In Resources — By Mette Aamodt
Top 10 Must-Haves for Your Modern Vacation Home
You might be dreaming about a new beach house right now as you soak up the last rays of sun. Or you may already be planning that ski house in Vermont you have always wanted. Either way, you are going to want to make sure you get it right. You can go ahead and ask the Jones’ what they are doing or you can read this list from an expert who designs dream homes every day.
Here is Mette’s top 10 list of things to include in your modern vacation home.
- Big Windows – What better way to see that gorgeous view than through big windows and doors. Don’t let fussy mullions get in your way, unbroken views are one of the best things about modern design. Top of the line custom windows and doors by Duratherm, located and produced in Maine, are ones to covet but Marvin’s Ultimate Clad line also makes large windows and Lift & Slide doors.
- Radiant Heat – This is the most comfortable way to deliver heat right where you need it. Choose a hydronic system by Uponor for maximum efficiency or an electrical system by Nuheat for greater flexibility. If you are planning on installing solar panels then electric is the way to go. The best thing is you won’t need slippers!
- Outdoor Kitchen – If you must cook while on vacation then do it while listening to the birds or the waves. This feature has become “de riguer” and can sometimes be as big, or bigger, than your regular kitchen. Make sure to add a smoker, like the Big Green Egg, and an outdoor ice maker like Perlick’s Signature Series Clear Ice Maker.
- Toy Storage – Jet skis, snow mobiles, kayaks and boats are all fun on vacation but you’ll need a place to put them. Make sure you plan for those up front so it’s easy to get them in and out.
- Home Automation System – Get the house warm and toasty in winter or cooled off in summer before you arrive with a system like Lutron’s Whole Home Automation System that allows you to adjust the temperature from your iphone or control panel. You can also turn off the lights from the road, lower your shades or adjust the volume of your sound system all from one access point. For temperature control and peace of mind try Nest’s thermostat, smoke/CO2 detectors and wireless video cameras that are also accessed by your smart phone.
- Salt Water Pool and Spa – After swimming in the ocean all day it’s nice to control the water temperature, salinity and jets at home. Salt water pools reduce eye, skin and lung irritation and require less maintenance than conventionally chlorinated pools. They also offer a gentle “soft water” feel.
- Water Flow Sensor – Rest assured that while you are away you won’t have a leak from a pipe or faucet left running causing major damage and headaches. Install FloLogic to automatically turn off the water supply when it detects a leak.
- Guest Suite – Invite friends and family but give them, and you, a little privacy. Include a mini-master bathroom stocked with travel-sized soaps and shampoos and a small bar and refrigerator and they will feel like they are at the best luxury hotel.
- Media Room – Hide that TV away in a special room designed for screen viewing with an outstanding sound system. Go wireless with a Sonos system and expand it as much as you like. Get cozy with custom sofas by Montauk. But make sure to plan it right so this room does not take up precious real estate reserved for the prime ocean view.
- Super-Insulated Walls – Extra insulation in the walls makes your home more comfortable by balancing temperature swings throughout the day. It will also reduce your energy consumption and cut down on heating and cooling costs, not to mention helping to preserve the environment so you can enjoy your vacation home for decades to come.
