A woman built her parents a 725-square-foot cottage in her backyard so they could be closer to their grandchildren
A "granny pod" ad inspired Caitlin Swann to build an ADU in her backyard for her parents when they retired. Now they're steps from their grandkids.
Caitlin Swann, a 42-year-old interior designer from Connecticut, built a 725-square-foot cottage for her parents, Patti and Gary Christie, on her property. The one-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage is located in a backyard, just steps away from Swann's home. Her parents live there daily, and the three children see their grandparents frequently.
When Patti and Gary Christie were deciding where to live in 2024, they were at a crossroads. They had lived in their family home for over 40 years and were ready to sell it. Their three children were spread out across the tri-state area, and the houses they could afford in Fairfield, Connecticut, didn't appeal to them. Swann had an idea to build a small cottage for her parents on her property, and after some research, she found that it was possible to add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to her half-acre property.
The Christies financed the build, and Swann assembled a team to bring the project to life. The cottage features a covered porch, a brick fireplace, and distinct spaces within its limited square footage, allowing the Christies to enjoy their new home while staying close to their daughter and grandchildren.
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