Retiring is a big deal for most people for many different reasons; the chance to travel, kick back and relax, and spend more time with family are just a few.
It can also mean lots of big changes, which can sometimes include downsizing from a large house to something smaller and more manageable.
For one newly retired couple, they knew they wanted something smaller and closer to family.
They had an ingenious idea of building a tiny home right in their daughters’ backyard.
Meredith Stannard and her husband built their beautiful micro cottage in the backyard of Meredith’s daughter Drew, and son-in-law Jacob.
Drew and Jacob were expecting their first child and were excited to have grandma and grandpa there to help.
The young couple had recently bought their new home in Seattle, Washington, with the idea already in their minds; they just needed to find a house with a big enough backyard.
Eventually, they found the perfect home, and soon the hunt was on to find the perfect company to build their backyard ‘Granny Pod’.
Research brought them to the Microhouse company, a Seattle-based tiny home builder.
Together with the design team, they managed to create a beautiful and spacious tiny home that complimented Drew and Jacob’s home.
The ‘Granny Pod’ has two levels containing one bedroom, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living room.
Though it was definitely downsized from their original family home, the tiny home still has tons of space for the pair.
The couple even went so far as to seek out furniture specifically made for tiny homes.
The house is painted blue to match the main house and has a nice-sized patio where they can all sit together and enjoy the day.
A stone walkway connects the two houses, and there is still lots of room for backyard activities.
With Drew being pregnant, they wanted to ensure their future children would still have lots of space to run around outside.
And with both mother and grandmother being able to keep watch on the kids, they are sure to stay perfectly safe.
Friends of both women had mixed reactions to the venture, some good and some bad.
Drew said that some of her friends said, “That’s so wonderful; I wish I could do that with my family.” while others said, “Oh my God, you’re crazy; I could never do that with my parents.”
However, being an only child, Drew and Meredith were extremely close with one another and knew that while there might be some growing pains, they could definitely make it work.
Luckily for the women, both of their husbands were on board with the idea too.
Meredith’s husband was excited to get to know Drew better, and couldn’t wait to be a grandpa, and Drew’s husband was happy to have grandma there for when the couple wanted a break from their future kids.
Though it might not be for everyone, this family has managed to create a tiny community within one property, and the future children and grandchildren will be all the better for it.
Check out the Microhouse website to see all the different backyard pods they offer.
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