Buying a Property Suitable for a Family Compound

The idea of a family compound makes sense; it’s practical in so many ways.

When the kids are small, grandparents are nearby to help out; when the grandparents are too old to be alone, they have family nearby to care for them. Sharing the expenses and being able to help each other are the practical reasons, but I would think the nicest part of a family compound is the closeness of family.

My husband’s brother and his family live with my father- and mother-in-law on a 5 acre spread in Rescue. 

If you don’t know where that is, you are not alone: it’s a speck off Highway 50 in the foothills not too far from Sacramento. They have two houses on five acres, my in-laws are close by for my young nephews yet each family has their own space — it’s nice!

I have a condo for sale in Walnut Creek where the buyer is the mother of the owner who lives upstairs: she wants to buy the condo to have a place close by to visit her daughter and grandbaby.

I met with people over the weekend who have two grown daughters living with them, one of them with her own young family, and it made me think about ideal properties for a family compound.

If you are interested in this, you are looking for a unique property, but here are some that fit the description.

Alamo

2900 Danville Blvd. is offered by Chris Campbell of J. Rockcliff. This is a main house and two fully-equipped cottages in a gated, close-to-town location. One block to the Iron Horse Trail, and a short stroll to Alamo Plaza. The main house is a single story in a U-shape, which is a design that allows a lot of windows and light. It is full of wonderful millwork and beautiful ceilings. In back, there is a brick patio courtyard — it’s peaceful and pretty. Access to one of the two small homes is from the back: a charming one bedroom cottage with living room and kitchen. The other cottage is attached to the garage in the front of the property. Priced at $1,249,000. See the virtual tour. For showings or more information, please call Chris at 925-838-5700. 

Danville

690 Terry Lane is offered by Tim Ahlberg and Marilee Goodykoontz of Sotheby’s Realty. Located in Danville’s desirable Westside, with a wonderful walk-to-town and easy access to the Iron Horse Trail, this ranch home has a guest cottage with kitchen and full bath. The main house is a charming rancher with hardwood floors throughout and an updated kitchen and master bath. The backyard is large with towering redwoods and a sparkling pool. See the virtual tour. Priced at $1,299,000. For showings or more information, please call Tim at 925-980-1769 or Marilee at 925-791-4217.

San Ramon

10092 Nantucket Dr. is offered by Dominique Hatchel of Re/Max Accord. This is a large 4,500+ square foot home, with a separate entrance to an in-law unit. Located on a corner lot in Royal Ridge, this home is on a generous ¼ acre with a private backyard. Updated with a gourmet kitchen, new carpet and fresh paint, and offered at $889,900. For showings or more information, please call Dominique at 510 395-5631. 

Dublin

11808 Southwick Ct. is offered by Gary Schwaegerle of Schwagerle Realtors. This house has a garden cottage of about 120 square feet, so you can imagine the potential. The house itself is a four bedroom, 2.5 bath home with over 2,000 square feet and a very lovely backyard. There are fruit trees and redwoods and privacy. Priced at $716,990. For showings or more information, please call Gary at 925-462-3221.

Pleasanton

393 W Angela St. is offered by Mike Carey and Mark Hanna of Investment Real Estate. This is two homes on one lot in a nice downtown location. Currently the front home is set up as two apartments, so you could have three residences in total, or it could be converted back to a single family home. The front home has two bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and two kitchens; the rear home is newer with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Each of the homes has a charming front porch and carport space. Priced at $759,000. For showings or more information, please call Mike at 925-963-0569 or Mark at 925-998-7990.

Livermore 

636 North M St is offered by Steve Eveleth of Keller Williams. This is a brand new home (completed in 2011) with an in-law unit. The main house is 4 bedrooms and 3 baths with 2200 sq feet, and the in-law with separate entrance has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom with 600 sq feet. The main house features two master suites; one down, one up. Both kitchens have stainless appliances and cherry cabinetry. Priced at $519,000. For showings or more information, please call Steve at 925-487-2246.