As empty nesters seek ways to make their lives less complicated, many choose to downsize their homes and turn to low-maintenance living, buying homes with smaller lots and homeowners’ associations that handle lawn maintenance.

Builder Steve Romeyn of Windsong Properties has taken the concept several steps further, offering ranch homes with private courtyard areas, separate space for a home office or in-law suite, two-car garages and ample living space for active adults. The company has already introduced three unique neighborhoods in metro Atlanta — The Cottages at Heron Bay in Henry and Spalding counties, Montclair Villas at Ridgewalk in Woodstock and Blackberry Run at Seven Hills in Paulding County.

“As people streamline their lives, they’re looking for homes that are very livable without wasting space that needs to be heated, cooled and maintained,” Romeyn said. “We looked at what rooms people use most in their homes – the great room, kitchen, master suite and a home office or guest suite – and eliminated the rest to create a spacious and open floor plan.”

That means creating a livable home without the extra bedrooms, extra baths, living room and formal dining room.

“Formal dining rooms are used only once or twice a year. And many people, after the children have left home, don’t use their extra bedrooms unless they set up a home office, and we’ve even created a unique option for that,” he said. “We call it the casita, a semi-attached suite that can be used for guests or as a home office. People love the idea of having this versatile ‘little house’ as a retreat or a guest suite. With its separate entrance, it’s very charming and unique.”

In fact, the whole layout of these courtyard homes is unique to Atlanta. By using an innovative design, privacy fences and a large number of windows, Romeyn has created private retreats for residents.

“Many people have purchased ranch condominiums or town homes, but we continue to hear that they’ve sacrificed their privacy or that they don’t want to share common walls,” he said. “These detached-home plans offer complete privacy for each resident and allow them the option to create outside space to reflect their personalities and lifestyles.”

Homeowners have converted their courtyards into formal gardens, or added fountains and water features. One resident in a Windsong Properties neighborhood installed an in-ground swimming pool.

“They’re limited only by their imagination and creativity,” Romeyn said. “The homeowners’ association maintains front and rear yards, but the courtyard is the owner’s responsibility. It’s amazing to see what people have created in these totally private spaces. They’ve blended indoor and outdoor living with great views that can be enjoyed all year long.”

The homes are also Easy Living certified, with low-threshold entrances, extra-wide doorways, lever handles and the ability to become fully handicap accessible. Each neighborhood has a spacious clubhouse with a catering kitchen that can be used by homeowners or for fun events. As the neighborhood’s focal point, the clubhouse provides a place for residents to gather for social events. “In one community, a supper club started almost as soon as there were residents,” Romeyn said. “People want a place where they can play cards, host events and network with their neighbors.”

Built especially for active adults, the communities range in size from 60 to 90 homes, a size that encourages people to get to know all their neighbors if they want.

“Our goal is to do more than build quality homes,” Romeyn said. “We’re creating fun and relaxed neighborhoods where life’s a breeze.”

Windsong Properties LLC specializes in building homes for active adults. Company principals Steve Romeyn and Mark Carruth have more than 50 years of combined experience in residential development, design and homebuilding in Atlanta.

The company is based in Woodstock. For information about Windsong Properties’ neighborhoods for active adults, call 770-516-3409.

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