There is only one reasonable tonic for sweltering summer days (other than an ice-cold gin), and that is a swimming pool. But not all swimming pools are made equal, and while seaside lidos embrace Atlantic breezes and public swimming baths provide sweet relief in city centres, is there anything better than gliding beneath the surface of your own private pool, frozen margarita chilling in the pool house?
Dive into pure relaxation and out of the ordinary with our pick of our luxury homes with swimming pools, both inside and out, near the sea and deep within the countryside.
The Zen Garden
With an al fresco set up designed for a life lived outside, The Zen Garden is a summer hideout you’ll be loath to leave. After a dip in the pool, skip around the prized Bonsai collection to the outdoor lounge to watch koi gently swish in the pond, slipping in and out of slumber in the heat. The al fresco kitchen is the social hub for the extensive grounds here and whether it’s cocktails or tapas on the agenda, nights are sure to draw out until the stars glimmer overhead.
Midsummer Wood
A storybook home hidden deep in the Cotswolds, this four bedroom abode is a place where childhood fantasies can come true. Inside, eye-catching peculiarities abound while 11 acres of Eden-esque grounds invite guests to lose themselves to wilderness. For lap swimming, pool parties or gracefully gliding on a flamingo lilo without a care in the world, the 13-metre indoor pool is unmissable.
Roserai
A distinct Franco-French style awaits at this former oast house, but while the interiors are sumptuous, nothing can compete with the surrounding grounds. After rambling through heady rose gardens or playing croquet on any of the immaculate lawns, splash into the outdoor swimming pool (or the hot tub, sauna and steam room should you prefer!).
Whimplestone
Settled in an often overlooked corner of Cornwall on the western edge of Dartmoor, Whimplestone and it’s one and a half miles of Tamar River frontage is a luscious haven where valleys are deep and wild swimming spots abundant. Staying true to its habitat the swimming pool here is fresh and natural with cool spring water to slide into after a day tramping the public footpaths of the Tamar Valley AONB.
Zephyros
As though floating in the clouds overlooking the glittering Jurassic coast, Zephyros is a modern retreat with a zingy, contemporary aesthetic. In one direction, woodland flows down towards Lyme Regis, while in the other, rolling hills hiding artisan vineyards and neat smallholdings. Whether the skies outside are electric with thunderstorms or hazy with heat, the indoor pool offers views to the sea and horizon beyond. Could there be a more perfect home near the Dorset seaside?
Wool Merchant’s House
In the pretty village of Beckington, just three miles north of Frome, this exquisite home is positively bursting with original features. Wholly restored with relaxation and good times in mind, let children play teashops in the Wendy house while grownups dangle toes in the heated pool, ice-cold tonic and elderflower cordial in hand.
