37,000 Euros Instead of 2,000 Per Month: Patrick’s Wooden Solution to Aging With Dignity
How do you put a price on family, dignity, and a dash of independence? For Patrick Chastenet in France, the answer turned out to be a humble wooden studio worth 37,000 euros—an investment that changed his father’s life (not to mention the family’s bank account situation).
Why a Garden Studio and Not a Nursing Home?
Let’s set the scene: Patrick lives in France with his wife Marie-Laure and his 83-year-old father. A time came when his father could no longer live alone. But the patriarch was as clear as a bell about one thing—no thanks to a nursing home or a regular apartment. Facing the reality that their own house wasn’t quite big enough to squeeze in another permanent resident, Patrick and Marie-Laure needed to get creative.
And so, with a bit of courage (and a deep breath for the inevitable paperwork), the couple invested 37,000 euros to install a small wooden studio in their garden. Here’s some quick math: at a typical retirement home price of 2,000 euros per month, that’s a cost that could eat up savings in no time. So in less than two years, their studio would pay for itself—plus, no tasteless retirement home dinners.
A Made-to-Measure Tiny Home
This garden studio isn’t your average garden shed. The 15-square-meter space manages to pack in a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom—no magic required, just a good blueprint. The studio’s interior was designed specifically for the comfort and autonomy of Patrick’s father. Ever thoughtful, they ensured it was accessible for wheelchair use, with adapted bathroom facilities for seniors and those with reduced mobility.
So, what’s daily life like? According to Patrick, it’s “the best of both worlds.” His father enjoys his independence, but if there’s ever a hiccup, help is just five meters away—the time it takes to cross a garden with a cup of tea in hand, or perhaps with a little less grace on a rainy day.
- Studio size: 15 square meters
- Facilities: living room, kitchen, accessible bathroom
- Investment: 37,000 euros – a one-time cost
- Main use: a cozy, adapted home for an elderly parent
An Increasingly Popular Alternative
The Chastenet family isn’t alone in their quest for a better way to care for aging relatives. More and more people are opting for garden studios. Some use them to host friends, provide a welcoming space for grandparents, or set up a peaceful home office. There’s more to these cabins than their price tag—they’re a practical way to keep loved ones close, strengthen family bonds, and dodge the steep monthly fees of specialized care facilities.
Before moving into his special little home, Patrick’s father lived hundreds of kilometers away. Now, not only is he closer to his son and daughter-in-law, but he can also spend more time with his grandchildren—proving that sometimes, home is really just a short walk across the lawn.
Conclusion: Independence With a Side of Family
Choosing to build a wooden studio in the garden, Patrick and Marie-Laure offered their father the perfect compromise: independence with loving back-up just steps away. Practical, economical, and heartwarming, it’s an alternative growing in popularity as families seek ways to stay connected while meeting each generation’s needs. Plus, it’s much easier to pop over and borrow some sugar from a relative living five meters away—no guilt trips required.
