What makes a dream home dreamy?
From stellar locations and architectural flair, to an extensive list of must-haves like home automation technology, wine cellars, home cinemas, basement garages and ‘man caves’ to swimming pools, spas and steam rooms – luxury living has gone next level in Canberra.
MARQ Licensed Agent Sam Taylor said well-appointed, functional luxury homes were helping owners create a better work-life balance.
“These days luxury living is all about creating a home you can be proud of, and one that ticks all the boxes for your lifestyle,” Sam said.
“Many people who own luxury homes are busy people with important jobs, so having all these features means they can enjoy their homes more with family and friends.”
Architectural flair
People are looking for architectural flair when it comes to high-end homes.
“High ceilings, a pitched roof and double storey voids are all big ticket items when it comes to creating space and light,” Sam said.
“Aspect should always be important for any home, but especially for a luxury home. That means having a light, bright and welcoming aesthetic. You can have a beautiful house but if it doesn’t have the right aspect, it can be quite dark and dingy. It’s important to get the aspect right.”
Socialising and entertaining
One of the most popular inclusions for any home is an alfresco space that seamlessly integrates with the interior kitchen.
Luxury homes are ratcheting up the stakes when it comes to outdoor cooking with alfresco kitchens, drinks fridges, dishwashers, pizza ovens, teppanyaki grills and barbecues.
“An awesome outdoor kitchen and alfresco entertaining space is high on the must-have list for top homes in Canberra,” Sam said.
“Most luxury homes have two ovens and in-built microwaves and coffee machines in the kitchen. The alfresco is seen as extension of the kitchen with cooking options, fridges and dishwashers to make for easy, stress free entertaining.”
Add a swimming pool, spa, steam room, outhouse and a tennis court and you’re set for summer.
Wine cellars
A private wine cellar that properly stores and beautifully displays your vino collection is the ultimate in luxury living, but it’s important to consider the location, temperature and humidity when planning such an addition.
You may also want to make your cellar a multi-functional entertaining area to make it a truly memorable experience.
“It’s super popular to have a wine cellar in luxury homes, and you don’t even need a lot of space to make a cellar a reality in your home,” Sam said.
“In most cases, homeowners use space under stairwells to accommodate a wine store or cellar. Rather than having that as a storage area, they convert it to a wine cellar.”
Home automation
Sophisticated home automation features make for an easier life.
At the touch of your smartphone, you can now operate everything from security to heating and cooling, lighting, appliances, entertainment systems and garden sprinkler systems.
“More and more premium properties have options to control everything from your phone. You can turn on your lights, your air-con, even when you’re not home,” Sam said.
“Home automation isn’t just available for new builds, but you can also retro-fit, so it’s not out of the question for existing luxury homes.”
Basements
Basements are not just for garaging cars, but have been repurposed into workshops, ‘man caves’ games rooms and home gyms too.
“There is a big call for basement garaging and garaging for multiple cars beyond the standard double garage, and that’s something we’re seeing in more luxury homes around Canberra,” Sam said.
“Often owners will fit a basement garage out with the right amount of power and lighting to accommodate other options, particularly in case their priorities or circumstances change in the future.
“We’ve seen homes where they’ve included a workshop, vehicle hoist and even a bar in the basement garage, so they can get their mates around, have a drink and enjoy a bit of down time.”