What distinguishes ultra-luxury homes and properties from the other houses on the market? For the most part, it’s the particular impression you get once you view the home for the first time. But the materials and added amenities in a luxury home also contribute to its high-end demeanor. At the end of the day, if you feel like you’re in the presence of grandeur and that no expenses were spared in constructing your house, that’s a good sign.
There are many details to learn about the crème de la crème of luxury real estate that will give you a clear advantage over other buyers and sellers. Once you know more about the styles, features, and benefits of living in an ultra-luxury home, you’ll be better suited to join the market and shop for properties. Below, read our ultimate guide to the most exclusive real estate in California.
What makes a home luxurious?
Luxury is determined by the eye of the beholder, but there are certainly homes that we would call extraordinary anytime we encounter them. When we pass by these properties, we’re struck by a distinct sense that we are in the presence of an architectural feat that is somewhat magical and has been planned and designed with care. However, in terms of specifics, there are a few concrete features that transform a traditional home into a luxury oasis.
- A unique architectural structure, perhaps planned by a professional design firm
- A desirable location
- Floor plans that are imaginative, open, and integrate the outdoors with the interior
- World-class kitchens, baths, and bedrooms
- Plenty of storage and closet space
- Smart home technology that makes living more convenient
- A sustainable structure that coexists with the surrounding landscape
- Prestige, exclusivity, and privacy
- Added functional space for athletics, recreation, and entertainment
- High-end finishes and architectural details
Not all ultra-luxury homes will have every one of the identifiers above, but the majority of the high-end real estate on the market today will provide you with many of these features. Speak with your real estate agent to get a better idea of what you’d like to see in your luxury property.
Common ultra-luxury home designs
Luxury homes have been around for thousands of years, with every new generation redefining what ‘luxury’ looks like to them. Consequently, there is quite a bit more variation in the architectural design of upscale homes than you’re likely to see in conventional real estate. Below, we’ll discuss a few of the more common architectural styles you can find in California’s most lucrative properties.
Craftsman
This style was most prominent in the 1930s and 1950s. Architects began using more rustic and modest building materials to craft their homes. Craftsman homes tend to be smaller, with a low roof, multi-pane windows, and muted color schemes in earth tones.
Modern
Modern styles are one of the most popular designs in 2023. These houses rely on clean forms, bold monotone wall colors, and a blend of horizontal and vertical lines with large windows scattered across the property’s facade.
Bungalow
The bungalow design has been fashionable in California’s luxury homes for years. This style’s typical features include smaller square footage, low-pitched roofs, and an intimate interior that opens into nature.
Spanish Colonial
The Spanish Colonial style saw a significant revival in the early years of the 20th century and is still popular today. These beautiful luxury homes are distinguished by their tall multi-story construction, tile roofs, warm earth-toned paint, balconies, and iron trim. Many interchange Spanish Colonial with the name Mediterranean.
The elements of a luxury house
Now that we’ve covered some of the basic architectural styles of ultra-luxury homes and properties, let’s discuss the home’s interior and what you can expect to find in these elite residences. Home features and amenities that many luxury homes have include:
- Home theaters that allow you to enjoy TV, movies, and theater from the comfort of your own sofa
- Outdoor living spaces so you can spend more time outdoors throughout the year
- Game rooms, perfect for entertaining the entire family
- Swimming pools with high-end features, such as lagoons, caves, walk-up bars, and slides
- Green eco-friendly technology to keep electric bills low
- Connected smart home features where security, heating, and internet work together
- Elite building materials such as hardwood flooring and cabinets, custom marble countertops, and crystal lighting fixtures
- Wine cellars and spas that feature top-of-the-line amenities
- Gourmet kitchens with high-end ovens, a large stainless steel fridge, and plenty of storage
- An open floor plan that highlights the home’s ample space and creates fluidity and space in each room
- High ceilings that emphasize negative space and create a roomy feel
Above all, an ultra-luxury home should make you feel like you’re at home rather than living in a display. When you take a tour of a new luxury property, make sure that you feel comfortable walking through each room. Ask yourself if you can imagine living in that space. If so, the property may just be the one for you.
Pros and cons
Owning an ultra-luxury property comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Before purchasing a luxe home, it’s important to sit down and make a list of pros and cons so you can make informed decisions.
Pros
- Living in comfort and luxury with lots of extra space
- Exclusivity and added privacy
- Convenience thanks to location, storage, and access to nearby shopping, dining, and schools
- Future appreciation in value
Cons
- Difficulty finding new listings on the market
- Initial price
- High cost of living depending on location and taxes
Get in touch with a local real estate agent today
If you’re interested in seeing the ultra-luxury homes and properties in highly sought-after California communities like
Carlsbad and Encinitas, and Solana Beach, or if you’d like to learn more about San Diego real estate,
reach out to expert Kara Kay and her team of highly qualified real estate professionals for more information.
