A Canadian Luxury Home Looks Like This...

What's on your wish list? Top 10 must haves for today's multi-million dollar homes - Royal LePage reports on the most unique and sought-after accessories of
luxury homes -

TORONTO, Dec. 4 /CNW/ - Come holiday season, children and adults alike
begin creating wish lists - detailed accounts of everything their hearts
desire. This season luxury homeowners' wish lists are likely to spare no
expense, as the bar just keeps getting higher when it comes to outfitting
one's multi-million dollar pad.

Multiple car garages and lavish walk-in closets are a thing of the past;
indoor car washes and walk-in refrigerators are the new rage. As demand for
luxury homes continues to grow, so do the wants and needs of those looking to
buy.

"The million dollar home is no longer the exclusive domain of the rich.
In fact, many typical middle income Canadian families now own million dollar
residences due to soaring property prices," said Elli Davis, sales
representative, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd. "Accessorizing the
property with the hottest must-haves is a natural extension of living a luxury
lifestyle and a way to stand out from the crowd."

With the help of its Carriage Trade real estate agents, Royal LePage
compiled a top 10 list of the most unique and sought-after accessories that
Canadian luxury homes are outfitted with.

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2. Walk-in refrigerators - Professional kitchens akin to what one may
find in a five-star restaurant have taken over luxury homes. With
growing emphasis placed on home entertaining, walk-in refrigerators
and multiple ovens, sinks and dishwashers are the norm for even the
novice gourmet.

3. Spas, gyms and yoga and Pilates studios - The home gym has undergone
a makeover and the focus now is on complete health and wellness
facilities. Professional-style spas complete with steam rooms and
massage rooms overtake the outdated sauna or whirlpool. Yoga and
Pilates studios trump stair climbers, treadmills and rowing machines.

4. Wine cellars and tasting rooms - Grand wine cellars often found in
Rosedale, Forest Hill or Westmount residences are the norm for
today's connoisseur. Individual cellars for red and white wines, as
well as specialized tasting rooms equipped with various sinks and
buckets for wine sampling are becoming all the rage.

5. Concierge services - Concierge services are no longer limited to
condominium owners or hotel guests. Today's luxury homeowners utilize
companies specializing in concierges. From making dinner reservations
to picking up dry cleaning or purchasing opera tickets, concierge
services are now a common trend within many luxury neighbourhoods.
There are several companies that will provide typical concierge
services to homeowners - essentially acting as a live-out butler.

6. Media rooms - Media rooms that rival the local public theatre are as
prevalent in luxury homes as the family room. These windowless rooms
typically boast a theatre-size screen, surround sound and rows of
plush seats to accommodate large groups.

7. Wrapping and sewing rooms - Specialized rooms to accommodate
particular hobbies or tasks, which are completely outfitted help to
keep homeowners organized, are very popular. Dedicated rooms for gift
wrapping boast everything from ribbons to paper varieties to bags and
bows, while sewing rooms have every type of thread, button and zipper
imaginable with tables and machines tailored to the homeowner's
needs.

8. Structured wiring and security - A wireless home is a thing of today.
Many luxury residences feature security capabilities (e.g. door
locking), entertainment options and light settings that can be
accessed remotely throughout a home in various rooms. Some properties
are even equipped to remotely control security features in far away
cottages or second homes. Another innovative perk for those with deep
pockets are security systems that allow property owners to view their
home while at work, at the cottage or on holiday.

9. Home elevators - As homes are increasing in size, and are being built
higher to accommodate several floors, home elevators are becoming an
accessory of convenience as well as necessity.

10. Heated driveways, walkways and garages - Manual snow removal is a
thing of the past for those in exclusive neighbourhoods that favour
heated driveways, walkways and even garages. Built on top of heating
coils, snow melts as soon as it touches these warm surfaces.

Don't think there are many surprises here. The wine cellars, gyms, elevators, and media rooms are old standbys. Heated driveways certainly make sense in snowy climes, but of course we won't find them on the wish-list down in Florida!

It is interesting to note the inclusion of concierge services. Not only do we see these services being offered as a value-add by builders and developers, but increasingly by luxury agents too.

For more luxury home insights, go to http://www.coloradodreamhomes.net/