4 High-End Home Features That the Rich Love

Home sales are sluggish in the U.S.; they recorded a 13-year low. Yet, the luxury housing market is booming. In the third quarter of 2023, the luxury market grew three times faster than the mainstream market. Themedian price of a luxury house reached a new high of $1.1 million. That is 9% up from 2022. 

Even amidst elevated mortgage rates, luxury home sales have surged this year. But that is mainly because 47% of those properties were bought in cash.  

It’s a great time to buy a luxury home if you intend to purchase it in cash. However, due to elevated mortgage rates, investing in a luxury home won’t be wise if you decide to take a mortgage. Don’t lose heart, though. You can transform your ordinary space into a luxury one by adding high-end features common in luxury properties.

Here, we’ll explore some of the high-end features that the rich love. 

#1 Saltwater Pools

Saltwater pools are a luxurious alternative to traditional chlorine pools. The water in these pools is just as sanitary as that of chlorinated pools, and it is much softer and gentler. 

Where chlorine needs to be added directly to conventional pools, saltwater pools use a salt chlorine generator to produce chlorine from dissolved salt. This ensures a constant and balanced level of sanitizer. The result? Softer and silkier water that is less harsh on the skin, eyes, and hair. Your eyes won’t burn, or your skin won’t dry out after you take a dip in a saltwater pool. 

The benefits of installing a saltwater pool are aplenty. Their maintenance cost is low. You’ll need one or two salt bags per season. People with skin conditions like eczema, scaling psoriatic skin, or acne will benefit from the gentler yet effective exfoliating water. The sulfur in the saltwater has a keratolytic effect. Keratolytics are agents that disintegrate the skin’s outer layer and help it to bind moisture. 

In an article published in U.S. News & World Report, Scott Keller, a pool industry professional, reveals that saltwater pools boost a home’s value by 7% to 8%. Therefore, they are a worthy investment. 

#2 Alfresco Living and Dining Area

Dining in the open air—who doesn’t love that? All Americans do. An article published inPlanetizen in 2022 revealed that the people of the U.S. have fallen in love with outdoor dining. 

What started initially as a response to pandemic restrictions slowly rose in popularity. Their ability to combine the comforts of indoor living with the refreshing ambiance of the outdoors contributes to their popularity. 

You must also consider adding an open-air living and dining area. It will make your backyard more inviting. Outfit your outdoor space with comfortable, weather-resistant furniture. Create a cozy seating area by adding chairs, sofas, and coffee tables to the space. 

If you intend to host barbecues, birthdays, or anniversary dinners in the open air, add a large dining table with ample seating. Don’t forget to install a retractable awning. It will make the space usable all year round, even in the rainy season. 

To enhance your dining experience further, add an outdoor kitchen. Equip it with a grill, sink, refrigerator, and ample counter space for food preparation. This setup will allow you to cook and serve meals without constantly switching from the indoor kitchen to the outdoor dining area.

#3 A Dedicated Sauna Room

Saunas, a hallmark of luxury, is another feature that the rich love. Consider adding a dedicated sauna room in your backyard if you’re after something that enhances your property’s allure while serving as a private retreat. 

They might seem like a modern trend, but their origin dates back around 10,000 years. Arecent publication of Forbes revealed that it’s surprising and disappointing for home buyers if a home lacks a sauna in countries like Finland. 

Even in the U.S., saunas are gaining momentum. As perThe U.S. News & World Report, there’s a growing health and wellness trend in the country. This trend has led to a rise in the popularity of backyard saunas as a new luxury home feature. Experts predict that the U.S. sauna market will grow at a CAGR of 4.3% between 2023 and 2028 and generate a revenue of$13.6 million. 

Typically made from high-quality woods like hemlock or cedar, saunas create a warm, inviting atmosphere that promotes relaxation. The benefits of regular sauna use, ThermaSol explains, include muscle relaxation, pain relief, respiratory relief, and detoxification. It also includes endorphin & stress relief, skin rejuvenation, better sleep, calorific burn, and weight loss. 

Building a sauna in your home can cost anywhere between$1,500 and $10,000. If you don’t wish to spend so much money yet want to reap the benefits of a sauna, turn your bathroom into a steam room. It’s fairly simple—all you’ll need is a steam shower, steam generator, system control, and the steam stall. 

When choosing a steam shower, opt for a state-of-the-art digital shower, as you will be able to control it easily. The ThermaSol steam shower is a great example. It’s relatively easy to navigate. You can personalize your shower experience by controlling the water outlet. You can also program temperature, lights, music, volume, and duration with a single touch. 

#4 Mudroom

A mudroom serves as a transitional space between the main living areas and the outdoors. It is a practical yet stylish addition to any high-end home.

Mudrooms are typically located near an entryway. These spaces provide a designated area for removing and storing outerwear, shoes, and wet or muddy gear, which helps keep the home clean and organized.

High-end mudrooms often feature built-in cabinetry and cubbies, offering ample storage for coats, hats, bags, and boots. Some people add washing machines to mudrooms so that dirty clothes and gear can be cleaned immediately, preventing dirt from spreading throughout the house. 

Luxury is not just about opulence and extravagance in the realm of high-end luxury real estate. It’s about creating a space that enhances the quality of life, offering unparalleled convenience, comfort, as well as style. 

Whether it’s for work, play, or relaxation, the rich seek out these high-end features to create a sanctuary that reflects their tastes and lifestyles. Whatever you decide to add—a saltwater pool or mudroom—rest assured that your ordinary house will be transformed into a luxurious home. 

Related Article:

Feature Fixtures of Luxury Homes