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Mother in Law Suite Homes: Multigenerational Living in NC
For multigenerational living in North Carolina, many families are turning to the concept of a mother in law suite home. These spaces can be created from within the house, an addition, or a stand-alone unit. Still, the goal is the same: allow an elderly parent to maintain a level of independence while living close to family. And as an added bonus, mother in law suites can also serve as an Airbnb, home office, or guest suite for visitors.
What is a Mother in Law Suite?
Mother in law suites, whether integrated into a larger home or a standalone dwelling unit, feature all the amenities of a separate house, including a sleeping/living space, kitchen or kitchenette, and bathroom. Some are similar to a studio apartment, one large area that includes both the living, sleeping, and kitchen areas. Others have a private bedroom separated from the rest of the suite.
The space size will dictate some design choices, so where there is generous square footage, you may find a full-size kitchen with lots of prep and storage space. Smaller spaces may dictate a kitchenette with a fridge, sink, oven (or toaster oven), microwave, and cooktop (or hot plate).
Mother in law suites created from an existing basement may have a walk-out area onto a porch or deck, along with a private entrance.
What Types of In Law Suite Homes Are Common?
Thankfully we have a lot of homes with mother in law suites already set up in the Raleigh-Durham area. Here are the three most common options if you're wondering how to configure your home to accommodate an in-law suite.
1 - At its simplest, a first-floor bedroom and private bath can be considered an in-law suite. In fact, many homes market this scenario as designed for multigenerational living. For more privacy, a separate wing of the house (previous children’s wing perhaps) can be reimagined to fit the needs of an older parent(s).
2 - A new addition attached to the main house is a second option. In this scenario, there is good separation and privacy but still a direct connection to the main house. There may also be a private entrance from the outside to the suite.
3 - A third option is a separate unit detached from the main house but located on the property. These can be as small as a tiny home or as large as your property can accommodate. Sometimes called “granny flats,” there is a new trend called “granny pods,” which incorporate some innovative tech features for monitoring inhabitants remotely.
Why Own a Mother in-law Suite Home?
In Hawaii, in-law suites are known as “ohana” (family) units, and indeed, the main purpose of these dwellings is to accommodate the family’s needs.
These in-law suites were initially designed to accommodate elderly or disabled relatives, but they can also be used for young adult children saving for their own homes.
They can act as both a short- or long-term solution to allowing multigenerational families to occupy the same space while each family maintains a degree of privacy.
In-law suites often add to property value in both the additional square footage created and the utility of the space.
The flexibility inherent in these suites is also a benefit. It may start off in the family as an office, man cave, or she shed and then later become a place for an older parent. Some are rentals, either long-term or an Airbnb.
Must-Have Considerations for Mother in Law Suite Homes
If you think an in-law suite will work for your family, here are some factors to consider as you plan.
Balancing privacy with access
Think of access to the main house and the outside world. Within the family, you may need to set guidelines for moving back and forth between the main house and the in-law unit.
Number of people living in the space
If you're unsure exactly how you will utilize the space - aging parents, adult children, rental - design to give yourself the maximum flexibility
HOA or regional restrictions
Your HOA may have restrictions either for the size of an in-law suite or whether you can rent the space at all, and if so, for how long. In addition, there may be zoning restrictions at the city or county level that you need to consider.
Many types of in-law suites are considered Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). There are often restrictions on these units, so check your city guidelines.
Mother in Law Suite Homes for Sale in the Triangle
Are you looking for a property that is a mother in law suite home in Raleigh, Durham or Chapel Hill?
The North Carolina Triangle area is very popular with older adults and retirees. An in-law suite is an excellent option for multigenerational families who want to live close to each other.
We’re happy to help you with your search for the right property. View the listings below or contact us today and let’s get started.
Homes for Sale with In Law Suites
A Most Unusual Southeast Raleigh Split-Level "Brady Bunch" Style Home. Very convenient to 440, major shopping centers & grocery stores. A total of 5 Bedrooms--3 on upp...
- 5 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2520104 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Renovated 3BR bungalow in Durham with a detached Guest/MIL Suite or potential AirBnB/rental income (Living/Dining, Kitchen, 1BR and full bath)! Systems all newer in both ...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2525945 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Remarkable home with the potential for 6 bedrooms. IN-LAW SUITE has its own living room, bath, bedroom and private deck. Office on the main floor. Kitchen is well appoin...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2509960 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
First floor owner's suite with walk-in cedar closet! 2 more bedrooms on 2nd floor and FINISHED BASEMENT with kitchen, full bath and multiple flex spaces/4th bedroom that ...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2513476 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Welcome to the Stephenson, a brand new condo development in the heart of the Village District! No need for elevators or stairs as this 2BR/1.5BA end unit is ground level ...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2520110 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Discover the pinnacle of luxury living in this exquisite 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence on 1.24 acres. This home has 3,727 square feet of meticulously designed living sp...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2531288 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
BEAUTIFUL NEW ORLEANS STYLE TWO STORY RANCH ON LARGE CUL-DE-SAC.GREAT VIEW OF PARK FROM PORCHES.PRIVATE BACKYARD CLOSE PROXIMITY TO MIDTOWN/EXCHANGE AMENITIES ALSO CITY P...
- 5 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2519479 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
4 Bedrooms + Apartment w/ Full Bath and separate entry in a Luxury Neighborhood! *We will buy down your rate!!!* Nearly 3,000 sqft has been caringly renovated: new tile a...
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2518907 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Come see this amazing homestead. This amazing home sits on 67 acres and comes with a huge barn as well as a detached in-law sweet with an oversized garage. The home is a ...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2503461 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Rare Multi-Gen Home! Private cul-de-sac, versatile living with a complete suite on the 1st flr w/ private entrance which includes a living room, kitchen/bar, stackable la...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2525743 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Charming brick cottage with a basement, on a 1-acre lot in Mt. Bolus, a wooded neighborhood of large homesites convenient to UNC and all parts of Chapel Hill. Mature gar...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2533194 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Multi-generational mostly on one level with Wheelchair access! One of Mebane's most desirable neighborhoods with NO city taxes on an acre. This is an AWESOME find. 4 bed...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2518543 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
La La Lakeshore! Welcome to this mid-century split-level home in the beautiful Lake Forest neighborhood of Chapel Hill. This spacious residence offers 5 bedrooms, 4 bathr...
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2532354 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Come see this UPDATED retreat on over 5 acres of private wooded land in sought-after Wake Forest! Through the double doors is an elegant space filled w/ natural light- pe...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2512401 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Fabulous Five Points Craftsman Bungalow with easy walk to Underwood, Roanoke Park, Rialto, Third Place, Lilly's Pizza & access to downtown! Enjoy the grand front covered ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2528696 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
This stunning home lives WAY larger than it looks. The main level holds a formal dining, office w/glass doors, open kitchen w center island, walk in pantry, family room, ...
- 7 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2528732 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Dramatic SUNSETS & captivating VIEWS from all levels of this waterfront home on Holt Lake. Thoughtfully designed for easy lakefront living & gracious entertaining. Mesmer...
- 6 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2494913 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
This exceptional home is the epitome of gracious living & cozy ambiance for relaxing or entertaining! Inside you're greeted by an elegant, soaring 2 story foyer leading t...
- 7 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2504436 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Built in 1864, this 17-acre Old McKee-Miller Farm compound/estate gem is a slice of another era. Large, grand main 2700 SF house (plus 646 SF extra usable heated rooms!) ...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2527849 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful, spacious custom brick home on private 1.45 acre lot conveniently located between Raleigh & Cary. This home truly has endlessfeatures including a finished, walk...
- 4 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 2521272 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
BUILDER INCENTIVE AVAILABLE FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY! Ready in October: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2473651 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
BUILDER INCENTIVE AVAILABLE FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY! Ready in November: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ we...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2473657 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
BUILDER INCENTIVE AVAILABLE FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY! Ready in October: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2473653 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
BUILDER INCENTIVE AVAILABLE FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY! Ready in November: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ we...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2473656 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
BUILDER INCENTIVE AVAILABLE FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY! Ready in November: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome END UNIT by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terr...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2473659 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Labor Day special: 4WD UTV (golf cart) for buyer. Airbnb income opportunity! 6% seller financing available. Your RTP executive custom log home awaits on 26 acres in beaut...
- 4 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 2516235 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Welcome to unparalleled luxury and comfort in this Gary Jobe custom built executive home.Whether you prefer a private oasis or an entertaining dream home, this has it all...
- 4 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 2518958 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Marry THE HOUSE, Date THE RATE! This Five Points Beauty is walkable to Restaurants, Coffee/Doughnut Shop, Nail Salons, Breweries, Movie Theater, Parks and SO MUCH MORE! M...
- 4 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2470031 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Executive Estate Home in Cary NC, 2 ac. Enter A Breathtaking 2 story Great Room, -Natural Light~Beautiful Gleaming Hardwood Floors~Updated Kitchen & 5 Baths.1st Floor Pri...
- 6 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2513900 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Tucked away at the base of Bass Mountain in southern Alamance County near both the Research Triangle and the Triad is LeftFork Farm, a tranquil 82 acre parcel that featur...
- 8 Beds
- 8 Baths
- 2532766 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
On one of the most picturesque streets in Old Hope Valley resides a timelessly renovated sizable and charming home. This home boasts 6 BR’s & 5 1/2 Baths providing privat...
- 6 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2518539 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Experience the ultimate resort-style living at the Governor's Club, a prestigious gated community that boasts a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. This luxurious proper...
- 6 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2526214 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Gorgeous home in popular Flythe Hills on Cul-De-Sac. Featuring 6 Bedrooms. 5 1/2 Baths with a finished Basement, 3 Car Garage and In-Law Suite. 1st Floor Primary Bedroom ...
- 6 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2523210 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
This magnificent property is truly remarkable! This French Country style home with a Mediterranean vibe has 5 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms, and 8,593 hea...
- 5 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 2484608 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Understated opulence, a once in a lifetime opportunity. Secluded, strategically positioned on nearly three acres overlooking the 20th fairway, experience an elegant seaml...
- 5 Beds
- 8 Baths
- 2496117 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
When ordinary just won't do! ELEVATOR to all levels !Welcome to an estate home with distinctive architecture-gracious but not ostentatious;understated elegance with the w...
- 4 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2506785 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Tucked inside over 3 acres resplendent with magnolias and cherry blossoms, lies a home where craftsmanship, quality and execution come together to create the ideal balanc...
- 5 Beds
- 8 Baths
- 2499811 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Unquestionably one of the finest estates in all of NC, this exquisite property, with its nearly 11,000 sq. ft. home resting on over seven acres of beautiful grounds, is i...
- 5 Beds
- 9 Baths
- 2473018 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Exclusive, Private, Gated Estate on almost 4 acres. Exceptional property was featured in Parade of Homes and is located in the Back Nine. Master Craftsmanship displayed t...
- 5 Beds
- 9 Baths
- 2489349 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Luxurious elegance in every detail. This exquisitely crafted 11,600+ square foot home was designed and built on the perfect mountaintop site in the Highland Park neighbor...
- 4 Beds
- 9 Baths
- 2509283 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
The pinnacle of luxury living awaits beyond the gates of this incredibly private 14-acre estate in a premium north Raleigh location. Built for hosting, this special prope...
- 6 Beds
- 11 Baths
- 2511921 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listings provided courtesy of Triangle MLS, Inc. of NC, Internet Data Exchange Database. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2023 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. Data last updated .