Emily Holmes, who lives in Ohio, wanted to move out and buy her own apartment. Her parents, Beth Holmes, 50, and Kevin Holmes, 54, decided to transform an “old and ugly” garage into a one-bedroom house for her at a price of $50,000.
“We hope our daughter doesn’t spend all her money on rent but saves up to buy a house in the future, as the world has become so expensive,” said Mrs. Beth Holmes.
When this couple suggested transforming the four-car garage, their daughter, a Starbucks barista, eagerly agreed to the idea. The outdated garage was part of a neighboring property purchased by the couple in 2018 for $70,000 and renovated for Airbnb rental for only $75,000.
“I thought it was a joke,” said Emily Holmes.
However, her father, a carpenter, sat down with her to create blueprints and started working on renovating the 600-square-foot space into a one-bedroom house, which took 9 months.
In May 2021, Emily and her Great Dane, Bruno, moved into the place.
“It’s just perfect,” she said. “We designed this home, and now Bruno can freely roam.”
“This also caters to Bruno’s needs.”
The house features a loft bedroom upstairs, a full kitchen and living area, a bathroom, a porch, and a garden.
Now, the 24-year-old can have her own independent space while still being close to her family. She pays her parents a “symbolic” rent of £150 per month but covers her own utility bills.
“This gives her a sense of independence while feeling secure,” said Mrs. Beth Holmes. “It (referring to Bruno) helps her grow into an adult.”
Emily can come over anytime, with her mom often cooking dinner for her after she finishes her night shift.
Dealing with anxiety and migraines, being near her parents is helpful as they can provide her with family comfort and protection.
For her parents, this decision brings them peace as they know they will always be by their daughter’s side whenever she needs them.
Now, the parents hope to do the same for their 15-year-old son, with this little house being his if Emily moves out.
“I don’t think she’ll move out,” said Mrs. Beth Holmes, adding that people see their daughter as lucky to have this space.