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For couples transitioning to an empty nest, this new life phase offers a unique opportunity to strengthen marital bonds and reassess housing needs. Based on our experience assessment, this period often involves rediscovering shared interests and considering whether a current home still fits a simplified lifestyle. The story of Brooke Shields and her husband, Chris Henchy, who purchased a $4 million Southampton home in 2013, illustrates how a property can serve different purposes as family dynamics evolve. With their daughters now at college, they are navigating the emotional and practical aspects of having a large home to themselves—a scenario many American families face.
What does becoming an "empty nester" mean for your relationship? Becoming an empty nester—a term describing parents whose children have grown up and left home—can significantly impact a couple's relationship. After years of focusing on children, spouses often need to reconnect. As one individual noted, it requires patience and acknowledging personal growth since the relationship began. This phase can be a time to "rekindle" the partnership, a process that may be easier in a home environment that supports a couple's new lifestyle rather than reminding them of a full house.
How can your home's design support an empty nest transition? A home's layout and design can facilitate a smoother transition. A property like the Shields-Henchy home, which features a primary suite (a large bedroom with an attached private bathroom) with a gas fireplace and marble bath, can create a personal retreat for a couple. Neutral backdrops with vibrant accents, as described in the home's design, can help a space feel renewing rather than empty. For empty nesters, reconfiguring unused rooms—such as converting a bedroom into a hobby space or a dedicated home office—can make the home feel purposefully tailored to their current needs.
What should empty nesters consider about their property's features? Empty nesters should evaluate which property features remain essential. A large home with six bedrooms and eight bathrooms may exceed daily requirements, but certain amenities gain value. The Southampton property includes a chef’s kitchen (a kitchen equipped with high-end, professional-grade appliances) and a family room, which are ideal for entertaining guests or hosting visiting children. Outdoor features like a pool, pool house, and vegetable gardens, situated on a half-acre lot, offer lifestyle benefits that might align with new hobbies and leisure time. However, maintenance and associated property taxes (annual taxes levied by the local government based on real estate value) on a high-value home are practical considerations.
Is downsizing or relocating a logical step for empty nesters? While not for everyone, downsizing or relocating is a common consideration. The estimated value of a property, which for the Shields-Henchy home is now around $6 million according to market estimates, can be a catalyst for financial planning. An in-town location close to amenities, like beaches in this case, might be more desirable than a suburban family neighborhood. For some, selling a large family home can free up equity for retirement, travel, or purchasing a smaller, more manageable property that better suits a couple-focused lifestyle.
The empty nest phase is a significant life transition that intertwines emotional well-being with practical housing decisions. While rediscovering a marital relationship is paramount, evaluating your home's functionality is a critical parallel step. Consider repurposing rooms to avoid the feeling of an "empty nest" and focus on amenities that enhance your current lifestyle. For many, this may not mean immediate downsizing, but rather a thoughtful reassessment of how their largest asset supports their next chapter.
