Is there anyone out there who specializes in studio living--not large, sweeping, open loft spaces but places like the 350 square foot Manhattan co-op my recent client sold? She was ecstatic to find a two bedroom two bath condo in Santa Fe, NM that gave her twice the space at half the cost.
I realized that the place was tiny by most local standards but it is in an amazing complex with duck ponds and trees and winding footpaths. It is Pueblo vernacular style complete with a kiva style fireplace and a balcony that overlooks one of the duck ponds. Because it is well designed, there is enough storage and skylights make it feel open and bright. The french doors that open from the living room to the balcony make the space feel very open and larger than the actual square footage. She is on the second floor and the steps going up to her door are wide plank boards reminescent of old Santa Fe. Here's a link to the property.
http://www.tierradezia.com/zia_new007a.htm
New York City, Tokyo, London, Paris are all amazing cities that are nothing if not cosmopolitan. One of the things they share is that many of the residents live in (by American standards at least) very small spaces. They also walk more because not only are things within walking distance but since they have less space they shop more frequently and buy less because they do not have room to store it.
I think that smaller home will continue to become more and more popular as people tighten their belts and look for practical ways to downsize. Boomers, in particular,at least the ones moving here, I have noticed are tending to look for town homes and condos partly out of an awareness that they represent a more sustainable form of building but more because they are looking forward to spending time traveling, volunteering or pursuing a passion and they no longer want their shelter and the stuff in it to own them.
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