due to the build of a dam nearby. Read less
Palafitos, literally houses on poles, look out over the sea on the island of Chiloé in Chile.
Palafitos, literally houses on poles, look out over the sea on the island of Chiloé in Chile. Read less
A rudimentary hut stands on stilts in the sea. While romantic, it looks hard to reach without getting your feet wet.
A rudimentary hut stands on stilts in the sea. While romantic, it looks hard to reach without getting your feet wet. Read less
This little bathing house in Northumberland was built by none other than Charles, 2nd Earl Grey, after whom the famous tea is named.
This little bathing house in Northumberland was built by none other than Charles, 2nd Earl Grey, after whom the famous tea is named. Read less
Wooden family houses sit on sturdy poles over a river in Maine, USA.
Wooden family houses sit on sturdy poles over a river in Maine, USA. Read less
Nothing might seem more romantic than living by the canals of Venice, but the city faces many issues related to its numerous waterways.
Nothing might seem more romantic than living by the canals of Venice, but the city faces many issues related to its numerous waterways. Read less
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These colourful houses in Groningen, The Netherlands, look very peaceful mirrored in the still water.
These colourful houses in Groningen, The Netherlands, look very peaceful mirrored in the still water. Read less
by Martijn Kort
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