Take a look at a host of beachside, riverside, lakeside and historic houses around the country that shine in summer but glow in the cooler months.

451 Truemans Road, Boneo, Victoria

5 beds, 5 bath, 4 cars

POA

This 42-acre (17-hectare) “Tuscan-inspired” estate on the Mornington Peninsula – Australia’s version of Tuscany – naturally comes with 3000 olive trees, manicured gardens, a swimming pool, a tennis court and views of rolling hills.

19a Spindrift Avenue, Flinders, Victoria

3 beds, 2 baths, 2 cars

POA

This rare, cliff-top waterfront location in a cul-de-sac and overlooking Flinders’ beaches is the ultimate in privacy. It offers sweeping views outside and absolute comfort inside for both summer and winter living.

145 Mitchell Street, Bendigo, Victoria

5 beds, 4 baths, 3 cars

$1.35 million-$1.48 million

This nine-room 1896 mansion only 600 metres from Bendigo’s CBD takes you back to Victoria’s boom era. It has pressed metal ceilings, leadlighting, Baltic and huon pine features, an avenue of pear trees and a pool. There’s even a ballroom.

154 Pianta Road, Echuca, Victoria

4 beds, 2 baths, 4 cars

Auction: February 17

This home on the Murray River has its own pontoon 29 metres from the back door. Set on 4.69 acres (1.9 hectares) and a 10-minute drive from town, it is at the end of a tree-lined private driveway. Pack the water skis.

1a Florida Road, Palm Beach, NSW

4 beds, 3 baths, 4 cars

$5.8 million

Held by the same owner for 30 years, this house is 300 metres from the sand and surf with a path to a rock pool. Multiple decks, an internal lift from the garage, fireplace, solar panels and ducted heating and air-conditioning make it perfect for holidays or as a permanent residence.

7 Victoria Creek Road, Central Tilba, NSW

6 beds 4 baths 3 cars

$1.25 million

Tilba Coastal Retreat covers 5 acres (2 hectares) with ocean and lake views across farmland. There are two houses on the property. The first has two bedrooms, while the second is used as retreat accommodation, with two zones.

197-199 Rowe Street, Broken Hill, NSW

5 beds, 2 baths, 8 cars

$680,000

Sure, Broken Hill is not everyone’s idea of a weekend getaway, but how often do you see a price like this for a converted church? The 1903 stone building has two storeys with five bedrooms. The main hall is huge, with its own stage, jarrah floors and a kitchen. There’s even a separate toilet block.

41 St Alouarn, Margaret River, Western Australia

4 beds, 4 baths, 4 cars

$3.7 million

Known as the Ooi House, this sprawling home was designed by noted hotel architect Kerry Hill, who creates luxury resorts across Asia. Naturally there are cantilevered pavilions, rammed earth, walls and a koi pond.

162 Blindmouth Road, Main Arm, NSW

6 beds, 3 baths, 4 cars

$1.26 million-$1.29 million

Covering 13 acres (5.3 hectares) and only 10 minutes from Mullumbimby, this property has two attached residential dwellings. The main house has four bedrooms and the second has two. It also comes with an old stable and horse arena and a shed.

23 Cooran Court, Noosa Heads, Queensland

4 beds, 3 baths, 2 cars

$4.35 million

This waterfront residence on Noosa Sound has a 21-metre frontage over the waterway, a boat mooring, pontoon, tropical garden and its own little beach. And we haven’t been inside yet.

34 Main Street, Yankalilla, South Australia

4 beds, 2 baths, 4 cars

$980,000

This restored 14-room sandstone home, built in 1856, is on 4.4 acres (1.8 hectares) filled with native and European trees – all visible from the verandah that sweeps around the house. Bungala is a rare piece of South Australia’s early colonial history.

483 Rheban Road, Spring Beach, Tasmania

4 beds, 4 baths, 3 cars

$1.5 million

This home is one of just five properties with beach frontage on the Tasmanian East Coast. With views over Mercury Passage towards Maria Island National Park, it’s only an hour from Hobart. It has a wine cellar and boat shed.