I've grown up on the Tamar (downstream for the South Esk, for anyone who doesn't know), and eventually got
my own place just down the road from where I grew up, because I love being on the river so much. Not only is the view fantastic, but I do spend a lot of time on the water (although not anywhere near as much as I did as a teenager and early twenties). I'd be very upset if I had to live somewhere away from the water.
I did have a kayak for a few years when I was a kid, and my family also had a small motor boat for a few years, but since my teens, my primary use of the river has been
sailboarding. I wouldn't call it peacful, like rowing is, but it sure is exhilarating. I have to confess that I really enjoy the speed, and the fact that the speed is entirely generated by the wind, with no motors, and no noise apart from the wind and water itself.
Even at that speed, you can still enjoy nature (although not platypuses) on the Tamar. Lots of pelicans, swans, etc, but of course not close when your at speed. I've sailed within a couple of metres of seals on the Tamar, and I've had a fish jump out of the water (in fright perhaps) and actually land on my feet on the sailboard once (and gave me a fright!).