From Spas to Speakeasies: Amenities Defining Today’s Private Estates

When it comes to private estates, luxury is not defined by square footage alone – it’s about experiences. Today’s most coveted properties are being designed as self-contained worlds, complete with wellness sanctuaries, curated entertainment wings, hidden escapes, and bespoke showcase spaces. The “wow factor” is what sets a residence apart, sparking conversation and creating lasting impressions. 

For design/build teams, these features aren’t just add-ons; they’re opportunities to tell a story through space, blending architecture, landscape, and lifestyle. Here’s a look at the amenity trends shaping private estates today, and how they’re redefining what it means to live in luxury.

1. Indoor–Outdoor Living & Experiential Landscapes 

Outdoor spaces, which soared in popularity post-pandemic, have become integral to daily life. Buyers expect seamless transitions between indoors and outdoors – terraces with fire features, sensory gardens, and retractable walls that extend living beyond the envelope of the home. 

Designers can go beyond patios to create multi-sensory journeys through light, water, and plantings that evolve throughout the day. Properly designed spaces take on a different energy based on daylight, moonlight, shadows throughout the day, the changing seasons, and other factors – allowing architects and designers to create and play with these shifting elements in their outdoor designs.  

Incorporating hidden reveals, like a sunken fire pit or a reflective water feature, adds awe-inspiring drama, and artificial and natural rockwork can meet the desire for a dwelling to disappear within nature. In this way, outdoor spaces serve as “emotional architecture.” 

2. Residential wellness suites (spa, hammam, contrast therapy, cold-plunge) 

Wellness is now a top-tier luxury amenity, not just a perk. Affluent buyers want homes that support longevity and recovery – complete with infrared saunas, cryotherapy units, and cold plunges. Wellness is framed as both a lifestyle and an investment in health. Air-filtration and dedicated fitness recovery rooms are also cropping up as headline amenities. 

A wellness suite needs more than equipment; it should replicate the sensory impact of a high-end spa. Think acoustics that block outside noise, lighting that shifts with mood, ventilation for contrast therapy, aromatherapy that enhances a mood, and natural materials for grounding. The key is to design wellness rooms that feel like retreats, not gym add-ons. 

3. Private sports & play facilities (pickleball, bowling, multi-court spaces) 

On-site recreation is trending, with demand for pickleball courts, golf simulators, and even private bowling lanes. The boom in at-home recreation, fueled by pickleball’s popularity and demand for family entertainment, has made private courts and game areas status symbols. They’re as much about hosting as personal use. 

Architects and developers are treating these areas as entertainment zones, not just functional courts by integrating spectator seating, lounge zones, and custom lighting to extend use beyond play. These strategies are turning recreation rooms into family and guest magnets. 

4. Curated Entertainment Wings (cinemas, nightclubs, immersive game rooms) 

Private estates are evolving into self-contained destinations. Dedicated entertainment wings that feature home cinemas and immersive VR/game rooms are designed like boutique venues, catering to guests and family alike. 

Here, success lies in flow. Designers can capitalize on this trend by mapping the journey from bar to lounge to screening room, using lighting, acoustics, and material shifts to create drama and anticipation. 

5. Underground and Hidden Spaces (subterranean gyms, wine caverns, secret bars) 

Homeowners increasingly seek privacy and drama in their estates, and underground or concealed spaces deliver both. Subterranean gyms, wine caverns, private speakeasy bars, and hidden entertainment suites allow for expansive amenities while preserving exterior sightlines. Theatrical reveals and secret entrances create a sense of exclusivity and surprise, appealing to buyers who value both luxury and discretion. 

Designing hidden spaces with attention to flow, lighting, acoustics, and finishes helps the subterranean environment feel inviting rather than cave-like. Concealed entrances, mirrored doors, or retractable panels add intrigue, while climate control and proper materials ensure comfort and functionality.  

From wellness suites and private courts to hidden subterranean spaces, the most sought-after homes combine functionality, spectacle, and personalization. For design/build firms, these trends are invitations to create spaces that surprise, delight, and elevate everyday living.