13 Homes With Olympic-Worthy Athletic Facilities

From regulation indoor basketball courts to clay tennis courts, there's no shortage of over-the-top athletic facilities in the homes of affluent Americans. While our research uncovered no Olympic-size swimming pools or medieval jousting tents, we did find a surprising number of bocce ball courts. Seriously, California is swimming in bocce-ball courts.

Once as simple as a basketball hoop in a barn or a batting cage in the backyard, home athletic facilities are increasingly high-end home features. But, before you install a bowling alley in the basement or a new wing to house the pickleball court, there are things to consider. First, specialized sport courts or athletic fields only appeal to a narrow number of people, so it usually doesn't offer a return on your investment when/if you go to sell. Both require specialized upkeep that will increase costs. Lastly, your home will probably be inundated with every athletically inclined kid in the neighborhood, and they tend to get hungry and pilfer your freezer full of Bagel Bites.

On the other hand, these courts and fields provide 24/7 exercise opportunities for energetic kids, and do wonders to ward off childhood obesity. They also reduce the risk of the indoor damage incurred when the living room suddenly becomes rugby pitch or soccer field. If the financial costs seem to high, don't worry; a classic Nerf basketball hoop can still be purchased for about $6.

Before putting up that basketball hoop in the driveway or a soccer goal in the backyard, check out these 13 houses to see the ultimate in-home athletic fields and sport courts from around the country.