Traditional and Not-So-Traditional Granny Flats
These granny flats run the gamut from traditional to inspirational. Can we call them granny 'retreats' instead?
Rebecca Gross
8 October 2014
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design, and I study cultural history through the lens of architecture, design and visual culture. I have a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons The New School for Design, New York. My latest book is called "Ornament is not a crime: Contemporary Interiors with a postmodern twist."
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design,... More
Granny doesn’t have to holler very loud when she’s sharing your living quarters, but if you have the room, why not build her a convenient little house out the back of your property? Think of it as Granny’s retreat, with everything she needs in a modern new home, and you not far away – space, peace of mind … and independence for all.
Of course, granny flats aren’t just for Granny anymore. They can be for anyone these days: the in-laws, visiting friends, the kids as they ‘move out’ of home. Or even as an easy investment property to rent out for extra income. As self-contained accommodation, and typically one-storey for accessibility reasons, granny flats are essentially a smaller home within your property. And for that reason they look best when they blend in stylistically with your own home. As for the interior, think open-plan with lots of natural light – it will then be much easier for doing Sudoku puzzles, reading or studying.
Following are some interiors and exteriors of more traditional granny flats, as well as a few that aren’t granny flats at all but may provide further inspiration.
Of course, granny flats aren’t just for Granny anymore. They can be for anyone these days: the in-laws, visiting friends, the kids as they ‘move out’ of home. Or even as an easy investment property to rent out for extra income. As self-contained accommodation, and typically one-storey for accessibility reasons, granny flats are essentially a smaller home within your property. And for that reason they look best when they blend in stylistically with your own home. As for the interior, think open-plan with lots of natural light – it will then be much easier for doing Sudoku puzzles, reading or studying.
Following are some interiors and exteriors of more traditional granny flats, as well as a few that aren’t granny flats at all but may provide further inspiration.
EXTERIORS
If you live in a brick home, this neat and tidy brick granny flat could look like it was just made for your property. Being a freestanding house in its own right – rather than an addition to the existing home – will increase tenancy opportunities, and also give the resident (Grandma, teenagers or renters) a greater psychological sense of independence.
If you live in a brick home, this neat and tidy brick granny flat could look like it was just made for your property. Being a freestanding house in its own right – rather than an addition to the existing home – will increase tenancy opportunities, and also give the resident (Grandma, teenagers or renters) a greater psychological sense of independence.
Weatherboard cottages are as Australian as they come. They blend with traditional and contemporary homes so, visually, they are a very versatile addition to your property.
With its own access at the rear of the property, this granny flat offers a greater sense of freedom to residents and valuable space to park. But sharing a huge expanse of lawn with the main house on the property makes family fun and games easy.
This isn’t actually a granny flat – it’s a music studio and guest bedroom – but it’s modern, yet homely and comfortable, with space enough for a fully self-contained unit inside. It connects beautifully with the main house through the use of wood beams that stretch out across the decking. If you’re building for a teenage child, think of these beams metaphorically – you’re keeping them at arms reach! Close, but not too close.
If you don’t want the trouble of designing or building a granny flat, or you need a temporary option or something in a hurry, try a prefabricated solution. Quickshack is a contemporary modular unit that comes in a range of exterior styles. Inside, you’ll find two bedrooms, a kitchenette, shower and timber floors. Plus, it’s energy efficient featuring windows and sliding doors with double glazing – it’s even solar/water-storage ready.
And something for the most stylish, rocking-it grannies out there, how about a contemporary masterpiece to call their own. This isn’t a granny flat but, as a single-level home, maybe it can offer some inspiration on how granny flats can be modern and striking with great attention to architectural detail.
INTERIORS
No longer dark and pokey – and possibly a little fusty – granny flats today have light, modern and fresh interiors, ideal for any occupant. With simple lines, modern fittings and little ornamental detail they are easy to clean and look after. Plus, they are versatile to furnish and decorate.
No longer dark and pokey – and possibly a little fusty – granny flats today have light, modern and fresh interiors, ideal for any occupant. With simple lines, modern fittings and little ornamental detail they are easy to clean and look after. Plus, they are versatile to furnish and decorate.
Open-plan living and kitchen areas offer comfortable and sociable living within one simple space.
More: 16 Clever Ways to Create Zones in Open-Plan Spaces
More: 16 Clever Ways to Create Zones in Open-Plan Spaces
And being small means less furniture is required – it’s a good opportunity for Granny to pare back on current possessions, or for a tenant to only have to invest in key pieces.
These last three interiors aren’t granny flats, but they may provide some inspiration for your aspirational gran. They’re gorgeous, functional interiors that could be stripped back to suit a smaller space. So if you want to add a little designer flourish to an otherwise minimalist granny flat, you might find some architectural and decorative details in here that could work.
Wooden beams accent the architecture of this self-contained space. Dividers rather than walls have been used to separate the living room from the bedroom, while still maintaining privacy.
Wooden beams accent the architecture of this self-contained space. Dividers rather than walls have been used to separate the living room from the bedroom, while still maintaining privacy.
This long and spacious kitchen-dining-living space could be shrunk in size to suit a granny flat. The highlights are the peaked roof with white trusses and the stunning wall of windows.
Finally, this modern space is a great size for a granny flat. While it’s open-plan, the various functional areas – kitchen, living area, and dining area – are visually demarcated through the choice of furniture, use of colour and clever design.
WE’D LOVE TO SEE YOURS
How have you incorporated a granny flat on your property? Let us know how you decided on the design, and show us a photo in the comments section.
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WE’D LOVE TO SEE YOURS
How have you incorporated a granny flat on your property? Let us know how you decided on the design, and show us a photo in the comments section.
MORE
Shed Spruce Up: Inspiring Ideas for Garden Sheds
15 Backyard Escapes Purpose Built for R&R
Style UK: Quirky Garden Rooms Sprout All Over the British Isles
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visit www.modernhomebuilders.com.au for a quote on your next project, granny flats starting from $109K
Now here are some inspo-granny flats! The last 3 and the high windows! Yes!!!