Aging in Place - with a Twist!

Aging in Place – with a Twist

Those familiar with my blog may remember a post I made last year about Aging in Place.  Here’s a Southern Home I designed recently that handled Aging in Place in an unusual way.

The clients, in their seventies, were caring for an aging parent while we were designing their home.  They wanted to make sure their home would support graceful living for the rest of their days.  So, we made certain everything they needed was on one level, including the Kitchen, all entertaining spaces, the Master suite and a Guest suite.  While they wanted the front porch raised 2 steps, we set the garage slab level with the first floor so a wheelchair could enter and maneuver throughout the home with no obstructions.  But when I got to their “wish list” I handled it in a different way. 

He wanted a Home Office with a great view, and she wanted a special Reading Room that looked out over the roof - similar to the Viewing Room on the Kendall Manor in Eufaula, Alabama.  And while they recognized the practicality of single-floor living, they loved 2-story rooms with balconies looking down into the first floor.  And they needed 2 bedrooms and a bath for visiting children/grandkids.  So I put those rooms on an upper floor!

OK, I realize most people wouldn’t put ‘an upper floor’ in their list of  ‘Aging in Place friendly details’, so let me share my thoughts. 

These people are healthy and active, and probably will be for a long time.  And daily exercise will probably help them stay healthy and active!  So I not only put the rooms I know they’ll want to be in upstairs, I designed the 2-story balconied Family Room to draw them upstairs. 

Now I wasn’t totally irresponsible.  I cut the stairs in half with a landing, and added a display shelf at the landing to make it a pleasant place to rest if needed.  This is where my client displays her beloved irises. 

Also, you can enjoy the light and space from downstairs as fully as from upstairs. Every room is flooded with glare-free natural light, and the use of timber framing and natural materials really makes the interior sing.

Now this is a southern home I’d look forward to aging in!  Contact me – I’d love to design a special southern home for you.