5 Virginia Waterfront Retreats on Rivers, Bays, and Lakes

Along the water’s edge on 2.82 acres fronting the Rappahannock River, this custom-finished classic coastal river home is designed for quiet elegance and easy gathering. Nearly 4,436 square feet includes 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, with a first-floor primary bedroom that keeps daily living effortless. At the rear of the house, a bank of windows draws in constant sunlight and frames views up and down the river, while French doors open to decking for seamless indoor-outdoor flow. An expansive rear porch sets the tone for long afternoons watching the water, with sightlines to your boat and boat house. In Dunnsville, Virginia, life here feels measured by light, tides, and time well spent outdoors.

Along the water’s edge in Hartfield, 517 Wilton Creek Rd is defined by a true boater’s setting and wide-water views. Set on 3.62± acres, the property offers a rare combination of space and shoreline—room to spread out on land, with the water always in sight. Days naturally revolve around the private sandy beach, where the edge of the creek becomes a place for quiet mornings and unhurried afternoons. For anyone who lives for time on the water, the dock anchors the experience, making departures and returns feel effortless. With its broad outlook and direct access to the shoreline, this is a waterfront retreat built around simple routines: beach walks, boat days, and long views that change with the light.

Along the water’s edge on Harvey’s Creek and the Chesapeake Bay, this 2.05± acre point lot pairs 700± feet of waterfront with a private sand beach, a tidal pond, and landscaped grounds. Inside, an open-concept living area and kitchen create an easy flow for everyday life, anchored by a cozy fireplace. A separate family/media room offers a relaxed spot for movie nights or casual gatherings. The main level includes two bedrooms and a full bath, while upstairs a third/primary bedroom features an en-suite, along with laundry and an office loft. Outdoor steps lead to spacious guest quarters above the detached garage, complete with a fourth bedroom and private bath. A playhouse adds a touch of whimsy, rounding out a setting designed for unhurried days by the water.

Along the water’s edge on the Roanoke River section of Kerr Lake, this private point retreat unfolds across 12 lush acres with more than 1,000 feet of shoreline. The updated Mid-Century Modern estate includes a main residence and a separate lakeside 1-bedroom apartment, complete with its own expansive deck—ideal for hosting or quiet escapes. Inside, two waterfront primary suites with private baths join two additional guest bedrooms, while a spacious great room frames breathtaking lake views. A gourmet kitchen centers daily life with a large island, quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, and a wine chiller. Oak flooring, soaring ceilings, and quality finishes bring warmth throughout. Outdoors, multiple decks and a lakeside patio invite panoramic water views, with a paved circular driveway winding through a fruit orchard to multiple garages, including an oversized garage with extra storage and parking.

Along the water’s edge on Smith Mountain Lake, this very well maintained retreat is centrally located and mostly furnished, with 4BR, 3.5BA and short-term rentalability. Set among the trees, it pairs a deep water dock with the kind of calm, quiet shoreline that invites slow afternoons—cooling off on the deck or floating in the water just offshore. A gentle walk leads from the house down to the dock, making lake days feel effortless from start to finish. Recent updates keep the experience fresh and comfortable, including new paint, new windows, doors, and skylights, plus new LVP flooring at the entry level. Practical improvements add peace of mind: a roof and septic pump under five years old, a two-year-old hot water tank, and a new dock lift motor.