What kinds of rooms might go into a luxury home? 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.
Some of the more common 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.
- A master closet that invites relaxation.
- 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.
- Outdoor living rooms and areas are treasured in warmer climates. See photo above.
- 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 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.
I love the idea of a snoring room.
It may interest you to know that, here in England, it is common for “grand houses” to have a bed in the dressing room for this very purpose.
Our house isn’t that grand, but we have a bed in my dressing room that my wife sometimes decamps to 🙂
Mark:
I thought the snoring room an occasional oddity, until I spoke with a reporter doing a story on the subject. It appears to be a necessity in some relationships–and can be used by either the noisemaker or the victim.
I admit to retreating to the sofa on occasion.
If it were me, I would definitely have a cigar room. It should also have a selection of fine wines.
Roberta,
What a great article. I am so glad that I got a chance to read what particular rooms Luxury Homes have.
Although, this website has been hacked, it remains a well thoughtout Luxury Home Digest for all your many readers.
In a matter of days I’m sure all of your many Luxury Home articles will be up and running.
You, Roberta Murphy are the expert when it comes to Buying and Selling Luxury Homes in the San Diego area.
I’d have to say that a nice library with wainscotting just really makes a house shine! Of course, I live in my office 😉
Roberta,
Even though your site has been hacked and will soon be up and running with new articles, I am glad that I got to read this one that I missed.
You, Roberta Murphy are the Realtor for San Diego Home Buyers and Home Sellers in the San Diego area.
Very good article that you provide your San Diego readers. Shows that you know your stuff.
Bo:
LOL! Don’t we all? The library would be a treasure, though.
Thanks for stopping by!
Gena:
You’re too kind. This Luxury Home blog is still a shambles, thanks to the invasion and destruction of hackers.
I hope the authorities Jim has contacted are able to reveal and prosecute the perpetrators. And perhaps an example can be made for other would-be site destroyers.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Roberta – The amenities in these luxury homes are simply amazing, beyond anything I even dream of in a home! This is a timeless post, hopefully the rest will be restored soon. I learned of your plight from Gena Riede on her AR blog.
Perhaps the music room could double up as the snoring room. It is sound-proofed after all !!
All this talk about rooms and no mention of a swimming pool. This area should also have a sauna and steam room, and massage room.
Mrs. Murphy,
Thank you so much for this article. I am starting an education in architecture, and this article really helped me with my first project!
A belated thanks–and best wishes in your architectural studies Ethan!