In New Hanover and Brunswick counties, multi-generational living has become one of the fastest-growing trends of 2025. Rising housing costs, aging parents avoiding assisted-living facilities, and adult children returning home have pushed families to rethink the classic four-bedroom layout.

The solution isn’t “more rooms.” It’s designed separation—privacy zones, independent suites, and layouts engineered for three generations to coexist without stepping on each other’s routines. Here is your guide to the best multi-gen floor plan strategies in coastal North Carolina.

1. The “Home Within a Home”: Private, Self-Contained Suites

This is the peak of multi-gen design: a second mini-home under the same roof.

Lennar — Next Gen®

• Where: Osprey Isle (Ocean Isle Beach), Wood Stork Landing.
• Why it works: True independence. A separate front door, private living room, kitchenette, full bath, and bedroom.
• The reality: Perfect for aging parents, long-term guests, or adult kids saving for a down payment.

D.R. Horton — MultiGen

• Where: Cedar Hill Landing (Navassa), The Pines at Blake Farm.
• What to look for: Plans like the Wren or Tillman, featuring first-floor suites with ensuite baths that function like private apartments.
• The advantage: Unified laundry and kitchen access but private sleeping/living quarters.

2. The “Split” Floor Plan: Built-In Distance

Not every family needs a second kitchen. Sometimes the goal is just personal space.

Trusst Builder Group — “The Kindle” or “The Catawba”

• Where: Brunswick Forest, Compass Pointe.
• Why it works: The primary suite sits quietly in the rear of the home, while a full guest suite occupies the opposite front wing.
• Benefit: Acoustic privacy—perfect for long-term occupants.

Logan Homes — “The Sage”

• Where: St. James Plantation, Salters Haven.
• Design: Guest rooms clustered together, separated from the primary suite by the main living area.
• Use case: Multi-gen families who share common spaces but need quiet sleep zones.

3. The FROG Solution — “Semi-Detached” Independence

Coastal NC doesn’t have basements—we have FROGs (Finished Rooms Over Garage).

• Ideal for: college grads, teens, visiting grandkids, or remote-working adult children.
• Design tip: Look for FROGs with private staircases (often off the mudroom or garage) to create a true “come-and-go” zone.
• Where it shines: Riverlights custom builds (Charter, Legacy, PBC Design + Build).

4. The ADU Question — Can You Add a Backyard Cottage?

The dream of a backyard “granny pod” is common—but local rules vary dramatically.

St. James Plantation

• ADUs allowed (max 2 bedrooms).
• Cannot be sold separately or have independent mailing addresses.
• Architectural guidelines are strict—expect heavy design review.

Riverlights

• Detached ADUs generally prohibited.
• Short-term rentals banned community-wide.
• Only approved builders may add attached structural expansions.

Reality check: If you want a detached cottage, start with county land or an older non-HOA neighborhood.

The Bottom Line

Multi-generational success requires planning. One kitchen works for a weekend—but not for five years. A separate suite, a split layout, or a private FROG can make the difference between harmony and frustration.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we know which floor plans actually function for multi-gen families. We can walk you through the homes with sound-dampened guest wings, zero-entry showers, and designs that support privacy for every generation sharing the roof.