Luxury villa: how to choose the right one?
What Defines a Luxury property?
The DEFINING FEATURES of a Prestigious home
A luxury villa is first and foremost distinguished by the materials used. While the exterior plays a crucial role, with a harmonious integration into its surroundings and overall aesthetic appeal, the quality of the materials sets this home apart from others. Durability, thermal performance, and environmental impact also make a significant difference.
Unique Architecture and High-Quality Materials
A luxury home can be built using various materials, such as natural stone, brick, or wood, or a blend of these durable and elegant elements. While stone has long been a hallmark of exclusivity, the most exceptional homes enhance this with details like marble or travertine façade finishes or granite accents. Doors and windows are often crafted from oak, as are the interior woodwork and finishes.
However, this does not mean that a concrete house cannot be a luxury home. Since the early 20th century, concrete has been a preferred material for architects, allowing for innovative design language. A contemporary architect-designed house is far from the stereotype of a "concrete block house" instead, it has become synonymous with talent, beauty, and exclusivity.
Prime Location and Exclusivity
Beyond architecture and materials, a luxury home's location is unique and exclusive. It’s not just about being by the sea, it could be a private peninsula on the French Riviera or a hilltop estate with panoramic views over the Luberon. In Paris, a luxury home competes with the city's finest apartments, boasting unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower or being tucked away in one of the capital’s most prestigious neighborhoods.
Spacious Layout and High-End Finishings
Located in some of the most coveted regions, a luxury home is always set against a dreamlike backdrop. Its generous proportions are immediately striking, with living spaces often spanning several hundred square meters, and sometimes well over a thousand when secondary buildings are included. The main residence is nestled within expansive grounds, which may feature not only a swimming pool, but also lavender fields, vineyards, or even a secluded grotto.
Every architectural detail is crafted with precision and artistry, showcasing finishes defined by refinement, rarity, and exclusivity. Oak parquet floors laid in timeless herringbone patterns, metalwork in corten steel, bronze, or brass, and custom-designed elements, from sculptural staircases to bespoke niches, all reflect an exceptional level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Key Elements That Define Luxury
While luxury homes may take the form of 18th-century châteaux or iconic masterpieces crafted by celebrated Art Deco architects, they are far from relics of the past. Today, cutting-edge digital innovations are woven effortlessly into their fabric, subtle to the eye yet delivering awe-inspiring experiences for those who recognize them.
Modern Amenities and Technology (Home Automation, Security)
Housing valuable artwork or rare collector’s items, luxury homes require high level security to protect against burglars and curious onlookers. Drawing inspiration from museum-grade protection, these residences incorporate discreetly positioned sensors, shatterproof glass, and other subtle yet formidable defenses.
But security is just the beginning. Home automation elevates comfort, transforming these residences into true “smart homes.” Advanced heating and air conditioning systems, dual-flow ventilation for precise humidity control and fiber-optic cabling cleverly concealed within custom moldings deliver flawless functionality. Automation seamlessly extends to living spaces, where hidden screens glide into view, fireplaces ignite at the touch of a smartphone, and outdoor lighting and drip irrigation systems operate with effortless precision.
Landscaped Exteriors: Gardens, Pools and Terraces
Luxury gardens are often pesticide-free sanctuaries, rich with history — some even distinguished by the coveted "Remarkable Garden" label. Others embrace contemporary landscape design, with terraces and groves meticulously sculpted to create an enchanting green oasis.
The pool, often an infinity design or featuring chemical-free filtration, is strategically placed to frame breathtaking views or remain hidden for the exclusive enjoyment of guests.
Panoramic Views and Private, Secure Access
From the garden, sweeping views unfold, whether overlooking the sea, a lake, vineyards, or mountain ranges. To maintain privacy and exclusivity, luxury homes are often shielded by tall hedges or sturdy fences, with concealed driveways and advanced lighting or surveillance systems to deter unwanted attention.
How to Choose the Perfect Luxury Home?
Define Your Priorities and Specific Needs
You may stumble upon your dream home by chance in a region that has always captivated you. However, if you have a generous budget, it's essential to create a list of your preferences and priorities, as such decisions are rarely made alone. Start by identifying the key attributes of the ideal region, do you prefer a mild climate like in the Loire Valley or a warm one like in the South of France? Would you rather have a lake or ocean view, or perhaps a mountain or rolling countryside landscape?
Finding the Right Style and setting?
Once you’ve chosen a region, the next step is determining the architectural style that appeals to you most. If you've always dreamed of owning a château, there are many options available though they often require restoration. A manor house can offer similar elegance with easier maintenance.
Finally, consider whether you prefer an urban setting with easy access to shops and amenities or a secluded natural retreat. Proximity to schools, stores and transportation can be a decisive factor, especially if you have children who will soon be teenagers!
The Importance of Location in Luxury Real Estate
The Best Regions to Invest in a Luxury Home
Beautiful châteaux and prestigious homes can be found everywhere but a real estate investment will only be truly profitable if the property can be resold at a gain. In France, there is an undeniable divide, some areas are experiencing population decline, losing their younger generation, businesses and services, while coastal regions are becoming increasingly desirable. For example, despite its rainy climate, the Morbihan region in Brittany attracts far more buyers than Lozère region in the South of France and Cap Ferret is much more sought-after than the charming city of Orléans.
However, the most in-demand regions come with a downside: high tourist pressure can become overwhelming, especially during peak vacation periods.
A Nearby High-Speed Train Station Boosts Luxury Home Appeal
Do you want family and friends to enjoy visiting? While a waterfront or lakeside location is a major asset, accessibility is just as crucial. Ideally, the area should be well-connected by train or, at the very least, have a reliable bus service.
Key Steps to Choosing a Luxury Home
Work with a Luxury Real Estate Professional
Luxury real estate professionals have in-depth knowledge of sought-after neighborhoods, market trends and pricing. They can help you avoid overpaying or investing in an overvalued property. Many luxury homes are not publicly listed to protect sellers' privacy, but specialized agents have access to these "off-market" listings, offering you exclusive opportunities tailored to your needs.
Additionally, high-end real estate professionals collaborate with other experts, including notaries, architects, interior designers and wealth managers, to provide a comprehensive service. Their network may also include international buyers and investors.
Analyze High-End Real Estate Market Trends
A luxury real estate expert simplifies the buying process, secures your investment and grants access to properties and services you may not find on your own. They can help you assess market trends in your preferred regions, whether local or abroad, and guide you through the regulations and procedures necessary to complete your project efficiently.
Key Questions to Ask Before Buying a Luxury Home
Maintenance and Additional Costs
With the expert guidance of your luxury real estate professional, you have a clear overview of the budget needed to acquire your dream home. However, a property may be stunning yet require additional investments to align with your personal taste and meet modern comfort and sustainability standards.
The Energy Performance Certificate (DPE) provides insight into routine maintenance costs, water and energy consumption. Additionally, you should inquire about contracts for maintaining the garden and pool, which require year-round care.
Plan for Expenses Beyond the Purchase Price
The costs associated with buying a luxury home go beyond the negotiated sale price. In France, for example, “notary fees” include state taxes and legal costs, which can be substantial for high-value properties.
Even if the home meets most of your expectations, it wasn’t built specifically for you. You may need an extra bedroom, another bathroom, or want to convert the basement into a home theater, so don’t forget to budget for renovations!
Is Renting a Luxury Home a Better Option?
A property may be luxurious and stunning, but are you sure it will truly suit you? The panoramic view might be breathtaking, but will too much sunlight make your living room uncomfortably warm, forcing you to keep the shutters closed?
Why Choose Luxury Rentals with Homanie?
To ensure a luxury home aligns with your lifestyle and preferences, why not rent it first, or opt for a similar high-end property in an exclusive destination? With Homanie, a specialist in luxury real estate, you gain access to remarkable properties offering vast spaces (5 to 25 bedrooms). These prestigious residences, often designed by renowned architects or steeped in rich history, provide a perfect blend of elegance, luxury and privacy.
The Benefits of Renting a Luxury Villa with Homanie
Beyond granting access to exceptional homes, we offer tailor-made services, including private chefs and five-star hospitality upon request. Our carefully curated selection includes seaside estates, mountain chalets and Parisian residences with Eiffel Tower views. We even feature historic castles, such as those in the Périgord region, classified as national heritage sites.
Explore Homanie’s Exclusive Destinations
Homanie has curated an exquisite collection of the finest luxury homes across France and Spain. Whether you dream of staying on the French Riviera, in Provence’s Luberon region, in the Alps or along the charming Catalan coast in Cadaqués, there’s always an exceptional property with premium services waiting to be discovered.