| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| sassysquirrel |
Posted - Nov 28 2006 : 08:59:51 AM
Anyone have experience with building several homesites on one large piece of land? My husband and I have made the decision to BUY THE FARM. Now, the only question is how much land is enough to be close but still have privacy?
Being the oldest of three children (and the most responsible, unfortunately), I feel the need to make arrangements for the long-haul for my mother and my husband's parents. Leaving Florida would mean leaving everyone behind, so we thought we'd pack everyone up and take them with us! Florida is practiclaly barren of large land parcels. Development is out of control. Plus, looking for a simpler life, a change of seasons, the chance to see snow in the winter, etc.
We have narrowed the search to two areas. Looking for rural areas between 2 large cities -- husband has to be within an hour of an airport for work and I'd like my two sons to one day have their choice of colleges. Somewhere where we can put down roots and have them want to stick around after high school and do the same.
Does 20 acres sound like enough for 3 homesites? My mom and my inlaws are only looking for about 1 acre each due to the maintenance issues. My mom is only 50 and still very interested in having chickens for the first time, as well as maintaining a large garden. My husband's parents are in their late 60's and may need assistance in the next ten years or so.
Having other parties in on the package deal makes it harder to plan and please everyone! Needless to say, my husband is actively searching for jobs in our two desired areas and hoping to get a relocation package to pay for the move and closing costs, etc.
Does anyone live with their extended family on the property? How has it worked out for you?
Sassysquirrel
"Cherish the little things, for they are often the big things." |
| 9 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| bramble |
Posted - Nov 29 2006 : 10:20:45 PM
That was a common practice around here for years. The large farm house sits back from the road down a lane and when family was ready to get married parcels would be divided with road frontages so they would be legitimate building lots and became their own Block and Lots. That also kept taxes down for the larger parcel as each house would pay their own taxes. With older folks I would think that still would make sense for access to ambulance, less plowing/shovelling etc... I know of a family that actually moved the original farmhouse back so they could gain an additional lot up front for the wayward son who finally came home to roost! I would check with zoning and building departments of wherever you decide to live before buying to see what stipulations are placed on development of the land. You might buy 20 acres that will only perc for one septic system (one residence) depending on soil type , etc... There is alot to investigate before buying, make sure you have it in writing and good luck, it's a lovely idea.
with a happy heart |
| willowtreecreek |
Posted - Nov 29 2006 : 9:34:43 PM
My mom in law lives about 100 yards from us. I love it and haven't ever had any problems with it.
Jewelry, art, baskets, etc.
www.willowtreecreek.com |
| Norskema |
Posted - Nov 29 2006 : 8:58:12 PM
Wow, sounds exciting (and a little nerve wracking) and I admire you taking a stab at this. My husband and I always wanted to build one large building with wings off of a central living area. We imagined our children might like the family 'compound' idea but now that they are older, they're not so keen on the idea! lol Our thought was similar to the apartment building idea where each family would have their own living space and a kitchenette but there would be a larger common area for getting all together, larger cooking or craft projects, movie nights etc. I hope you keep us updated on how your project works out. I think, for your older parents, that being within 3 acres keeps you close enough to keep an eye on things without being in each others business all the time. If you get into a situation where one will need more care, being a little closer could be handy.
Every way of a man seems right to himself but the Lord is the tester of hearts. Proverbs 21:2 |
| Marybeth |
Posted - Nov 29 2006 : 2:44:19 PM
My sister and her husband had 5 children and wanted them to eventually move back to the land and build their respective houses. I think they have 60 acres and so far 4 have built on the property and you cannot see the others houses but they really are hollaring distance if needed. His mother lived on the property until she went to an assissted living place. She recently died at 105. Imagine! Country living. they all live in Kelowna, B.C.
www.strawberryhillsfarm.blogspot.com
"Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!" |
| Amie C. |
Posted - Nov 29 2006 : 1:47:31 PM
Fascinating idea. My father grew up in a three-unit city home owned by his parents and at one point the three apartments were occupied by my parents and me, my grandparents, and my great-grandmother. I don't think you need to necessarily have a lot of physical space between you to have privacy.
If you are expecting that your parents and inlaws may need your help in daily living at some point in the future, I would be thinking about having the homesites clustered together on the land. Like a little village. That way you could look over and see if anything was noticeably wrong, and it would be easy to take things from one home to another (like a meal).
You might also want to think about building your home with an attached in-law apartment or at least a first floor bed and bath. If one of the older people needed to have more care in the future, the vacant house could be rented (or one of your grown children could move in with his family).
One thing I would be worried about is local taxes. You might have to split the land into individually owned parcels because some areas tax you more for having more than one building on your property. My husband's parents own some acres with a cabin, and if my husband or his sister ever wanted to build a second house on the land they would need to subdivide it. But that's NY for you, the over-regulated state.
Have you looked at JimBobandLarry's website about her project to build a village? She posted about it just a few days ago. Check it out, you might find some inspiration. |
| Kelly43 |
Posted - Nov 28 2006 : 3:48:20 PM
Kimberly, what a fantastic idea, wish I could do it. Yes, I think 20 acres sounds good but you will be able to see each others houses, don't know how much privacy you want. Will you need room for animals? Good luck with your search. Keep us posted!!
Kelly |
| Beemoosie |
Posted - Nov 28 2006 : 11:07:46 AM
As an only child who lives hours away from her extended family, fairly close to my parents... I think it sounds wonderful!
Welcome to the site!
Bonnie
...she is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.
Prov 31:10
www.beequilting.blogspot.com |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Nov 28 2006 : 09:57:31 AM
I think it sounds like a wonderful idea Kimberly! I just have my mom left (in Calif..I am in Utah) and my inlaws were much older and have both passed away too...and if I were in your situation I would sure consider that. Especially if everyone gets along. I am lucky enough to have a younger sister and brother (I am the oldest of three also) who live very near my mom. I do think at some point I will have her here with us, but not soon. She is almost 68 and so far so good. I like the idea of extended family taking care of each other when possible!!
I hope you find your dream property soon!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| beachbuminthecountry |
Posted - Nov 28 2006 : 09:44:51 AM
Hey Sassysquirrel that sounds like a great idea to have your family together. Just think at the holidays no long trips. What cities are you thinking of? I wish I had that much property for sale here in Effort PA (pocono's), but it's only one house on almost 2 acres which is for sale. Anyway, keep us up to date on your choices and plans sounds interesting
Thank you and God Bless
BB
If Satan comes knocking at your door, just say " Jesus can you get that for me" |
|
|
