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Any question that starts off with “Would you rather…” is going to lead to something interesting, especially when two covetable home design features are pitted against each other. A survey released by Cinch Home Services that polled more than 1,000 prospective home buyers uncovered that there is one thing that can trump a house with a swimming pool—and that’s a home with good views.
Over half of respondents (56 percent to be exact) said they would rather own a property with stunning vistas than have a swimming pool in their backyard. Given the latest surge in pool construction (a movement undoubtedly sparked by the pandemic), the findings are a little surprising. However, what’s less shocking is that having a covetable lookout can increase your property’s value. According to a study recently conducted by American Home Shield, a waterfront view can help your home’s value to soar by 78 percent, while lookouts onto mountains and valleys have an average premium of 44 percent.
One pro of opting for a house with sweeping vistas, be it of lush treetops or desert mountains, is that no matter where you live, you can enjoy them year-round. Here are a few ways you can take advantage of said views, no matter what you’re looking at.
Zen Out on a Bench
A naturally lit perch is a good place to ponder life or just stare out into space. Either way, make your sun-drenched ledge the best it can be with a punchy paint choice and functional storage (for shoes, books, or toys).
Round It Out
Rain pouring, snow falling, birds flying—all these things just look better when you’re observing them through a large curved picture window. The framework has a telescopic quality to it; even from far away, what’s on the other side feels zoomed in.
Apply a Light Filter
It’s hard not to feel guilty about compromising a good view with heavy drapery. That’s where bamboo blinds come in. They offer a sense of privacy when rolled all the way down, but the slats still allow you to see what’s happening outside. No wonder the affordable solution is a designer favorite.
This story was originally published in September 2021. It has since been updated.