Fancy master bedrooms, complete with a bedroom kitchen and sitting room, is a popular home amenity with today’s affluent home buyers, according to a report in the current issue of Unique Homes magazine. The publication lists 35 of the most sought-after amenities in today’s luxury homes. Decorative glass tiles are in, as are special features made from unique and exotic woods, it was noted. And, of course, a private spa has almost become a basic feature in upper-end homes. Showers must have all the bells and whistles, including multiple sprays and shower heads and even waterfall fixtures that mimic rainfall.

Upscale kitchens often include a butler’s pantry, along with state-of-the-art upgrades in standard features such as a drawer refrigerator and drawer dishwasher. High-tech home offices are also becoming a standard feature. In fact, some new homes now feature dual “his and her” home offices. Exercise rooms and special “meditation spaces” are included in many of today’s luxury homes. Home theaters are becoming more popular and common. Smart-house technologies are an integral part of many new homes. Garages have undergone some of the most dramatic changes. They’ve become huge, accommodating many vehicles (or a lot of toys). They now include cabinet systems, artistic flooring and even appliances.

Outside, in addition to lush landscaping some homes include putting greens or a private golf course. Some have a stocked fishing pond, while a waterfront home may have its own deep-water dock. The objective of all these luxury features is to enhance the owner’s living experience and enrich their lives. That works well for those who can afford it. For the rest of us, there are other ways to enrich our lives.