Why lifts and elevators are becoming increasingly common in high-end homes

Sometimes, reaching the pinnacle of success needs to be taken literally.

In super-luxurious homes, this translates to a designer elevator that effortlessly transports one between the butler’s pantry and the panoramic view or the garage and the penthouse boudoir.

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Elevators are becoming increasingly prevalent in high-end homes, says Matt Gates, director of Ray White Sanctuary Cove.

“They allow for basement garaging to accommodate luxurious toys but still allow a single-level living style,” he says. “Elevators also future-proof homes for high-end buyers moving towards retirement.”

Leading interior designer Thomas Hamel says lifts are also important features for younger clients and highly desirable in penthouse projects.

“It just takes a ski fall or an accident to require a lift,” he says.

However, providing easy access to all levels is not simply a matter of installing an elevator. Lift features are curated to complement the decor.

“The biggest design complication is with lift doors,” says Hamel. “They come at a standard height and often lack decorative appeal or interest.

“To give the illusion that the doors are taller, we add panels above the exterior opening doors and, in these panels, we often add mirror or decorative metal mesh backlit to add some glamour.”

Within the lift’s interior, features such as banquette seating or fabric-upholstered walls add visual interest and comfort, while one mirrored wall creates a feeling of space.

“We also typically have a decorative wallpaper or upholstered wall panel to incorporate some beauty and, quite often, we hang an artwork on this panel,” says Hamel. “The work should be something intimate and special that the homeowner enjoys looking at daily.”

Even metal handrails can be elevated – the interior designer recently upholstered some in beautiful velvet, which has a soft texture and luxurious feel.

While an indoor lift may be de rigour in luxury apartments or houses, an outdoor lift may also be required in the multi-tiered gardens that feature in some prestige homes.

At the late Susan Renouf’s Point Piper home, an elevator transported her and her small dogs from the top garden to the lower level, which was even closer to her expansive harbour view.

Find it here

SOLD - Price Withheld

7354 - 7356 Marine Drive East, Sanctuary Cove QLD 4212

5

11

20

View property

Price guide: $19.7 million

Agent: Ray White Sanctuary Cove, Matt Gates 0404 444 439

This property features a 20-car basement, a commercial lift, a breathtaking view and a stunning al fresco oasis with a waterfront pool and sunken fire pit.