MAKE A "RETREAT HOME" A FIVE-STAR ACCOMMODATION, I
Aging Baby Boomers are buying second homes in ever-increasing numbers across the nation. They are purchasing these homes earlier in their careers as compared to previous generations.
According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, many plan to work beyond the traditional retirement age, generating income for a longer period of time. According to a National Association of Realtors survey, 51 percent of these buyers made the purchase for use as a vacation retreat. Since most of these second home purchases are within 200 miles of the primary residence, they are being used more frequently as weekend retreats, as opposed to once-a-year vacation homes. This trend is creating a new niche in the housing industry.
Our experience in designing retreat homes has led us to discover that while there are substantial similarities in the design of a primary home and a second retreat home, what really makes the retreat home special is the attention to the differences. The following are concepts we feel should be considered in the design of any retreat home:
1. Multiple Living Areas. In general, more than one informal living area is desirable, allowing the opportunity for a multitude of activities to occur with minimal conflict between them. Retreat homeowners tend to have frequent guests, including extended family and especially their children’s friends; design for more than just the immediate family. If the budget is tight, an attic bonus room is an economical solution to provide a second living area.
2. Spacious Kitchen. Since the kitchen is the hub of activity, this room should be open to the living area and large enough to serve as a gathering space. When directly connected to the outdoors, it not only brings the outdoors in, it allows for convenient outdoor grilling and eating. Since many retreat homes are in rural locations, a large pantry and a separate freezer are a must to store the larger quantities of food.
In later editions I will discuss aspects of bedrooms, bathrooms, outdoor living areas and accessibility for changing and growing families.
Aging Baby Boomers are buying second homes in ever-increasing numbers across the nation. They are purchasing these homes earlier in their careers as compared to previous generations.
According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, many plan to work beyond the traditional retirement age, generating income for a longer period of time. According to a National Association of Realtors survey, 51 percent of these buyers made the purchase for use as a vacation retreat. Since most of these second home purchases are within 200 miles of the primary residence, they are being used more frequently as weekend retreats, as opposed to once-a-year vacation homes. This trend is creating a new niche in the housing industry.
Our experience in designing retreat homes has led us to discover that while there are substantial similarities in the design of a primary home and a second retreat home, what really makes the retreat home special is the attention to the differences. The following are concepts we feel should be considered in the design of any retreat home:
1. Multiple Living Areas. In general, more than one informal living area is desirable, allowing the opportunity for a multitude of activities to occur with minimal conflict between them. Retreat homeowners tend to have frequent guests, including extended family and especially their children’s friends; design for more than just the immediate family. If the budget is tight, an attic bonus room is an economical solution to provide a second living area.
2. Spacious Kitchen. Since the kitchen is the hub of activity, this room should be open to the living area and large enough to serve as a gathering space. When directly connected to the outdoors, it not only brings the outdoors in, it allows for convenient outdoor grilling and eating. Since many retreat homes are in rural locations, a large pantry and a separate freezer are a must to store the larger quantities of food.
In later editions I will discuss aspects of bedrooms, bathrooms, outdoor living areas and accessibility for changing and growing families.
