For decades, suburban families have been stereotyped as a dad, mom and kids, in a house with a picket fence.
The picket fence has been replaced by a faux stone wall. Dad and mom may now live next door to a single parent, dad and dad, or mom and mom.
There are other configurations too, like multi-generational housing. Today, our friends at KMS Team at Compass — where at least one associate lives with her own parent — explore the trend.
We hear increasingly common requests these days about the need for multi-generational housing. This includes ADUs (accessory dwelling units), and homes with ample space within for privacy and independence.
The trend began during COVID. It continues for a variety of reasons, including the desire of grandparents to be part of grandchildrens’ lives (and the help they can provide for working parents); the difficulty young buyers face in finding homes in their budget, and more.
Two substantial multi-generational transactions were recently recorded in Westport.
Several Beachside Avenue properties (#120-122, 124-128 and 26) were purchased by an undisclosed buyer for their extended family.
128 Beachside Avenue: plenty of room for generations to share.
And the Kowalsky farm property at 109 Morningside Drive South was purchased by Marc Lasry, who may build homes for a few of his children on the property.
On a more standard level, we recently guided a mother, daughter and grandchildren into a new home in Westport. The search took us along many paths.
From the outset, we knew the property would need to offer an existing accessory dwelling unit (ADU), the ability to build one, or an in-law suite with enough separation to provide privacy for everyone.
This significantly narrowed the field, but we explored every viable option.
We even considered a new construction opportunity. While the home itself had potential, the location was not ideal, and the many decisions required when designing a home from the ground up quickly became overwhelming.
Our search refocused on homes that were complete, and ready to enjoy.
A new opportunity came on the market. We toured it that day. The home checked nearly every box.
It had been completely remodeled by the owner, meaning the property required no cosmetic updates or improvements.
Location was another key factor. The home is just minutes from the Westport train station, making commuting into the city convenient for her daughter.
It is also part of a small enclave of homes that share access to a pool, private dock and beach.
Having owned a home with a pool previously, the mother loved the idea of having pool access, without the responsibility of its maintenance.
Sitting on just over an acre, the property was another plus. There was room for the grandchildren to play, and it could easily accommodate an ADU. The builder had even drafted plans for one while considering it for his own use.
An ADU, designed by architect John Rountree.
Particularly intriguing was the space above the garage. The large, fully finished bedroomand bathroom provided an excellent foundation for a private living area.
Rather than building a separate ADU on the property, our client plans to expand this space to create a larger suite with its own living area and kitchen.
Westport is no longer a town filled almost only with parents and children. Multi-generational housing is one more piece of our changing demographics.
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Maida Webster and her husband (right) added a full addition to the home their adult children (left, with their own children) in 2017. The 3 generations enjoy proximity, but also privacy.
Appreciate reading about this trend, as we became a multi-generational household in 2017, three years before COVID. After searching for such an existing property, our family took a different path. Our adult kids bought a home on the Saugatuck River and then we added a full addition attached to it with private entrance and porches. It has turned out to be the most wonderful experience, and my 2 granddaughters (now 20 and 23) continue to express their gratitude for the closeness we all have because of this living arrangement. Plenty of privacy for everyone but we are comforted by the ability to easily have their company when wanted. Best decision ever and we urge other families to consider it!
Another self-serving perk for wealthy people that will ultimately increase their beach area property value when they sell it with “potential for rental income.”