The most expensive residences are not always the best designed. When we visit a home with a client, we pay attention to a few qualities that photographs rarely capture.
Natural light
How light moves through the day matters more than the size of the windows. Deep terraces and overhangs can make a room calm and usable; poorly oriented glazing can make it uncomfortable for much of the year.
Volume and proportion
Ceiling heights, the relationship between rooms and the sequence from entrance to living space define how a home feels. Generous proportions are worth more than additional square footage.
Privacy by design
Good plans separate family, guest and service life without corridors that feel institutional. Overlooking from neighbours and the street deserves careful attention, especially in villa communities.
Materials that age well
Natural stone, solid timber and well-detailed joinery tend to improve with time. Finishes chosen for the photograph often do not.
