Many of us (openly or privately) look forward to being “empty nesters.” It’s not that we don’t enjoy having family around, but when you’re finally on your own after so many years, it’s kind of fun to create a whole new kind of home.
What does that look like when you’re considering building a new home in the Poconos? What do “empty nesters” look for in a new home design?
One feature that many couples without kids consider a major plus is having a home that offers first floor (or single level) living. Why is that so important?
If you’re building a home as an empty nester, chances are you’re no longer in your 30s or 40s. You may want the convenience and comfort that comes from having everything you need on one level: bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry, kitchen, and family rooms.
If you know longer need to keep the kids separate from the noise and distractions in the rest of the home, it’s nice to have everything on one level where it’s easy to get at. And if you’re planning to stay in your home for years, it’s nice to know that you won’t ever have to worry about stairs if they should become an issue.
That doesn’t mean you’re restricted to a floor plan that only has a single level. You can still build a home that has bedrooms (and other rooms) on the second level, but you don’t have to navigate the stairs unless you want to. Our Summit floor plan is a great example of a spacious home that offers single level living and private upstairs accommodations for guest. Our Sagewood plan has plenty of space (including three bedrooms) on the lower level, but also offers a bonus room on the second level that can be an entertainment room, or a large guest bedroom.
On the other hand, a lot of people prefer homes where everything is on one level. You’ll see that option in our McCormick plan that has a master bedroom and two additional bedrooms on one level—along with a kitchen, dining room, and Great room. Our Baldwin also offers great one-level living with cathedral ceilings in the Great Room, an open kitchen and breakfast area, along with a front porch and a rear deck for outside entertaining.
Here’s something else to consider. Homes that offer single level living are becoming increasingly popular. An increasing number of Americans are opting to remain in private homes rather than move into retirement communities. The number of homes that offer single level living, however, is limited. So building a home that provides that option can make your property increasingly desirable, should you ever decide to sell.
Having an empty nest doesn’t have to mean having an empty house. It just means you get to arrange the rooms and the layout in a way that fits your new lifestyle!
