Local Home-Builder Now Providing High-End Backyard Homes

Other than building large, custom houses, local homebuilder, Classic Cottages will now also be providing high-end "backyard cottages".

In response to Arlington’s recent loosening of rules on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), small separate housing units built in backyards, also known as “in-law suites”, Classic Cottages launched a new venture they called Backyard Cottages. “The ability to now legally add a Backyard Cottage creates a unique opportunity for Arlington County single-family home residents to create a flexible, separate living area,” the company’s website says. “There are many benefits from investing in a Backyard Cottage, including long-term rental income or flexible space to serve immediate or future needs.” Partnering with URBANEER, Backyard Cottages will provide a 510-square-foot ADU model (pictured above) to Arlington residents who want additional living space on their property, starting this spring. ADUs supporters tout them as a way to “fight against the national housing crisis” and provide additional, cost-effective homes in existing neighborhoods while critics say ADUs, should they become more widespread, could result in more trees being cut down, overcrowding and additional traffic in neighborhoods. ADUs have had a slow start in Arlington since county code was first changed to allow them. From 2009-2017, only 20 ADUs were built. Backyard Cottages is banking on loosened rules and more attractive building options spurring a local boom in ADU production. Backyard Cottages CEO, Pierce Tracy sees the ADU sector as a large and new opportunity to serve the need for new affordable housing stock in the D.C. area for years to come. “For homeowners, these ‘Backyard Cottages’ help with affordability by providing rental income, or can be used for a family member to live in,” he said. “The flexibility of uses provides value to the homeowner, as the family’s needs will change over time.” In regards to pricing, a Backyard Cottage spokeswoman said that it is expected to be finalized in March and will vary depending on site conditions and options selected.

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