Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We speak of this credo when considering highly subjective topics like people, art and of course, homes. What one may find breathtaking and desirable may be indifferent to another, perhaps even a deal breaker for someone else.

Most will agree that a waterfront property is appealing and highly desirable. Imagine the lifestyle: Drinking your morning coffee while listening to the gentle murmuring of the moving waters and the chirping of birds.

Maybe think of a lively social with fine wine and exquisite nibbles al-fresco. Or crank up the music, invite your neighborhood and throw a rowdy bacchanal.

Sounds good, doesn't it?

The added amenity often comes at a premium price, but how much is just right?

"It’s hard to say exactly how much value the waterfront feature adds to a property, other than the premium the builder puts on the lot, which in turn depends upon how much more the developer charged them," Barbara Lowe, luxury home expert and Re/Max Fine Properties Realtor, explained. "I would say the value of waterfront lot is in the eye of the beholder, or the buyer. If you consider the endless availability of homes on regular subdivision lots, as compared to the far fewer number of waterfront homes available, you realize the unique and limited opportunities to acquire a house on a waterfront lot."

Scarcity plus demand has the effect of raising the perceived value of a waterfront property. So expect to pay more, depending on location, lot size and natural beauty.

Curious? Below are three favorites currently for sale. See what you think.

One Steve Fuqua Place - Sienna Plantation

The addition of the Fort Bend Parkway has accelerated the growth of Missouri City's Sienna Plantation. Accessibility to the Beltway and Loop 610 makes the Johnson Development community a destination for home buyers working and playing downtown, Greenway Plaza, Sugar Land, Texas Medical Center and Rice University areas.

"Sienna houses a cross-cultural society known to be friendly, fun and caring homeowners and neighbors," Lowe said.

Amenities like the golf course, water park, three additional pools, fitness center, tennis courts, amphitheater, wooded jogging trails and social functions act to a lively community atmosphere.

Currently listed at $1.8 million, One Steve Fuqua Place is nestled within one of the gated custom quarters in the community. Residents of Commander's Point enjoy the sparkling fountains of Waters Lake as well as the gentle rolling berms of Sienna Plantation Golf Club's fairway 10 and 18. It's a small exclusive neighborhood with one entrance and two streets.

The modern chateau facade mingles tumbled stone, stucco and clay tile roofs with rustic wood accents. A floating curved stairwell raises from the two-story formal living and is anchored by an inset dome finished with a faux design. Natural stone, dark cabinets and softly-colored granite tops modernize the open kitchen also featuring professional-style built-in appliances.

The views are delicious and so are the wide-plank wood floors, outdoor living, summer kitchen fitted with a wood-fired steak/fajita grill, refrigerator, ice-maker and saltwater pool. For the techie, eight built-in flat screen televisions are included.

78 Walton Water Way Lane - Cross Creek Ranch

With the expansion of the Grand Parkway (99) and the opening of the Fort Bend Toll Road, quicker access to Katy and Richmond has resulted in exponential growth and economic development. Fulshear is next in line as urbanization travels west. Fort Bend is now one of the fastest growing counties in Texas.

"Because of the serenity of country living — away from the hustle and bustle of the city — but with easy access to Interstate 10, FM 1093 and the Fort Bend Toll Road, this area has great growth potential," Kickerillo Companies sales consultant Donald Shive explained.

Having previously built out Grand Lakes and Green Trails, Trendmaker Development is no stranger to West Houston. Cross Creek Ranch is the company's most ambitious undertaking. But just as homes are in demand, so was a concern to keep the country feel and natural beauty indigenous to the area. Among the initiatives are the restoration of Flewellen Creek, reforestation of evergreen, deciduous and bottom land trees and the creation of engineered wetlands.

"The 3,200-acre community boast hundreds of trees, a brand new athletic park, walking and bicycle paths, a fishing pier and beautiful waterways," Shive noted.

Built by Kickerillo Companies, the 37-lot and gated Lakes of Cross Creek Ranch neighborhood offers an exclusive setting where every homesite enjoys lake frontage.

Listed at $990,000, 78 Walton Water Way Lane sits in front of green space and backs up directly to a convergence of waterways and a sparkling fountain. Clean lines and a palatial rotunda make-up the stone and stucco front elevation. Large butted-glass picture windows, covered verandas and balconies take advantage of the extensive views from the main gathering, kitchen, breakfast and the additional family room off the kitchen.

Stained built-ins and millwork accents add a color punch while the kitchen juxtaposes distressed painted cabinetry with exotic granite tops and backsplash.

71 Shimmering Aspen - Creekside Park in The Woodlands

The Woodlands continues to be recognized as the model master-planned community — winning the American Trails Developer Award, Master-Planned Community of the Year, Outstanding Park/Facilty Design Award, all last year — hosting shopping, entertainment, great schools, parks, natural wooded surroundings and waterways.

Companies like Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Baker Hughes, Chevron Phillips Chemical Co., FOX Networks Group, Halliburton, Hewitt Associates — ExxonMobil will be moving near the intersection of Interstate 45 and the Hardy Toll Road — make it convenient for people to work, live and play within a small area.

Creekside Park is one of the newest additions to The Woodlands' network of villages and offers homes from the $150's up to $3 million. It's home to a YMCA with an outdoor adventure center, a 33-acre park and aquatic preserve, the George Mitchell Nature Preserve, a Tom Fazio Championship golf course and six lakes.

Built by Darling Homes, 71 Shimmering Aspen is in a neighborhood of winding streets. Paloma Cove has an updated rustic appeal with homes that feature colorful stone fronts, tile roofs and stucco — a mixture of old world, country French and Mediterranean glam.

Upon entering the home, you'll find a private courtyard with an outdoor fireplace and a separate and private guest quarters. The interiors showcase rounded arches, dark millwork, hand-scrapped wide-plank hardwoods and flagstone accents throughout.

The back outdoor living area has a large covered veranda opening to a sparkling saltwater pool and jacuzzi, taking advantage of the water views and wooded surroundings. Not a bad buy at $859,000.