A few years ago, granny flats lived up exactly to their name: compact, single-floor, stand-alone dwellings located just near the main house. Their size and setup provided the perfect living arrangement for senior members of the family who would like to enjoy their independence while still staying within an arm’s reach of their loved ones.
Today, granny flats are making a comeback because they’re so aligned with the practices that characterise the lifestyle of the future: small carbon footprint, respectful of the environment, smart use of space, as well as convenient, cost-saving and safe. While granny flats are still being used for their original purpose, innovative materials and new architectural approaches have made them suitable for others types of residents and all sorts of purposes.
Some of the best uses for granny flats we’ve seen recently include:
Living space for senior loved ones. There was a time when putting your senior family member in nursing homes or retirement villages were the popular option. But this setup has become less ideal now, due to many reasons. For instance, the lifestyles of retirees have changed. A lot of older people still have the capability and drive to start a second career, put up a business, travel and generally be more active than what was traditionally expected of senior citizens, so a granny flat allows them to have a permanent dwelling and be mobile at the same time. Moreover, the conventional nuclear family unit model has evolved, making granny homes a great solution to multigenerational living.
Practical set-up for single adults or newly married couples. Again, the unstable economy saw children coming back to live in their parents’ houses because they can’t afford expensive big city living. But moving in with your parents as an adult can be stressful for even the most loving families. A granny flat is therefore a great transition home until the children can manage to live on their own again.
Working or business space. The online marketplace has made it possible for people to work from home or set up their own business without the need to invest in a traditional office. A granny flat serving as a professional space allows you to avoid the stressful commute, costly car expenses or office rental headaches. It provides just enough distance from your personal living areas, so you can focus on your tasks or even meet clients and customers in a professional environment.
Personal space. Since the recent economic downturns, people have rediscovered the art of simply staying at home. Instead of spending for movies and other forms of entertainment, most people would rather invest in a multimedia room or a library. Instead of going out for dinner and drinks with friends, they are more interested in creating unique, picturesque dinners or brunch at home with their circles. Instead of signing up for some workshop membership, your very own hobby space seems more attractive. A granny flat can be a venue for hobbymaking, socialising or simply spending me-time, so you don’t interfere with the daily activities in the main house.