8 beach houses that will cure your winter blues

Seamlessly merging space-age design and nature, this Southern California residence boasts four bedrooms on a 6,534-square-foot lot overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Completed in 2009, this landmark home, known as The Gull House, features chef-grade appliances in the kitchen, and a spa tub and steam shower in the master retreat. For Sale: $6,990,000

See other Laguna Beach, California, homes for sale on Zillow.

This sprawling 6,100-square-foot residence sits on 10 acres in the southern Louisiana city of Slidell. Situated with 360-degree views of Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Saint Catherine in the Rigolets Pass, this home features many aquatic amenities, such as an Olympic-size pool and a fishing pier with lights, yacht dockage, 3,500 linear feet of steel bulkhead, deep-water boat slip, and a boathouse complete with lift. For Sale: $5,460,000

See other Slidell, Louisiana, homes for sale on Zillow.

This magnificent, modern glass dwelling, located in Osprey, Florida, offers six bedrooms and eight baths on two acres on secluded Casey Key. Enjoy meandering through winding paths of botanical gardens, home to some 60-plus varieties of palms, native plants, and fruit trees, as you approach the tucked-away pool and pavilion. For Sale: $9,900,000

See other Osprey, Florida, homes for sale on Zillow.

Enjoy unparalleled sunsets above Puget Sound and Mount Rainier through the crystal-clear glass walls of this waterfront home in Bremerton, Washington. Entertain friends and family with four bedrooms and five bathrooms (including two master suites), a full chef's kitchen, and a sweeping deck looking out on this property that sits right on the water. For Sale: $2,650,000

See other Bremerton, Washington, homes for sale on Zillow.

Rise with the sun and fall asleep to the moon and stars shining beyond your own 43 feet of waterfront at this state-of-the-art home in Seattle. Stroll along the Burke-Gilman Trail or hit the water with a little help from the solar-powered kayak lift on your personal dock. Glass walls open to fill all 1,380 square feet of the home with fresh air. For Sale: $1,275,000

See other Seattle, Washington, homes for sale on Zillow.

Click on the virtual tour of this charming home in Guilford, Connecticut, to take in the exquisite gardens and landscaping, and incomparable waterfront views. With five bedrooms in the seasonal main house as well as a year-round cottage, there is plenty of room for everyone in this gorgeous beach compound. Not for sale.

See other Guilford, Connecticut, homes for sale on Zillow.

This cozy oceanside cottage has one bedroom and one bath and a total of 669 square feet, but as it's situated on a 2,613-square-foot lot directly on Centennial Beach in Portland, Maine, you'll probably spend the entire summer outside. At high tide, glance from the living room window directly to the ocean below. Fully renovated with a cozy fireplace and hardwood floors, this is a true summer beach house. For Sale: $650,000

See other Portland, Maine, homes for sale on Zillow.

With panoramic views of whitewater waves and Three Arch Rocks in Oceanside, Oregon, this beach house offers dramatic views with maximum comfort. Two master suites and three bathrooms are bundled with a sound system, fireplace, and other amenities, all sitting on well over an acre. For Sale: $425,000

See other Oceanside, Oregon, homes for sale on Zillow.

If you're interested in more unconventional houses, consider:

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12 Hobbit Houses to Make You Consider Moving Underground

11 Floating Homes That Really Deliver On Best Water Views