Dreaming of the Perfect Home: A Place of Serenity and Comfort
Imagine a world where the concept of a 'perfect' place to live exists. While there is no such thing as a utopian society, there are indeed places where the quality of life is exceptionally high. These places are characterized by low crime rates, amicable communities, and access to essential resources like housing, food, and healthcare. In East Asia, and some corners of Europe, you can find such tranquil enclaves that manage to maintain a harmonious existence amidst the broader complexities of the world.
My vision of a perfect home is centered around serenity, comfort, and personal space. It would be a place that allows me to fully embrace the joys of home life while minimizing the everyday stresses that often accompany rent or mortgage payments. Although a truly perfect location doesn't exist in reality, the following details reflect my ideal living space.
A Space to Call My Own
In terms of size, my ideal home would be slightly larger than my current residence, but not dramatically so. The additional size would translate into more comfortable living spaces rather than excessive rooms. A bigger house can also offer a more welcoming atmosphere, allowing for greater relaxation and socializing. The house would be detached, providing privacy and extra space for personal activities. Additionally, I would have an attached double garage, which is a significant improvement from my current end-terraced house with a garage in a block.
Layout and Design
Considering the current layout of my house, I would retain two of the larger bedrooms and rework the smallest one to create a more usable space. The bedrooms in my ideal home would have large, comfortable double beds and built-in cupboards for ample storage. The kitchen would be my most spacious room, ideally measuring 20 feet by 12 feet, allowing for a huge kitchen space with plenty of counter space for cooking and preparing meals.
A separate utility room would be a significant addition, making it easier to manage household tasks. It would also have the luxury of being larger than my current utility cupboard, providing ample space for appliances and storage. As an avid reader and occasional watcher of TV, I prefer a dining and living room for this purpose. The dining/living room would be spacious, accommodating a working fireplace and a comfortable seating arrangement. This area would also feature a breakfast bar for informal meals.
The main bathroom would be doubled in size, which would be a vast improvement over my current set-up. It would include a separate shower, with bath taps equipped with movable shower heads, offering flexibility and convenience. The bath itself would either be a high-quality modern steel bath or an antique roll-top bath, depending on my preference. An en-suite bathroom for the master bedroom is a nice touch, but not a high priority. If I decide on it, it would be sizable with a variety of bath/shower options available.
Additional Features and Amenities
To round out the space, I would also have a wine cellar – a place to enjoy fine drinks and host small gatherings. This feature isn't just about functionality; it adds a touch of luxury and entertainment potential to the home.
Location and Surroundings
The ideal location for my perfect home is in Bath, near the University of Bath. Surrounded by trees, with a small semi-private space for viewing the city below, the house would have a traditional Georgian or Victorian style. The use of Bath stone would add an elegant touch while maintaining classic charm. In terms of modernization, the house would be insulated to high standards, with solar panels for both photovoltaic energy and hot water heating.
Above the garage, there might be an art studio, catering to my hobby. Although I am not the most proficient artist, I enjoy painting and would value the opportunity to pursue my passion. In addition to my house, I would have a full-time gardener to maintain a garden appropriate to the home's size. Given the expense of such a house, I wouldn't mind spending the necessary resources to ensure the garden is well-tended and inviting.
A Special Addition: A Walled Garden
To enhance the experience further, I would like to create a walled garden with fragrant plants open to blind or partially sighted individuals and their companions. This space would be a place of solace and sensory delight, contributing to the overall serenity of the home.
Transportation and Extras
To complement the perfect house, I would own a Hyundai Ioniq 5 and consider a TR7 convertible, possibly electric to fit the eco-friendly ethos. These forms of transportation would add a touch of luxury and flexibility to my daily life.
In conclusion, while the concept of a perfect home might seem utopian, the dream of a place that offers tranquility, comfort, and personal space is attainable through careful planning and consideration. The perfect house isn’t just about size and location; it is about creating an environment that nurtures the soul and enhances the quality of life. May your perfect place exist, even if it’s just a dream.