Unique Dream Homes
The American public has gotten increasingly creative about its ideal dream home. Creativity and innovation are everywhere. The novelty we are seeing in the media is perhaps a form of rebellion against widespread suburban sprawl and McMansions. Or it is an escape from our increasingly connected culture. Those looking to build or simply to dream need not go far. Click on the television, and you are bound to find an episode about treehouses, majestic cabins, mansions on wheels or some other unique and non-traditional abode. The choices open up the imagination – even if it’s to change up your current home. There is also a plethora of dream home magazines. Small or large, the ultimate place to call home is in the eye of the homeowner. Today’s dream homes come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes, with a surprising budget too.
Cabins
The thought of a cabin conjures up a makeshift wooden single room in the forest. Have you seen the penny honoring Lincoln’s cabin? Customized log homes have come a long way from that one-room stereotypical cabin. Historically, cabins have been used seasonally for vacation, but Americans are increasingly calling it their primary residence. Styles include the traditional Craftsman, which is smaller, more traditional but with an intricate floor plan and exposed wood trim. The Swiss/ German Colonial Cottage is larger with exposed beams and has a much more detailed decorative exterior and interior. The Adirondack is more like a lodge because of its open floor plan. It’s very classic and incorporates the use of native materials. From rustic to majestic – it’s obvious that the cabin has grown up.
Tiny Homes
Tiny homes are growing in popularity as not only a dream home but a way to a better, simpler lifestyle. The homes are between 100 and 400 feet and are often built on trailers because of code regulations. Living in a tiny home is in direct opposition to the direction of the average American house which is up to 2,600 square feet. Most tiny homeowners live with minimal debt, no mortgage and have more personal and retirement savings. Not only is a tiny home more economical, it’s more environmentally friendly too because it uses less energy. If the thought of living within your means sounds simple and appealing, a tiny home might be your dream home and new lifestyle.
Castles
On the other end of the housing spectrum is the quintessential dream home – the castle. For those of you who have socked away the right amount of money – perhaps living like royalty is the right way to go. There’s no question that castles are not for everyone, and of course, the sky’s the limit with the styles available at your disposal. Historically, castles have been made from stone, and there are companies who can do that for you. Castles have been historically drafty too, but insulation has come a long way. Think doing it yourself is out of the question? Some unique individuals have built their own castles with ingenuity and a lot of time and patience.
Treehouses
The customized treehouses of today are a grown-up’s version of the ultimate hideout. If you’ve ever watched “Treehouse Masters” on Animal Planet, you know there are a host of logistics to building a treehouse. Most important are the trees that will support the home. Treehouse dreamers will likely want a second opinion to verify the trees they’ve selected can carry the weight load of the house. From there, the design process can make dreams come true – from whimsical forts and castles to modern-looking homes lifted considerably from the ground. And the adventure only begins when the house is finished. Treehouse dwellers live at the center of nature, swaying with the trees and getting a bird’s eye view of it all.
Floating Homes
A home on the water is another way to live within nature’s tranquility and gain a deeper appreciation for one’s surroundings. Prospective buyers should factor in dock slip fees, taxes, insurance and maintenance. Also, you won’t be able to park close to your home, so accept that you’ll be carrying your belongings more. You’ll also need to confirm that your floating foundation is sound. Logistics aside, living in a floating home can make it seem like you’re always on vacation. Homeowners can fish off their deck (or through a window!) or change their scenery by getting towed to a new location.
Mansions
Mansions are where one can have it all for the right price. Whether you buy new or old, mansions come with a large menu of amenities: swimming pools, tennis courts, bowling alleys, home theaters and spiral stair cases – these might just be a few of your favorite things. It’s where you can have a dedicated room for each of your activities. Mansions can be in the middle of the city or the country – it’s your choice. These homes are the trophies for deep pockets and are a display of pure wealth. They are the homes of the “Rich and Famous,” but a few ingenious individuals have become caretakers of second homes, and are able to “have it all” in return for their work.
Waterfront Homes
Waterfront homes give you the best of two worlds: property and access to water. If you’re contemplating a home with a body of water for a front yard, it’s best to work with a realtor who is well-versed in this type of property. You’ll need to know the quality of the house since waterfront weather is harsher than in other areas. Also think about how your lifestyle will benefit. You may be in a more remote area which may or may not suit you. As with other specialty homes, there is a cost to customization, and you need to educate yourself to how you can access the water and what changes you may do to the property.
