When Sandy Renson-Smith decided to leave her picturesque Yorkshire cottage after 42 years to move 150 miles to Crewe and be closer to her adult children, it was an easy decision for her. “When I discovered my daughter Jen was expecting her first child, I knew I needed to be nearer to them,” she explained. Renson-Smith, a retired primary school teacher, had raised her children on her own after her husband passed away when her daughter was four. Now, she lives next door to Jen, her son-in-law Kieron, and their two daughters, Romilly and Talia. Renson-Smith sees her granddaughters every day, takes Romilly to school, and spends quality time with her family. While she misses her cottage, being close to her loved ones is more valuable to her.
Multigenerational living has become aspirational for many. A survey by Legal & General found that almost half of adults believe having three generations in the same household would be a good thing, with four in five thinking people in multigenerational homes are better off. However, the number of households with three generations living together is still relatively small. The 2019 estimate by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) was approximately 1.8 million multigenerational households.
The growth of multigenerational living in the UK may be influenced by factors like the housing market and financial considerations. Combining two households can be complex and costly, making it difficult for families to find suitable properties. Purpose-built properties specifically designed for multigenerational living are rare, and government support for multigenerational families is limited.
However, some families, like Renson-Smith and her daughter’s family, have found solutions that work for them. They purchased and converted a barn with plenty of space for an annexe, allowing Renson-Smith to have her own home while still being connected to her daughter’s family. They opted for an all-timber annexe built offsite and transported to the property, which proved to be more affordable than other options. Renson-Smith funded the building work through the sale of her Yorkshire cottage.
While multigenerational living is not feasible for everyone, those who have embraced it find immense benefits in terms of support, companionship, and shared responsibilities. Families provide each other with childcare, practical help, and emotional support. The close relationships within multigenerational households make it a desirable option for many.
Sandy Renson-Smith is content with her decision to move closer to her family. She enjoys helping her children and values the time she gets to spend with her granddaughters. While her annexe is owned by her daughter and son-in-law, their strong bond and trust eliminate any concerns about legal arrangements. Renson-Smith is grateful for the opportunity to contribute and support her family while being a part of their lives.
The concept of multigenerational living continues to evolve, catering to the changing dynamics of social and family life. With the right support and suitable housing options, more families may be able to experience the benefits of multigenerational living in the future.
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