Connecticut woman builds backyard cottage so three generations live steps apart
A Connecticut family has adopted a multigenerational living arrangement by building a backyard cottage for retired grandparents. The project was inspired by a desire to keep the family close while navigating local housing challenges.
Why it matters
The rise of 'granny pods' and accessory dwelling units reflects a growing trend in multigenerational housing solutions amidst rising property costs.
When interior designer Caitlin Swann spoke to Business Insider about her family’s living arrangement, she described it as “the best” and “a blessing”, and it’s easy to see why. In Fairfield, Connecticut, Swann and her husband live in their main house with their three children, while her retired parents, Patti and Gary Christie, now reside in a custom 725-square-foot cottage just a few steps away in the backyard. What began as a practical housing decision has turned into a warm multigenerational setup where babysitting is a stroll across the lawn and grandparents are part of daily life.A crossroads for Patti and GaryIn 2024, Patti and Gary, then in their mid-70s, found themselves at a turning point. They had lived in their New Jersey family home for over 40 years, raising their children there and building their routines and memories in that space.
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