Building a house next to your pond sounds like an amazing idea. It's always nice to be close to nature and have your own private oasis. I totally get your concern about snakes though. It's important to be aware of the wildlife around your property and take precautions to keep yourself and your family safe. As for building your house, have you considered using
concrete/brick plugs to secure any fixtures or furniture to the walls? These can be especially helpful in areas prone to high winds or earthquakes. I'm not an expert on snakes, but it's good to know that some species actually help to control the population of rodents and other pests around your property.
