Home is where the Views are
AMITY CONSTRUCTION PROVIDES THE PERFECT HOME TO AGE IN PLACE...
After counseling countless families over the years on how to age in place, gerontologist Cathy Weiss finally decided to take a page from her own playbook and begin the quest for the perfect home to age and live in as long as possible.
A former resident of Guilford, she had heard about Benton’s Knoll Planned Residential Development and was interested in the concept: quality construction, unique, creative floor plans, onelevel living, and amenities and features that allowed for aging in place. The Weisses scheduled a showing at Benton’s Knoll, and found the home had the design and amenities they were seeking. They met with Russ Smith, but admitted that although they were interested in the homes and details at Benton’s Knoll, these homes lacked one element – the views from their present home in Clinton.
Smith suggested a meeting at their home to see what options they might have to improve their existing property for their needs and goals.
Smith immediately was wowed by the stunning marsh views, but he also recognized the challenges presented by the existing home. It did not have a first-floor bedroom, the floor plan would not be adaptable in the event of future mobility challenges, and it had a kitchen that was not at all user friendly.
Amity worked on creating a new layout that would allow for aging in place while accentuating the marsh views front and rear. The project would entail a new enlarged kitchen, a wider foyer, an addition to the left side of the home to accommodate a new first floor master bedroom, a new accessible master bath and a new first floor utility/ laundry area.
So, began a collaborative effort between Amity and the owners.
“I drove Amity’s cabinetmaker a little nuts as I contorted my hands in every possible arthritic motion to ensure I could open the cabinet pulls,” said Weiss. “I requested specific locations for switches custom built into the cabinet faces to allow easier access versus having to reach across the countertops to wall located switches.”
This teamwork resulted in an angled addition to the side of the home. This created the much-needed firstfloor space for a new master bedroom, new master bath with a fully accessible roll-in shower and grab bars, and new utility/laundry room.
The front of the home was extended to allow the enlarged foyer and a larger more functional kitchen, and walls were eliminated to accommodate a more open floor plan. Also added to the front was a ramp entry and covered porch making future accessibility much easier.
Wood floors and tile were installed throughout the new addition areas. They are beautiful, durable, and functional surfaces ideal for wheelchair or other assisted mobility devices. An exterior covered porch off the master bedroom was added to allow enjoyment of the marsh views to the northwest. A rear deck, also accessible from the master bedroom, provides the ability to relax and enjoy the marsh views to the southeast as well.
A new gas fireplace was added to the existing living room for which the owner crafted a beautiful one-of-a-kind custom welded steel mantle surround. His wife, who also is a recognized artist with talents in both painting and photography, handled the decorating.
“It is a modern, calming and functional home that would appeal to any age,” said Weiss. “The whole process was not as daunting as one would imagine because Amity handles any challenge that comes up swiftly and effectively.”
By creating a new floor plan that allows for one-level living and aging in place, these clients can remain in their own home and continue to enjoy breathtaking views for years to come.
What are your options for the future? Discover the possibilities by contacting Amity Construction and Design. Call them at 860-434-5500, visit them on the web at www.amitycd.com, or visit their showroom in the Old Lyme Marketplace.
N.H.C. LIC: 606 H.I.C. LIC: 556813