Barbara and David Beavin’s two daughters urged them for years to move closer. The couple raised their family in Lilburn, where they lived for 32 years. Their daughters moved to Cobb County and Atlanta, just outside the Perimeter.
After David retired four years ago and they became grandparents, the couple decided to no longer endure traffic and delays on Interstate 285 to see their family. A new townhome with an elevator in Cobblestone Manor in east Cobb provided a halfway spot just 10 minutes south and north from each daughter. Now, they also watch their 3-year-old grandson while his parents work.
Barbara chatted about their three-bedroom townhome in Marietta, how they downsized and what they enjoy about living in the Ashton Woods neighborhood.
Q: How long did you look for a new home?
A: I think we looked for nine months all over the area. We looked at single-family homes in Cobblestone Manor when the townhomes were being built, so we came in another day to look at the townhomes and fell in love with them.
Q: Why did you decide to downsize?
A: It's funny because these townhomes are so large (3,034-3,295 square feet) that it really wasn't downsizing. My husband likes not having a lawn to take care of anymore.
Q: What are your favorite special features?
A: I've never lived in a house that had tall ceilings like this. The windows let a whole lot of light into the front of the townhome. There was a room that was supposed to be used as a dining room, but I used it for a sunroom. We don't have the front windows covered because I just love the light shining in. Everything in here was exactly what I wanted. The wall colors, the flooring, the counter in the kitchen, I mean, it was like I was checking off all of the things I had wanted for the home. I think that is what told us this is where we wanted to be.
Q: How did you prepare to move?
A: I'm an antique collector. After family looked through some stuff and got what they wanted, I had an estate sale. I kept the things I thought we needed or would work well in the townhome. My favorite thing about the move is being uncluttered.
Q: What’s your favorite memory so far about living here?
A: Being able to get together with family at unexpected times, like a random Sunday afternoon. Our home is close enough that if our grandson is doing something for Halloween we can run over and see him, where we couldn't have done that before.
Q: How did the neighborhood feel like home?
A: I loved the diversity of the community. I saw tiny babies, I saw teenagers, I saw retirees like us, and I just loved that.
Q: Any tips for other senior homebuyers?
A: Think about a townhome. I know some people might have issues with townhomes because of the stairs, but it is lovely with the elevator.
At a Glance
Barbara and David Beavin’s townhome, built by Ashton Woods in early 2015, has three bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths. Townhomes in Cobblestone Manor, which have three to four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths, range from $574,900-$594,900.
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