What to Look for in a World-Class Equestrian Estate

When it comes to lifestyle properties, equestrian estates have appealed to luxury homebuyers for centuries. Often grand and historic, they are devoted entirely to enjoying one’s passion for horses. If you’ve ever considered purchasing a property where you can ride, train and care for these beloved animals, these features are essential for an equestrian estate that leaves nothing to be desired. 

First-Class Facilities
A well-designed stable with an adequate number of stalls, a wash rack and a tack room for your equipment is perhaps the most important item on the list. Some all-encompassing estates take it a step further, however. On these properties, you’re also likely to find a riding arena and a spacious paddock for the horses to spend time outside. 

Riding Trails
Part of the grandeur of equestrian estates is that they’re often built on large tracts of land with their own riding trails. For an equine enthusiast, there’s quite simply no greater luxury than being able to leave their private stable on horseback and leisurely roam the property’s scenic trails. Although not all horse properties enjoy this feature, they’ll likely still have access to nearby trails.

Equestrian Community
Community, of course, is always important. If horses are your passion, then chances are you’ll appreciate being around others who share this. Not to mention, you can expect many important benefits, like an abundance of nearby services and specialists to help with caring for your animals. Equine veterinarians, trainers and nearby supply stores are just a few things that you’ll be thankful for having easy access to. 

Ample Accommodations
Lastly, let’s not forget that equestrian estates tend to be used as gathering places. Multiple generations of families and large groups of friends come together at these prized homes to spend quality time away from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives. For this reason, it’s common to see numerous dwellings on a sprawling equestrian estate, like a manor house, guest house, staff quarters and more. 

4 Home Features That Outdoor Enthusiasts Love

There’s nothing like spending a day under the sun, breathing fresh air and soaking up picturesque views. For some luxury homeowners, life is all about being connected to nature and engaging in outdoor activities. If you’re the type who feels most at home while outside, these four features are sure to cater to your lifestyle.

Access is Everything
Whether you want a ski-in/ski-out chalet in the mountains or a waterfront property with a deep water dock to keep a boat, your home should provide access to your favorite activities. Living close to well-maintained hiking and biking trails where you can spend a few hours outside is a luxury that you’ll be sure to enjoy.

Scenic Vistas
There’s just something about a scenic view that delivers a sense of calm and relaxation. For many outdoor enthusiasts, you simply can’t put a price on being able to wake up to that each morning. While there are many luxury home features that you can add to a home after you buy it, breathtaking views that allow you to feel connected to the outside world are not one of them.

Trees and Plants
Of course, anyone who feels at home when surrounded by nature will gravitate toward homes that have been thoughtfully landscaped with an abundance of greenery. From towering trees to secret gardens, adding some vegetation to your property can offer much more than just curb appeal. A backyard terrace that’s completely removed from the outside world is always a valuable feature, but especially so for nature-lovers. 

Plenty of Storage
Outdoor activities tend to require a lot of gear. If you partake in more than a few, then chances are you need ample storage space to keep your bike, kayak, fishing pole or any other equipment you may have. To accommodate all this, you may want a large garage that you can outfit with a few racks or a generously-sized mud room where you can store your gear. Maybe even both.

How to Choose the Right Tile for Your Kitchen Floor

Whether you’re planning to completely remodel your kitchen or want to give it a new look without making a major financial investment, flooring tile is one of the most important elements. The floor is one of the first things that guests notice when they come to visit and it typically experiences significant foot traffic on a daily basis. Choosing kitchen tiles can feel overwhelming since there are so many materials, colors and design options available. Here are some things to consider when making a selection.

Think About Your Family’s Needs and Your Budget
The prices for kitchen tile vary widely. Before you start fixating on a specific design or type of tile, set a budget for materials and installation so you can focus your attention on realistic options. 

Kitchen floor tile can be made from a variety of materials. Choose one with your family’s lifestyle in mind. Porcelain tile is harder and denser than ceramic and is also less porous. Glazed porcelain is more slippery and scratches more easily than non-glazed porcelain. Ceramic tile is softer, more porous and easier to install and clean than porcelain. If you use the kitchen a lot for cooking, eating and socializing, or if you have kids or pets, choose a durable tile that will not crack easily. Clay, limestone and quarry tile are good options.

Be sure to choose tile that is intended to be used for flooring. It will have a slightly raised or textured surface to provide traction. Tile designed for counters and walls is smoother and too slippery to use on a floor. It also may not be durable enough for daily foot traffic.

Think about the color and style of your kitchen cabinets. Choose floor tiles that will complement the cabinets and give the kitchen a cohesive appearance.

Choose tile that will be easy to clean and that will resist stains. A darker color may do a better job of hiding dirt and stains, but it may also make the kitchen look smaller. Some tiles may need to be cleaned with a specific product. Ask about cleaning requirements before you make a choice. 

Kitchen tile comes in many sizes. Choose a size that is appropriate for the dimensions and layout of your kitchen. 

Get Professional Advice
Homeowners are often shocked by the number of options available when it comes to kitchen flooring tile and confused by the differences between them. Since the kitchen is typically the room that is used the most, you should talk to a flooring professional so you can make an informed decision. If you plan to redo the kitchen floor yourself, measure the room at least twice so you order the right amount of tile. Make sure that you have the appropriate tools for the job and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

3051 Warren Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

Amazing opportunity to own an updated Governors Village home with a separate apartment, Owned solar, and an entertainer's dream backyard complete with a pool...

Amazing opportunity to own an updated Governors Village home with a separate apartment, Owned solar, and an entertainer's dream backyard complete with a pool and pool house! Located on a small cul-de-sac and situated on a roomy lot, this home offers a unique floor plan with single level living. 3 bedrooms, a large office includes a murphy bed and 2 beautifully updated bathrooms. The kitchen overlooks the family room and back sunroom. The separate apartment is located behind the garage and has a private entrance as well as a patio overlooking the back. The backyard offers a stunning saltwater pool, a pool house, multiple entertaining areas, and a soothing built-in water feature. Other amenities include Smart Home programming, new epoxy garage flooring, ample storage, and a new HVAC.

Listed at $669,000

Should You Install a Double Vanity in Your Master Bathroom?

If you’re planning to remodel your master bathroom, you may be thinking about installing a double vanity. It might make it easier to get ready and prevent some arguments with your partner, but it might also take up too much space or be too expensive. 

What is a Double Vanity?
A double vanity usually consists of two sinks placed side by side. In most cases, each sink has its own cabinet or drawers for storage. Each sink may have a separate mirror or one long mirror may extend above both sinks. You could choose a prefabricated double vanity or have one custom made to suit your preferences and your bathroom’s design.

Pros and Cons of a Double Vanity
A double vanity can be helpful for couples who get ready for work at the same time, who get frustrated taking turns in the bathroom or who get in each other’s way when both are in a hurry. Having separate areas can also be a good idea for couples who have different standards in terms of cleanliness. If each person has multiple hygiene and grooming products, having individual counter and storage space can make it easier to stay organized and prevent clutter. 

Two sinks take up a lot more space than one. Depending on the size and layout of the bathroom, a double vanity might work, or it might make the bathroom feel cramped and leave you with too little counter space. If there was not enough space between the sinks, you and your partner might bump elbows.

Having two sinks could limit the amount of storage space available. Two drain pipes would take up twice the amount of cabinet space, which would mean less room to store toiletries and other items.

Cost is another important factor. The price tag for two sinks, counters and cabinets, plus the additional cost to hook up plumbing for both sinks, might be prohibitive. 

Other Options to Consider
You might want to install two separate pedestal sinks. They could be placed side by side or put on separate walls, depending on the layout and dimensions of the master bathroom. The downsides of pedestal sinks are the lack of counter and storage space.

Another possibility is installing one long sink with two faucets. That could allow you and your partner to use the sink at the same time, but you would only have to pay for plumbing for one drain. With a single drainpipe, you would have more storage space than you would if you were to install two separate sinks. You would also have more counter space with one sink, and cleaning one sink would be easier than cleaning two.

Talk to Your Contractor
A double vanity sounds ideal to many couples, and it can be in some cases. For many homeowners, however, space and financial constraints make it impractical. You have numerous options when it comes to designing your master bathroom. Discuss your needs and goals with your contractor so you can choose the right design for you.

Consider These Features When Buying A Multi-Generational Home

Multi-generational living spaces are seeing an increase in demand. These days, many luxury homebuyers are not just looking for a place to reside with their children, but also extended family, such as parents or in-laws. A suitable home, however, often requires specific characteristics that you might not find in your typical residence. Here are a few such features that lend themselves to multi-generational living. 

Separate Living Areas
While a guest suite is usually adequate when the in-laws come to town for a weekend, you’ll probably want more substantial accommodations for a long-term arrangement. Whether it’s a fully-equipped guesthouse or an in-law suite with a kitchenette, multi-generational living tends to be much easier when there are separate living areas. This helps to ensure that everyone has their own space and privacy, while avoiding the sense that you’re on top of each other.

Flex-Spaces
When you have more than just the immediate family living under one roof, space will naturally be at a premium. That’s why a versatile layout that can be adapted to meet a variety of needs is always appreciated. This can be an extra bedroom that doubles as a study or a library that can also be used as a nursery. A multi-purpose area, or flex-space, allows you to get the most out of your home. 

Two Master Suites
The trend of having two master suites in a single home has grown over the last few years. If you don’t need an entire separate dwelling, this feature can make a huge difference when your parents or in-laws are living at your house. After all, everyone enjoys a luxurious master suite that’s equipped with its own bathroom and walk-in closet.

Adjoining Units
For city dwellers, it might be difficult to find a home that can accommodate a multi-generational living arrangement. One popular solution, though, is to purchase adjoining units in a building and knock down the shared wall. If the perfect space isn’t available, sometimes you just have to create it.