For sale: Six homes that have the wow factor

Having your own pool or tennis court was once something to boast about at dinner parties or in the schoolyard, but these days it takes a lot more sparkle to draw a “wow” from a crowd.

These six homes from around the globe have true “wow factor” that will put your backyard amenities to shame.  

1. A villa in Marrakesh, Morocco  

Details: This incredible villa took three years and 1300 people to build from plans its owners found in a second-hand bookshop. The home is a replica of the Alhambra Palace and has eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms. If you get bored looking at the beautiful interiors, there is also a pretty impressive garden including an orange grove, marble fountains, multiple lakes and a cactus garden.
Wow factor: The villa is a true beauty, but the ornate courtyard, with exquisite hand carvings and arabesque patterned tiling is something you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the world.
Price: It is one of those “if you have to ask you probably can’t afford it” situations (or POA), but hey – you can dream.

2. An apartment in Chesa Futura, Switzerland

Details: Housed in the famous, bubble-like Chesa Futura building, this apartment was built by notable British architect Sir Norman Foster. Perfect for ski lovers, it is located 1800 metres above sea level in the Swiss town of St Moritz – no faux snow here. The apartment has five bedrooms, five bathrooms and boasts incredible views of the town.
Wow factor: After a long day on the slopes or hiking in the woods you can sit back, relax and pour some Epsom Salts into its incredible tub.
Price: POA

 3. Villa in Salerno, Campania

Details: Does it get any more idyllic than a villa on the Amalfi Coast? Light, bright and very traditional, this property is like your own mini Italian resort. The main residence has four bedrooms, an outdoor shower and a large garden. There is a second residence on the property which also has two bedrooms and a bathroom. Imagine the warm sun beaming down while you enjoy a glass of the vino and freshly caught local seafood on the huge 500-square-metre terrace. Living here would truly be La Bella Vita.  
Wow factor: If private beach access isn’t enough to open your cheque book, how about your own cave? The dining room of the villa looks onto a grotto created in the rock face into which the home is built.
Price: €2.5 million to €5 million ($3.6 million to $7.3 million)

4. The penthouse in The Mellier Mayfair, London

Details: This new, two-storey penthouse is in an old Edwardian mansion which in a former life was a showroom for luxury cars. But you won’t find a whiff of motor oil here – the apartment has been completely transformed into a chic London pad. Along with three bedrooms, it has two kitchens, a private lift, a library and a music room.
Wow factor: You can’t live in the ritzy end of town without having something to out-do your friend (or foe) and the hero of this home will do just that. When you step out of the elevator you enter a beautiful art gallery. The penthouse also has storage space for artworks. A must for any gallery owner.
Price: £30 million ($60 million)

5. The Edge, 20 Island Point Road, Port Douglas

Details: Set high up among the palm trees of Port Douglas, this award winning home is tropical luxury. It has everything you would expect from a property dubbed ‘Building of the Year’, like two walk-in robes. The master en suite also has his and hers dressing rooms, two granite tables (one inside, one out), a butler’s pantry and a permanent day bed next to the 10-metre luxury infinity pool.
Wow factor: Forget having a room with a view, the whole house has an incredible outlook that will never be built out.  
Price: $7.4 million

6. 52 West 76th Street, Upper West Side, New York

Details: Start spreading the news, we’re leaving today … to this architecturally designed beauty. From the stunning white facade right down to the custom-designed curved staircase, every detail in this home has been thought out. The home underwent a three-year renovation with finishes of the highest quality. A bar, marble bath, steam shower, library/media room which doubles as an entertaining space. Of course walking up and down five floors everyday would get exhausting, so there is also an elevator.
Wow factor: It has an indoor firepit on the top level. Apart from being practical in a city with a temperature average well below minus in winter, imagine being able to invite your friends over for drinks by the firepit. 
Price: $US20 million ($26 million)

See the full gallery of each home here.