Luxury means different things to different people, for instance a large manicured garden is one person's idea of heaven but some else's hell! So, where do you begin? The first choice is fairly obvious, town or country. This choice is very much about the kind of person you are and what lifestyle you prefer. A luxury townhouse can be every bit as opulent as a luxury house in the country.

Wherever you choose to live the basics are the same. The property must be well built and properly finished. It must look expensive and exclusive and this cannot be done shoddily or on the cheap, therefore good quality materials must be used in the construction of the house. The architecture should be elegant and the interior cleverly designed, so that you can decorate and set the rooms out to your tastes and demands. It is down to personal choice as to how many rooms you have and what you plan to do with them. For instance, a large sumptuous marble bathroom complete with spa bath could be one of your 'must haves'. Others may prefer a purpose built library with wood panel walls and columns of shelves for the books. The reception rooms should be bright and airy with the look and feel of lots of space, tastefully decorated and furnished with the finest furniture that money can buy. The kitchen can be equipped with hideaway appliances which gives a clear and clean look with plenty of work space. There should also be lots of cupboard space and perhaps natural stone or tile flooring. Bedrooms should be bright and spacious with at least one being en suite and having a dressing room attached. Windows should be large and double or triple glazed, you can then adorn them with sumptuous curtains or swags. Décor should enhance every room, it doesn't matter whether you prefer bold colours and patterns or something a little more subtle, whatever style you prefer, it should flatter and not detract. Nothing should clash and keep clear of gaudiness in any form as this really will depreciate your luxurious home.

The garden or grounds should be in keeping with the property and should be landscaped to compliment the house. Fencing should be unobtrusive but secure and the entrance gate should again be in keeping with the rest of the property, for instance a large pair of ornamental iron gates would be appropriate for a large mansion style house.

Wherever you choose to live, your luxury home should look and feel sumptuous with no expense spared. There should be ample parking and the grounds should be carefully and expertly laid out, giving the impression of style and grandeur without looking vulgar in any way.

Also, in these days of high technology, a luxury home should be fitted with cat5 high speed wiring throughout the house, so that the joys of the internet can be used wherever you want.

However, style and elegance are the main watchwords, so do consider every aspect before making your final choice.