The Rise Of Golf Residences: Why Wellness Comes First For The UHNWI Market

Here at Ström Architects, we currently have two golf developments on our books, including the new first-in-its-kind residential golf and country club development of Hartsbourne by ACRE London, and we anticipate an uplift of at least 40% in the development of golf-adjacent homes over the next 10 years.

Golf properties tick all the boxes when it comes to wellness and lifestyle. They come with spectacular scenery as well as exclusive amenities such as restaurants, concierge services and sports facilities. Resort communities also often have a level of inherent security that does away with the need to integrate elaborate security systems into individual properties. This sense of safety means that residents can allow their kids to cycle on the road, for example, without the fear of danger or abduction. That level of freedom is worth a lot – particularly to ultra-high-net-worth homebuyers.

Alongside buyers’ desire to experience this kind of ‘freedom’ from everyday life comes a move towards prioritising wellness in every aspect of their property decisions. Healthspan is the buzzword here, with wealthy homeowners looking for luxurious spaces that will amplify human connection, allow access to nature, and foster longevity. Hartsbourne, which is set within a total 151 acres, is reflective of this, super-prime in nature, occupying 4.5 acres of the site; the residences will speak to the desire to live more sustainably, connected and healthier.

Not only are the rich getting richer, but their priorities are changing – they want to use their wealth to live a long and healthy life. As well as requesting designated wellness areas such as saunas, gyms and treatment rooms, clients are now asking us to incorporate features such as cryotherapy chambers into their homes.

This emphasis on wellness is part of a broader redefinition of luxury we have identified while working on ultra-luxury residential projects across Europe, the US and the Middle East. Luxury is no longer about opulence – we’ve seen a shift towards a new kind of luxury with an emphasis on wellness and connection. With the world moving at an accelerated pace, the need for connection – both with other humans and with the natural world – is greater than ever.

Today’s luxury is about creating quality spaces that promote health and well-being. Buyers want to feel part of a community and a sense of connection, which golf resorts can offer.

From an investment perspective, golf properties offer strong financial returns, with research from the US-based National Golf Foundation showing that homes in the States adjacent to a golf course achieve an average 15% uplift in property value [2]. A golf complex residence is also compatible with the demands of remote working. A Ström client recently had 11 friends arriving from all over the world for their annual get-together. They were planning to play golf, but they would also be working, so it’s often important to incorporate multiple workspaces into the homes we design.

Our team here at Ström Architects is currently working on an individual golfside residence in Sotogrande as well as the ambitious golf villa complex Hartsbourne near Elstree, which features a series of lateral villas overlooking a golf course. As with many of our projects, we’re adopting a fabric-first approach with integrated sustainability measures such as high levels of insulation, quality windows and heat recovery ventilation. We’re also incorporating green roofs to enhance biodiversity and elevate the views.

Sources:

[1] Knight Frank Wealth Report 2025

[2] National Golf Foundation