The Inter-Generational Retreat
Jo & Ben — Homeowners
The Inter-Generational Retreat
Clients: Jo & Ben
Challenge: Maintaining a marriage and "adult time" while living with parents during a build
Solution: The Evening Sanctuary
The Situation: Homeless with a Dream
Jo and Ben sold their home to fund their "dream build", leaving them and their two preschoolers temporarily "homeless." Jo’s parents kindly offered their home, but the lifestyle clash was immediate. Early Birds vs. Night Owls: The elderly parents retired early and valued silence, while Jo and Ben wanted to unwind with TV or a conversation after the kids were in bed.
The "Guest" Stress: The couple felt like they couldn't relax in a house that wasn't theirs.
The Cabin King Solution
Ben suggested a cabin on the driveway as an "after-hours" lounge. The Routine: They put the kids to bed inside the house (monitored by a baby monitor and the grandparents) and then "went home" to the cabin. The Sanctuary: The cabin provided a space to watch movies and share a bottle of wine without worrying about waking their parents.
"The cabin was our saving grace. It let us accept help without feeling like a burden."
