If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, millions of Americans are part of this movement, and the number is growing with each passing year. For you, spending time outside, enjoying all the wonders Mother Nature has to offer isn’t an occasional option; it’s a lifestyle. That means finding a home that’s capable of meeting your expectations and accommodating your lifestyle is essential. Of course, knowing which features to look for when searching for such a home isn’t always easy. Consider the following factors to help you find the perfect home to foster your family’s at-home outdoor adventures.
Ample Space
When you purchase a home, you’re not just investing in a house. You’re buying the space surrounding the house as well. Some houses don’t offer very much space. Be sure to find one that has plenty of land to go with it. That way, you’ll have numerous opportunities for spending time outdoors at home and making the most of the experience. You’ll have the freedom to prepare a spot to camp in the backyard or set up your camping equipment to air out before an outing. You can put in a trampoline and swing set for the kids or start a pool construction with the help of a swimming pool builder. You could even try your hand at designing an outdoor kitchen for family meals and entertaining.
Natural Landscaping
Space is certainly a major factor, but not all spaces are created equally. You may want to find a home that’s surrounded by lush, beautiful trees with a few massive boulders in place. You might be on a search for a property that has enough flat land for a vegetable garden and flower beds. Sustainability is also a significant factor. You may want all those gorgeous plants and flowers but not all the time, effort, and maintenance that comes along with them. On the other hand, you may want to add a natural-looking fountain or pond. Having natural landscaping that works for you rather than against you is the key in either case.
Porches, Patios, and Sunrooms
Wraparound porches were once a dime a dozen. Unfortunately, they’re not quite so common these days. Still, it’s possible to find a home with a large porch or deck that’ll give you a nice space for grilling out and simply breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. At the same time, you may want an extra space where you can take pleasure in the view from your home and bask in nature even if it’s cold outside or the weather isn’t nice and sunny. That’s where a sunroom could come in handy. If you can’t find a home that offers those features, consider looking for one they could be added to in time.
Fire Pits
Fire pits come in numerous forms these days. They range from portable models to built-in versions and above-ground to in-ground options. They can be made of numerous materials, such as metal, brick, and stone. They can also be powered by traditional firewood or natural gas. If your family enjoys sitting around a fire, relishing in the warm glow, and making s’mores, a fire pit may be the perfect addition for you.
Again, you may not be able to find the perfect home with a fire pit already built in. Still, you could find one with a patio that has enough space to have one installed. If you’d like a gas-powered fire pit, consider looking for a home with a natural gas line that can be extended to the area where the fire pit will be installed.
Plenty of Natural Sunlight
Being a nature enthusiast doesn’t always mean enjoying the outdoors hands-on. After all, you can’t spend all your time outside, right? With that in mind, you may want to look for a home with numerous windows and an open floor plan. That’ll give you the opportunity to take in your surroundings from indoors while letting in ample natural sunlight. Having plenty of natural sunlight streaming in provides several health benefits and can reduce your energy bills to a significant extent. Be sure to inquire about the types of windows that are in place and their efficiency ratings, though.
Waterfront Property
If you’re among the many people who enjoy swimming, fishing, and other water-based activities, finding a lakefront property is a must. At the very least, you could find a home with a stream running through the property. These types of properties may be difficult to come by, but it’ll be well worth the time, effort, and patience in the long run. You’ll be reminded of this each time your family goes out to splash in the water and every time you grill freshly caught fish on the patio or in the outdoor kitchen. If you choose to live in this area, you may consider to have a new seawall construction to protect your area against erosion.
A Mudroom
Quite a few outdoor enthusiasts overlook the value of a mudroom. It’ll become increasingly clear as your family spends more time outdoors, though, because taking advantage of nature isn’t exactly a clean undertaking. Whether you’re hiking through the forested portion of your property, wading in the stream, taking care of the garden. or simply cutting your expansive lawn, you’ll need a space to clean up and keep all the grass, leaves, mud, and muck out of your living space. Especially for outdoors, this page is important. A mudroom is essential for any outdoor enthusiast.
Finding the Perfect Home for Your Outdoor Family
Every family deserves a home that meets their needs and plays into their lifestyle. Those who prefer the noise and chaos of the city may need an apartment or a home in the suburbs. People who don’t mind looking at nature but are happier not being exposed to it may fare better with a simple home in the country that only has half an acre of land and offers no natural features. For outdoor enthusiasts, though, a home with all the features we’ve mentioned above is essential. Consider the types of outdoor adventures your family enjoys and the factors we’ve mentioned to help you find just the right home to suit your needs and expectations.
