Posh Home Offices

Last year, an estimated 44.4 million Americans worked from home, up 7.5% from 41.3 million in 2003. New-home builders have responded by adding-on home offices to the latest models, equipped with features such as built-in desks and office areas. Here are six homes at a range of price points.

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LOCATION/PRICE: Bixby, Okla. / $359,900

PROPERTY TAX: $3,900 per year

THE PROPERTY: 4,200 square feet with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths

DESCRIPTION: The 1999 two-story Country French house has hardwood floors, four walk-in closets, two fireplaces and two recreation rooms. The first-floor master bedroom comes with a master bathroom that has a whirlpool and separate shower.

NOTABLE: The 154-square-foot home office has 14-foot ceilings, built-in bookcases and French doors. It has two phone jacks.

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LOCATION/PRICE: Lake Elsinore, Calif. / $649,999

PROPERTY TAX: $9,000 per year

THE PROPERTY: 3,950 square feet with 6 bedrooms, 5 baths

DESCRIPTION: The 2001 Tuscany-style home comes with a dry bar off of the formal dining room and a built-in entertainment center in the family room. The master bedroom, which offers a balcony view of mountains and a lake, has an adjacent sitting room with a two-sided fireplace.

NOTABLE: The 224-square-foot secluded home office has its own full bath. Includes a double-sided built in desk and maple cabinets with cherry-wood finish that wrap along four walls.

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LOCATION/PRICE: El Paso, Texas / $1,850,000

PROPERTY TAX: $22,978 per year

THE PROPERTY: 11,474 square feet with 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, 4 three-quarter baths and 1 half-bath

DESCRIPTION: The neo-Mediterranean style house, built in 2002, has panoramic window walls with mountain and golf course views. Also has a theater/screening room on the second floor and a walk-in wine cellar in the basement.

NOTABLE: The 360-square-foot office has hardwood floors and double French doors that open onto a private balcony. Custom-built bookshelves and cabinets cover two walls.

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LOCATION/PRICE: La Vista, Neb. / $225,000

PROPERTY TAX: $4,947 per year

THE PROPERTY: 1,655 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths

DESCRIPTION: A 2004 Brick ranch home with high ceilings, hardwood flooring in the kitchen and a master bath that has a full shower, whirlpool tub and double sinks. Located close to schools, shopping, golf courses and restaurants.

NOTABLE: The 110-square-foot home office has cathedral vaulted ceilings and a ceiling fan. It includes wall-to-wall carpeting and has access to high-speed Internet.

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LOCATION/PRICE: Bismarck, N.D. / $645,000

PROPERTY TAX: $10,990 per year

THE PROPERTY: 4,623 square feet with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths

DESCRIPTION: The two-story Cape Cod-style house, built in 2002, features vaulted ceilings, maple hardwood floors, heated garage, exercise room, wet bar and hot tub. Located in a cul-de-sac on the banks of the Missouri River, it has a dock.

NOTABLE: The 375-square-foot custom-built cherry-wood office, overlooking the river, comes with built-in shelving and houses one of the home's three fireplaces.

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LOCATION/PRICE: Arlington, Va. / $1,599,000

PROPERTY TAX: $11,431 per year

THE PROPERTY: 4,750 square feet with 6 bedrooms, 4.5 baths

DESCRIPTION: A 2005 Colonial-style house comes with a kitchen with granite countertops and maple cabinetry as well as covered porches with fans. Hardwood floors and high ceilings throughout.

NOTABLE: The 375-square-foot home office is equipped with built-in shelving, cable modem, a 10-foot retractable screen and HDTV projector/monitor.

Sources: pruhomequest.com, michaelbenninger.net, kwelpaso.com, cbshome.com, biancorealty.com, kirkbridehomes.com and International Telework Association and Council

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