Luxury Home Must-Haves
When shopping for a million dollar home, buyers are looking for luxury and luxury perks can tip the scales on the sale, but they are not actually what set the baseline for buyers. According to a new survey of people who currently live in luxury homes - classified as over $1 million ($2 million in California) for survey purposes - nearly two thirds have designer kitchens, entertainment rooms, and wet bars. More than 30% have wine cellars and 24% have theater seating. Outdoors, almost 40% of the homes have in-ground pools. Security systems were in place in 87% of homes and 67% had landscapers come in to care for the grounds.
The most popular way to furnish a luxury home? Nordstrom topped the most-shopped-at list, but other frequented stores were Neiman Marcus, Saks, Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Talbots and Pottery Barn.
Ultra-luxury items, like heated floors, tennis courts and backyard putting greens were found in significantly fewer homes, since the homeowners were likely (35%) to own a second home for recreational purposes.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Revo Reeves Jun 6th 2006 7:14PM
Although we started in 1978 primarily doing automotive, we have taken what we're best at & created a new company called CCD&D for doing wall treatments for theater rooms and theater seating. Most of what we're being asked to do is custom since that is what were best at. Our website will show these accoustical paneling as soon as next week.
Markus Jun 7th 2006 9:39AM
While the information doesn't seem off-track, you always have to wonder about the accuracy of a survey like this: Was it a sufficient statistical sample (300 people)? Was it truly random (says nothing about that)?
In the current age of quick information, most people don't look past the numbers, and those numbers can be inherently flawed. If one was to deconstruct the survey, I wonder what biases it would find.
r a dawson Jun 8th 2006 6:37AM
People need to get off on something other than all this crapola.
Lisa Conant Jun 8th 2006 7:20AM
My husband has been designing and building custom kitchens amd furniture in the high end, Treasure Coast area of South Florida for almost 25 years now. He would agree with most of this, but I think based on our experience the custom library (built in shelves, computer area that doesn't disturb the aesthetic of the room, etc) is much more in demand than the home theater. Although personally I'd prefer the theater, I think.
LG Whitehill Jun 8th 2006 7:23AM
"High-end" price is relative. A million dollars doesn't go far in San Diego, but in rural Alabama it way beyond what is necessary to build a "luxury" home. The survey results will be skewed by such economic biases as well. I'm building a 370,000 sq ft residence with heated floors, solar panels, an outdoor pool, an entertainment room, and a backyard putting green on ~3 acres and it won't cost anywhere close to $1 million; the million dollar homes in my neighborhood are over 10,000 sq ft.
Lynn Jun 8th 2006 8:01AM
Frankly, I am surprised that heated floors (especially in bathrooms) was not rated higher on the list of "must-haves". We have them in our home and, like heated seats in cars, once you have had them, you cannot live without them. We live in the northern Midwest, where we generally refer to rooms that contain home theater systems as "family rooms" or "finished lower levels", depending on the location, and heated floors are commonplace in high end homes ($500.000 and up).
Beth Barnett Jun 8th 2006 9:37AM
I was surprised that a 3rd car garage was not listed as a must for a home over one million. I sell luxury homes in Sarasota/Bradenton market and the buyers all want a three car garage. Luxury kitchens with wood cabinets, granite, and walk in pantrys are highly desired.
Lori Compher Jun 8th 2006 9:43AM
Oh yes I agree with this so much I live in a 80 million house and you must have that
Angela Oelschlaeger Jun 8th 2006 10:39AM
I live on a farm without heated floors. The pool that my kids enjoy is shaped like a turtle and holds at the most 8 inches of water. When we want to see a movie, we pile in the living room on the couch, cuddle up and watch it. Theater seats are not made for cuddling! As for a security system, we have a dog that alerts us to intruders, and a shotgun. Our landscape consists of flowers that my daughters helped me plant, and trees that my husband and I planted. We live in an old farm house, with its lack of closet space and no central air or heat. Am I happy? You Betcha! Would I trade what I have? Not a chance. Would I take one of these million dollar homes if it was given to me? What do you think I'm crazy??? of course I'd take it! Would I be more happy? No way.
Rachel Jun 8th 2006 10:56AM
Lighting Design is a must-have for elegant high-end homes. There is no use having a luxurious pool and spa, high-tech home theatre or beautifully designed kitchen if it is not lit properly or controlled to create the moods that make it as special as it should be.
D. James Jun 8th 2006 11:09AM
Big Kudos to the woman to wrote #7!!!!! There's a lot to be said for being happy with what you have - your health, your family & your joy when you wake up every day. I salute you!
Fresh Jun 8th 2006 11:15AM
I do not know where you people live but here in Southern California $1 mil gets you a place to park your car and 4 walls so forget the rest!
Michelle Jun 8th 2006 11:19AM
Rachel, you are absolutely correct. I would say lighting is probably the most important part... you can make a dump look charming with the proper lighting.
Cecelia Jun 8th 2006 11:30AM
All of it sounds Fabulous... the great kitchen with expensive gadgets that most .. modern women will never .. ever .. did i say never use... I think now days to be happy you need to think for yourself enjoy what YOU want not what the rich and famous are wasting money on. I have a fabulous home and enjoy every inch of it.. even a pool. But come on.. stop with the stuff you will never use or enjoy.. just to say you have ... take care
Terance Frazier Jun 8th 2006 11:39AM
The only thing was missed was the koehler heated toilet. Once you go to the toto toilet you don't go back. The seat stays warm.It cleans your private parts. Then it air drys your bottom. This is a must have for million dollar properties.
Matty Jun 8th 2006 12:43PM
While designing our new home I will consider the items listed as "must haves" but I won't be influenced by them. I want a "home" not a McMansion. Angela... enjoy your home... I hope to have the same "creature comforts" you have... a "family" garden, family "cuddling" on the couch, and a great sense of satisfaction. No amount of money can buy that! Thanks for putting what "should" be important into proper perspective.
Kise' Jun 8th 2006 12:59PM
Well said Angela. I think I would feel ashamed of myself if I were so self indulgent not to mention the lack of family coziness where true happiness is found.
Kelly Jun 8th 2006 1:09PM
I wish I could get all that for $1million. I live in a million dollar home and it's a nice home in a golf course community but all the above mentioned extras, forget about getting all that for $1 million in California. Would I move someplace else to get more house for my money, no way. I am a native Californian, one of the few and I am here to stay, crazy housing market and all.
SoCalMassageGal Jun 8th 2006 1:42PM
InstaHot is at the top of my list of must haves. It's a small faucet with a little box beneath the sink... turn the knob or handle and voila you have an instant cup of tea without microwaves. Great for fast spaghetti too! For about a hundred and fifty bucks you can have hot water instantly. Mine is even hooked up to an under the sink water filter!