subject: Luxury Homes And Those Who Live In Them [print this page] In the modern world, and especially in the western countries, a considerable amount of emphasis is given to the house in which one lives. Of particular social value in this regard are luxury homes, and those who own them are immediately recognized as having high status.
One of the most important characteristics of these houses, and probably the one most immediately obvious to the casual observer, is their location. Frequently nestled into an attractive part of the city, set back at the end of a long driveway, privacy seems to be one of the chief attractions of such a dwelling.
There are exceptions, of course. Some of the most expensive and desired addresses are not secluded at all. Many of the most extravagant places to live are apartments and condominiums in busy cities. Here the emphasis is on convenience and safety, though privacy plays a large role as well. In this situation, however, it is the building in which the apartment is located which remains private and secure for all tenants.
An opulent palace of a home is usually one which has been, at least in part, commissioned by the owner. Whether they started with a foundation and built the entire edifice to specifications, or whether they simply had some landscaping or interior renovations performed, it is nearly certain that someone who lives in a remarkably splendid house will have customized it in some way to better reflect their own personality.
Pools, tennis courts, and perhaps even private ponds stocked with trout are just some of the amenities that some people like to incorporate into their homes. Though none in and of themselves speak to wealth or status, they fit the very definition of luxuriousness in that they serve no real function other than pleasure. These things contribute to the grandeur of a property rather than define it.
Like many other facets of human activity, the idea of a grand dwelling is relative. Depending on what sort of environment a person is used to, they may be looking for an absolutely gigantic parcel of land with a massive mansion, an ultra-exclusive loft in their favorite city, or simply a fully detached single family house with more than two bedrooms. Even though individuals' tastes may vary, there is considerable agreement on what constitutes the highest end of the housing market.
One of the criticisms which can be brought to bear against those who assert that their lifestyle is a direct reflection of their status is that ostentatious displays of wealth can do much more harm to someone's reputation than they may have anticipated. Humans are very jealous creatures much of the time, and one of the only things people can find more infuriating than someone who appears to be more successful than they are is someone who, through their conduct, gives the impression that they believe themselves to be a better person because of this.
No matter the reality, the reasons, or the context, owning luxury homes is a life ambition for many people. The promise of privacy, unnecessary rooms, trendy locations, and extravagant amenities will always appeal to them as it appeals to so many others. Perhaps it serves as the motivation to excel at their job and earn a lot of money, or maybe it will always be an unrealized dream, but it is something everyone wishes for at least once in their lives.
