A cottage on the lake is the ultimate all-American dream house. It’s nearly impossible to get cabin fever on these inland bodies of water — there is no such thing as a “typical” day on the lake; the wind, weather, and nature all play a part in lakeside recreation. A windy day? Take a sail. Calm day? Fire up the engine and head out for a ski.

Just about any summer activity is made better with a lake nearby, but the type of lake and style of home you’ll buy depend partly on which region of the United States you’d like to live in. Looking for a cool mountain lake? Lake Almanor, CA, homes for sale would suit you. A cottage nestled in hills? Homes for sale in Rangeley, ME, are probably up your alley. Here are eight lovely lake homes for sale in several regions of the U.S. — vote on your favorite lake region, then share your favorite house in the comments!

The South

Defined by calm, lazy days on the lake catching catfish and riding the wake on water skis or a wakeboard, lake homes in the South are all about comfort. And that’s important, since these lake homes for sale often see sun-drenched action from April through October.

Rustic in Rising Fawn: $ 199,000, 346 Mac Lake Drive, Rising Fawn, GA 30738

Mix rustic charm with wooded, lakeside enchantment, and you have the recipe that makes this three-bedroom, two-bathroom cabin in Rising Fawn, GA, magical. Sitting on a calm, private lake in a gated community, this cabin is perfect for spending quality time boating, fishing, swimming, and watching the wildlife on the rural 2-acre property. Plus, the home is said to be virtually maintenance-free, so you can spend all your free time on the lake. We can just picture sipping morning coffee on the dock. Ahhh.

Slalom to solitude: $ 415,000, 428 Lake Tanisha Drive, Dallas, GA 30157

Upon first glimpse, this four-bedroom, four-bathroom home is everything proper: a charming kitchen, formal living and dining rooms, and a cozy porch that overlooks a large lawn leading to a still, pristine lake. But adrenaline junkies, take heart: There’s lots to love about this lake, which has a USA Water Ski–certified slalom course.

The North

Nestled between green, rolling hills, these lake homes in the Northeast zealously welcome summer every year. Living in a more rural area gives you the best of both worlds — quiet, secluded weekdays followed by busy summer weekends when visitors come to enjoy the water.

High-style charm: $ 699,000, 25 SW Colony Road, Hillsdale, NY 12529

With all the charm of a lake house plus a sophisticated flair, this three-bedroom, two-bath home features high-end appliances as well as a rustic wood-shingled exterior and a two-story living room with a fireplace. Nestled among green hills, Copake Lake is a common upstate getaway for New York residents, and it’s no surprise — you won’t miss (or wish to return to) Manhattan life once you arrive at your private waterfront dock and fire pit, and jump in the refreshing waters.

Maine mainstay: $ 925,000, 1838 Kennebago River Road, Rangeley, ME 04970

From the moment you drive down the winding driveway, the natural beauty that surrounds this six-bedroom, four-bathroom property is entrancing. The one-lane road with wooden bridges teases what’s to come with views of Kennebago Lake along the way. The property includes two guest cottages, a shop, barn, and main house. Inside the main house, enjoy spending time in the sunroom with vaulted ceilings and cooking on the rustic wood stove in the kitchen. Birch trees point your way to the waterfront and complement the natural wood finish and beamed ceilings in the main house and guesthouses.

The Midwest

By summer, these lakeside cabins are brimming with sunshine, boating, and meals enjoyed alfresco on patios feet from the water. But what makes this region unique is in the winter, when they transform into Midwestern cabins, perfect for hitting the trails on snowshoes, ice fishing, and snowmobiling.

One in 10,000: $ 639,900, 5315 N. Dike Road, Duluth, MN 55803

If you’re looking for a view that spans miles in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, this five bedroom, three-bathroom Duluth, MN, home delivers that and more — including a fire pit, outdoor sauna, and a private boat launch. You’ll have plenty of space to store that boat and other lake toys in the home’s oversized garage. The lakeside fun doesn’t end with the summer season: Enjoy year-round meals in the home’s screened-in porch, or head out for a hike or snowmobile ride on nearby trails. No matter the season, chefs will enjoy the home’s new quartzite counters and stainless steel appliances, and guests will love warming up in the home’s double fireplace between the sunroom and living room.

Geneva grandeur: $ 3,495,000, N2301 Knollwood Drive, Lake Geneva, WI 53147

With classic, elegant style, this five-bedroom, five-bath home on Lake Geneva is filled with charming features like chandeliers, oak floors, built-ins, and wood paneling painted white. Enjoy meals on the expansive, screened-in wraparound porch, take a nap in the hammock, or head down to the home’s two covered boat slips.

The West

Tucked between majestic mountains, the smooth waters of these western lakes give sharp contrast to the snowcapped peaks nearby. Perfect for nature lovers, these cozy homes are close to a multitude of outdoor sports, including skiing and hiking.

Just bring your boat: $ 1,298,500, 837 Lassen View Drive, Lake Almanor, CA 96137

All that’s needed to complete this four-bedroom, four-bath mountain home on Lake Almanor is a boat for its private dock. With custom details like wood paneling, a wood-burning fireplace, and a large back deck, the home is move-in ready and begging you to come enjoy its majestic mountain views and cool, crisp waters.

Crazy about Cocolalla: $ 377,900, 1791 Cocolalla Loop Road, Cocolalla, ID 83813

Enter this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home on over an acre of wooded property on Idaho’s best-kept secret: Lake Cocolalla. You’ll have no trouble waking up to sunlight streaming into the home’s second-floor master bedroom, complete with a walk-out balcony, and heading down the sloped property toward the private beach. Storage isn’t an issue at this property, with a shed and a basement to keep your gear. Catch an almost aerial view of the lake from the porch or head down to the private beach or dock to make a splash and jump in.

Which of these lake homes for sale calls to you? Vote for your favorite region below, then share your pick in the comments!

The post Pick Your Favorite: 8 Lake Homes For Sale On Trulia appeared first on Trulia's Blog.

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