Why Families Are Trading Square Footage for Shared Spaces

Lucía Torres · 2026-07-31

Six years after the pandemic, the world looks different. Remote work is here to stay. Delivery services keep getting faster and sharper. Families are finding new rhythms, splitting time between offices, kitchens, and living rooms. But the biggest shift? People have rediscovered the joy of being together—craving connection after all those isolated days. That pull for community is colliding with something else entirely: a great wealth transfer already in motion—the "Silver Tsunami." As we detailed in our 2026 Red Paper Mid-Year Report, an estimated $124 trillion will be transferred down through 2048, with Boomers passing assets to millennials and Gen X. In real estate, this translates to a surge in multi-generational living—properties that balance privacy and space with shared experiences, whether with family, friends, or both. As The Agency Hamptons Managing Partner Dana Trotter puts it, "families are increasingly seeking flexibility and shared experiences over simple square footage." Here, we're featuring four distinctive estates across The Agency's portfolio that offer just that—expansive properties intentionally designed with flexible living arrangements through guest homes, detached ADUs, acreage, and more. Let's take a look around. ### The New American Compound What exactly makes a family compound? It's not just a big house with extra bedrooms. These are properties where multiple generations can live independently under one umbrella—grandparents in a guest cottage, adult kids in a detached unit, everyone gathering for Sunday dinners. The trend is reshaping what luxury buyers are asking for. "We're seeing buyers who want it all: privacy for the nuclear family, room for extended relatives, and space for entertaining," says Dana Trotter. That means separate entrances, full kitchens in secondary dwellings, and acreage that gives everyone breathing room. ### Bath Springs, Tennessee: A Working Organic Farm **900 Ed Renfroe Circle** | Listed by Amy Doyle & Scott Coggins This 144-acre organic farm reimagines the family compound, combining a private luxury residence with a working Wagyu cattle operation, protected wetlands, certified Great Blue Heron rookery, and abundant open space that creates opportunities for generations to live, gather, and build a lasting legacy. The home, which has never been on the market, was built four years ago, and the land is the highest priced in the county, with soil samples showing it is more fertile than 65% of the county. In addition to mature timber, the entire farm is organic, and all of the animals are free of hormones and antibiotics. This is a property ripe with possibility, just waiting for its next steward. ### Hickory Creek, Texas: Legacy Living Near Dallas **121 Harbor Lane** | Listed by Lynda Villarreal This grand 50-acre legacy estate just outside Dallas features multiple living spaces, guest suites, caretaker apartments, resort-style outdoor amenities, and extensive grounds designed for entertaining, recreation and generations of family living. The main home, a modern farmhouse, features impeccable craftsmanship and spectacular interiors by Kirsten Kelli Interior Design. What's particularly appealing here is the flexibility. Want to host a family reunion for 40 people? Done. Need a private wing for in-laws? It's there. The property was designed with flow in mind—indoor-outdoor transitions that make large gatherings feel effortless. ### San Juan Island, Washington: A Waterfront Estate With Room for Everyone **Halftide Farms** | Listed by Jen Cameron and Jonathan Ruiz Curated over three decades and built by Schultz Miller, the estate spans approximately 19,000 square feet across six structures, including three primary residences (each around 4,000 square feet), called The Beach House, The Farm House, and The Field House. All three also have their own guest cottage, and additional structures include a bunkhouse, game house, and caretaker's residence. The secluded 90-acre waterfront property enjoys beautiful beach frontage, breathtaking mountain views, and offers an exceptional setting for generations to gather while enjoying complete privacy. This is the ultimate multi-generational retreat. Three families could each have their own primary residence, plus guest quarters for visitors. The bunkhouse is perfect for grandkids, and the game house keeps everyone entertained without stepping on each other's toes. ### Bend, Oregon: Modern Design for Multi-Generational Living **61465 White Peaks Court** | Listed by Matt Robinson Designed specifically for multi-generational living, this custom estate features a seamlessly integrated secondary residence complete with its own kitchen, living room, bedroom, and garage, offering privacy and independence while keeping family close. Completed in 2019, this luxuriously appointed home on 2.61 private acres boasts a central open great room with massive vaulted ceilings, custom wood beam accents, and sweeping views of the surrounding plains and distant mountains. The secondary unit is the standout feature here—it's not an afterthought or a converted garage. It's a fully functional home that allows adult children or aging parents to live independently while staying connected. The main house's great room is designed for gathering, with sightlines that encourage conversation and connection. ### Gallatin Gateway, Montana: Mountain Compound Potential **1021 Gateway South Road** | Listed by Joy Vanc This Gallatin Gateway property rounds out our look at family compounds, offering the kind of mountain setting that draws families together. With access to outdoor recreation and the growing Bozeman area, it represents the lifestyle shift we're seeing: people choosing places where they can actually spend time with the people they love. ### What to Look For in a Family Compound If you're in the market for a multi-generational property, keep these features in mind: - **Separate entrances and full kitchens** in secondary dwellings - **Acreage** that provides privacy between structures - **Flexible spaces** like bunkhouses or game rooms that can adapt as family needs change - **Caretaker quarters** for property management or aging parents - **Proximity to amenities**—schools, medical facilities, airports The bottom line? The family compound isn't a relic of the past. It's the future of how we live, work, and stay connected. And with the wealth transfer now in full swing, expect to see even more of these properties hitting the market.