If Women Designed the Perfect Retirement Home, It Would Include…

In active adult communities, builders design homes to meet the needs of both men and women. But what if women were given a chance to design their own perfect retirement homes? Would they include the same features that men enjoy, or would women have their own approach?

Here are a few of our thoughts on some features that women would particularly enjoy:

A Walk-In Closet the Size of a Bedroom

The ultimate walk-in closet would be one replaced by a full fledged dressing room complete with appropriate clothing racks, shoe storage and full length mirrors. And don’t forget an upholstered chair to sit in while tying running shoes or buckling ankle-strap heels! However, most women would happily settle for their own walk-in closet with double rows of hanging racks, plenty of shoe space and higher shelves for out-of-season storage.

His and Her Master Bath Suites

In a woman’s perfect world, her master bedroom would have two adjoining bathrooms: one for her spouse, and another that she could have all to herself. When that’s not possible, the next best thing is a spacious master bathroom with luxurious features like double sinks, a deep soaking tub, a well-lit vanity table and a glass-enclosed shower with a rain shower head.

A Large-Capacity Hot Water Heater and Zoned Heating/Cooling System

There’s not much point in having a deep soaking tub if there’s not enough hot water to fill it up. Women are likely to design a retirement home with comfort in mind. That includes a large-capacity water heater to make sure hot water is always on tap, and a zoned heating and cooling system to set the temperature of every room just right.

A Thoughtfully-Designed Gourmet Kitchen

Okay, not every woman enjoys cooking, but even the queen of take-out would would love a sunny kitchen with plenty of storage, convenient prep areas and enough room for dinner guests to mingle before a meal is served. Women who do love to cook would be sure to include high-end, energy-efficient appliances, such as double ovens, gas cooktops and large refrigerators.

A Guest Suite for Visiting Friends and Relatives

When women downsize, they often worry about having enough room for their families and friends to come visit. A retirement home designed by a woman is likely to have a comfortable guest suite with enough space to let the room double as an office or hobby room when no visitors are in town.

A Spacious Front Porch

Curb appeal is often high on a woman’s list of home qualities and a spacious front porch adds an inviting touch. Design it with enough room for a seating area and a front porch becomes a great place to socialize while admiring the front landscaping or watching passersby.

A High-Tech Security System

Women want to feel safe in their homes, so they’d likely design a retirement home with a high-tech security system. Features like motion sensor security lights, glass-break detectors and entry alarms let a woman rest easy whether she is married or living on her own.

Ladies, let’s hear from you. Do you identify with our ideas for the perfect retirement home? If you could design your own dream home, what features would be at the top of your list? Let us know in the comments below.

This article originally appeared on 55Places.com. For more articles like this or for information about hundreds of 55+ active adult retirement communities across the country, please visit 55Places.com.

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