‘I live in my daughter’s garden’
■ Jo Davies (74) was keen to downsize at the same time her daughter’s family wanted to upsize. So they hatched a plan to find a house with a garden large enough in which to build a granny annex – a robust static home delivered flat pack – for Jo.
“My daughter and her husband bought the house, I gave them money for the land I was taking in the garden and I paid for the annex.
“The main benefit is having the family so close – including the grandchildren who live at home – but having privacy, too. I also got a new house which didn’t need any upkeep and by downsizing, I freed up money for holidays.
“We each do our own cooking and cleaning, but I’m in charge of tending the lawn. We have meals together but
I’m invited, rather than being forced to share everything.
“My advice to anyone considering a set-up like this is that you have to air any problems straight away. For me, doing this has been an absolute blessing.”
■ For more info on Granny Annexes try Homelodge (0196 288 1480/ www.home lodge.co.uk) Norwegian Log (0118 966 9236/ www.norwegianlog.co.uk)