INFRARED SAUNAS
According to Christie’s International Real Estate affiliates, wellness amenities will continue to take center stage in luxury homes in the coming year as buyers prioritize features that promote relaxation and overall well-being. And among the hottest of the trending wellness amenities in high-end homes? Infrared saunas. Unlike traditional steam-focused saunas which heat the surrounding air, infrared – or IR – saunas directly heat the body through infrared light, which IR advocates say leads to better detoxification, improved circulation and pain relief, while being gentler on the cardiovascular system. The global infrared sauna therapy industry is quickly growing and projected to reach US$5.1 billion by 2031. Gyms and health clubs are jumping on the trend, even going as far as adding treadmills that surround users with infrared technology while exercising and offering workout classes in infrared sauna rooms. Megan Mawicke Bradley, an agent with Chicago-based @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, says luxury buyers have been laser-focused on health and wellness since the COVID-19 pandemic. “With each wellness treatment that becomes popular, there are homeowners looking for ways bring it into their living spaces,” she says.
RECREATION BARNS
Luxury homeowners with active lifestyles require dedicated spaces to store their equipment, which often includes ATVs, e-bikes, paddleboards and ski gear. And for many, this need extends far beyond the capacity of a standard garage. Enter the recreation barn, a sort of “Garage 2.0.” Whether they’re called a toy barn, toy garage, or even a barndominium, these spacious, meticulously planned spaces go beyond functionality, often featuring integrated workshop stations, climate- controlled storage, and even cozy lounge areas for post-adventure relaxation. The sprawling 417-acre estate called Camp Endo is located near the ski hills of Vermont, a haven for those who love the outdoors. The home features one of these barns, containing a three-bay garage, a heated half-basketball court and two additional bedrooms. In the ski resort town of Park City, Utah, outdoor sports are a fact of life – 98% of residents say they participate in nature and recreation-related activities. Here, “large garages for toys and vehicles are important to a lot of buyers,” says Sam Cubis, co-founder of Christie’s International Real Estate Park City. “With so many activities year-round, it’s not uncommon to find a garage with an ATV beside several e-bikes, kayaks hanging from the ceiling, and racks of skis on the walls.”
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