Over the years, you’ve probably accumulated all sorts of things in your home. Some items have lasting meaning and memories, and the rest is clutter. It might be time to make changes, in your life and home space, to better fit the way you want to live for the years ahead. Consider these reasons why downsizing to a cottage-style home is right for you.
What is a Cottage Home?
When you hear the word “cottage”, you might think of a quaint little house from a fairy tale. Today, cottage refers to an architectural style. While practical in design, these homes are more sophisticated than cabins, which have also “matured” to modern trends.
Cottages are beautifully appointed homes with an asymmetrical shape and either single-level or one-and-a-half stories. The home features a low-pitched gable roof that extends to cover the porch, another common design element in cottage architecture.
The unique character continues to the interior of a cottage home. Expect to find a cozy fireplace and built-ins, like shelves, as well as nooks.
Cottage-style architecture can reflect a variety of styles. English, Coastal, Nordic, and French Cottage styles each lend their own influences to the homes.
What are the Benefits of Downsizing in Retirement?
Downsizing for retirement is more accurately called “right-sizing”. It’s a vital step in reshaping your life by releasing some of the stuff you’ve accumulated while living in your home. How much have you stashed in your closets, garage, and attic? Has it overflowed into a storage unit?
Ask yourself how valuable these things are if you don’t even look at them. The pieces that matter are on display. You’ll feel lighter when you let go of the excess.
Once you have less clutter in your life, you can evaluate the space. Do you need a home as large as the one you’re living in? As you plan for retirement, think about the right-sized home for your needs. If downsizing your home is on your mind, take a look at these benefits to downsizing in retirement.
Less Maintenance.
Your current home probably requires maintenance, inside and out. How many home improvement projects are on your list? Paint the exterior, pressure wash the deck, and replace the roof, furnace, water heater, or air conditioning system? Is it time to rip up the flooring and put down something new? How much housework is involved in taking care of your home?
Downsizing for retirement to a new construction cottage gives you a fresh start that includes lower maintenance. Not only do you have less to clean, but your home is covered by the builder’s warranty and every system and appliance is covered, too.
You don’t have to worry about the cost or hassle of repair or replacement. And the new home is designed and constructed with the latest advances in energy efficiency, low-maintenance, and sustainable practices and materials.
Lower Utility Costs.
With a smaller and more energy-efficient home, you’ll spend less on electricity, water, and heating. Significantly lower utility bills result from:
- Thermal windows
- High-efficiency furnace
- Air conditioning with a high SEER rating
- Low-flow faucets and toilets
- Energy-efficient insulation and house wrap
- ENERGY STAR-rated appliances
- Solar panels
More Manageable Living Space.
Taking care of a home that’s too large for your needs requires time and effort. Do you want to expend that energy during your retirement?
A multi-story home could also require more effort to navigate the stairs. Living on a single level makes all of your rooms, functions, and items more accessible. If you’ve ever groaned at the idea of carrying laundry upstairs or going down to the kitchen for a drink refill, imagine having everything you need just a few steps away.
The Chance to Restart Your Life.
A new home means a new start. Whether you’re moving within your current area or heading to a different location, you’re giving yourself a positive change. With downsizing in retirement, you begin again. Experience a newfound freedom from all those years of living with more space, maintenance, and inefficiencies than you need right now.
If your retirement journey brings you to Florida, you also reap the benefits of great weather, plenty of things to do, and a place that consistently ranks among the best states to retire—with no estate, inheritance, and income taxes!
Does retiring in Florida to a cottage home sound like a great fit? Take a look at what Green Key Village can offer you.
Cottage Homes for Sale in Green Key Village
Green Key Village is located in Lady Lake, Florida, about an hour northwest of Orlando. The small town—spanning only 9.3 square miles—presents the true essence of coastal living, filled with old Florida charm.
Our community of cottage style homes for sale features amenities that invite socializing:
- Wade-in entry pool
- Solar-covered pavilions
- Shaded poolside veranda
- Community garden
- Tennis court
- Pickleball court
- Basketball court
- Dog park
Green Key Village Floor Plans
Choose from 3 distinctive floor plans of cottage homes for sale in Florida at Green Key Village.
Sand Dollar Cottage reflects a beachy bungalow vibe on the outside and modern elegance inside. The 1,545-square-foot floor plan uses every inch smartly so you’ll live large here. The 2-bedroom, 2-bath layout has an open concept in the main living area, filled with natural light and feeling even more open with the tray ceiling in the living room. The master suite is a true retreat with a large bedroom and spa-like bathroom.
Mangrove Cottage welcomes you with the inviting feel of a vacation retreat. You might have to remind yourself that this is “home”! With nearly 1,600 square feet, the Mangrove Cottage includes 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. The kitchen—with a large island, custom cabinetry, and breakfast nook—overlooks the light-filled living room, which is enhanced with a tray ceiling and backyard view. The master suite showcases the luxury of cottage living
Islamorada Cottage is our largest floor plan, with 1,653 square feet of interior living space. The home was designed to fill the spacious open interior with Florida’s sunlight. Large windows, sliders, and even glass panels on exterior doors shine the light on a gorgeous but sensible layout. High ceilings, crown molding, and wood floors throughout the 3-bedroom, 2-bath Islamorada Cottage set the standard for Green Key Village living.
All of our homes include a rear-load 2-car garage, front porch, solar package, and covered front porch.
Contact the Best Home Builders in Central Florida for More Info!
Can you see why downsizing to a cottage-style home is right for you? Contact Green Key Village to learn more about your opportunities for these stylish, affordable cottage homes for sale in Florida. As one of the leading home builders in Central Florida, we understand what you want, need, and expect from your experience.