For the most part the systems were well-installed. They provided the owners and their multiple attendants with the comfort only radiant heating can deliver. Most were installed with a directive to make the heating system as impressive as the house it serves. Cost, give or take a few ten thousand dollars, was usually of secondary importance.
Now don't get me wrong: I love designing hydronic comfort systems for houses like this. Especially the challenge of developing a system that ideally suits the owner's expectations and life style.