Whether you currently have a carriage house on your property, or considering building an extra structure to host guests, the idea of carriage house is appealing. Carriage houses (sometimes referred to as guest house, or coach house) were originally two-story structures used to house residents’ horses downstairs while their caretaker resided above them on an upper floor.
Over the last decade, there has been a trend in homeowners’ desire for a similar on-property space. Today, these “carriage houses” of days past, refer to a detached residential structure near the main home. The official designation is ADU (accessory dwelling unit), or a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot.
If an ADU doesn’t already exist on your property, building one can be very advantageous on many levels. Generally detached from the main house, a guest house can serve as a residence for aging parents, college graduates, visiting friends/family, caretakers, or a rental unit. A guest house will also increase the value of your home. This is an extra bonus and something to consider when you plan to sell in the future. Just don’t overlook the added costs involved in maintaining a guest house, including cleaning, landscaping, utilities, etc. It is wise to do extensive research before undertaking a project of this magnitude.
Careful consideration of how the house will be used, should determine the direction of the design elements within. Normally, a guest house features a kitchenette, bathroom, bedroom and small living room area. But factors such as usage, budget, and size will dictate how elaborate a guest house may be. If aging parents will be living there, the house may require accessible features such as wide doors, or special bathrooms. If the guest house will be living quarters for caretakers, it should have all the features and amenities of a main house, just on a smaller scale. If the main usage is purely for extra personal space, elements may include an office, children’s play area, children’s bunk house, or hangout space for teens.
Mosby Building Arts recently completed a full remodel of an existing guest house. The homeowners wanted to modernize the space for visiting relatives and friends. The current space was dark and dated and not at all ideal. Mosby designers worked with the homeowners to create a sophisticated yet functional space, with a modern-day farmhouse feel.
Exteriors by Mosby revamped the outside with an updated design to match the main home. New siding, windows and doors were installed, as well as exterior lighting.
Inside, designers created a chic kitchen with distinctive blue cabinets and personalized accessories. New flooring throughout is engineered hardwood to complement the solid wood surfaces in the main home. Designers pulled in classic elements for the bathroom, including a black and white color palette featuring mini hexagon tile, white quartz countertops and black vanity.
The homeowners are thrilled with the end result, and agree the extra space enhances their lives every day.
Call Mosby Building Arts today at 314-909-1800 if you’re considering add a guest house to your property.