During the past few years, I’ve noticed many trends in the Hamptons, one of the most remarkable is multigenerational family living. The appeal of the Hampton Classic and celebrity sightings at the Film Festival or 75 Main may still grab the Page Six headlines, however our construction clients have moved towards the “status” of an all-inclusive family compound as most important to them. Truth be told, for most “well-known” Hamptons residents, not being seen playing doubles (in the privacy of your own backyard) on the family tennis court with your parents, children, or grandchildren is much more important than being seen strolling down Newtown Lane in East Hampton.
From the first conversation with prospective clients, we note that they are interested in creating an outdoor living space that accommodates their children, as well as their parents. In fact, the input and influence of homeowners’ parents has been an invaluable resource. Their involvement and thoughtful guidance has led to some of CP Complete’s finest experiences.
According to recent data from Pew Research, “a record 57 million Americans, or 18.1 percent of the population of the United States, lived in multi-generational family households in 2012, double the number who lived in such households in 1980.” Such research and information is often calculated and viewed through the eyes of the financial need or cultural customs of primary homeowners. However, a large segment of Hamptons second homeowners are interested in expanding their backyard living space with the extended family’s long-term enjoyment as their primary objective.
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The desire for practical indoor space and outdoor luxury space has merged. (Photo: Stacy Wickham Photography) |
We are often instructed to design and build an outdoor kitchen as a place that mom and dad will enjoy. Wine refrigerators, ice makers and kegerators alongside 52″ Wolf grills, warming trays, pizza ovens, and side burners have become the norm in luxury outdoor living. Builder Online Magazine cites the increase in demand for more “super-social kitchens with abundant room for seating, these kitchen islands are ready for all kinds of gatherings.” The desire for practical indoor space and outdoor luxury space has merged. Everything our clients want inside their home, they also desire to have outdoors to share with their loved ones.
The pool house requests have grown from a standard changing room, to a full bathroom, a washer and dryer to make towel and bathing suit chores far easier, and custom outdoor showers. We have also seen an uptick in the amount of requests for pool houses that can accommodate overnight family bedrooms.
