Smart is the new luxury. Owning a high-tech smart home is no longer futuristic fiction but is real estate reality.
A smart home is a residence that uses internet-connected devices, such as your phone or iPad, to enable the remote monitoring and management of appliances and systems: adjust the temperature, lighting, music or even the digital artwork in order to indulge your mood or satisfy a need. At the touch of a button that Van Gogh becomes a Picasso; those glass walls become tinted for privacy; the lights become dim and the sound system softly fills your home with the sultry Nora Jones. Smart technology allows you to transform your home according to your latest whim and from any place in the world.
From the rolling hills in the Czech Republic, to the white spruce forests of Canada, to the best beaches in California, the smart-home phenomenon has toured globally and, undoubtedly, has confirmed that high-tech is the new-norm for a hefty-price. And so, let's peer into some of these splendid smart homes, shall we?
Central Bohemia, Czech Republic
Central Bohemia, Czech Republic. Courtesy of Christie's International Real Estate.
High-tech often equals sleek and minimal.
This modern marvel boasts an interior just under 12,000 square feet and consists of two separate villas that are located in the quiet village of Ořech, just a short distance from the border and center of Prague. Located in an ideal serene setting with a massive garden spanning over 30,000 square feet, this chic abode boasts state-of-the-art equipment and technology, as well as a fitness-wellness area, wine cellar and home cinema. And that's just for starters.
Central Bohemia, Czech Republic. Courtesy of Christie's International Real Estate.
Other amenities include Finnish and steam sauna, solarium, heated pool, whirlpool, custom made furniture, designer outdoor furniture, heated entry ramp to the garage and underfloor heating. Fully automatic operation allows for smart-style remote control of this contemporary property. As you leave work and head home, you might remotely change the ambiance at home for your significant other by dimming the lights and playing some sultry jazz. It creates a mood more effortless than drinking wine and there's no hangover to be had.
British Columbia, Canada
5791 Newton Wynd, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Courtesy of Christie's International Real Estate.
At other times, high-tech equals stately elegance and classic sophistication.
This tri-level home is perfectly situated in Vancouver and while retaining its stately Canadian charm, it also offers all the bells and whistles of a high-tech lifestyle. This real estate extravaganza boasts over 10,000 square foot of luxurious living area, that includes two master suites that span the length of the house (sanctuaries unto themselves) plus six bedrooms and nine bathrooms.
This property is located on a beautifully landscaped 30,0000 square-foot estate with stunning 180 degree mountain and ocean views. From the large home theatre, temperature-controlled wine cellar, Tiki-style wet bar and a 40-foot heated lap pool and sauna, this classic real estate masterpiece has it all.
5791 Newton Wynd, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Courtesy of Christie's International Real Estate.
The home is also fully equipped with Control 4 Smart Home Automation. The security system, all interior and exterior lights, the sound system and TVs can be controlled using a smart phone or iPad.
Laguna Beach, California
On the global frontier of smart-home technology, it's quite obvious that Home Sweet Home has morphed into Home Smart Home.
2661 Victoria Drive, Laguna Beach, California. Courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty.
Hi-tech may also equal stylish and sun-drenched chic.
Sheathed in floor-to-ceiling glass, this 6,500 square-foot home spans over three levels – all opening to expansive limestone terraces. This home is where swanky beach style meets smart-house technology and leaves no immediate or future desire unfulfilled.
2661 Victoria Drive, Laguna Beach, California. Courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty.
The primary level of this home features the living room and formal dining and a stunning contemporary kitchen with lounge. The upper level contains a spectacular master suite and private ocean-view office. The lower level has an elegant bar, large family room, guest rooms, gym, and temperature controlled wine cellar for over 700 bottles. It's akin to having Napa or Sonoma within reach of your fingertips.
2661 Victoria Drive, Laguna Beach, California. Courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty.