TOP-5 countryside settlements with the most picturesque water bodies

Specialists Kalinka Group - a leading consulting and real estate company in the luxury property market - have analyzed the market for cottage settlements, where potential buyers of country houses can purchase a home near a natural or artificial reservoir. In the most popular directions, there are more than 180 settlements with reservoirs in their infrastructure or in close proximity. They are mainly concentrated in the Western and South-Western suburbs of Moscow.

Neighboring a private house with a reservoir is one of the key factors in choosing a property in the high-end country real estate market for 30% of buyers. "The possibility of walking along picturesque embankments, yachting, fishing, and, of course, swimming and family relaxation on well-equipped beaches are the main advantages of settlements with reservoirs," describes Anna Veprentseva, Director of the Country Real Estate Department at Kalinka Group. In addition to the obvious advantages of living by the water, a house in an elite cottage settlement with a reservoir is an asset with consistently high liquidity, making its acquisition undoubtedly more attractive.

There are over 180 cottage settlements in the Moscow region with natural or artificial reservoirs in their infrastructure or in close proximity, available for walking and swimming. They are mainly concentrated in the Western and South-Western directions of the Moscow region. The largest number of cottage settlements with reservoirs is situated along the Novorizhskoye, Kaluzhskoye, and Rublevo-Uspenskoye highways.

Specialists from Kalinka Group have compiled a TOP-5 list of settlements with the most picturesque and well-maintained reservoirs. The ranking took into account criteria such as the belonging of the country complex exclusively to high-class housing, not lower than premium, a distance of up to 25 km from the Moscow Ring Road, location in an ecologically clean area in the traditionally prestigious direction of the Moscow region, and preservation of the natural landscape during construction of houses and improvement of the territory.

1. Dovil

Distance: 10 km, Minskoye highway

Total area: 64 hectares

Number of houses: 90

This elegant settlement is located around a large lake with an area of 16 hectares. Along the shoreline, there are docks for boats and catamarans. There is a separate bay with children's boats for the younger generation.

Concept: Elegant architecture is the main pride of Dovil. Luxurious houses, aristocratic duplexes, and townhouses create an impressive ensemble of French aristocracy and Russian nature.

Landscape: Picturesque parks and alleys for walks with charming gazebos, bridges, fountain cascades, and elegant sculptures are scattered along the lake's shore.

Infrastructure: A premium-class restaurant, a café with a terrace and an outdoor pool, a sports and health complex, a spa clinic, shops, children's playgrounds, and a beach.

House area: From 300 square meters.

1. Resort "PIRogovo"

Distance: 20 km, Ostashkovskoye highway

Total area: 100 hectares

Number of houses: 50

The Klyazminskoye reservoir has been a favorite tourist route for Muscovites and residents of the Moscow region since the middle of the 20th century. The Pirogovo resort, built here according to Nikita Khrushchev's idea, had a developed infrastructure, including a sailing school. In the 2000s, the place received a second birth with the construction of guest houses for the new generation of yachtsmen.

Concept: The "Pirogovo" Resort is a privileged club with the highest quality of life and service. Each residence, harmoniously integrated into the natural environment, resembles a work of architectural art. Despite their uniqueness, the collectible houses designed by famous architects are functional and provide their owners with exceptional comfort.

Landscape: The peninsula on which the residential resort is located is surrounded by water on three sides and adjoins the forest on the fourth. It is a nature reserve where everything is provided for active rest and a healthy lifestyle.

Infrastructure: For residents and guests, there is a yacht club with a dock for 40 vessels, a children's and adult sailing school, a golf course, a golf academy for children, an equestrian club, two tennis courts, a hockey rink, a mini-football field, a mini-zoo, a clubhouse with a restaurant serving author's cuisine, and more.

House area: From 100 square meters.

1. Residences Benelux

Distance: 20 km, Novorizhskoye highway

Total area: 150 hectares

Number of houses: 270

Residences Benelux is surrounded by natural beauty, including reservoirs.

Concept: The luxury houses in the Benelux Residences are distinguished by their unique design and high-quality construction materials. The architects created an exclusive residential complex that harmoniously blends in with the natural landscape.

Landscape: The territory of the residential complex is conveniently divided into zones: a park area, a waterfront area, and a forest zone. Each zone is beautifully landscaped and offers its own features.

Infrastructure: The infrastructure of the Benelux Residences covers a wide range of activities: wellness and spa centers, sports facilities, golf courses, equestrian clubs, swimming pools, restaurants, and cafes.

House area: From 150 square meters.

The clean Sinichka River and the artificial lake make living in the elite country complex “Residences Benelux” attractive, with a recreational area by the water equipped with playgrounds for children and sports facilities.

Concept: The carefully thought-out concept of the settlement embodies Russian traditions and the best European experience in the impeccable organization of countryside space and life. “Residences Benelux” is 250 private landholdings located in three conditional territories: “Holland,” “Belgium,” and “Luxembourg,” neighboring based on the principles of a community of equal individuals.

Landscape: The favorable ecological atmosphere, the magnificent nature of the western outskirts of Moscow, and the extensive forest park area are an inexhaustible source of health and vitality for the residents of “Benelux”.

Infrastructure: The capital of the complex is the “Amsterdam” public center, which invites visitors to the restaurant, shops, tennis and culinary clubs, a fitness center with a pool and spa. Also open to visitors are an English kindergarten, a music school, and a language center for adults and children.

House area: starting from 290 square meters.

1. Millennium Park

19 km, Novorizhskoye Highway

Total area - 285 hectares

Number of residences - 670

Water plays a defining role in the concept of the elite cottage settlement “Millennium Park.” Due to the abundance of lakes and a network of artificial canals stretching over 5 kilometers and up to 12 meters wide, “Millennium Park” is called the “Venice” of the Moscow suburbs. You can enjoy magnificent views of the water from the equipped embankments adorned with rotundas, latticed gazebos, and sculptural compositions.

Concept: “Millennium Park” occupies an area of 285 hectares, on which seven residential quarters are located, surrounded by a wide boulevard ring. The settlement is an exclusive project based on the harmonious combination of different styles of residential construction - neoclassicism, modernism, and French chalet.

Landscape: Istrinsky district, where “Millennium Park” is located, is traditionally considered one of the most environmentally friendly places in the Moscow region. The natural beauty of the surrounding area is enhanced by impeccable landscape design, done in the traditions of old England and France, using rare trees and plants.

Infrastructure: The residents of the settlement have at their disposal five luxurious themed parks connected by pedestrian zones. Along the picturesque lake shore, there are plans to build a restaurant with a summer veranda on the water, a swimming pool, and a children’s club. Within a thirty-minute drive from the settlement, there are excellent schools, kindergartens, restaurants, gyms, beauty salons, shopping and entertainment centers, etc.

House area: starting from 300 square meters.

1. Onegino

25 km, Novorizhskoye Highway

Total area - 41 hectares

Number of residences - 85

The lake is the main attraction of the elite settlement “Onegino.” In winter, it turns into an ice rink, and in summer, it entices residents to the magnificent beach and promenade, equipped with walking alleys and observation platforms above the water. There is a lighthouse, a water mill, and even an island with a mysterious grotto. 

Concept: The traditional Russian landscapes and the poetic name “Onegino” determined the architectural concept of the settlement even at the design stage, which is combined in a mixture of related styles - classicism, eclecticism, and neoclassicism. Each residence is unique and different from the neighboring ones, while still maintaining overall stylistic unity.

Landscape: “Onegino” is surrounded by a forest, and the landscape of the settlement itself is carefully planned with maximum preservation of vegetation and the natural relief of the area. A third of the total area of the settlement is dedicated to nature, which allows its proximity to be felt most fully.

Infrastructure: The central park is equipped with sports and children’s playgrounds. Residents are also offered a sports complex, a center for medicine and cosmetology, a kindergarten, an elementary school, a restaurant, and a shopping and entertainment center.

House area: starting from 350 square meters.