Pamper Family, Friends With a Guest Bedroom That Evokes a Luxury Hotel
Transform your guest bedroom into a luxurious sanctuary that rivals a five-star hotel with thoughtful design and attention to detail. From high-quality linens and plush bedding to ambient lighting and elegant bathroom amenities, this guide offers practical tips to elevate your guest experience. Transforming your guest bedroom into a space that feels like a luxury hotel can make visiting family and friends feel truly pampered, comfortable, and at home in your home. Here’s how you can elevate the guest experience: Plush Bedding High-quality linens: Invest in crisp, high-thread-count sheets (like Egyptian cotton or sateen) and soft blankets. Stick with neutral colors (white, beige, soft gray) for a fresh, hotel-like feel. Layered bedding: Hotels often use layers for comfort and visual appeal. Use a duvet, coverlet, throw blanket, and plenty of pillows in various sizes and firmness to suit different sleep preferences. Memory foam mattress topper: A soft, supportive mattress is a must, but a memory foam topper can make any mattress feel luxurious. Elegant Lighting Ambient lighting: Install dimmable overhead lights to create the right mood. Bedside lamps: Matching lamps on each side of the bed add symmetry and a soft, cozy glow. Task lighting: A floor or reading lamp near a cozy chair invites guests to relax with a book or magazine. Hotel-Style Bathroom Amenities Plush towels and robes: Thick, high-quality bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths make guests feel pampered. A soft robe adds a luxurious touch. Toiletry essentials: Stock travel-size shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and lotions or upgrade to full-size premium products. Bath mat: Ensure a nonslip bath mat. Thoughtful Storage Closet space and hangers: Create empty closet space with hangers so guests can unpack and hang clothes. A luggage rack also is a nice touch. Dresser space: Make sure there’s room in a dresser or a small side table for guests’ belongings. Extra hooks: Add hooks behind the bedroom door for coats or towels, making the space more functional. Tech-Friendly Features Phone and device charging: A charging station with USB ports or wireless charging pads on each bedside table enables guests to keep their devices powered up. Smart TV or streaming access: Provide access to streaming services or a smart TV for personalized entertainment. Wi-Fi information: Print and frame Wi-Fi details and passwords to make it easy for guests to connect. Scent and Sound Experience Scented candles or diffusers: A subtle, calming fragrance like lavender or vanilla makes a room feel more inviting. White noise machine or fan: Help your guests relax and sleep better with a white noise machine or fan for comfort and temperature control. Comfortable Furniture Reading nook or chair: Place a cozy chair in the corner with a throw blanket and small table, providing guests a place to relax. Nightstand essentials: Keep nightstands stocked with water bottles, tissues, a small vase of fresh flowers, and perhaps a book or magazine. Personalized Touches Welcome note and treats: A handwritten welcome note and small tray of snacks or chocolates enhances warmth and hospitality. Local guides: Provide a guidebook or pamphlet with local recommendations for restaurants, cafes, or sightseeing. Neutral and Elegant Decor Minimalist and clean: Stick with neutral colors and simple designs for a calm, upscale feel. Avoid clutter and busy patterns. High-end art or mirrors: Large “statement” pieces of art or mirrors can add sophistication to the room. Natural elements: Add plants or flowers for freshness and warmth. Temperature Control Adjustable thermostat: Allow guests to control the temperature to their liking. Extra blankets and fans: Ensure extra blankets are easily accessible, as well as a fan if they like extra airflow. By implementing these suggestions, your guest bedroom will offer a five-star hotel experience, leaving your visitors impressed and comfortable—and hoping for another invitation soon.
Discover Premier Living in Top Golf Destinations
As the seasons change, there’s no better time to explore premier real estate near renowned golf courses. Imagine the lifestyle that comes with owning a property close to iconic fairways—convenient daily access to top-notch golfing, along with the luxury and tranquility that these destinations offer. From desert retreats in Scottsdale to coastal escapes in Hilton Head, these exclusive areas allow you to enjoy both world-class golf and upscale living. Here are some of the most sought-after locations where luxury homes meet easy access to acclaimed golf courses, perfect for enthusiasts and those seeking refined, year-round living alike. Scottsdale, Arizona For a premier desert golf experience, Scottsdale, Arizona, is the ideal destination. Known for its exceptional golf courses, the city offers more than 50 courses that cater to golfers of all levels.. The luxury real estate market in Scottsdale offers stunning homes with easy access to these top-rated courses, making it an attractive destination for those seeking both leisure and lifestyle. Engel & Völkers Shop: Engel & Völkers Scottsdale 10782 E Prospect Point Drive, Scottsdale, AZ is an elegant desert retreat with expansive living spaces, designed to maximize breathtaking views of the Sonoran landscape. This luxurious residence is minutes from several renowned public courses, such as Troon North Golf Club with its Monument and Pinnacle courses, and more. With quick access to premier courses, along with Desert Mountain's exclusive amenities like fine dining, tennis, hiking trails, five clubhouses, pickleball, two gyms, glamping, and most importantly, seven golf courses on the property, this home is perfectly suited for those seeking an elevated lifestyle immersed in Scottsdale’s golf haven. Whether you’re perfecting your game on nearby fairways or enjoying the home’s sophisticated spaces, this residence offers the best of leisure and luxury in Arizona’s sought-after Desert Mountain community. Suncadia Resort, Washington Located in the scenic Cascade Mountains, Suncadia Resort is a premier golf destination that shines during the fall season. Crisp mountain air and views of autumn foliage set the stage for an unforgettable experience on its championship courses. Suncadia offers luxury homes with a perfect blend of nature, golf, and high-end amenities. Engel & Völkers Shop: Engel & Völkers Seattle Eastside Featured Property: Perched above the 11th tee of the award-winning Tumble Creek Club, 201 Cabin Trail Drive in Cle Elum, WA, epitomizes mountain elegance. This fully furnished custom home features soaring ceilings, expansive windows, and mood lighting that frame stunning views, creating a tranquil ambiance. The entertainer's kitchen boasts Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, an oversized island, custom cabinetry, and a unique live-edge table. The lower level offers a 2,600-bottle temperature-controlled wine cellar, a pool hall, and a back patio with a saltwater hot tub. The main floor suite includes a soaking tub and a private balcony, while guests can enjoy two additional suites, a home office/flex room, and a fully equipped gym. Residents have quick access to Tumble Creek’s amenities, including the Great House and pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and miles of trails. Adventure awaits just 80 miles from Seattle and Bellevue. Hilton Head Island, SC Hilton Head is a renowned golf destination, home to top-rated courses like Harbour Town Golf Links and Atlantic Dunes. The island offers a perfect blend of Southern charm, luxury living, and exceptional golf experiences. In the fall, the mild coastal weather makes Hilton Head an ideal spot for a golf getaway. Engel & Völkers Shop: Engel & Völkers Hilton Head Island Bluffton. Featured Property: 3 Heyward Place, Hilton Head Island is a luxurious Mediterranean estate featuring six spacious bedrooms and elegant living spaces, making it an ideal retreat for those who appreciate both privacy and proximity to world-class amenities. Located just minutes from several prestigious golf courses, including Harbour Town Golf Links, Palmetto Hall's Arthur Hills and Robert Cupp courses, and The Golf Club at Indigo Run, this property offers golf enthusiasts easy access to premier courses. Whether you're enjoying a round of golf or relaxing in the home’s serene courtyard, this home perfectly blends leisure and luxury in one of Hilton Head's most sought-after locations. How to Buy a Home on a Golf Course Purchasing a home near a golf course requires careful consideration. From amenities to community lifestyle, there’s a lot to think about. Access our Golf Course Living Brochure for expert advice on finding the perfect golf community home that suits your needs and lifestyle. Receive a Free Copy of Golfweek’s Ultimate Guide for 2024 Courtesy of PGA Professional Jason Becker and Golf Life Navigators, you have the opportunity to receive a FREE copy of Golfweek’s Ultimate Guide for 2024. This guide highlights the top resort golf courses across the U.S. and beyond, featuring many of the destinations we’ve explored here. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or love to travel, this guide is an invaluable resource. Claim your copy here and start planning your next great golf adventure today! For those drawn to the allure of golf course living, these destinations present an exceptional blend of stunning homes and unmatched access to top golf experiences. Whether you’re envisioning a new lifestyle near the fairways or simply exploring possibilities, our Engel & Völkers team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to begin your journey toward finding the ideal home in one of these premier golf destinations.
How to Downsize Your Home—at a Profit
Done correctly, downsizing your home can be a smart financial move. Follow these tips to downsize at a profit and maximize your financial gain: Strategically Time the Sale Research market conditions: Sell during a seller's market when demand is high and inventory is low. This typically results in higher selling prices. Seasonal timing: Home sales often peak in spring and summer. Consider listing your home during those busy buying seasons. Watch interest rates: If rates are low, more buyers will be able to afford a higher-priced home, which can work to your advantage. Consult with a real estate professional: For knowledgeable insights about each of these three issues. Enhance Your House’s Value Minor renovations: Small updates (e.g., fresh paint, new fixtures, or upgraded hardware) can boost your home’s value without significant investment. Kitchen and bathroom upgrades: If your budget permits, minor remodeling of the kitchen or bathrooms often offers the highest return on investment. Curb appeal: First impressions matter. Spruce up landscaping, repaint the front door, and make sure your home’s exterior is in good condition. Consult with an Engel & Völkers advisor: To determine what will maximize the ROI for your property. Downsize to a More Affordable Home Choose a smaller, less expensive home: When buying your next home, choose a smaller property in a less-affluent neighborhood or region to maximize your savings. Invest in a condo or townhome: These often are more affordable and easier to maintain than larger single-family homes. They also can have lower property taxes and upkeep costs. Leverage Tax Advantages Capital gains exclusion: If you’ve lived in your home for at least two of the last five years, you may exclude up to a certain amount (varying by state) in capital gains if single or married when selling your home. Retirement community tax breaks: Some areas or communities offer tax incentives for those downsizing or moving into age-restricted communities. Declutter and Sell Excess Possessions Sell unneeded furniture and items: Downsizing often means letting go of larger or extra furniture and belongings. Host a garage sale, sell online (e.g., Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace), or work with a consignment shop. Profits from these sales can offset moving expenses. Senior citizens should be particularly alert about their personal and financial safety when engaging in such sales. Consign or donate: Higher-end items can be sold through consignment stores, while donating can offer a tax deduction for charitable contributions. Choose the Right Location Relocate to a less-expensive area: Consider moving to a location with lower living costs, property taxes, or housing prices. This could be a nearby town, a different state, or even an area with favorable retirement benefits. Look for growing markets: If you're buying in a growing area with increasing property values, your next home can appreciate over time, adding additional profit. Minimize moving costs Shop for moving deals: Compare quotes from various moving companies and schedule your move during off-peak times (mid-month or weekdays) for lower rates. Downsize before you move: Reducing the number of items you move can lower moving costs, especially for long-distance relocations. The fewer items you take, the cheaper your move will be. DIY moving: If feasible, rent a moving truck and move yourself with the help of family and/or friends to save on professional movers. Consider long-term financial strategies Rent instead of buy: If you're unsure about your next step, renting may offer flexibility while allowing you to invest the profits from your home sale. Invest the equity: After downsizing, and with guidance from a financial advisor, consider investing some of the equity from your home sale into income-generating assets (e.g., stocks, bonds, or rental property) to grow your wealth. Plan for your future lifestyle and needs Low maintenance: Opt for a home that requires less maintenance and lower utility bills, allowing you to save on long-term expenses. Accessibility: If you're downsizing for retirement, choose a home that will suit your future needs, such as single-level living or easy access to healthcare and services. By focusing on the right strategies and timing with guidance from an Engel & Völkers advisor, you can downsize your home while generating a significant profit and setting yourself up for a future with greater financial flexibility.
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