They tried to build the healthiest home in America

The Culhane family has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars designing a house with a long list of features they believe will help them live longer.
Eliza Hermann · 3 months ago · 4 minutes read


The Culhanes' High-Tech Health Haven: Biohacking Meets Luxury Real Estate

A Home Designed for Holistic Wellness

Forget the gym membership – Brian and Kristi Culhane have brought the wellness center home. This Scottsdale, Arizona family has invested significantly in transforming their 10,000-square-foot residence into a personalized biohacking oasis. From a hyperbaric oxygen chamber and UV air scrubbers to a steam room with aromatherapy and light therapy, the Culhanes have spared no expense in their pursuit of longevity and well-being.

“This wasn’t just a novelty anymore; it was a lifestyle,” Brian, the 50-year-old cofounder and former president of eXp Realty, told Business Insider. “If you’re serious about biohacking, you need all your tools at home.”

Embracing the Biohacking Trend in Luxury Real Estate

The Culhanes are part of a growing trend influencing luxury real estate: integrating cutting-edge wellness amenities. Inspired by figures like Bryan Johnson, a venture capitalist dedicated to reversing his biological age, affluent homeowners are increasingly prioritizing health and wellness in their home designs.

Zillow reports a significant rise in listings mentioning wellness features, reflecting a shift towards homes that actively support physical and mental health. The Culhanes' home exemplifies this trend, showcasing the lengths some individuals take to personalize their wellness routines.

Only the Best Will Do: A Deep Dive into the Culhanes' Amenities

Driven by a desire for a longer, healthier life, Brian, inspired by a pivotal conversation with a life coach, set out to create a home reflecting his commitment to wellness. Their Scottsdale home, purchased in 2019 for $546,000, has been meticulously customized. Features include a $300,000-$400,000 Crestron Home smart sound system programmed with "mood music" and megahertz vibrations, 16-foot sliding doors maximizing natural light, and even heated floors.

“We designed the house with wellness in mind,” Brian affirmed.

Big Budget, Big Benefits: From Cold Plunges to Customized Saunas

A standout feature is a $60,000 custom-built cold plunge, positioned steps from the master bedroom. While the long-term benefits of cold plunges are still being researched, the Culhanes believe in their potential to improve mood and reduce inflammation.

A dedicated sauna room, built for about $100,000, offers the family a space for yoga, breathwork, and aromatherapy sessions. Research suggests potential benefits of saunas, including detoxification, improved heart health, and immune system support.

More Than Just a Home Gym: A Basketball Court and Beyond

The Culhanes' home features a $250,000 indoor basketball court, complete with NBA-grade flooring and a host of other high-end features. For Brian, who grew up admiring friends' private courts, this addition represents a fulfilled childhood dream.

The family also utilizes infrared light systems, including a $4,411 LightStim device for collagen stimulation and skin rejuvenation, and a $36,000 Pulse PEMF bed, which uses electromagnetic fields for cellular stimulation.

From Skepticism to Acceptance: Winning Over the Neighbors

While the Culhanes' wellness-focused lifestyle has gradually gained acceptance from friends and family, it initially met with some skepticism from their neighbors in the quiet, retirement-focused community.

“We’re an active family, and it’s just not the neighbors’ lifestyle,” Brian explained. However, over time, the Culhanes have found ways to navigate the community's rules and integrate their unique approach to wellness within their neighborhood.

The Next Chapter: A Wellness Retreat in Sedona

The Culhanes' pursuit of wellness doesn't stop at their Scottsdale home. They are currently developing a 15-acre ranchette in Sedona into an off-grid, self-sustaining health retreat. With plans for ATV trails, a man-made beach, a treehouse, and an orchard, this ambitious project embodies their commitment to a holistic, nature-integrated lifestyle.

"I want the best of both worlds," Brian shared, envisioning a retreat where he can "tap into the powerful vortex energy" of Sedona.