Alice Marozas lived by herself in a spacious 5-bedroom home for nearly a decade after the passing of her husband.
The vastness of her home and the solitude it brought began to weigh on her.
Her daughter, Claudia, proposed a solution that would bring Alice closer to family without compromising her independence.
Instead of moving to a retirement community, Alice would transition to her own “granny pad,” a modern prefab home situated in Claudia’s backyard.
This idea resonated with Alice, who cherished memories of growing up in a multi-generational household.
The challenge was to integrate this new dwelling without disrupting the existing backyard, a space cherished by Claudia and her husband, Chris Buchanan.
They wanted to preserve their tall hedge, vegetable garden, and the overall ambiance.
The solution was a panelized prefab, which could be hand-carried in pieces through a narrow 3-foot gap in their hedge.
This innovative approach ensured that the garden and hedge remained untouched.
The construction process was swift.
Once the foundation was set, the home seemed to rise almost overnight.
Chris recalls filming the house mid-build, capturing the moment when wall panels were assembled, but the ceiling panels were yet to be fixed.
The design cleverly concealed HVAC systems and integrated track lighting, creating a seamless and modern aesthetic.
The proximity has fostered a deeper bond between Alice and her family.
Mornings often see Chris tending to the garden while Claudia enjoys coffee on her mother’s porch.
Their youngest son frequently visits his grandmother, sharing snacks and watching sports together.
This closeness is a stark contrast to their previous routine of weekly visits.
Alice’s grandson told Fair Companies:
“I visit her every day after school when I get home. I come back here and then check in with our sports games because we always watch together.”
The backyard home, spanning 910 square feet, feels spacious and full-sized.
It’s a marvel how such a sizable structure was transported through a mere six-foot gap.
The design is modern, with expansive glass walls allowing Alice to enjoy views of the outdoors.
She has adorned the space with her artwork from the 1960s, adding a personal touch.
Alice’s transition from a traditional home filled with antiques and art to this modern space was smooth.
She embraced the change wholeheartedly, appreciating the simplicity and peacefulness it offered.
The minimalist design, predominantly in shades of white, black, and gray, resonates with her artistic sensibilities.
The house is not just about aesthetics; it’s functional too.
The Swedish bathroom design, with its wooden floor and unique drainage system, stands out.
Alice’s bedroom offers serene views of the green outdoors, and there’s an additional room that doubles as an office and guest bedroom.
Plus, the kitchen is just perfect too.
Outside, the garden flourishes under Chris’s care.
From bok choy to arugula, the produce is abundant. The garden is not just a source of fresh produce but also a space for family bonding.
Alice often feeds the chickens with leftover greens, a simple pleasure that brings joy.
This backyard “granny pad” is more than just a dwelling – it allows the family to enjoy having multiple generations living together.
In the heart of Los Angeles, amidst the hustle and bustle, Alice has found her sanctuary, surrounded by loved ones and nature.
It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes, the best way forward is to come back home.
Watch the video below to get a closer look at Alice’s house and their heartwarming living situation!
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