Clichés aside, basements really do offer a lot of space to young adults living at home. But if that’s not in the cards for your area, consider these smart alternatives. Each layout offers a private zone with grown-up amenities like lofts, separate entrances, and game rooms.
Photo by M.E. Parker
Visitors or older children will love the secluded suite, loft, and balcony upstairs. Downstairs, the open layout brings everyone together in the spacious kitchen, which flows seamlessly into the great room and dining area, and then out to the loggia. The master suite, easy to reach on this level, treats homeowners to a luxurious retreat with a walk-in shower and large tub. The roomy guest suite in front opens to a courtyard, giving extra privacy to family or friends. French doors in the study let owners enjoy the view while working or reading. See more images, information, and the floor plan.
Two Master Suites Downstairs + More Space Upstairs
Photo by Bob Greenspan
With easy access to the great room on one side and the open dining room on the other, the kitchen in this lovely Craftsman home feels perfectly relaxed. The details stand out: elegant columns provide a bit of definition without closing anything off, a bookshelf holds treasured cookbooks, and several doors open to the patio for easy indoor/outdoor entertaining. Two equally appealing master suites sit on opposite sides of the first level, making this home ideal for multi-generational living. Another bedroom suite and a game room occupy the second floor, where older children will appreciate the privacy. See more images, information, and the floor plan.
The third bedroom in this flexible layout offers quite a bit of privacy, making it an ideal setup for a grown child or live-in relative. A separate entrance, private bathroom, and connecting study add independence to this suite. On the opposite side of the home, the master suite offers homeowners their own outside access to the back deck, along with two walk-in closets and a comfortable private bathroom. A secondary bedroom and bath nearby work well for younger children or even as a home office. Everyone can meet in the middle for meals at the kitchen’s snack bar or in the adjoining breakfast nook or dining room. See more images, information, and the floor plan.
Not-Too-Separate Suite Above the Garage
Guest suites above the garage can feel a bit remote, but this one offers access both from the garage and also through the upstairs storage space. That makes it easier for grown children or guests who live in this area to interact with the rest of the family when they choose. Two more spacious bedrooms accommodate children or more guests upstairs, while the master suite is easy for homeowners to reach on the main level. A wide porch in front plus a screened one on the side provide room for outdoor relaxation. See more images, information, and the floor plan.
