In a bid to age together while providing mutual support, three women in Texas have embarked on an unconventional journey. Selling their individual homes, they invested collectively to build a compound that caters to their shared vision of community and security.
Christina Guerra, along with her sister Michelle Douthitt and their friend Muriel Lanford, undertook the initiative to build a shared living space. This decision came after an emotional period in 2012 when Guerra and Douthitt lost their spouses. Seeking change, they sold their existing properties and purchased five acres in Fair Oaks Ranch for $175,000, slightly below the listing price due to its floodplain location.
The women collaborated with Felix Ziga of Ziga Architecture Studio and Jimmy Sikkink of Triple R Custom Homes to realize their vision. Despite initial skepticism from others, they moved forward with their plans, resulting in a $1.2 million compound named Tierra de Dios, meaning ‘Land of God.’ The property features a main house with separate wings for each sister and a guest house for Lanford, who embraced a treehouse-like feel thanks to its elevated design.
Building the compound presented unique challenges, such as obtaining a mortgage with all three names and aligning their individual preferences. Yet, these complexities were overcome, resulting in a successful partnership where each woman invested equally and outlined property distribution in their wills.
The compound, spanning 7,954 square feet, is designed to accommodate aging in place with access considerations like walk-in showers and wide doorways. Each resident has personalized sections, reflecting their lifestyle and needs—be it Guerra’s meditation space or Lanford’s love for nature reflected through window-filled rooms.
Central to the compound’s design is a balance between communal and private spaces, allowing the women to connect while maintaining personal boundaries. Shared areas like the ‘oasis’ offer a place for relaxation amidst nature, while the interconnected porches and observation tower provide scenic views.
The women share household responsibilities based on their strengths. Lanford manages the garden and maintenance tasks, Douthitt contributes by volunteering and aiding with upkeep, and Guerra focuses on negotiating and managing finances.
In addition to creating a supportive environment for themselves, the compound is a designated wildlife habitat, showcasing the women’s commitment to community building and environmental stewardship. Their unique lifestyle not only allows for peaceful cohabitation but also offers an enriching environment for Guerra’s visiting grandchildren.
The endeavor to create Tierra de Dios symbolizes more than just a living arrangement; it marks the transformation of grief into empowerment and illustrates a compelling model for communal aging. By prioritizing both independence and togetherness, these women have established a new paradigm for elder support and companionship.
Source: Businessinsider
