Car turntables, salons among top home amenities

The Wall Street Journal reported in its Mansion real estate section that private hair salons, car turntables and indoor slides were among the top home amenities in 2015.

Here is a sampling of seven of last year’s hottest home amenities, according to the Wall Street Journal:

Car turntables rotate not only in automotive showrooms but also in some luxury residential properties, a stylish amenity that also serves the practical purpose of allowing motorists to park and turn in tight spaces.

Wine-tasting rooms pair well with wine cellars. Wine-tasting rooms provide spaces for entertaining and typically come equipped with warm-up ovens for hot appetizers and dishwashers for wine glasses.

Home hair salons offer more privacy, comfort and convenience than commercial ones. A fully equipped in-home salon can include a shampoo basin, manicure stand and massage table.

Slides may do little for resale value. But architecture and construction professionals say some undaunted owners of luxury homes have managed to install indoor slides.

Man caves have multiplied as more men invest in household spaces that guests infrequently see: TV rooms, reading nooks, hobby rooms and potting sheds.

Over-sized master bedrooms can be larger than an average house. Fully equipped master suites can include a kitchenette, gym, office, and a laundry washer and dryer.

Party barns are the second life of old barns with wooden post-and-beam frameworks and arching, cathedral-like architecture. Prices for staging events can be lofty, too, starting in the hundreds of thousands of dollars at some “vintage” party barns. Fully equipped party barns have bars, kitchens that accommodate caterers, and guest rooms. [Wall Street Journal] —Mike Seemuth