As Bermuda residents move ever-further away from single family homes and toward extended family living, a house like Martini seems custom built.

Today the benefits of multi-generational living are widely acknowledged, from the support offered by one generation of family members to another, along with the inescapable financial realities of the economic decline.

Older parents may well be living in a valuable family-sized home while their children struggle to afford the mortgage for an inferior property. Today’s ‘boomerang’ generation are another aspect of this issue — many young people have accepted that a significantly longer period of time will pass before they can afford to move into their own home than was the case in their parents’ day.

A 2012 survey by US home builder PulteGroup found that 32 percent of adult children expect to eventually share their house with a parent.

And a Pew Research Center report described the return of the US multi generational family household. It stated: “Since bottoming out around 1980, however, the multi-generational family household has mounted a comeback. The reversal has taken place among all major demographic groups, and it, too, appears to be the result of a mix of social and economic forces.”

The AARP reported that according to a Pew Research Center analysis of the latest US. Census Bureau data, approximately 51 million Americans, or 16.7 percent of the population, live in a house with at least two adult generations, or a grandparent and at least one other generation, under one roof. The Pew analysis also reported a 10.5 percent increase in multigeneration households from 2007 to 2009.

For a family such as this, Martini is a home at which to look. Sotheby’s International Realty’s marketing coordinator Erica Martin said: “Real estate agents have noticed a trend in the market of multi-generational families coming together to purchase properties — notably parents assisting older children with accommodation or families with elderly parents living on the property in an apartment or cottage.

“Martini is uniquely positioned for this situation — a family with in-laws, grandparents or adult children who wish to live closely and pool financial resources, but still maintain personal space and privacy as there are two separate homes on the same property, as well as a studio apartment.

Her colleague, realtor Sue Sharpe, describing the multiple generational aspect of the property, said: “The town house built behind the main house is new with generous-sized rooms.” That portion of the home was built for the owner’s mother, Ms Sharpe explained. “Both sections of the family would be very comfortable as opposed to many houses that just have a small apartment.”

“A younger family — for example newlyweds with a child — could start in the town house while the parents live in the three bedroom home,” she said.

Ms Martin added: “The main house is nestled in the garden with a recently built pool and patio, ideal for entertaining. The open-plan style allows for a comfortable flow through the foyer to living room with fireplace and dining room. The large modern kitchen has an eat-in area, stainless steel appliances, solid wood custom-built cabinetry and granite counter tops. There are three good-sized bedrooms with two bathrooms, the master being en suite with spa-like features. The house has wooden floors throughout, split system air conditioning, a large laundry room and separate office opening from the car port. The pool is private to the main home.

“Then there is the recently built unit which was designed in the style of a town house for modern living with restored pine wooden floors and intricate oak millwork throughout. Located at the back of the property, the house features a living/dining room, fireplace, kitchen, two bedrooms, one and a half baths, a private yard and covered porch accessed through French doors. As an added bonus, there is a large basement currently used as a gym with additional and ample storage.

“The renovated studio apartment is connected to the main house, which can provide useful income or be incorporated to create more living space.

“Located in a desirable neighbourhood in a central parish and convenient to amenities, Martini is a large property with plenty of parking space and a large, manicured garden. “There are three assessment numbers, so all dwellings can own a car if needed.”

There is basement space under the town house which can be shared for storage — or as it is now, a gym.

Further information: Sue Sharpe at Rego Sotheby’s International Realty. ssharpe@regosir.com 537.5831

Useful link: http://www.regosothebysrealty.com/ListingsDetails.aspx?id=5753&t=Residential