Why Modern Luxury Homes Forgot About Speakeasy Rooms — And Why Classic Estates in St. Andrews Country Club Still Get It Right
- Lisa Williams
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
The return of hidden rooms, private lounges, and secret spaces in high-end estate design
Luxury homes have become more impressive than ever—soaring ceilings, glass walls, smart-home systems, resort-style pools, and clean minimalist architecture. Yet in the middle of all this modern innovation, homeowners and estate managers are noticing something surprising:
Many of today’s newest multimillion-dollar homes are missing one of the most iconic features of classic estate living: the speakeasy room, or hidden private retreat.
Older estates—especially in communities like St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton—were famous for creating intimate, luxurious, secretive spaces designed for privacy, connection, and personality. These weren’t just “extra rooms,” they were statement pieces of the home.
Today, we’re seeing a comeback.
The Hidden Charm of Older Estate Homes
Classic estates in places like St. Andrews Country Club, Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, Woodfield, and other long-established luxury neighborhoods were known for special-purpose rooms such as:
• Speakeasy rooms with hidden entrances
Behind bookshelves, wall panels, or staircases
• Cigar lounges
Dark, elegant, sound-insulated spaces
• Club rooms & billiard rooms
Traditional masculine or feminine retreats
• Private libraries
Not just bookshelves—but full reading chambers
• Wine cellars hidden below the staircase
Fully climate-controlled
• Secret panic rooms
Discreetly blended into the architecture
These spaces brought character, privacy, and exclusivity—qualities that modern open-concept homes sometimes lose.
Why Modern Luxury Homes Forgot About Speakeasy Rooms and Stopped Including These Rooms
Modern architectural trends shifted toward:
Open layouts
Maximum windows
Light-filled multitasking spaces
Cleaner aesthetics
Minimal walls
As a result, many new homes feel bright and spacious—but lack the quiet, intimate hideaways that used to define luxury living.
Builders also prioritize features that photograph well for listings: big kitchens, big great rooms, big pools. Modern Luxury Homes Forgot About Speakeasy Rooms.
Hidden rooms? Beautiful to live with—but not always easy to show on MLS.
But Here’s the Twist: Hidden Rooms Are Making a Comeback
Younger luxury buyers, seasonal residents, and estate owners are starting to ask for:
Secret speakeasy entrances
Concealed office doors
Soundproof lounges
Hidden safe rooms
Private retreat spaces are separate from the main design
In fact, modern homeowners want homes that feel:
✔ More personalized
✔ More secure
✔ More interesting
✔ More exclusive
✔ Less “cookie-cutter modern.”
Communities like St. Andrews Country Club, where older homes often came with these features, are seeing a renewed appreciation for the craftsmanship and creativity behind these designs.
Why Estate Owners Love Speakeasy Rooms
These spaces serve multiple purposes:
1. Privacy
Perfect for entertaining select guests or relaxing quietly.
2. Luxury Character
They add charm and personality that modern homes often lack.
3. Security & Safety
Hidden rooms double as secure storage or panic spaces.
4. A Sense of Discovery
Guests love them, and homeowners enjoy the exclusivity.
5. Investment Value
Unique features increase desirability and resale appeal.
Estate Managers Are Seeing a Trend
As Estate Managers and Luxury Property Care providers in Boca Raton and Palm Beach, we’ve noticed clients asking:
“Where is the quiet room? “Is there a hidden space? “Can we add a speakeasy somewhere?”
Homeowners want to bring back what new construction forgot.
Can Modern Homes Add Speakeasy or Hidden Rooms? Absolutely.
Even the newest contemporary homes in:
Boca Raton
Highland Beach
Palm Beach Island
Delray Beach
Country club communities
…can be retrofitted with:
Hidden bookcase doors
Secret hall entrances
Concealed wall panels
Soundproof club rooms
Basement or attic retreats
Private cigar or whiskey lounges
Panic rooms that double as speakeasy-style spaces
And the best part: These upgrades significantly boost luxury appeal.
Conclusion: Modern Homes Are Beautiful—But Classic Homes Had Soul
As South Florida luxury communities evolve, more homeowners are realizing:
The most unforgettable homes are the ones with secrets.
Speakeasy rooms bring personality, privacy, charm, and functionality—qualities that modern open-concept designs often lack.
And as estate owners look to personalize or upgrade their properties, these hidden gems are among the top-requested additions in high-end Estate Management and Luxury Property Care.
Service Areas for Estate Management & Luxury Property Care
We proudly serve: Boca Raton • St. Andrews Country Club • Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club • Palm Beach • Highland Beach • Delray Beach • Gulf Stream • Boynton Beach • Ocean Ridge • All surrounding country club and luxury estate communities
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