Lock-and-go living options grow

Windstone, located off Murray Lane, offers both attached town homes and detached carriage-style homes, both starting in the $600,000s.

Seniors aren't only ones looking for carefree lifestyle
By AMY STUMPFL
Brentwood Home Page
In today’s fast-paced world, it seems that nearly everyone is looking for ways to carve out more time with family and friends. For some, that means ditching traditional lawn care and home responsibilities in favor of a more hassle-free, “lock-and-go” lifestyle.

And while such communities are generally associated with senior citizens, local builders are recognizing a growing demand among empty-nesters and young professionals too.

“With our homeowners, it’s more about lifestyle than a specific age group,” says Michelle Crews, a broker with John Wieland Homes. “Some are looking to downsize, but others are just looking for more flexible space, as opposed to less space.”

John Wieland Homes' “carriage homes” with private courtyards at both The Grove at Taramore and Berkley Walk are priced from the mid-$400,000s.

John Wieland Homes offers a wide selection of “carriage homes” with private courtyards at both The Grove at Taramore and Berkley Walk in Brentwood. Floor plans range from 2,300 square feet to 4,600 square feet, and are priced from the mid-$400,000s. Crews says Berkley Walk offers true lock-and-go living, with a homeowner’s association providing all exterior maintenance. At Taramore, residents maintain their own property, but also enjoy amenities such as a private clubhouse with fitness center, pool with water slide and lighted tennis courts.

“Both communities offer their own unique advantages in terms of location, but I think it’s the private courtyard and flexibility of the floor plan that appeals to most homeowners,” Crews says. “We offer a neo-traditional product that is very comfortable, great for entertaining, and offers more flex space to accommodate the way we live today. So whether you have a college student returning home, or maybe need an in-law’s suite, it’s easy to adapt the space.”

Greg and Susan Davis offer the perfect case in point. The couple, who has lived in Williamson County since 2005, purchased a home in Berkley Walk in December.

“We had a large home in Magnolia Vale and were ready to downsize,” says Greg Davis, who calls himself a “semi-empty nester.”

“We looked at downtown Nashville and all over Franklin, but really wanted to stay in Brentwood. All our friends are here, and we liked the convenience of the location. We also liked the fact that we have this great space over the garage – it’s like a little apartment. Right now my son stays there when he’s home from college, but eventually, we may be able to use it for my parents. We still have plenty of space and a nice small yard, but it’s much easier to maintain,” he says.

Located just minutes from I-65 in west Brentwood, Windstone also offers a number of low-maintenance options, including attached town homes (starting in the upper $600,000s) and single family Village homes (starting in the mid-$600,000s), as well as traditional custom and estate homes.

“Most of our buyers are looking for what we would term a ‘low-maintenance lifestyle’ or ‘carefree living,’ says Sherry Erickson, a broker with Southern Land Company. “This is true whether they are empty nesters or busy on-the-go professionals.

 “Some of our buyers are downsizing from their larger homes to our 3,300-6,000 square-foot homes, while others are wanting to keep the same size or even buy a larger home than they currently have, but with less yard and exterior maintenance. Some buyers are also wanting a carefree living home as a second home.” 

Erickson says that Southern Land’s horticulture and plant care specialists offer maintenance-free yard care options, including everything from mowing and mulching to leaf removal and seasonal color installation and maintenance. In addition, residents enjoy a variety of amenities, such as a saltwater pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center and clubhouse.

“Perhaps the best amenity of all in Windstone is our vibrant and active homeowners’ association, which offers fun activities and social events throughout the year,” she adds. “Our residents are drawn to the neighborhood’s strong sense of community and belonging.”

That sense of community is also a key draw for the Villages of Morningside in Franklin. Situated just minutes from Cool Springs shopping and dining, the Villages of Morningside offers quiet one-level living with resort-style amenities, including a swimming pool and clubhouse.

“Our community was really designed with active retirees in mind,” says June Blackburn, of Haury & Smith Contractors, Inc. “We have a wonderful social committee that organizes all kinds of activities and events.”

Blackburn also points to the flexible floor plans as an advantage. Featuring more than 2,000 square feet of living, these one level cottages offer 2-3 bedrooms and 2 baths, and a two-car carport, priced from $369,900.

“Most of our homeowners are in their 70s,” she says. “They’re ready to downsize, ready to let someone else handle the maintenance, but they still want some square footage – many like having that third bedroom.”

As an added benefit, the floor plan offers a full attic upstairs, with an optional bonus room and bathroom.

“This is a nice, flexible space for those who might need a caregiver to stay with them,” she adds. “But the main living space is on one level, so they don’t have to go up and down stairs all the time. It’s just a very convenient lifestyle. If they want to head down to Florida for part of the winter, they have that freedom – there’s no yard work to worry about.”

Tom and Hazel Albert moved into the community in 2004, and enjoy the peace of mind that lock-and-go living offers.

“We came from the Green Hills area and knew we wanted the condo concept,” Hazel Albert says. “But we particularly liked this location. We can get to the bank, the grocery store and the post office in just a few minutes.”

Albert also points to the social aspects of the community as key benefit.

“We have a nice pool and clubhouse. There are social activities, such as a book club, a Bible study group and a game night – just about anything you might be interested in. It’s just a great community with wonderful neighbors – just what we were looking for.”