Luxury Homes: The Best of the Best, Period.
Luxury homes are often called dream homes for a reason: They come with extraordinarily lush features, like spacious floor plans, high-tech appliances, decor fit for the rich and famous, and perfectly sculpted gardens. But every year, the bar is raised and there's a new trend that takes over in the most elite real estate circles.
To get a peek into the most popular luxury home features for 2023, we looked at Sotheby's International Realty's 2023 Luxury Outlook report, which surveyed the brand's top agents in the market of mostly $10 million and above listings. They all revealed the lavish requests their clients are adding to their wish lists—and yes, they shared incredible photos too.
Even if these properties are out of your budget, you can still draw inspiration from these unique features for your own home—or, you know, just sit back and enjoy the view.
1. Saltwater Pools
Saltwater pools offer benefits that standard pools don't. This $22 million Siesta Key space (complete with an in-water lounge), for example, requires less chlorine. That means you won't be noticing any chemical-like "pool" smells here.
The water also feels much smoother. (Seriously, it's like diving into silk!) Instead of burning your eyes and drying out your skin, it's actually possible to emerge from one of these pools—like the one at this $20 million Newport Beach home—feeling better. It also won't dull the colors of your swimsuits and towels.
Pool architecture is getting more and more creative with every new luxury home that hits the market. This $13 million Bel Air house has a 73-foot wraparound infinity pool.
2. Massage Rooms
While most luxury homes might already contain a spa, massage-specific rooms are becoming trendy. The wooden walls in this Grecian property create a zen vibe.
Massage rooms—like the one in this incredible Dubai home—make it easy for multiple guests to use a spa at once. You'll be uninterrupted from those working out, soaking in the hot tub, or hitting the sauna.
That same Dubai property has separate smaller areas specifically for couples massages, to make date night extra special.
3. Cold Plunge Pools
Cold plunge pools are becoming more and more common in luxury properties, like in this $4.2 million New York City residence. The icy water is believed to have multiple benefits, ranging from improved circulation to better mental health.
4. Wine Cellars
Wine is an important industry for investors. Those buying luxury homes are looking for a designated place to store their growing collections, like the one in this $6.3 million Arizona home.
And luxury cellars need to be large. According to Sotheby's, the Liv-ex 1000 index—a wine benchmark that includes the most widely traded wines—was up 14% through mid-October 2022. The cellar pictured here, from a $68 million Bel Air property, fits the bill.
Oftentimes, luxury cellars can be the size of a regular room, like the one in this gorgeous Grecian estate. "When you compare wine to other asset classes based on returns, correlation, and volatility, it's a no-brainer to put in your portfolio," Nicholas King, CEO of wine platform Vint, told Sotheby's International.
5. Energy-Efficient Fireplaces
Traditional wood-burning fireplaces often require heavy maintenance, making energy-efficient options a popular alternative. Like the one seen in this $35 million Newport Beach home, these fireplaces offer the same amount of warmth with more safety and eco-friendly benefits.
6. Water Purification Systems
High-tech water filtration systems reduce the need for plastic water bottles by removing toxic chemicals found in tap water. So taking a sip from this $22 million Florida estate's kitchen sink is delicious and eco-friendly.
You won't just feel better after drinking purified water—you might look better too. Pure water could mean less damage to your skin and hair. Plus, if you dye your hair, the color won't dull as quickly. So if you never want to leave this $3 million Arizona home's bathtub, you don't have to!
7. Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
It's no surprise that floor-to-ceiling windows, as seen in this $13 million Los Angeles home, tops the list. Not only does the sought-after feature bring in a ton of natural light, but it also puts jaw-dropping views on grand display.
While this amenity is more contemporary, it can make a big statement in any style of home—especially in rooms with darker palettes, like in this $6.3 million Arizona estate.
When you have such a beautiful water view, let nature be your artwork. Then you can opt for 3D art, like the unique sculpture seen in this $18.5 million Carmel-by-the-Sea property.
You don't have to live by the ocean to enjoy the perks of floor-to-ceiling windows. In this $2.4 million New York property, the forest views create a cozy cabin feel.
Floor-to-ceiling windows are especially gorgeous in a dining room, like in this $68 million Bel Air space. They create an environment unlike any other for a formal dinner party.
Sometimes the windows completely speak for themselves. In this $5 million Connecticut house, they serve as a centerpiece for the room. Minimal decor makes the space feel clean, sophisticated, and roomy.
City dwellers can enjoy this feature just as much as countryside homeowners. As this incredible $3.45 million New York City condo shows, views of the skyline are just as impressive as any beach.
Statement windows don't have to be reserved for the main rooms. This $20 million California property shows just how gorgeous they can be in a hallway.
Especially in beachfront properties, like this $7.65 million Baja space, windows that open up into the backyard allow you to truly feel the comfort of indoor-outdoor living.
8. Well-Kept Gardens
As any homeowner knows, the outside of your property is just as important as the interior. Gardens, especially ones with a unique shape, are becoming a must in the luxury market. Surrounding the entire space in greenery, like with this $24.9 million Florida house, makes everything brighter.
A well-kept yard can also be used for outdoor dining. The hanging plants and wooden decor makes this $26 million Wyoming ranch's garden patio feel like paradise.
It doesn't get more elegant than a garden maze. This $18 million Connecticut property has been mowed and trimmed to perfection, resulting in a regal display.
Gardens with pathways, like the one seen in the same $18 million Connecticut estate, are picturesque. The planter pots and wooden archways would make anyone want to wander through for days.
As this $20 million California home shows, gardens shouldn't be reserved for just the backyard. The front of the house can be a beautiful spot for towering trees, shrub-lined pathways, and even a trickling fountain.
9. Cork Spray
Cork spray is a non-toxic and renewable alternative to traditional paint. As seen on the walls of this $4.5 million Arizona house, it gives the appearance of stucco. Even better? It holds its color for a minimum of 10 to 12 years, is mold-resistant, and doesn't crack.
10. Electric Car Charging Stations
Several eco-friendly features have made the list, so it's only natural that electric car charging stations do too. The pump is often found inside the garage, like in this $6 million California home.
Just because you charge your car there, doesn't mean you can't decorate the space. This $3.8 million Texas property spruced up its garage with geometric lights and decorative flowers.
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