A Peek into the Rooms of Luxury Homes

What kinds of rooms might go into various luxury homes? The possibilities are as varied as lifestyles.

I recall a luxurious mansion in Houston’s lovely River Oaks that had, in addition to every other conceivable room, a luggage room. It was a sensible space that accommodated the traveling owner’s large collection of leather suitcases, trunks and garment bags. When a trip was planned, the butler would retrieve the appropriate luggage and assist with the packing.

When expense and space are not restrictive issues, the floor plan of a luxury home can truly reflect the lifestyle of its owner.

As Reatlors, we have the unique opportunity to visit and study countless homes, and some are certainly more interesting than others. I am always intrigued with rooms and spaces that are dedicated to special purposes and lifestyles.

Some of the more common and uncommon possibilities might include:

• A large morning room off the kitchen for casual family dining. This is simply an expansion of the traditional breakfast room.
• Large formal dining rooms still prevail and are a must for indoor formal entertaining.
• A butler’s pantry between the kitchen and formal dining area that may be equipped with china cabinets, lined flatware drawers, crystal storage and wine refrigeration.
• An oversized and well-organized pantry in the kitchen that has room for a freezer and additional refrigerator.
• A temperature-controlled wine room that might even accommodate a tasting table or two.
• A game room that might hold a pool table, arcade games and even a karaoke stage.
• A high-ceilinged music room for the grand piano and other musical enjoyment.
• Forget strip closets. Luxury homes demand oversized and highly organized walk-in dressing rooms.
• Personal gyms are a common requirement in luxury homes. They are typically located off the master bedroom or near outdoor amenities.
• The plush home theater with cushy seats, popcorn machine and huge screen have become very popular.
• A home library offers a quiet room for books, reading and reflection.
• A conservatory provides a glass-walled transition between the luxury residence and its natural surroundings–and is a lovely spot for casual entertaining.
• A sunroom may be located anywhere in the home, but provides a casual place to enjoy sunshine and views.
• Home offices are often a requirement for busy owners and their staff.
• A large laundry and project room may have multiple washers and dryers, a steam closet, and cabinets for project storage. It should also have space for a large, multi-purpose table.
• A wrapping room, with mounted rolls of paper and ribbon--and work tables below (Bob and Loraine Dyson's <Villa Sotheby's> home in Rancho Santa Fe). Ingenious!
• A snoring room off the master bedroom. Enough said….

Common to luxury homes in San Diego are loggias and fully-equipped outdoor kitchens, which allow for year round outdoor dining and entertaining. It is also not uncommon to find poolside cabanas, dressing rooms and steam rooms. In mountain communities, luxury chalets will likely have mud rooms and ski lockers.

As suggested earlier, it is the lifestyle and taste of the affluent that will ultimately determine the configuration of their luxury homes. And ultimately, some of these preferences and solutions end up in builder's model homes.

San Diego Real Estate

Luxury Homes and Real Estate