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<p>Tucked away in the rolling Russian countryside lies a spectacular home that embodies classic refinement and contemporary finesse. Extending slightly over 2,000 square feet, this beautiful abode is situated in the picturesque village of Zhukovka, just outside Moscow. It is a testament to the nation’s rich cultural heritage and its owners’ fondness for grandeur.</p>



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<p>The architects at Moscow design studio Archpoint achieved this feat through a thoughtfully conceived layout by incorporating calming colours; expensive natural materials like marble, stone and wood; sophisticated furniture from renowned brands including IPE Cavalli and Fendi; and elegant chandeliers.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/9DFEDA9F-C9D2-4536-81F0-8E69D75E9630-1024x682.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-83524" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/9DFEDA9F-C9D2-4536-81F0-8E69D75E9630-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/9DFEDA9F-C9D2-4536-81F0-8E69D75E9630-420x280.jpeg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/9DFEDA9F-C9D2-4536-81F0-8E69D75E9630-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/9DFEDA9F-C9D2-4536-81F0-8E69D75E9630-1536x1023.jpeg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/9DFEDA9F-C9D2-4536-81F0-8E69D75E9630-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/9DFEDA9F-C9D2-4536-81F0-8E69D75E9630-200x133.jpeg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/9DFEDA9F-C9D2-4536-81F0-8E69D75E9630-800x533.jpeg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>Its imposing façade is adorned with intricate carvings and ornate details that seem to dance across the exterior walls. Inside, a spacious foyer extends into a sweeping staircase of black and white Dalmatian marble leading to the upper floor. The two storeys are separated by distinct themes. On the ground floor, the designers use dark, soothing hues to contrast with a dramatic white and grey backdrop for the fireplace, where Lithos Design light stone panels form a striking three-dimensional effect. The upper floor is dominated by two palatial bedrooms distinguished by vivid colour tones.</p>



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="682" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/33D83CB2-DD7C-448C-B32B-BFA581C37844-682x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-83525 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/33D83CB2-DD7C-448C-B32B-BFA581C37844-682x1024.jpeg 682w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/33D83CB2-DD7C-448C-B32B-BFA581C37844-187x280.jpeg 187w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/33D83CB2-DD7C-448C-B32B-BFA581C37844-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/33D83CB2-DD7C-448C-B32B-BFA581C37844-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/33D83CB2-DD7C-448C-B32B-BFA581C37844-1365x2048.jpeg 1365w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/33D83CB2-DD7C-448C-B32B-BFA581C37844-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/33D83CB2-DD7C-448C-B32B-BFA581C37844-800x1200.jpeg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/33D83CB2-DD7C-448C-B32B-BFA581C37844-scaled.jpeg 1706w" sizes="(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>The interiors are a masterful blend of traditional Russian motifs and modern comforts. Sumptuous furnishings, rich textiles and exquisite artwork adorning the walls all create a warm and inviting atmosphere. One of the home’s outstanding features is its seamless integration with the outdoors. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors lead to expansive decks, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.</p>
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<p>The heart of the home is the extensive open-plan living room, with its soaring, well-illuminated ceiling and windows that frame the garden and let in plenty of natural light. Easy access to the patio enables an immediate, harmonious transition from indoors to out. The garden landscaping juxtaposes trimmed shrubs and tall trees.</p>



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<p>In the centre of the room, a large plush velvet sofa sits under a shower of crystal glass dangling from the chandelier. It faces the majestic stone fireplace which has been carved into the marble feature wall. This is the perfect spot for cosying up on a round chaise longue in front of the fire during chilly winter evenings. In an unconventional but elegant style, the television is suspended on a separate stand rather than positioned on the feature wall, making it easier to move the angle of the screen when hosting large gatherings.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/65431A22-2151-4171-A643-B1CB8CF470BB-1024x682.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-83528" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/65431A22-2151-4171-A643-B1CB8CF470BB-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/65431A22-2151-4171-A643-B1CB8CF470BB-420x280.jpeg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/65431A22-2151-4171-A643-B1CB8CF470BB-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/65431A22-2151-4171-A643-B1CB8CF470BB-1536x1023.jpeg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/65431A22-2151-4171-A643-B1CB8CF470BB-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/65431A22-2151-4171-A643-B1CB8CF470BB-200x133.jpeg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/65431A22-2151-4171-A643-B1CB8CF470BB-800x533.jpeg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>Extending from the lounge, the open kitchen is equipped with ample counter space, perfect for whipping up traditional Russian dishes. A large centre island, also crafted in marble, acts as a dining table and is set with four chairs. The colours here are brighter, with mustard-yellow cabinets and grey walls. A round crystal chandelier hovers above the dining area, echoing its sister in the living room.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2E1500B7-1763-4656-AE84-F4A45E6714D0-1024x682.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-83523" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2E1500B7-1763-4656-AE84-F4A45E6714D0-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2E1500B7-1763-4656-AE84-F4A45E6714D0-420x280.jpeg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2E1500B7-1763-4656-AE84-F4A45E6714D0-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2E1500B7-1763-4656-AE84-F4A45E6714D0-1536x1023.jpeg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2E1500B7-1763-4656-AE84-F4A45E6714D0-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2E1500B7-1763-4656-AE84-F4A45E6714D0-200x133.jpeg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2E1500B7-1763-4656-AE84-F4A45E6714D0-800x533.jpeg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The upstairs bedrooms are lavish, serene retreats with gorgeous bedding and soft lighting. Here, too, chandeliers contribute to the warm luxury of the décor. The master suite has an oceanic theme, contrasting the turquoise and deep blue of the upholstery, panelling and drapes with the golden ‘liquid-metal’ coating that etches the walls and furniture. The chamber’s polygonal shape makes it a multipurpose space with a TV wall, sofa and armchair. The en-suite bathroom has a deluxe soaking tub and separate shower, perfect for unwinding after a long day. The other bedroom exudes an earthier theme, combining beige enamel and a rich palette of American walnut. It is an unusually long room, separated by a TV wall facing the bed, with a walk-in closet and desk beyond. Both bedrooms are adjoined by bathrooms decorated in accordance with the colour scheme – light and dark. Mirrors from IPE Cavalli have graceful frames, and the designers have provided several options for lighting – from pendant globes to spotlighting under the sink and bathtub.</p>


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<p>The furniture in both rooms was chosen to match the interior colours, with walls and headboards highlighted as accents. In the turquoise room, the feature wall behind the bed is framed by natural Lithos marble with an eye-catching illuminated pattern; in the brown bedroom, the wall plastering is accentuated by an undulating relief carving. Special attention has been paid to the wardrobes, which are also dressed in the colours introduced in the bedrooms. There are functional cabinets made by local craftspeople, as well as chests of drawers and an IPE Cavalli dressing table.</p>



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<p>More than just a residence, this house is an experience. It showcases the perfect amalgamation of traditional elegance and modern sophistication through stunning architecture and superb interior design, underscored by breathtaking natural surroundings.</p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="682" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/9979BC1E-D4D6-4A93-920E-D712BC247B77-682x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-83527 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/9979BC1E-D4D6-4A93-920E-D712BC247B77-682x1024.jpeg 682w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/9979BC1E-D4D6-4A93-920E-D712BC247B77-187x280.jpeg 187w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/9979BC1E-D4D6-4A93-920E-D712BC247B77-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/9979BC1E-D4D6-4A93-920E-D712BC247B77-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/9979BC1E-D4D6-4A93-920E-D712BC247B77-1365x2048.jpeg 1365w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/9979BC1E-D4D6-4A93-920E-D712BC247B77-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/9979BC1E-D4D6-4A93-920E-D712BC247B77-800x1200.jpeg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/9979BC1E-D4D6-4A93-920E-D712BC247B77-scaled.jpeg 1706w" sizes="(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px" /></figure></div>



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<p>Photos: Moscow Design Studio Archpoint</p>


Grounded in Grandeur: Traditional motifs and modern comforts cohabit in a Russian home of rich colour and countless chandeliers

<p>While beach resorts and seaside stays tend to top most travellers to-do lists, the world has plenty of lakes to give you an unforgettable experience too. Without further adieu, here are Gafencu&#8217;s top picks for the world&#8217;s most pristine lake to pay a visit to&#8230;</p>
<h3>Lake Taupō</h3>
<h4>New Zealand</h4>
<p><figure id="attachment_48257" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48257" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-48257" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/4256111089_4df2a36eb9_o.jpg" alt="lakes" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/4256111089_4df2a36eb9_o.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/4256111089_4df2a36eb9_o-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/4256111089_4df2a36eb9_o-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/4256111089_4df2a36eb9_o-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/4256111089_4df2a36eb9_o-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/4256111089_4df2a36eb9_o-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/4256111089_4df2a36eb9_o-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-48257" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/hotmeteor/4256111089/in/photolist-7u6FxF-axEmf-6Nipgi-frBUA7-7KU4Nd-cfsR2s-oEs1K8-oWW5Bn-9vQKvv-7PftzU-oEs23T-idooTg-ebu8Nv-oUAEod-a8FQsb-ACjgY-2emt5Va-96yBND-8t695h-7FbsDH-e7ysw5-7M1zD-eV8PR-anrBuv-7Gh496-7KQ5yF-btjVWj-VhTvHk-7Gh4mM-9y7EGz-ACnMa-uXxFr-22h6gXV-6fCVRf-96yyN6-4mDe41-V3qkyC-fZpq2y-4r5UKJ-eV8VS-aeVJkd-ACnM5-7M1zE-7M1zF-mvBDqc-mvDuPu-9y7ENn-pQPQTt-mvDvoL-qtYs4M"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Adam Campbell</span></a></figcaption></figure></p>
<p>Spanning across some 616sq.km and reaching depths up to 186m, Lake Taupō is equivalent to the size of Singapore and ranks in as the second-largest freshwater lake in all of the Oceania region. Clearly giving travellers more than enough room for aquatic adventures – think kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing – the northern island to which it belongs is also New Zealand&#8217;s sky diving capital.</p>
<p>Those who prefer to gaze into its scenic waters rather than dip into them can also partake in a game of golf or try their swing to win NZD$10,000 Lake Taupo Hole in One Challenge which has been entertaining locals, tourists and visitors from across the globe for over 20 years now.</p>
<h3>Lake Bow</h3>
<h4>Canada</h4>
<p><figure id="attachment_48258" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48258" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48258 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/44493720562_c473d02e9c_o.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/44493720562_c473d02e9c_o.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/44493720562_c473d02e9c_o-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/44493720562_c473d02e9c_o-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/44493720562_c473d02e9c_o-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/44493720562_c473d02e9c_o-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/44493720562_c473d02e9c_o-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/44493720562_c473d02e9c_o-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-48258" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kairologic/44493720562/in/photolist-2aMKWZ9-27KgV4F-T2ZPEA-D2u5A2-WZz6Uk-LACfmq-LZyKJU-LyN8Ry-EWTKey-RQ93Px-29b8dEt-28JpUWp-djCUhp-29eXzuv-2aEh3bD-2VoTZq-n8SSrp-297p9Xm-XbsdpY-27UnWUy-TCurHK-SbMq7J-Tr3HVY-exjC1C-WTPomp-SkYwwL-2aEfDqv-YEDeMk-REHr4W-YRytz9-o93H1x-fMjY1D-dcRKfb-293Ub2G-nmuPkS-71FVPf-WXGR6M-27Xj7Cb-cp4Z1h-RMuHBb-WH3Q8J-2azR8Qu-9MFBkR-SA8T3r-puf41G-SA8XYZ-2aHc7rV-233yPWX-SVPQkv-XU2sJD"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Brendan Bombaci</span></a></figcaption></figure></p>
<p>Heading north to the world&#8217;s 51st parallel, one will find a true Canadian gem – Lake Bow. Situated in Alberta&#8217;s Rocky Mountains, Bow is a relatively small lake spanning across only 0.8sq.km, with a 70m depth. While often overlooked for its sister Lake Louise, Bow, too gives nature lovers a tranquil spot to host a picnic or take a short stroll, while they marvel in its beauty.</p>
<p>With the rest of Banff National Park just a few minutes away by car, one could easily spend a whole day lake hopping, or taking advantage of the hiking trails that spread out across the park, before retiring back to town for a nightcap and star gazing.</p>
<h3>Lake Bunyonyi</h3>
<h4>Uganda</h4>
<p><figure id="attachment_48259" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48259" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-48259" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15801942955_eb45e5127d_o.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15801942955_eb45e5127d_o.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15801942955_eb45e5127d_o-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15801942955_eb45e5127d_o-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15801942955_eb45e5127d_o-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15801942955_eb45e5127d_o-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15801942955_eb45e5127d_o-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15801942955_eb45e5127d_o-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-48259" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rod_waddington/15801942955/in/photolist-q5n67k-akwKkD-THJx5q-YJGuQm-2emeHK3-9fsmgA-9pws1X-S1JcBG-S71N8L-akxiF2-SNUokU-RzBtrY-9juC2w-DbqxtJ-rkjLn7-jEt4RW-2dW8ZGg-9eeW3c-3hAdSb-BTs8q-b5eFDt-AnS4Q-GZe1G-4PZPC7-4mwzjc-jHztT2-psYefH-p59hk8-4FDpNz-bMuyvr-5hEAqB-D7rqdP-mcrEP-3gAJSh-ebtqeA-Xo3x8C-9YchVM-21FkuKJ-awzh3h-4JTNFZ-dkrmcd-4GWhQu-Rvu7Gt-h1Hai-YX57bL-8iXXLk-hMbNdt-9pzxaf-i9ptD2-dkrjn1"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rod Waddington</span></a></figcaption></figure></p>
<p>Travelling to East Africa, one would find Lake Bunyonyi to the south-western region of Uganda. Occupying a surface area of 46sq.km it is also one of the deepest lakes in the world – and the second deepest in Africa – with a rumoured depth of 900m. A true place of pride for Ugandans, Bunyonyi is featured on the 5,000 Ugandan shilling note and is one of the only bodies of water in the region free of&nbsp;bilharzia and safe for swimming.</p>
<p>Tourists have been known to opt for a day of canoeing to any of the lake&#8217;s 28 islands and visiting the pygmy families to truly immerse themselves in the local culture. Meanwhile, Bushara Island a visit is surely worth a visit as it offers luxury&nbsp;tents, chalets, and also campsites.</p>
<h3>Lake Cañapa</h3>
<h4>Bolivia</h4>
<p><figure id="attachment_48260" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48260" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-48260" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15382854240_3002a52ce1_k-1.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15382854240_3002a52ce1_k-1.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15382854240_3002a52ce1_k-1-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15382854240_3002a52ce1_k-1-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15382854240_3002a52ce1_k-1-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15382854240_3002a52ce1_k-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15382854240_3002a52ce1_k-1-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/15382854240_3002a52ce1_k-1-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-48260" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/atonglee/15382854240/in/photolist-acqy7k-62p8V-76g2XT-prk9CQ-4o1oxJ-pGUCHh-dJQ9kR-okRsii-dDrLzw-4o1m9b-8jD7tN-6arNqA-2cSY23i-isNXzi-8m6g97-S2a58Z-akggqd-92Kyj-9jKruM-akdDjV-5RAA1Q-akdAfz-5XdVbQ-qyuuuQ-rdJQsK-rdUfsj-Hqw5BV-7H9Q4k-7H9ERH-Y65h8f-2be8ZTF-rtcuJA-FDDcPy-rvtYBV-xdSjV-xdSfN-55HLuy-9jixGb-7PMP1x-xdS7A-xdS9d-xdSdR-qyVBRH-6uUFpR-xdS8p-xdSho-7PMEu2-xdSgp-4pMeng-3QKekB"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Anthony Tong Lee</span></a></figcaption></figure></p>
<p>Hongkongers who are willing to endure the 38,624km-roundtrip to Bolivia would be well-advised not to overlook Lake Cañapa, an&nbsp;endorheic salt lake located in the desert of Siloli. Considerably smaller than the other listed lakes, Cañapa&#8217;s surface area is rather quaint at 1.42sq.km and has a depth of only 1m.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Perhaps the most charming aspect of&nbsp;Lake Cañapa is its significant population of wildlife, particularly flamingos. Nature lovers can observe the birds as they peck at the salt larva within the gorgeous blue water. The distant volcanos have also been known to create a rather scenic background for couples travelling to the area.</p>
<h3>Lake Baikal</h3>
<h4>Russia</h4>
<p><figure id="attachment_48261" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48261" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-48261" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/46410150235_3d4deacbdf_h-1.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/46410150235_3d4deacbdf_h-1.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/46410150235_3d4deacbdf_h-1-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/46410150235_3d4deacbdf_h-1-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/46410150235_3d4deacbdf_h-1-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/46410150235_3d4deacbdf_h-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/46410150235_3d4deacbdf_h-1-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/46410150235_3d4deacbdf_h-1-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-48261" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/t_eidolon/46410150235/in/photolist-5upp2o-WSbP5G-dxucA1-p2ADG-28b2LXV-RoLySf-5uk62a-4E3PCx-3rgJv6-3rgJvD-XbW6qM-2dH79L4-3qRajo-8jRgfx-3cX8Yy-Ykmi4o-oAz67P-iAYuk1-8jRg7B-VZcxbo-bf7tf4-8iLLjz-WX3TAK-6BbMM7-WwAf5J-ojkU1G-iB1oa8-6xiRKq-e1ABd1-NwN6yd-4E3Win-5qXjz9-iAXY3f-4E8bV5-4E8aRm-5o6wW9-p2z6H-Wwz5BY-WX3dMx-o48Qmb-4E3ViZ-ikJni3-6xeGQe-4E3UdD-ah3od3-oACJgA-4E8cBh-2dH7awc-5416Zz-oAQQvM/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Victoria Abrosimova</span></a></figcaption></figure></p>
<p>As the largest freshwater lake by volume in the world&nbsp;–&nbsp;containing 22–23% of the world&#8217;s fresh surface water – Lake Baikal is rightly a site to see. The rift lake can be found in southern&nbsp;Siberia, where it consumes a whopping 31,722sq.km of surface area, while its depths have been reported to reach&nbsp;1,642m. Rich in biodiversity, the lake is home to 1,000 plant species and over 2,500 animal species such as the Baikal seals, lemmings and reindeer.</p>
<p>Deemed to be one of Russia&#8217;s most amazing destinations – it was added to UNESCO&#8217;s World Heritage list in 1996 – the long-spanning distance of the lake allows one to visit remote areas and be at one with nature. However, with recent news reports that Russia is considering banning tourists from the area to preserve its ecosystem, it would be wise to pay it a visit before it&#8217;s too late.</p>
<p>Related: <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/botanical-gardens-travel/"><em>Botanic Bests: 3 botanical gardens in Asia to visit this summer</em></a></p>


Gafencu’s Guide to the World’s Most Pristine Lakes

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Gafencu’s Guide to the World’s Most Pristine Lakes