THE GUEST HOUSE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The LOWER LEVEL of this large upscale home with 10 ft ceilings was filled with light from sash windows on all 3 sides of the space. Consisting of 2,325 sq. ft., the space was a skeleton and had only been framed. What would be the best use of this space for the homeowners and what would afford them the best resale opportunities?
THE DESIGN PLAN:
CREATE 2 SEPARATE SPACES OUT OF 2325 SQ FT
SPACE #1: GYM and STEAM SHOWER
ACCESSIBLE FROM THE MAIN HOUSE AND THE GUEST HOUSE
The homeowners wanted a gym and work out room. Both
children love to dance, so I carved out a space for a gym with a dance/yoga studio and added floor-to-ceiling mirrors on 2 of the walls on this side of the 10ft tall room.
A pair of large French doors into the space continue the same aesthetic and flow from the main house.
The husband wanted a steam shower close to the gym. He loved the black, gray and white marble feel of the old English country clubs he grew up around.
His request was to achieve this look but make it a little more current and interesting and have easy access to the gym.
Space # 2: THE GUEST HOUSE
WITH PRIVATE ACCESS TO DRIVEWAY AND GARDEN
After carving out the workout space, a possible wine cellar option for consideration down the line, as well as the steam shower, I was left with 2018 sq. ft. to work with for the guest house.
My successful career as a high end Real Estate broker in South Africa,
has taught me to ALWAYS CONSIDER RESALE when I am working on a project.
My plan for this project was to create a space that would:
1. APPEAL TO MANY FAMILIES,
2. PROVIDE NUMEROUS OPTIONS IN IT'S USABILITY
3. ADD VALUE FOR RESALE PURPOSES.
OPTION 1
A space for visiting guests.
OPTION 2
Home Office
OPTION 3
Nanny Quarters
OPTION 4
A home for Grandparents to be close to family or if they needed care.
OPTION 5
An Independent Space for grown up children, or in the case of the homeowners; their daughter and her new husband; to afford them an opportunity to save for their own home.