5 Waterfront and Designer Homes from Miami to Wilkesboro

Along the waterfront on Brickell Bay Drive in Miami, this beautifully updated residence pairs open bay and city views with an easy, contemporary layout. With two bedrooms and two bathrooms, the home is designed for everyday comfort while keeping the skyline and water as part of the backdrop. Set in the heart of the city, it offers the immediacy of urban living—morning light over the bay, evenings framed by the city beyond—without sacrificing a sense of retreat once you’re inside. The building’s amenities round out the experience, supporting a lifestyle that can move seamlessly between work, downtime, and everything the Brickell area puts within reach. It’s a refined vantage point for taking in Miami’s rhythm, day after day.

Along the canal in Big Pine Key, this 2BD/2BA home balances relaxed interiors with a setup that favors time outdoors. Inside, a wood-planked ceiling brings warmth and texture, while the upgraded kitchen is finished with Café brand appliances—practical details that elevate everyday routines without feeling fussy. Step outside and the property shifts into an easygoing, open-air rhythm: a screened sitting and grilling area extends living space beyond the walls, framed by lush gardens that add color and privacy. An outdoor shower makes it simple to rinse off and reset after time in the sun. With a neighborhood boat ramp nearby, mornings can begin on the water and evenings can wind down back at the canal’s edge.

Set on 1.38 acres in Wilkesboro’s sought-after Farmington neighborhood, this modern, tech-savvy smart home brings everyday living into a more intuitive rhythm. Voice-activated lighting, thermostat, and more set a streamlined tone throughout, while the chef’s kitchen—complete with a hidden dirty kitchen—anchors open-concept living with ease. The primary suite leans into quiet luxury, offering deck access and a spa-like bath with floor-to-ceiling glass, oversized tile, a lighted rain shower with jets, and a smart toilet bidet. Three bonus rooms invite flexibility for work, hobbies, or guests, and a covered screened porch creates a natural hub for entertaining. A finished partial basement adds welcome extra space, rounding out a retreat that balances sleek design with smart convenience.

Along the water’s edge on S Ocean Drive in Hallandale Beach, “Gucci by the Sea” pairs fashion-forward interiors with a coastal setting. Iconic Gucci wallpaper sets the tone, joined by over $200K in bespoke upgrades that make the space feel carefully composed rather than simply decorated. Illusion ceilings with integrated LED lights create a gallery-like glow, while Lutron lighting throughout lets you shift the mood from day to evening with ease. Motorized curtains and blackout shades add comfort and privacy. In the gourmet kitchen, waterfall stone counters and a Whitehouse sink bring a crisp, tailored finish. A den with a custom wall unit and Murphy bed adapts effortlessly to guests or work. Most furnishings are included, and Beach Club amenities span a two-story, 50,000-square-foot gym and spa fitness center—setting the rhythm for resort-style days.

Along the water’s edge in Lighthouse Point, this rarely available corner residence at Royal Palm Arms captures the ease of canalfront living. Set on one of the widest canals, it offers direct access to the Hillsboro Inlet and a constant connection to the water beyond. Inside, high ceilings and marble floors establish a clean, airy backdrop, while expansive glass doors frame striking water views and invite light to move through the space. Fresh interior paint keeps the palette crisp, complemented by newly installed LED ceiling lighting and modern ceiling fans that underscore the home’s refined style. Located within a boutique 4-unit building, the setting feels intimate and quiet—ideal for mornings watching the canal and evenings spent with the doors open to the breeze.