A new way of living for aging adults is sweeping across the country and the grand opening of one of these model homes is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. in the River Club community at Hayes.

Shelia Byers, co-founder of SkyBlue Homes, LLC, and her business partner Barry Borden have designed a new concept of living. These “Terrace Homes,” are geared especially for seniors, empty-nesters and those who may find themselves single again.

Aside from larger hallways and doorways and low countertops, the design of these homes encompasses outdoor living, bringing the outdoors inside, without braving the elements. 

Walking through the front door of the model home, “Viera II” in River Club, the first thing that greets the guest or homeowner is large windows letting an abundance of natural light into the spacious living room and dining area.

Byers said the dining and living areas are designed with plenty of square footage. “We wanted the living and dining areas large enough to provide for a conversation setting when the kids come home to visit,” Byers said.

The 16-foot-long modern kitchen also features a large island bar for family get-togethers or gatherings with friends. It is also low enough so that if the homeowner uses a wheelchair later in life, they can easily roll up to the counter to prepare meals, etc. 

Though the living and dining areas are very open, Byers said another key element she and Borden tried to incorporate into the design is plenty of privacy. For instance, the outdoor area, though visible from inside the home, is not visible to others in surrounding homes.

Also, the design incorporates an option for a room upstairs with its own kitchenette and private bath. “We call it a flex room,” Byers said. “Many people now want to stay in their own home,” she added. This space allows the homeowner to bring a caregiver or family member in, but gives that person their own space and the homeowner his or her privacy as well.

The home’s spacious master suite also has large windows out to the terrace, bringing in abundant light despite what the conditions may be outdoors. The master bath is set up for ease of navigation if a wheelchair is necessary, including an oversized tile shower.

The master closet off the bathroom is large enough to be considered a bedroom in some homes. Byers said the concept behind that is that many people in the target age group have second homes. With the larger closet, they can have space to leave their suitcases without fully unpacking so that they are easily ready to go to the other home. 

“It’s the new thing,” Byers said. “We’re trying to make life simpler.”

Byers said four units are being built in the River Club community and she is in search of land near Gloucester Court House to build another cluster of these homes. She said that SkyBlue hopes to build 90 of these homes in cluster neighborhoods from here to Richmond. 

Though these homes are maintenance free, she said the company is trying to keep association fees to a minimum.

Finally, Byers said though these homes are geared toward an aging population, there are no age restrictions in place, and added the design is also perfect for working professionals.

This weekend’s open house is open to the community. For more information, visit www.skybluehomesllc.com.