Sweet Suite for Extended Family

Historically, families around the world have been prone to dwell together making multi-generational living an organic family model driven by financial means and geographical realities. After WWII, a robust mid-century economy was born in the U.S. and a new trend emerged. The idea of the nuclear family replaced that of the extended family and Americans began to identify financial and personal success with their ability to live in a home all their own. Individual success was closely linked to obtaining education, jobs, and a steady paycheck – one that would finance a down payment and a mortgage. Culturally, all members of the family got behind this trend. As the cliché goes, parents wanted their children to have more than they had. And they measured successful parenting with their ability to raise children who could live apart from their parents, in a home of their own. One needs only remember the sitcom All in the Family to realize Archie Bunker’s unrelenting antagonism toward his son-in-law may have had more than a little to do with the fact that his daughter and her husband (Meathead) had to live with them.

Since 2000 and due in large part to a lingering recession, multi-generational living has reemerged. In fact, in this country we have seen a 30 percent increase in families gathering under one roof with at least three generations sharing a home. 

While builders have started to garner inspiration from this trend and consider the needs of multi-generation families more proactively, many homeowners take on remodels themselves, incorporating the addition of in-law suites in the design. These suites are also perfect for adult children. Suites can be designed with separate entrances, basements, and mechanicals to foster the greatest sense of independence, both financial and logistical. Alternatives to this approach include designs that center around shared common areas. Either way, families are coming together and realizing great financial benefits; childcare assistance; streamlined chores such as meal preparation, grocery shopping, and lawn care and reduced carbon footprints. 

Consider this well laid out home located at 106 Falls Road in Moodus and offered for $345,000. It offers the ideal layout for opening the door to extended family for the longer haul. By the way, Moodus is the small CDP (census-designated place) within East Haddam, and has a population of around 1200 people. East Haddam has a population of around 8300. 

Open and bright, this home is rich with character and options. A recent addition added the perfect first floor in law apartment with open kitchen and living room, sitting room, and bedroom with walk-in closet and full bath. A large sunroom with tiled floor and skylights unites the suite with the main house offering a beautiful living room with custom beams and built-ins, dining room, bright white kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths & laundry room. Steal away to the 2nd floor to reach an office, full bath and 2 of the bedrooms. 

In 2003, extensive updates were made to this wonderful home including many costly mechanicals including a new furnace, oil tank, roof, siding, well, septic and more! But of course, the house features much to be loved such as the hardwood floors, built-ins, nooks & crannies for storage and the 2-car garage and shed. With 3208 square feet, you may have all the space you’ll ever need, but in case you don’t you have the option of finishing the walk-up attic.

From the outside, your approach is picket-perfect with charming gables, walkways and 2 front entry porches with lovely gardens and a beautiful stonewall in the backyard all on a 1.52 acre lot. To view a floor plan of this home, click here. 

I know you will love the area. Home to Goodspeed Opera House and Gillette Castle, East Haddam proper will charm your socks off with riverside delights and sights. To learn more about East Haddam, click here.