4 generations, 4 homes, 1 lot: Vancouver family builds own private neighborhood

To help their kids afford housing in the Vancouver area, John and Kathleen Higgins demolished their family home of three decades to build 4 homes on the same lot for their kids, grandkids, and 94-year-old great-grannie.
In 1988, John and Kathleen Higgins bought a modest 1,300-square-foot rancher on a cul-de-sac in Delta, British Columbia, where they raised their seven children. Convinced that the typical 66-foot suburban lot was a waste of land, they began dreaming up alternatives, envisioning smaller homes clustered together to maximize space and community.
After years of pitching the idea to neighbors and local officials, the couple finally gained unanimous approval from the city in 2016 to demolish their old home and replace it with two duplexes-four homes in total-each with its own land title.
The new homes, two at 830 square feet and two at 1,150 square feet, provide a fresh start for the entire family. John and Kathleen now live in one unit, staying rooted in the neighborhood they’ve loved for decades.
Their sons, James and Patrick, each own a unit, a lifeline in a region where homeownership often feels out of reach. The fourth unit belongs to their daughter, who rents it to her 94-year-old grandmother, now surrounded by two great-grandchildren and one more on the way.
/ mysmallerhouse
John Higgins (architect) [e-mail]
Thanks to Patrick Higgins for additional footage: Higginsfilm.com
/ higginsfilm
On *faircompanies: faircompanies....

[@ditsehv3305]

she's so active and independent at 94! this is TRUE wealth

[@vishnuprasad7574]

She is 94 Wow

[@markbigbadbear]

I know, right? To be able to live out your sunset years amongst family and loved ones sounds like a dream. I'm willing to bet that her grand and greatgrand kids keep her young, too.

[@davidfoust9767]

Loneliness is deadly, and she won't be lonely.

[@startingoverbygrace]

She is so lively. God bless her.

[@julianakleijn9254]

@@ditsehv3305 OMG SHES 94!!! That lady looks incredible!!! She doesn’t even have that slow old lady voice! She’s sharp as a tack

[@gladysgreen2]

Helps solve the housing crisis but also the loneliness crisis. So heartwarming to see the different generations interact, loved how you kept the audio of the uncle and his nephew at the end.

[@MissTXTee]

I was just thinking about the social benefits of this arrangement. It wouldn't really work if the family members were at odds, tho!

[@gladysgreen2]

@@MissTXTee For sure, this seems like a well-adjusted family. Which isn't always the case

[@strandedinparadise8202]

I'm so envious of those little boys growing up with grandparents, great grandmpther and a fun uncle (and all his tech) all on the same property

[@EyalSwag]

Exactlyyy!

[@beckee6282]

Not if you hate being around your family 😬

[@powlowful]

This is the first time I watched a house video where I was more impressed with the family (grandparents specifically) than the house itself.

[@soulchorea]

right?? They're lovely

[@John-n8b5k]

True mine are fat ugly and lazy

[@SmushyMcMushy]

Wise and adorable. ❤

[@jagilo9677]

Me too! I could never do this with my mother in law. I would end up paying for the entire project and not own the land, so I would never agree. You cannot do this with toxic people

[@sunmoonstars2228]

How beautiful it is to see family together. Also, a fact that a daughter-in-law's sister has a room I mean, you can feel the warmth of this mum.

[@mhavock]

I guess the grandkids have no excuse to not visit the grandparents LOL

[@liamgauge3877]

As someone who lives in the UK I love watching guys from the US and Canada living in "tiny homes" that are bigger than the average home in the UK 😭😭

[@MrsSoftLifeGirly]

Tell me about it lol I cry every time I see it

[@blacbeuti]

My flat in the Uk is smaller than the youngest's living room lol. Im on a youtube house binge and i'm loving the space that the US and Canada offers

[@christaaah]

@liamgauge3877 As someone who lives in the Netherlands I had to laugh at them mentioning the "smallest sink you can get" in their little tiny half bath/watercloset. That sink is the same size as our main bathroom sink. 😅

[@Lorina-210]

so true for me the houses are a normal size

[@OldIloilo]

I live in a super small apartment in San Francisco so I feel the same way!

[@nutsbutdum]

These kids are lucky. They live near their grandparents and their great-grandmother. Wow!

[@Joedirt5]

That's annoying there's nothing lucky about that 😂

[@rogercloutier1419]

​@@Joedirt5 you say that now but some day you would give anything to hear that knock on the door again.

[@25Soupy]

@@OMGWTFLOLSMH 😂

[@RPcropland]

More like its how its supposed to be. People just dont love their families enough.

[@stargazer0001]

@Joedirt5 Hmm. It's more like you're the annoying one whose family can't stand to be around.

[@otter-pro]

The architect for this house (compound) needs an award! There are so many little obstacles that they had to overcome, to make this a reality.

[@danilochavarria7348]

@@otter-pro I’m fairly certain John (their grandpa) was the architect behind this. Just looking at his work station indicated that.

[@mc_416]

I think the couple that owned the original home are parents of the adult children. Grandparents of the littles. Then Grandma is Granny in the front left house. In any case, this is the missing middle we all need more of. There's so much Nimbyism, getting approval would not happen much if at all in Toronto. I've seen something similar, twice only in recent years, but not with 2 homes x 2, but rather split/stacked units. Not the same. This separation is key for keeping some degree of privacy, especially with regards to containing sound. Also can we talk about how awesome the laundry chute is? Only thing missing is an indoor slide, lol. Wishing them all the best. Wonderful family.

[@mc_416]

I think the couple that owned the original home are parents of the adult children. Grandparents of the littles. Then Grandma is Granny in the front left house. In any case, this is the missing middle we all need more of. There's so much Nimbyism, getting approval would not happen much if at all in Toronto. I've seen something similar, twice only in recent years, but not with 2 homes x 2, but rather split/stacked units. Not the same. This separation is key for keeping some degree of privacy, especially with regards to containing sound. Also can we talk about how awesome the laundry chute is? Only thing missing is an indoor slide, lol. Wishing them all the best. Wonderful family.

[@firesign4297]

🙏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@Brian-jv8iy]

@@mc_416 Yeah I don't get it. Where I'm from in Europe, Poland, you have a lot, you build what you want within it's bounds. Of course someone has to approve but no such things as one has to be smaller, etc. You can divide as much as you want. Or a meter for water a meter from the wall. and others. I want to buy in France now, and it is the same, simple. There is just checking from the city whether it is all safe, no rules about anything, I think these are called by laws in the US, or only in HOAs, those don't exist in this way.

[@aye3678]

This is a dream scenario. Those kids are going to really appreciate this when they grow up. What a blessing.

[@0Mike-0Mike]

@@aye3678 It really is a treasure.

[@Meanne77]

OR they will live so close knit that they will have trouble connecting with people outside of the "clan"

[@ChaosSpectator2020]

​@@Meanne77 There's a small chance of that happening. Clans in my asian continent tend to end up having close bonds with other clans. The clans that did the farming, the fishing, the little trades in the past in my town are still friends today. It's like an alliance of sorts and it opens up opportunities like "I work in this university, I can help you get into this organization, blah blah". It's like an alliance, having a network of people that can help you advance your career or life in general.

[@Jubafree]

@@Meanne77 come on bro they don't live in a isolated village

[@NancyCronk]

I was thinking the same thing. Lucky kids to have so much family around!

[@yodoleheehoo90]

What is even MORE miraculous is that this is a tightly knit, loving, and team oriented family where the kids are willing and happy to live near their parents/grandparents on the same lot even after they are grown! That takes dedication and real love to raise such a powerful foundation!

[@user-fd7gy9zh8x]

An anti depressant for elderly parents and grandparents. A piece of heaven for families that love each others company. ❤

[@ellag8068]

Can we just acknowledge how spunky grand mom is? She is just a ball of energy!! More families need to live like this to make it in this new America. Love it!!

[@Spurhope]

@@ellag8068 I think they are in Canada though but yes would be great everywhere.

[@Spurhope]

@@ellag8068 I think they are in Canada though but yes would be great everywhere.

[@CraftyGirlNC]

@@ellag8068 Totally agree!

[@baddie1shoe]

I agree too. I would have my children close my whole life if they want.

[@reynacamps6221]

This type of living arrangement would be so amazing! And so lovely how much the family loves each other to be excited about this kind of arrangement

[@intrinsicfactor5425]

_We live only a few blocks from this property. We are planning to do a similar venture on our lot with our grown children. Our lot is much larger at just under 14,000 sq ft so lots of options to explore. Thanks for doing this video. They are a wonderful family here in North Delta._

[@RTAV108]

I was wondering if the neighbours would adapt to the such a lovely concept, and here you are! ❤

[@mercury_rising]

@@intrinsicfactor5425 it would seem like parking would be an issue? Especially if you have visitors.

[@tasscoral7898]

Good for you, your children will be forever greatfull, i know I am living in southern Europe under the same arrangement.

[@aaykay4060]

@@mercury_risingvisitors can park on the street. Non issue.

[@intrinsicfactor5425]

.....because our lot size is quite large we will have ample room for off-street parking​ for all family members.@@mercury_rising

[@beataplaya]

Compared to enormous houses that are eventually sold when children move out and owners move to hospice, this family inspires people to consider a more holistic approach in life.

[@knowyourkismat]

@@beataplaya not everyone has the generational wealth to be able to do this

[@socialmedia-x8e]

@@knowyourkismat This is somewhat economical as the costs could be spread among four groups. There isn't much of a yard here though.. would like to see more rooftop gardens/outdoor living areas on these.

[@viviannefraser5974]

@@knowyourkismathmmmm.

[@MrCROBosanceros]

​@@knowyourkismatExactly, and they just raised property for everybody else in that neighborhood!

[@makeuplover6852]

@@knowyourkismat I dont see any generational wealth here, the oldest couple bought a moderate home, lived in it their whole adult life and paid it off, they then used the equity in that property to be able to kick start the project. They both are still working, FT...and they have to be in their mid 70's I would say, their children ALL have mortgages and the oldest couple are now also holding a mtg...so where exactly is this "generational wealth" you speak of? All I see are people who are working very hard and paying mortgages like most Canadians, if there was some sort of "wealth" here, the oldest couple would not have to carry a mortgage on their new house.

[@DukeOTN]

This kind of stuff is genuinely what America and Canada need more of. Less family separation and more communal engagement. Far too long have we built our communities to be expansive, and houses huge. Towns and cities start to feel less like like a community and more just an amalgamation of houses with land in between. It doesn't feel like a community, everyone and everything is so distant, yet close in a sense at the same time. Also back to the separation of families, while obviously you can't always stay together for many different reasons, and not every family is going to love each other in the same way. Keeping close like this is such a wonderful thing. I am fortunate to grow up on a street where my grandparents also have their home, so I saw them very often. Most people on the street were either family friends or very acquainted with one another, so it just feels like one close community. And now with my aunt and uncle moving in just a few houses down, we have even more family close by and it feels reassuring and comfortable. It makes me want to have a home close by as well and keep on the community feeling.

[@normanmusimwa2058]

I am impressed that the local authority ....... planning permission ....... allowed this. Fantastic idea.

[@peachyrider9987]

Wow, 4 generations living within feet of one another is so very special.

[@kirstendirksen]

Yeah, and they really do seem to get along extremely well. Though it's nice they all have their own homes when they want privacy so it's always an option to be social or not.

[@peachyrider9987]

@@kirstendirksen exactly that's why I love it. Thanks for your reply. I enjoy all your videos. You are very talented.❤️ Happy New Year!🎊 2025

[@joshfazenbaker5691]

Looks like failure to launch.

[@stinkfinger630]

@@joshfazenbaker5691what? Why make a comment like that? Weird.

[@BilalKhan-yg9jc]

​@@joshfazenbaker5691 You don't have to be broke to want to live with your parents and grandparents.

[@Shemra]

I lived in a multi-family home as a small child. The love and security I felt has stayed with me my whole life. God bless you all.

[@tammyburke9453]

beautiful comment!

[@evaszonyi4384]

That’s amazing!

[@Sunflowergarden77]

This level of care from mom and dad fully benefits their multigenerational family with dignity for all who live there. I have cared for seniors for 25 years many live in a very large home and are extremely lonely and rarely hear from their children. This family has an abundance of love. Thank you Kristen for showing what a family compound looks like. If more counties allowed multi family homes on one lot there wouldn’t be a housing shortage.

[@okaycola2]

💡

[@Muichiro_020]

In the Philippines, it's common to see extended families living in one lot (compound).

[@SeanTalkoff]

I’m in Ohio and the housing market here over the last 7-8 years is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Homes that were bought for $130K in 2015 are now being sold for $590k. I’m talking about tiny, disgusting, poorly built 950 square foot shit boxes in quiet mediocre neighbourhoods. Then you’ve got Better, average sized homes in nicer neighbourhoods that were $300K+ 10 years ago selling for $750k+ now. Wild times.

[@DonaldStokes-p]

Home prices will come down eventually, but for now; get your money (as much as you can) out of the housing market and get into the financial markets or gold. The new mortgage rates are crazy, add to that the recession and the fact that mortgage guidelines are getting more difficult.

[@PASCALDAB]

Home prices will need to fall by a minimum of 40% (more like 50%) before the market normalizes.If you are in cross roads or need sincere advise on the best moves to take now its best you seek an independent advisor who knows about the financial markets.

[@Tonyrobs2]

@@PASCALDAB this sounds considerable! think you know any advisors i can get on the phone with? i'm in dire need of proper portfolio allocation

[@viviancarolgioao]

@@PASCALDAB I've been looking to get one, but have been kind of relaxed about it. Could you recommend your advis0r? I'll be happy to use some help

[@PASCALDAB]

@@viviancarolgioao I've stuck with SHARON ANN MENY since the pandemic, and her performance has been consistently impressive. She’s quite known in her field with over two decades of experience, simply look her up.

[@SisterMomGranny]

I absolutely love this. And what a blessing to have 4 generations not only living but living together yet separate. I absolutely love this. Beautiful homes. Beautiful family.

[@gauravk_in]

"kids having connection with great grandma... That's a richness that we're really happy to have!" What a remarkable way to think about it!

[@Fred-zk3wv]

The grandmother is so enthusiastic to show off what they have achieved it's charming to watch and she always adds a little background story to each answer of a question, adorable!!! 🙂🙂🙂

[@thebelovedsbride9350]

I think this is every grandma and grandpa’s dream, to have all their grandkids and kids live close by and have family interaction 🥰❤️💕

[@rainbomg]

I wish I could give my mom something this lovely, what a blessing. These people seem absolutely lovely though, they absolutely deserve such a wonderful setup. Aspirational indeed.

[@kayla990]

The amount of thought behind every single space is incredible! The STORAGE is awesome. I don’t usually comment, but this was such an enjoyable watch because of the passion everyone has speaking about their spaces. So glad this was recommended

[@JNF7790]

Her mother looks amazing for 94 years old. That's beautiful

[@emilyl1094]

I think living closely together with her daughter/son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren do make her happier, healthier and lovelier. They can take care and look out for her well-being too.

[@TheDailyNetizen]

@@JNF7790 , agree! I had to look for this comment!

[@angelam4136]

What a delightful family. Props to the original mom and dad owners for their vision and generosity - you can see they have cut down on their own living space even to the point of sharing it with their daughter in law's sister so she can care for their grandkids, and their own daughter giving her house to her great grandma shows the same generous spirit. A truly inspiring video.

[@mch4735]

so true!! Very loving family!!

[@SoothingHerbs]

Grandma pays the grand daughter rent. She didn’t quite give it. She lives elsewhere witj her husband anyway

[@cookiemonster2630]

@@SoothingHerbs the rent is probably not even half of what she had to pay at a senior living facility, haha.

[@TheHomeDesigner123]

My wife and I did a similar thing with a corner property we owned. We were able to sever the property into three lots. The original lot contained a triplex apartment which we use to supplement our pensions while the two new lots were given to our sons to build on. One son was married with a child while our youngest was still single.Each son arranged building loans to construct a home on their land, utilizing the land as the down payment for the mortgages. They both built lovely three storey, three bedroom three bath homes. We launched both boys extremely well.

[@amt7877]

@@TheHomeDesigner123 I am planning on doing this with my middle and youngest. The eldest like to live on her own. The youngest child and middle always want to be close to us. The middle child said a free lot to built on heck yeah mom and dad plus when I have kids free babysitter.

[@AdeleMcAlear]

This is so beautiful. I'm envious. The parents who dreamt this have given their family such an incredible gift of independence, equity, and aging-in-place community. Just the best solution.

[@Tanja_Ilic]

We in Serbia have been living like this for centuries! Several generations together. It's paradise for children!

[@mattcunliffe5154]

As a 36 year old that has lost both parents, watching this and seeing this family so close together brings a tear to my eye... For them to be able to spend so much time together as an extended family is incredible.x

[@dannsherstone1037]

I would never have thought that this channel would put out a vlog that made me cry. I am so happy for this family, especially for great-grandma and the children; who have the safety and security of family 24/7.

[@tayloranderson456]

It's so sad how many grandparents or great grandparents end up living so far removed from loved ones. This is how we should do it.

[@DOGakaDefenderOfGems]

The richness of their lives is beyond words. This lovely woman is giddy showing off, so proudly, her beautiful family neighborhood. And proud she should be. Brilliant planning...and what a legacy.

[@cherylcarr5690]

My cousin has done this with his wife’s family on their family land. Here in New Zealand it is called a papakāinga. Nana is there along with her four children, all in their own homes, and it is such a pleasure to watch all the cousins running and playing together 🥰. I love it!!!!

[@charlieosko4151]

That's so cool.

[@PaKePo]

Amazing designs. Each house is so spacious and all of them have their own gardens and stuff. And such a nice family. 10/10. Thank you for making this video

[@Anthony-bl4rc]

Wow! What an absolute solid 94 year old. She is so present, active and bright at that age.

[@lz6364]

Yesss!! She is moving very fast and talking at the same time too! Way to go grandma!! Her energy is amazing, you can tell shes excited to show her family and home, they are sweet!

[@Skydiggz]

The husband and pregnant wife took storage and space saving to another level. Definitely stealing some ideas for my family here in L.A.

[@heythave]

They’ve got so much stuff, like most home owners.

[@StevoE7]

They're rapidly outgrowing their unit. Not sure if they can expand but they're going to have to do so. Perhaps switch son and grandma in the front houses and take the loft?

[@rainbomg]

@@StevoE7huh? The front houses are way smaller than the back houses are, they even mentioned “for now” when talking about living there. I think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, and they seem clever and adaptable enough to sorta figure things out as they go. Everyone seems to have a good mix of creativity, gratitude, adaptability and tenacity in this family to keep improving and adjusting as needed. They don’t have that much stuff, esp if you don’t count the clothes (I suspect the family’s high volume of clothing has something to do with the chute’s high capacity for holding and hiding dirty clothing, if that chute is visible from the top floor, imagine how long it might take to get to your own favorite sweater you wore a week ago when it’s on top of 3 other people’s dirties for the previous week?) everything else seemed to be a fair amount of ephemera for a family of 4. Alliteration just happened there, but I ain’t mad about it! Yea but I do think that chute was a great idea in theory, but in practice I bet it is actually causing more of a problem, like they probably can’t keep the laundry current bc if they did they wouldn’t be able to store all the clean clothes at once. And so they probably have a lot of multiples that you’d normally only have one of, bc of how long it takes to find your own stuff when it’s mixed in with everything. Plus, I imagine mildew or stains would transfer and ruin things from just one wet towel or spaghetti covered shirt in that tube. But ya don’t know till you try, ya know? None of us made perfectly efficient household setup choices at 24.

[@myt1soo320]

For a grandma in her 90s, she moves around really quick! This seems like a reasonable way to deal with the cheaper housing issue, senior living issue, and cost of living (I’m sure there is almost zero waste in food).

[@roluvsh]

I love everything about this video. It’s so wholesome! I love that the parents are still working full-time. Gives them a sense of purpose. The 94-year-old lady is inspiring

[@Allinmyworld]

Omg I'm in love with this! 2 WFH spaces, a basement, close family nearby, laundry, a nanny's quarters very awesome. 4 foot tub i wonder if a Japanese fudo might have worked in the situation as well? Very nicely laid out. I always told my sister if we could take our 2 apartments and put them together we would have the perfect house situation. Also you get to see the house is a great fit from young man just starting out, to family, to older parents, to aging so really this could stay in the life for many lifetimes and different generations.

[@cupbowlspoonforkknif]

Great point about different life stages. Having different sized houses to move through depending on life stage while staying on the same property would be great.

[@samanthahoos9827]

❤When I was getting married 30 years ago coworkers said they wanted to buy land to have all their children raise families in their own homes on the same land. This brings tears to my eyes! It’s fabulous!😊😊

[@teniolamofola]

I love how she speaks about the house with so much passion 😊 You can tell she's so proud and happy 😊😊

[@Hjggbjhvb]

This is so sweet, I think this kinda way of living is going to be the way forward. People are struggling with childcare and retirement homes is not a good option for many people. Truly inspiring

[@seanohalloran0]

Commenting from London, UK where we have similar housing problems. I think what's really worth valuing here is that this family has considered the future uses of their property in how they've developed it. These lots may not be shared by one family 20 years from now, but they will offer a range of housing for differing needs, and with the flexibility to adjust as per those needs. Lots of development planning tends to be relatively short-medium term focused, and it feels like this has a slightly longer term vision behind it. The sensitivity to their local environment (such as ensuring the front elevations fit with the rest of the neighbourhoods aesthetic - compare it to their next-door neighbours!!!) is also incredibly thoughtful. Lots to analyse and learn from here! Kudos to their ability to combine common sense and efficiency whilst also maintaining a homely and caring environment!

[@PropertyOpportunityProfit]

I love this. Im 54 and have been planning this for our kids. We currently have 2 grandchildren and are expecting twins in March. 4 Grandbabies

[@MessagefromMichael]

This is SO WELL DONE. SO THOROUGH. LIVE the time lapse, the history, the comments, the fore planning. The MATRIARCH going to all 30 neighbors...so wonderful

[@MessagefromMichael]

Love not live

[@thinkplanetearth2946]

I love everything about this story. And you're right Kirsten, this how people used to live years ago. And how wonderful that the great grandmother is there so that she isn't alone and that her great grandkids come over. And as a single person those front homes are plenty. In fact, they would work even he got married and had a kid. Such a smart thing that they did.

[@makeuplover6852]

This is still how people live in many countries out side of Canada and the US which due to our vast amount of land has adopted an attitude of ' I do not want to live with my parents" either at the early stages of adult hood, nor when their parents begin to require care. MANY cultures simple are raised that it is honorable to have your parents move in with you when one passes and/or poor health makes it necessary for them to live with someone else. The reality is, we have a couple generations of young adults who think they should be able to afford a brand new 4 bedroom 5 Bathroom house and a chefs kitchen right out o f university. The expectation is absolutely bonkers. I am 56, I worked two jobs a FT corporate job and another 24 -30 hours every week for at least 15 years. NO parties, no going out late on weekends as I opened stores every Sat and Sun morning. I worked every Wed-Fri nite after I finished my day time job.I had two roommates in my very small two bedroom apartment, my best friend and I slept together for 3 years. THIS is how people my age, and older actually afforded to eventually buy our first place which was in my case a condo in Toronto that was 700 sq ft. Every bonus I ever made went straight to my MTG. No fancy cars, no louis vuitton bags. I did have fun, I had a small group of friends who were all working as hard as me, we went out and did very cheap things. So for sure life is different today and housing is absolutely crazy and over priced. but no boomer or Genx had it easier than those in their 20's today, we just expected FAR less, were content with far less and worked MUCH harder and were prepared to live accordingly so we could eventually buy our first place.

[@hrhdmk5845]

@@makeuplover6852 I agree with everything you wrote except perhaps the expectations of younger generations… many, but not all of them, feel so entitled. The job market has been pretty bad since I retired in 2012 (at age 47), so I kind of feel sorry for the 20-somethings now. But you’re right, none of them seem to get that they’ll need to have housemates or even roommates to share the expenses. Yes, this means having to figure out how to get along with different kinds of people… I had to do that from when I first began attending university away from home, up until about 6 years into post-graduation employment. Still another 7 years after that I continued to rent, although I did manage to find my own apartment in a very old building (lucky for me, my BFF found her own apartment in the same building, just 2 doors down). So, no real luxury living with new appliances and modern conveniences for me (nothing like the luxury these lucky family members are enjoying here. I do envy them that!). I saved and invested, to be able to buy a very old little bungalow by the time I was 34. (All at Toronto prices. So, it is possible, but you can’t be going out for dinner or going on exotic vacations all the time).

[@Brian-jv8iy]

In italy they still do live like that. I moved half a year ago, and while most of my friends don't because I am in a big city, one lives outside of it in a smaller city, and his girlfriend's parents and uncles built on top of an old family factory a "twin" apartment, three story, with a courtyard and shared party space. Separate apartments, quite big, with terraces, but a lot of private space and being with family, raising standard of living, while lowering costs through shared expenses. I could do it, I want to buy in France, and I definitely want my parents to visit often, or live there for a longer time, but don't want them with me inside my apartment. I wanted buy a "duplex" as americans call it. To rent out the other, but I'll wait for something that is possible to separate in three so my family can stay there.

[@bapbap22]

Great grandma will probably get many extra months or years of extra life here compared to a senior living situation

[@bidsvon6379]

I love that the entire generation of families are living together like a big joint family ❤

[@vbrown6445]

This is a great outcome for this family. Great idea from Mom and Dad, who luckily already owned land (and had equity), history in the neighborhood, and smart ideas about how to make the space work. I see a lot of comments about this being the way we used to live and how most in the world still live. But it's not. This is a blend of both the independent living of the US/Canada/Western Europe, along with the close proximity/multi-generational living that everyone used to do. This is the best of both worlds. They each have their own space/own home/independence, but are close enough to see each other whenever they want, and to help each other whenever needed. Great-grandma and the great-grand-kids are the biggest winners in this situation. How wonderful for them!

[@joker6solitaire]

This development is even better than I imagined it would be! I expected stacked units with someone in a basement apartment. Instead, each household has such an airy, open, ground-level living space! And the family with the laundry chute (which my 100-year-old childhood house had, too 😄) has WAY more space than I expected with that full, finished basement. The broader family's setup is similar to what I've dreamt of for my own family. Growing up in a large old home, as a 90s kid I always envisioned living there as an adult with extended family, like Full House or Family Matters on TV. We had so much space that the basement and attic could have been converted into apartments while retaining the two spacious main floors of the original house. And as I got older, I fantasized about building an apartment over the detached garage. When one of my sisters purchased our childhood home from our dad, she renovated it from top to bottom. It's now a massive single-family home with the attic turned into a finished living space, and I LOVE it! But I still wish I could turn the attic into an apartment for myself 😄 I love being close to my sister's family, but I definitely need my own separate apartment. (We all tried quarantining together during COVID lockdowns, and it was too difficult to live in one united household.) I guess I'll just have to live vicariously through the darling family in this video.

[@egl3369]

This couple is so generous and thoughtful toward their family. It's beautiful to see. So many just hoard wealth and don't share.

[@evaszonyi4384]

It looks like they truly love their children.

[@alexr8502]

They are generous & thoughtful because they’re a follower of Christ. I can say this, because I can see ✝️ signs on the walls.

[@cw7368]

very generous parents to help their family out in this way. it is cool to see this set up working for the family

[@RealSalica]

It is a good thing for the parents and grand parents to be close , loneliness is such a big issue now.

[@suestone914]

I would do this in a heart beat. Benefits everyone

[@cw7368]

@@suestone914 me too!

[@TheShotgundiplomat]

A rare boomer Win

[@HuxtableTV]

That's what parents are about. - At least, they are supposed to be.

[@jeanrichardson2044]

Love this. The happiest years of my childhood were when my grandparents lived down the street, in an old Edwardian, with their eldest daughter, her husband and six children. We visited daily on the way to school. As her eldest children left home,she took in my widowed uncle and his baby daughter. My aunt was an amazing person, looking after us all, and tolerating dozens of visitors.

[@SolWaid1965]

Family is everything!

[@inipuspaarum]

They like our family, we also 4 generation but only with 3 family. Its so fun, coz we can see each other everyday. When my grandma sick, my mom will take care of her, and when my mom sick and must going to hospital, my aunt will take care of me. Sometimes when i bored im going to my grandma house to talk with her, or watching tv on my aunt place! I hope the family always happy and healthy 🤍

[@MrCrocoxxx]

That lady...and het husband are completely genius! Amazingly thought and super nice thing to have the whole family together. The dream we all dream about

[@shirleygardner5483]

Great plan for all the family members. What the parents did for their children is a special gift and Grandmother. Not to be regretted. The houses were well planned. Especially the home with the small children.

[@eattherich9215]

I love what the parents have done, but the son with children is already outgrowing the space.

[@hrhdmk5845]

@@eattherich9215 Is he though? I think they seem to have straddled the Swedish/Nordic aesthetic of minimalism combined with the ‘having lots of stuff’ sensibilities of North Americans pretty well. Love the laundry chute & drying rack ideas - brilliant! (I grew up in the ‘70’s in a 900-square-ft bungalow, my parents had three kids. The basement was finished in the mid-1970’s, low ceilings. We were fine, I really didn’t feel deprived, most of my friends grew up similarly. My parents owned that house until they passed, and I bought it from their estate.

[@AmbersHouseDIY]

This is amazing. Very generous parents. The land they gifted to their children is valued at several million dollars.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I doubt that. It's Delta, not Point Grey or West Vancouver. The median home/land price in Delta is around $1.4M, and that includes a house. The land here might be valued around $1 million right now, and probably less when they started this venture, years ago. Regardless, it's still a generous gift of about $250k per house.

[@segundacuenta726]

I think it's more a project and a dream to live all "together" rather than a gift as a donation or something like that.

[@rainbomg]

@@segundacuenta726the ability to do this alone is nearly impossible though, especially considering the location, the schools, and that it’s a new build. Like, she was saying that at first 2 of the kids didn’t have the sufficient credit history necessary to get approved for the mortgages, but they were able to get theirs later when the houses were done, and that’s major. No one else can find a new construction unit, customized for you by someone who isn’t trying to skimp on every possible expense to squeeze out profits, in a great neighborhood with friendly neighbors and a responsible tenant to cover your mortgage payments on their own

[@donleelee8782]

Pure generational Love. Does not come by chance, requires work of all family members. What a blessing for your family 💯❤❤

[@g.burney4714]

This is how you plan for the future great story. The way that these seniors took the initiative to plan for their grandchildren even before they were born love ❤this story 8:08

[@tinageorge8058]

@@g.burney4714 EXACTLY

[@MrsKE533]

My husband got to interview this family and they invited my husband and I over for coffee. They are so wonderful and so passionate about making it possible for others to build homes like this. I wish more people thought like them!

[@hode126]

This is such a refreshingly authentic video. Feels like a conversation with your own relatives.

[@Justme-er7ju]

Fabulous solution! Wish I had family that could have done this! On a side note: I had a friend that lived in that same neighbourhood. At about 13:56 in this video there is an aerial shot of the neighbourhood. Margaret's house was the grey roofed house towards the upper right right with a white balcony. She passed away during 2022 and I was so happy to see this video and again remember the happy times I spent with Margaret in that house.

[@vingasoline1]

I dreamt of this for my family before. Being a Filipino we were raised as closed knit family and i can only wish that we grow old raising our own families this way. This is so lovely everyone can support each other and share the love. Congratulations for a work well done.❤

[@anwayapimpale2644]

Finally a story on my second home turf British Columbia ❤️ I love how this multi generational family has found a way to live together in these crazy times. Parents had amazing foresight

[@kirstendirksen]

They definitely had foresight. Their kids were only in their 20s and no families to house when they started it, and no granny ready to bring into the fold at that point.

[@anwayapimpale2644]

@ That is one lucky family. I have been a subscriber for years and have always wondered how you find these unique stories all over the world ?

[@owleeva]

22:52 the laundry duct is the dopest part of this whole video 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽

[@jacolinechase537]

FASCINATING FAMILY that obviously LOVES ONE ANOTHER VERY MUCH and is experiencing a once in a lifetime DREAM HOME SITUATION. Four Generations on 1 Property. INCREDIBLE IDEA!!!!! Just LOVE It.❤❤❤

[@dixiechubb9891]

That woman seems like an incredible person. This is what family is! I wish more people had a woman like her in their family. The world would be a much better place.

[@mistygeller3193]

How great is that!!! It suits every person or families needs and brings the family closer together! There’s always a helping hand nearby and privacy too!!! What a remarkable couple!! And I love granny! What a sweetheart 🥰❤️

[@olatundeolaniyi7669]

Great grandmum would live up to 100 this way. Nothing as good as having your most loved ones around you. And having 4 generations together nothing beats it. Ingenious idea! I bet many more structures like this one will spring up . By the way, I have seen similar living conditions when I visited Egypt in 2017, but there own style is story buildings- it could be as much as 6 story buildings, and every member of the family gets a floor to themselves . Bravo ! 👏🏿

[@Brian-jv8iy]

It is interesting how here, the video, and all people, present this as somewhat of a novelty, which I do find a bit amusing, (not in a negative way), while the Egyptian way, is too extreme for me. As the more to the East and south you go, the more "traditional", "non individual", so basically taught, forced societally values are. Just I mean the people there often have a need to live like that, as they deem it as not what they want, but what should be done. I wish everyone to have a loving family, and if possible also live like this, but in a middle spot, so it is healthy/

[@oursimplestory]

This is wonderful! Thank you to the Higgins family for sharing this! We have always advocated for smaller living and this is amazing to see!

[@Kagekozo]

This is just incredible. We should allow this as a norm or at least as an alternative, regardless of multi-generational concept in mind. That laundry shoot is ingenious!

[@kirstendirksen]

They do allow it in British Columbia now thanks to the Higgins example. Here's what Kathleen said about it (that I didn't include in the piece): "They changed the legislation to allow 4 units per big lot all over BC and they use our project as an example". Thanks for the reminder to get that info out there.

[@Kagekozo]

@@kirstendirksen Thank you for the clarification. I was thinking out loud about this being an accepted norm globally. Wishful thinking, I know.. 🙂 However, thank you for sharing this, I enjoyed it very much.

[@Ellie.12866]

I grew up in a big 2 story house that had a laundry shoot. Such a convenience. Unfortunately, our cat hated it and he hated my brother for dropping him down it more than once.

[@intrinsicfactor5425]

We live a couple blocks away from the Higgins and plan to do a similar venture. The Provincial Government will allow up to 6 units if the property is within 400 metres of Public Transit that leaves at least every 15 minutes. Our lot is within that distance but transit (bus) on 112th street only moves at 30 minutes intervals so 4 units permitted only on our lot. I recently attended the City of Delta's "Planathon" meeting and met with City planner etc officials on what could be constructed on our lot. Thanks again for doing this video. I am sharing it with my friends and neighbours here in N.Delta. ​@@kirstendirksen

[@dianasandberg7854]

@@Ellie.12866 Nitpick: It's a chute. We had one when I was growing up too.

[@John.Torres]

This is awesome. I wish I could live this close from my in-laws. No driving, no traffic, more connected to people. Specially if you don't have a family here. Simply awesome

[@phylliscraine]

Really fantastic design and architecture. At the end of he day it all about design, not fancy finishes. The contrast with the huge single family house next door is interesting.

[@luckyfromsurrey]

Could be they have the same living arrangement

[@YCHuen-ed4sk]

I love how they all make it work, in this era, a lot of young families starts with a lot of waste and wants, lives beyond theirs needs and capabilities but not for this big family, they live within their needs and makes it work. They respect boundaries while maintaining close connection to each other. You don't need a bigger house to be comfortable, you just need enough and have a peace of mind that you don't go bankrupt in persue of things you don't need.

[@hazelem1266]

Love this property. My sister in South Africa has my parents on her property in a granny flat, with 5 generations living on the property. A tip for the barn door: my husband put a track guide at the bottom of the door which fixes to the wall and not to the floor. This stops the flapping.

[@AudreyHeadley]

Live this family. This is how we live on 12 acre property in Jamaica 🇯🇲 each of my mom brothers and sisters get their piece of land, they share with their kids and grandkids ❤❤❤

[@catherinerandall1966]

What an absolute pleasure it was to watch this! Ingenuity overload! The fold up desk chair, laundry shoot, everything utilizing every square inch. Each house is exactly that..a house!

[@christianefleurant7089]

Thank you so much for this one Kirsten. That's a lot of wisdom and generosity from this woman/mother/grand-mother who carry the world on her shoulders. Yes I think many people will have to accept that a house should first be used to meet our needs not to show off our wealth. From Montréal. Canada.

[@vilaslemen-original]

Great idea. In Europe, in Slovenia, where I live, many families live similarly. It is true that houses have extensions where there are new units. Because we are so used to it, sometimes there is a lack of intimacy, we have a popular saying: The parents' home and the children's home should be just far enough apart that you can't visit in your slippers. This is arranged here. Such a comprehensive solution is very good. It is important that family members love each other, live together and at the same time have their own intimacy. Your houses are now the same size as most in Europe. With such a house, it also everything costs less. This is probably not the standard in the USA and Canada, because you are used to everything being big. But there are many benefits in such a house, especially when you are older, because you don't have to walk kilometers to get from bed to kitchen. There is also no big empty space, it doesn't echo if you are home alone. Finally a video from the land across the pond - showing a home where I feel at home. My tribute to all family members, a beautiful example of how you can live a quality life, that you are safe, happy and satisfied. Hugs from Slovenia.

[@belindagrimes2418]

This is wonderful honoring our elders by keeping them close and loved.

[@joycecansler6429]

Tremendously innovative and thought out. As a 73 grandma of 4 I’m envious, and grateful for this family.

[@cyndeeh]

What an awesome way to combat the housing crisis! Wow! Love this channel !

[@MrCROBosanceros]

😂, Do you really believe in that? It will never happen in Vancouver, never again!

[@germainesf]

@@MrCROBosanceros Well not with that attitude. 😮 And certainly not if areas like Kits don’t want building at all. East Van seems to be taking the heavy lifting of having older houses and duplexes knocked down and McMansions put in. Or the gazillion monster condo towers that are built like poop and no one really wants to live in them. (looking at you, Coquitlam)

[@MrCROBosanceros]

@@germainesf We are getting less and less for more

[@tibbs4000]

I have to say this is one big loving family - they have to be. Not all families love each other enough to do this. But what a wonderful way to live!! These are really beautiful people!

[@SAmaryllis]

This whole thing is amazingly designed, but I do have to call out how much I love the laundry chute! 😂 Everything's so practical and clever. What a great example that we can hopefully build more house lots like!

[@Vamp2seeu]

This is so wonderful. This is how family’s should be living and helping one another. That gramma is so lucky to be around her grandchildren and great grandchildren ❤

[@sheenabell2742]

This is brilliant. I am European so I know a lot about compact leaving. I love what this family did. I wish I had a family to do it with or any family that wants to do this and I would be a part of that. This is really awesome. My eyes were "huge" watching this as I did not consider this was possible in Canada. Thank you for showing this.

[@elizabethmorton4904]

This is absolutely brilliant! I've recently become involved in housing advocacy (in Calgary, AB), and my response is: this is great for a family that already owns land outright that is large enough for 4 homes on the ground, has the financial capacity to develop, and is a very healthy family system where they can live together happily and productively. It is not a solution for the very many households that are suffering from the housing crisis. But for this, particular, family it is perfect. I wish many more people could live as they do!

[@river8760]

Yes, definitely works for the kind of family unit that likes to be around one another. I wouldn’t want it with my Mom who is a narcissist.

[@musicathand]

I feel like this would be good, even if it wasn't family and a solution to [in my opinion] ugly cramped row houses where you walk out your door and see bob BBQing right beside you LOL. Everyone technically has their own yards in this layout and driveway. I would love to see these developed into actual neighborhoods.

[@SandipDas30]

That laundry hatch is brilliant. Love to family especially to the great grandma

[@gaiaaoi1005]

Here in SEA (particularly Philippines) have a similar setup, we call it a compound. Multiple extended families live in 1 big lot with different houses. So fun when all kids can do sleepover easily ❤

[@TubeDeviant]

LOVE THIS..!! This is amazing. As a Vancouverite, I'm not even close to owning a piece of property. Seeing this , as well as a new federal government coming in soon, brings hope that if I work hard enough and save enough, I can also live that elusive dream of owning my own home. Seeing how this multi-generational family lives together is inspiring, how resourceful and creative they are. They are literally making it work in what is currently some of the world's most expensive real estate market. More than 50% of the people in Vancouver rent. I would LOVE to see more of these projects in Vancouver and the surrounding cities.

[@litame3814]

🙏🏾 This video …. My heart is full ! This family is intentional and beautiful! Great grandmother is so Humble and lively !!!! I want this for my parents and children!!! Austin, Tx

[@suehogan901]

I grew up having my mother’ family within 2 miles radius. It was so secure-anybody could and would be at your house within minutes. This is a suburban take on that rural collective-independent living, near-instant support without claustrophobia. Nobody’s staying home because there isn’t a sitter available. Nobody’s nose is in anybody else’s house. Very well done. I admit to some envy, as my adult children begin to sprout offspring, and the travel across the continent becomes… tedious.

[@anaalves3658]

My grandparents on my dad's side had land that their kids built their own homes on. One of my dad's sisters raised her family in the house she grew up in, as she looked after her aging parents. The 2 youngest siblings live next door to each other, the oldest sibling lived at the end of the road to her parents and her oldest son lived next door to our grandparents and around the corner from his parents. My mom's youngest sister lived on my parents property, she had a little flat that my parents built for her, she moved in with her partner almost 4 years ago and moved out, but she is only 2 houses away 😂. My mom can't drive, but she can easily walk to all of her siblings and in-laws houses 😊. I live 20 minutes away by car. But I used to live on another continent and my sister still does. My husband has 2 siblings and all 3 of them live on different continents. Work and relationships sometimes dictate that we move away and it can't be helped. There is a certain amount of guilt that goes with not being present for your parents 😢 as there are limitations on how much you can help from afar.

[@anneillerbrun7909]

This is for people who absolutely LOVe the challenge of building codes, inspectors and bureaucracy. Kudos to all of them for working together to create the life they want.

[@jenhayes7189]

I agree, from everything that was said it seemed a mammoth task to get very involved with building codes etc what patience & intelligence to do all that !

[@andriaedstrom7796]

The level of excitement from the entire family to talk about their homes you can tell the pride in their work. This should be implemented all around the world as options for our housing issues!

[@4thaluvofeverything]

This was very well planned and thought out in terms life layout, functionality, and family interaction! I love what you’ve done with the property and homes, especially having granny close by independent and happy ❤

[@olayinkaoyo]

This is just beautiful. How many people in the US or Canada actually get to grow up with a Great-grandparent, let alone, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins … Even the daughter-in-law’s sister, I ❤ it! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@SolWaid1965]

Yes! This is one, big happy family! God bless them.

[@auntdee5807]

This is a fabulous video! I loved seeing the multi-generations living so close. Yes, back in the day, this was common.. I love that the ever so young 94 yr old great- grandmother is able to share in this adventure.

[@rmk6693]

Brilliant plan & impeccably executed. I love the respect for the neighbors & getting their buy-in. So many don’t appreciate that - and it only takes one neighbor to object & stop the whole thing. It would be a dream to live generationally like this - especially if you have a healthy family- good boundaries. ♥️👍🏼

[@carmenhart2640]

This family is so sweet! I kept smiling throughout the video because of them. ❤ As a fellow "BC'er" I'm so impressed with how they made home ownership work for their family in such an expensive province.

[@DanaDeVeaux-j3r]

How fabulous that these parents were thinking of their kids with this awesome design. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@mc8885]

Family is everything, money is good. But having people who care, is what's it's all about. What a great space for all!