POSH PADS.

• Author: HIRSCHI, HEATHER
• Position: Luxury homes in Utah - Brief Article

Old-fashioned Quality Marries High-tech Wizardry

What makes a house a home? A beautiful view and a mesquite-wood floor with radiant heat? Granite countertops in both kitchens? In the million-dollar range, these features are standard for newly-built homes. Imagine two spacious, restaurant-style kitchens with sub-zero refrigerators, double ovens and a water-softening filter system. Imagine enjoying breakfast in a roomy nook with a view of the valley. Later, sit down to dinner in a formal dining room beneath vaulted ceilings. After the kids are tucked in bed, relax with your spouse in one of your home theaters. When you're ready to call it a day, luxuriate in a jetted tub off the master bedroom.

Utah is blossoming with luxury homes in the million-dollar range. Along the Wasatch Front, builders like Call Built Custom Homes and Hewett Development are specializing in houses of plush comfort and style.

Typically, these houses are 5,000 to 9,000 square feet with up to eight bedrooms with attached baths, formal dining room, two kitchens, two family rooms, and often, two home theaters. Michael Call, of Call Built Custom Homes says a typical floor plan features the master bedroom, a kitchen, den, formal dining room and family room upstairs. His and hers baths off the master bedroom each feature whirlpool tubs and marble surfaces. Downstairs, the layout includes a second kitchen, a home theater and additional bedrooms.

Kitchens designed with entertaining and easy living in mind feature wide spaces and islands to accommodate both chef and guests. Mike Hewett, of Hewett Development, uses Thermidor and Viking appliances in his kitchens. "We spend about $25,000 on appliances," Hewett says. All are commercial grade and may include two ovens, built-in sub-zero refrigeration, two dishwashers and a warming table. He uses granite countertops in his kitchens, which are less likely to stain than marble, and slab marble in the bathrooms.

Hewett's homes are graced with high ceilings, typically 10 to 11 feet, on the main floor. All doors are solid wood, usually alder. Floors may be tile, marble or high-quality hardwood, such as oak. Hewett often uses reclaimed chestnut, as well. "We use beams from old warehouses." Often the reclaimed wood will have nail holes and other imperfections that give the floor a unique character. In 1999, Hewett's home...