This article was created in partnership with Ihus, The UK’s leading provider of annex solutions
Making Space for Family: How Garden Annexes Support Intergenerational Living
Living across generations is nothing new, but for many families today, it’s becoming a conscious and practical choice. With rising care costs, mid-life pressures, and a desire to stay connected as parents age, more families are rethinking how to live together well.
One increasingly popular solution is the garden annexe: a self-contained living space close to the family home, offering both connection and independence.
Jeanne’s Story: A Home Within a Home
At 93, Jeanne decided to leave her four-bedroom house and move into a two-bedroom annexe at the bottom of her daughter’s garden. Rather than feeling like a loss of independence, the move brought comfort, ease, and a new kind of closeness.
“I’m very comfortable, happy and content,” she said. “I didn’t think I would feel at home so quickly, but I do.”
Built by iHus, a specialist in garden annexes with over 500 completed homes across the UK, Jeanne’s new home is fully equipped, thoughtfully designed, and tailored to her needs. It’s a space that belongs entirely to her, just a few steps from her daughter, yet entirely her own.
The Rise of Intergenerational Living
Caring for elderly parents often means navigating that careful balance between support and autonomy. Intergenerational living offers a solution that can meet both needs.
A garden annexe allows families to:
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Stay connected: Everyday moments - from Sunday lunch to a quick cup of tea - become easier to enjoy.
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Maintain independence: Older relatives can live on their own terms, in a space designed with comfort and accessibility in mind.
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Offer gentle support: Proximity makes it easier to lend a hand or respond when health needs change, without the upheaval of a care home.
It’s not just about convenience; it’s about creating a rhythm that works for everyone.
A New Approach to Family Space
What sets annexes apart from simply sharing a home is the balance of closeness and privacy they offer. These self-contained spaces, with their own kitchens, bathrooms, and entrances, allow older relatives to live independently while staying part of the family’s daily life.
Providers like iHus help families design and build these annexes with long-term living in mind. From energy-efficient construction to accessible features, their approach is rooted in making these homes both practical and personal.
Many families choose to visit one of the 100+ show homes in the iHus Open Hus network, where they can see how real families are living across generations, and hear what it’s like directly from those who’ve made the move.
Practical, Personal and Future-Ready
As care costs continue to rise, with residential care now averaging £80,000 a year, many families are exploring more sustainable options. A one-time investment in a garden annexe can offer long-term value, both financially and emotionally.
And with “annexe” now among the most searched-for terms on property websites, this kind of flexible living is becoming increasingly appealing to homebuyers too.
But perhaps more importantly, intergenerational living strengthens family ties. It creates more time for connection, and space for each generation to be themselves.
“It Feels Like Home”
In Jeanne’s case, her garden annexe offered her the chance to start a new chapter, one that’s peaceful, personal and surrounded by family. It’s a gentle reminder that with the right space and support, growing older doesn’t have to mean growing apart.
See it for Yourself
With over 100 iHus show homes open to visit across the UK, their Open Hus programme offers a unique chance to step inside and experience annexe living for yourself.
Interested in Exploring Annexe Living?
Whether you’re just starting to think about it, or you’re ready to plan, the iHus team are on hand to help you make an informed decision:
📞 Call: 0808 164 1111
📧 Email: enquiries@ihusannexe.com
🌐 Visit: www.ihusannexe.com
Annexe living offers a way to stay close, care well, and live independently – together. At Carents, we believe in supporting families to make choices that work for them, and iHus is one such choice that’s changing lives for the better.
Carents.co.uk only features partners whose values align with ours: supporting families navigating caring for elderly parents with compassion, dignity and practical advice.
