Senior Living
Bruce and Mary Dunker tested out downsizing first.
After they sold their 7,000-square-foot home in Alpharetta, the couple rented a house that was half that size to see if the smaller space would work for them. While renting, they researched active adult communities near Duluth’s St. Ives Country Club, where they are members.
Bruce, 63, and Mary, 72, who are both retired from the automotive industry, chatted about their home in Brookhaven at Johns Creek.
Q: How did you determine how much you wanted to downsize?
Mary: That was one of the reasons we leased a house for a year. Then from there, we decided what size home we would be happy in, knowing all along that we were going to downsize more. We began to really decide that this is what we would want to do.
Q: How did Brookhaven at Johns Creek stand out?
Mary: They have the condominiums, or villas, and then you have single-standing homes. It was very eye appealing. There is a beautiful clubhouse just as you come in. It just felt like home. We went in other communities with condos and villas, but every time we would come back here. Then we started going into the model homes. The first time I went into the model home here, I thought, "Oh, my goodness, this is probably it," but we still kept looking. This would be our last move, and we wanted to make 100 percent sure this is what we wanted to do.
Bruce: We just really liked not having to worry about the exterior or anything having to do with the house. As we were getting older, it just made more sense to us, not to have to worry about maintenance.
Q: How did the home feel spacious?
Bruce: It felt a lot larger than others because of the high ceilings and openness.
Mary: When I walked into the model home, I said, "Oh, this is just perfect." I walked in the front door, and it had a hallway to the left and hallway to the right. It felt like it was wrapping its arms around me.
Q: Where do you have extra space?
Mary: A bonus room can be used as either an extra bedroom or whatever we want it to be. Right now, we are actually utilizing the storage part of it. Coming out of a big home, we did get rid of a lot of stuff before we moved in here, but we still had a lot. That extra room has been a lifesaver.
Bruce: It will probably become a play area when the grandkids (seven, with one great-grandchild on the way) come over.
Q: What are some things you specifically wanted to have in the home?
Mary: Because I love to cook, I needed double ovens instead of the single oven. We had the butler's pantry built in.
Q: If people are looking for a social neighborhood, what are some of the activities you enjoy that they should be looking for?
Bruce: Every Wednesday, we meet at the clubhouse, and people bring hors d'oeuvres and their wine or cocktails or Coke. We do a Saturday night dinner once a month. The ladies play canasta and bingo and Mexican Train (a game played with dominoes). It's just been terrific.
At a glance
Bruce and Mary Dunker’s new home in Brookhaven at Johns Creek, a Jim Chapman Community, has three bedrooms, three baths and about 2,375 square feet. They moved in during May. Homes are listed from $280,000-$480,000.
