First-Floor Master Suites

A master suite on the first floor ranked third as the most desirable feature in a home among home buyers -- especially for retirees -- after central air-conditioning and a walk-in closet in the master bedroom, a survey by the National Association of Realtors found. Here are three atypical high-end properties that have master suites downstairs.

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LOCATION/PRICE: Kennebunkport, Maine / $2,495,000

PROPERTY TAX: $8,300 per year

THE PROPERTY: 4,400 square feet, with 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths

DESCRIPTION: he shingle-style house built last year comes with custom-built cherry wood furniture, white oak flooring and cathedral ceilings with open beams. Kitchen features granite counters and a wine bar.

NOTABLE: The three-room master suite has a separate entrance that's just steps away from the three-mile long Goose Rocks Beach.

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LOCATION/PRICE: Houston /$2,590,000

PROPERTY TAX: $39,930 per year

THE PROPERTY: 8,959 square feet, with 5 bedrooms, 6 baths and 2 half baths

DESCRIPTION: Mediterranean-style house with marble flooring through most of the first floor, which also has walnut flooring. Also features a granite island kitchen, woodbeam ceiling and three fireplaces.

NOTABLE: The master bedroom on the main level has an elevator shaft to the second floor, which has a media room and game room. Located in Bunker Hill Village, off a private road.

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LOCATION/PRICE: Honolulu / $2,688,000

PROPERTY TAX: $7,260 per year

THE PROPERTY: 5,356 square feet, with 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths

DESCRIPTION: Casually elegant two-story house with a large master bedroom on the main level, which has a private sitting area and opens to a private pool, surrounded by lush foliage.

NOTABLE: Features a lanai, a Hawaiian term for balcony, with a mountain view in the island of Oahu. Has a separate cabana with full bath. Located near the Waialae Country Club.

Sources: pruseacoast.com; johndaugherty.com; cbpacific.com

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