As the number of Americans living in multigenerational homes has grown, so has the number of dwelling options. Besides just moving into an extra bedroom of a traditional single-family home or remodeling to add an in-law suite, there now are homes being built specifically for multigenerational living. These custom homes are designed to offer both open-concept shared areas as well as privacy features, such as separate entrances, multiple ensuite bathrooms, kitchenettes and smaller dual-purpose rooms that can be used for reading, yoga or just being alone.
A few years back while on a city garden tour, I was exposed to another unique way for multiple generations to live under one roof. In talking with the homeowners, I discovered the gardening duties were shared by 3 generations of the family, living on 3 separate floors of their triplex. The aging parents, who had downsized from their large home in a suburb, had purchased the triplex and now were living on the second floor between their 2 adult daughters and their respective families on the first and third floors. The families live together, but apart. And they chronicle their lives in a delightful family blog called Three-stories.com.
