15 Exclusive Items You’ll Only Find in Wealthy Households
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Luxury homes are known for their extra exclusivity, often featuring items beyond the average household’s reach. A report by Altrata highlights that the global ultra-high net worth (UHNW) population increased by 7.6% to a high of 426,330 individuals in 2023.
This has increased the demand for unique, high-end home features, showcasing the desire for functionality and status in every corner of these homes.
Custom Wine Cellars
Wealthy households often feature custom-designed wine cellars for storing rare and valuable wine collections. These climate-controlled cellars ensure ideal temperature and humidity levels for preserving high-end bottles like Château Lafite Rothschild or Romanée-Conti.
Such cellars can range from 500 to over 10,000 bottles. A small custom wine cellar costs around $50,000, while larger, more intricate designs can exceed $250,000. These spaces often include tasting areas and bespoke shelving for added luxury.
High-End Art Collections
Art collections are signs of wealth, often featuring exclusive pieces by artists such as Pablo Picasso or Jean-Michel Basquiat. In 2015, Picasso’s Les Femmes d’Alger sold for a staggering $179.4 million, highlighting the significant investment potential of art.
Wealthy homes display these pieces in controlled lighting to prevent damage and enhance the artwork’s presence. A modest collection might begin at $100,000, with rare or historically significant pieces reaching millions. Some homes even dedicate entire rooms or galleries to their collections.
Personalized Home Theaters
Exclusive home theaters in wealthy homes come with custom-made seating, state-of-the-art surround sound systems, and 4K or 8K projectors. For example, the Kaleidescape system, which provides high-resolution movies, is popular in luxury theaters.
Theaters may include reclining leather seats, acoustic paneling, and snack bars. Depending on the technology and design, prices for these setups start at $75,000 and can easily surpass $500,000. Such theaters often mimic real cinema settings, providing an immersive experience at home.
Smart Home Automation Systems
Smart home systems in affluent households control everything from lighting to security and entertainment through a single interface, such as Crestron or Control4. These systems integrate with voice commands and smartphones, allowing the homeowner to adjust settings remotely.
For instance, homes may have motorized blinds, climate control, and even automated gardening systems. Basic setups start at around $50,000, with more sophisticated systems costing up to $200,000. These systems often come with advanced security features like biometric scanners.
Designer Kitchens
Luxury kitchens often feature brands like Sub-Zero and Miele appliances, with custom cabinetry crafted from rare materials like walnut or marble. Homeowners may also install professional-grade ovens, such as a La Cornue range, which can cost up to $60,000.
These kitchens are often designed by renowned designers, making them as stylish as they are functional. Prices for high-end kitchen installations start at $100,000 and can climb to $500,000 depending on the customization. These kitchens are tailored for both aesthetic appeal and culinary excellence.
Private Gyms
Wealthy individuals prefer to work out in the comfort of their homes, with gyms featuring commercial-grade equipment like Peloton bikes, TechnoGym treadmills, and even full-size basketball courts. Some gyms also have yoga studios, massage rooms, and spa facilities.
Prices for home gyms start at $50,000 for a basic setup and can go up to $300,000 if amenities like saunas or personal trainers are included. These spaces often replicate the feel of elite fitness centers, ensuring maximum comfort and privacy.
Luxury Car Garages
Exclusive homes often have luxury garages to house cars like Ferraris, Bentleys, and Lamborghini. These garages may feature custom lifts, polished concrete floors, and even built-in car wash systems. For example, the Ferrari LaFerrari, with a price tag of over $1.5 million, requires a highly secure, climate-controlled garage.
A basic luxury car garage starts at $100,000, but garages with extensive features, such as car lifts or showroom-style designs, can exceed $1 million. Some homes even have rotating platforms to showcase vehicles.
Private Libraries
Many wealthy households feature private libraries with floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with first-edition books and rare manuscripts. Examples include original copies of works by Shakespeare or rare volumes of The Great Gatsby, valued at over $100,000.
These libraries often feature custom furniture, like hand-carved wooden desks or antique reading chairs. Prices for creating such spaces start at $50,000 and can reach $500,000 for more extensive collections and intricate designs. They serve as both a retreat and a status symbol.
Infinity Pools
Infinity pools are an iconic feature of luxury homes, offering an unobstructed view that appears to blend with the horizon. Examples include pools designed by architects like John Lautner, who was known for his work in homes, such as the Sheats-Goldstein Residence.
These pools often feature LED lighting, heated water, and waterfalls. Infinity pools start at around $100,000, with elaborate designs and landscaping pushing the price to $2 million. Some even have adjacent jacuzzis and sunken fire pits for added luxury.
Spa Rooms
Wealthy homeowners often install private spa rooms with steam showers, saunas, and massage tables. These spa areas may include heated marble floors, aromatherapy systems, and cold plunge pools.
A popular feature in such rooms is the Kohler DTV+ shower system, which allows users to control water temperature, lighting, and sound. Basic spa setups cost around $75,000, but more elaborate designs with customized treatments and high-end materials can reach $250,000. These spaces provide a sanctuary for relaxation.
Private Golf Courses
Some wealthy estates boast private golf courses or putting greens designed by top architects such as Jack Nicklaus or Tom Fazio. These courses are maintained and can include up to 9 or 18 holes, with sand traps and water features.
A well-known example is Michael Jordan’s 3-acre private golf course. Creating a private course starts at $500,000 but can easily exceed $3 million, depending on size, location, and features. They provide a private retreat for golf enthusiasts.
Exclusive Designer Furniture
Homes of the affluent often feature custom-made furniture pieces from designers like Philippe Starck or Kelly Wearstler. A single piece, such as a bespoke marble dining table, can cost upwards of $50,000.
These furnishings are often made from rare materials like ebony wood or hand-blown glass. Prices for a fully furnished room with designer pieces can start at $50,000 and rise to $200,000 or more. These items serve a functional purpose and act as artistic statements.
Private Elevators
Private elevators are common in multi-story estates. These elevators are often designed with luxurious materials like glass walls, brass details, or even custom murals inside. For example, ThyssenKrupp’s home elevators are in many luxury homes, offering style and convenience.
Basic home elevators cost around $100,000, while more luxurious, customized options can reach $300,000. Elevators in these homes are designed for functionality and as a design element.
Exclusive Art Installations
Wealthy homes often feature custom art installations, including sculptures, large-scale murals, and interactive light displays. Artists like Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons are frequently commissioned to create unique pieces for these homes.
For example, Koons’ sculptures can cost upwards of $20 million. Smaller installations or customized works start at around $75,000 but can go as high as $500,000, depending on the artist and complexity. These pieces are designed to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Personal Chef Kitchens
Wealthy individuals often install separate commercial-grade kitchens for their personal chefs. These kitchens include high-end equipment like Viking stoves, industrial-sized refrigerators, and stainless-steel countertops.
A personal chef kitchen can start at $150,000, with more advanced setups costing up to $1 million. These kitchens are designed for professional use, ensuring that every meal prepared is restaurant quality.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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