Downsizing without giving up space: A different way to live in Littleton

The kids have moved out, a few bedrooms are sitting empty and you're starting to wonder if you still need all this space.

It's a familiar situation for homeowners approaching retirement. The house that worked so well when everyone lived at home might be more than you need now. There's more to clean, more to maintain and a yard that takes up a good part of your weekends.

But moving somewhere smaller isn't always an easy decision. After years in a larger home, the thought of giving up too much space isn't particularly appealing. There are still things you want room for.

For some homeowners, a ranch-style villa offers a good middle ground. You get the convenience of having everything you need on one floor, with additional space downstairs if you need it.

Less house to look after, more time for yourself

There's always something to do around the house. In spring, it's getting the yard ready for summer. Then comes mowing, watering, weeding and keeping everything looking good. Before long, you're cleaning up leaves and preparing for winter.

If you enjoy gardening, some of this might be time well spent. But if you'd rather be golfing, hiking or heading away for the weekend, looking after a large property starts to lose its appeal.

One of the benefits of Deer Creek in Littleton is its low-maintenance approach. Front and backyard landscaping and maintenance are included with Cardel's ranch-style villas, leaving homeowners with less outdoor work to worry about.

This is especially helpful for people who travel. A few days in the mountains or several weeks away during the winter won't mean coming home to an overgrown lawn.

Why single-level living makes sense

You might not give much thought to stairs when you're choosing a home, especially if you've lived in a two-storey house for years.

But having your bedroom, laundry, kitchen and living spaces on one floor has its advantages. No more carrying laundry baskets upstairs or making several trips between floors throughout the day.

There's also the longer term to consider. A home that works well today should still be comfortable as you get older, and having your everyday living spaces on one level is a good place to start.

At Deer Creek, the Willow and Ponderosa villas are designed around main-floor living. Both have open kitchens and living areas, primary bedrooms with ensuites, laundry rooms and flexible spaces for an office or hobbies.

Downsizing doesn't mean giving up the things you love

Moving to a smaller home usually means sorting through years of belongings and deciding what stays.

Some decisions are easy. You might be happy to get rid of the extra furniture from bedrooms nobody uses. Other things are harder to part with, especially if you still enjoy having family and friends over.

Maybe the grandkids come for sleepovers. Perhaps you have a treadmill, a collection of golf equipment or belongings you aren't ready to part with.

This is where a basement becomes useful.

Deer Creek's villas have more than 1,000 sq ft of lower-level space, with the option to develop it. You have the main floor for everyday living, plus room downstairs for the activities and people you want to make space for.

A guest bedroom and bathroom would be handy when family visits. If you entertain often, a recreation room with a bar might get more use. Or you might prefer a home gym, yoga room or space for your hobbies.

And if you don't need the extra space, there's no reason to develop the basement. Everything you need for everyday living is already on the main floor.

More opportunities to enjoy Colorado

Living in Littleton has its advantages, particularly if you like getting outdoors.

Deer Creek is in the Ken Caryl area, close to the foothills and several popular recreation areas. Deer Creek Canyon Park has trails for hiking, while Chatfield State Park is a favourite for boating, fishing, walking and cycling.

If golf is more your speed, Arrowhead Golf Club is nearby, with its well-known red sandstone formations. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is also within easy reach for concerts, and C-470 provides convenient access when you're heading west into the mountains.

Of course, you won't want to spend every day hiking or golfing. Sometimes it's lunch with friends, a fitness class or an afternoon out shopping.

The area has grocery stores, restaurants, recreation facilities and other everyday services nearby. Downtown Littleton and Morrison offer more options for dining, shopping and entertainment.

With so much close to home, it's easy to keep busy without having to travel far.

Finding the right balance for your next home

If you're considering downsizing, it helps to spend some time thinking about how you use your current home.

You might have four bedrooms, but only use two regularly. Maybe the formal dining room comes in handy twice a year, while the kitchen table gets used every day. And although you like having a backyard, you're ready to spend less time maintaining it.

The goal isn't necessarily to find a smaller home. It's to find one with the right amount of space for how you live now, with some flexibility for the years ahead.

If you're looking at new homes in Littleton, Deer Creek is worth considering. Cardel's low-maintenance villas offer single-level living, optional basement development and a location close to the outdoor activities and amenities of the Ken Caryl area.

Take a look at the Willow and Ponderosa floorplans or visit the model homes to see if one might be right for you.