July 24, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
A newly released Zillow study is shedding light on what captures buyers’ attention in today’s housing market. According to Zillow’s Buzz Index, homes with distinctive architectural character and unique design features consistently generate higher buyer engagement than more conventional properties. Listings featuring elements such as exposed beams, vintage details and other character-rich architectural details receive significantly more online views and saves, underscoring buyers’ growing appreciation for originality, craftsmanship and homes with a sense of history.
Luxury real estate advisor Scott Cooper says the findings reflect a trend he has observed among clients searching for exceptional properties.
“The homes that leave the greatest impression are often those with authentic architecture and a story to tell,” Cooper said. “Many buyers are looking beyond square footage and amenities. They’re searching for homes with craftsmanship, history and a sense of place that simply can’t be duplicated.”
One property that embodies many of the architectural characteristics highlighted in Zillow’s research is The Doheny Estate in Capistrano Beach, California. Originally established in 1925, the nearly century-old estate includes two residences situated on more than half an acre and has been carefully preserved through generations of ownership.
Unlike many luxury properties developed from a single architectural vision, The Doheny Estate evolved organically over generations into a secluded private compound unlike anything being created today. The property’s two distinctive residences, The Folie and The Doheny Cottage, are connected by meandering pathways, intimate garden rooms, fountains and thoughtfully designed outdoor living spaces that create a seamless relationship between architecture and landscape.
The Doheny Cottage was built in 1925 by Edward L. Doheny – famed oil tycoon who was one of the wealthiest men in the world in the early 20th century – as part of his vision for Capistrano Beach.
Rather than emphasizing size alone, the estate was shaped around discovery, craftsmanship and the experience of moving through the property, with each space revealing another layer of its history and character. The result is an environment that feels timeless, authentic and deeply personal – qualities that have become increasingly rare in today’s luxury housing market, where buyers are placing greater value on homes that offer originality, enduring design and a genuine sense of place.
Among its defining features are gardens designed by acclaimed landscape architect Florence Yoch, whose celebrated portfolio included the iconic gardens at Tara in the 1939 film Gone with the Wind, along with many of California’s most distinguished residential landscapes. The estate also showcases antique convent doors, a 15th-century Scottish front door, 18th-century French paneling, mature gardens and a collection of architectural details that reflect nearly a century of craftsmanship and stewardship.
While Zillow’s research examined buyer engagement across residential listings broadly, Cooper believes the same principles apply in the luxury market, where buyers often seek homes that offer a distinctive identity and enduring architectural value.
As buyers continue to prioritize homes with unique architectural character, properties like The Doheny Estate demonstrate how thoughtful design, preservation and craftsmanship can create lasting appeal across generations.
Scott Cooper, leader of The Scott Cooper Group, is a luxury real estate advisor with Douglas Elliman, licensed in both California and Florida. He specializes in luxury market intelligence, architecturally significant and legacy properties, South Florida new developments and educating buyers and sellers on the trends shaping today’s high-end real estate market.
For more information about Scott Cooper or The Doheny Estate, visit Elliman.com or TheDohenyEstate.com.
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For more information about The Scott Cooper Group, contact the company here:
The Scott Cooper Group
Scott Cooper
949-629-5335
Scott.Cooper@elliman.com
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