When Angel lost her husband at 64, everything changed. She was suddenly alone in the family home they had shared for decades in San Diego. Though the house was paid off, it no longer felt like home. What she wanted more than anything was to be closer to her son Steven and her two young grandchildren in Seattle. So she began planning for Aging-in-Place.
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Backyard Cottages for Aging in Place: Angel’s Story of Moving Closer to Family
How one Seattle family found the perfect multigenerational solution
Steven, a single father, was doing his best to raise his kids and juggle the demands of work and parenting. He welcomed the idea of having his mom nearby—not just for help with the kids, but for the emotional support and sense of stability that family brings. But their small three-bedroom house was already stretched to fit a family of three. Living under one roof just wasn’t going to work.
That’s when they discovered that Steven’s Seattle property was eligible for a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU), or backyard cottage. While Steven wasn’t in a position to fund the build himself, Angel realized that the timing was perfect for her. By selling her home in San Diego, she had the means to invest in a backyard cottage of her own—one that would allow her to live independently while staying close to the people who mattered most.
Now Angel lives in a beautifully designed, fully equipped cottage just steps away from her son and grandkids. She enjoys privacy, autonomy, and peace of mind—while being part of the everyday fabric of family life, from school drop-offs to bedtime stories.
The New Shape of Family Living
For Angel and Steven, a backyard cottage wasn’t just a housing solution—it was a lifestyle shift. One that brought generations closer, added long-term value to the property, and offered flexibility for the future. When the kids grow up or circumstances change, the DADU can evolve too: as a rental, a guesthouse, or even a future home office.
It’s also a fantastic way to pass on part of an inheritance in the form of a smart, living investment. By helping fund the backyard cottage, Angel didn’t just secure her own comfort and independence—she also invested directly into her son’s property, increasing its overall value and creating a potential source of passive income for years to come.
Thinking about building a DADU?
At Ballard Backyard Cottages, we help families explore what’s possible—from design and permits to construction. Whether you’re caring for a parent, planning for your own future, or building a more flexible, multigenerational home, we’re here to help you take the next step.