Baby Boomers find comfort in familiar home styles.

July 27, 2011 - PRLog -- Solomons, MD - For those baby-boomers who this year turn 55, here's an interesting bit of trivia. In 1956, the year they were born, a home for sale in Pittsfield, Mass listed the following: "3 Bedroom ranch home, tiled bath, full basement, full fitted kitchen, 2 car garage on large lot - $14,300." Home prices certainly have changed in the last 55 years.  Of course, to keep things in perspective, gas was  $.23 cents a gallon and the average annual salary was $5,100!  
      
Times have changed, but today's home buyers still appreciate many of the same features that home buyers in 1956 found appealing. Whether it's nostalgia, or the fact that great ideas never seem to go out of style, the builders of The Harbours at Solomons Island recognized this trend and included many traditional features in their new homes. The Harbours is a 55+ active adult community located in Solomons, Maryland. The classic home styles, white picket fences, and rear alleys found at The Harbours are reminders of homes from a gentler time.

In the 1950's home air conditioning was relatively new, and considered a luxury for most homes. Instead, homes were cooled by building high ceilings and larger windows to increase air circulation, with ceiling or attic fans standard equipment in most homes.

Thanks to high efficiency central air conditioning, today's homeowners don't require oversized windows to provide optimum air flow. Instead, floor to ceiling windows are chosen for their beauty and the abundant natural light they provide.  High ceilings add a sense of spaciousness to the living area. Ceiling fans are still desirable, not just for the economical benefits they offer by lowering heating and cooling costs, but also for the nostalgic feeling provided by the gentle turning of the fan blades.  

In 1956, the kitchen was the heart of the home and the location for many technological advancements. From the introduction of the double stainless steel sink, to built-in electric ovens and stovetops, and the most wonderful of all inventions, the dishwasher, homemakers were delighted with their new modern kitchens.

Kitchens are still a favorite gathering place with many new conveniences, including wine cooler refrigerators, built-in microwave and convection ovens, and natural gas ranges. At The Harbours, open floor plans allow family and friends to congregate while sharing in the cooking activities. Beautiful granite countertops and upgraded cabinetry, hardware and lighting improve the atmosphere of the kitchen from a utilitarian use, to a social gathering place.

With its potted geraniums and wicker rockers, the screened-in back porch was a staple in the 50's. One of the most popular features commented on by visitors at The Harbours at Solomons is the beautiful back porch of the Skipjack model home.

Walk-in closets were a wonderful invention of the 1950's. When closets were first introduced as a standard home building practice, they were small, cramped affairs. The homeowner will be forever grateful to the ingenious builder who came up with the idea of a walk-in closet, and it continues to be one of the most desirable features for any new home.

Another great feature introduced in the 50's is the two-car attached garage. Previously garages were built separate from the main house, a lingering tradition from when the first garages were converted horse & carriage barns. For today's homeowner, an automatic garage door opener enhances the convenience of the attached garage, allowing them to go from comfort of their car into their home protected from the elements.

Indeed, times and home prices may have changed, but neighborhoods like The Harbours at Solomons reflect the home buyers desire for comfortable, classic design.

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The Harbours at Solomons Island is a 55+ active adult community of single family homes built in beautiful Solomons, Maryland. The builder, Classic Community Corporation is a leading innovator of quality communities, having built over 7,000 new homes in the last 30 years. The Harbours features a planned community surrounded by water on three sides, and includes many desirable features like a clubhouse, pool, walking trails, sidewalks and HOA provided lawn maintenance. The Harbours are located adjacent to Calvert Marina, which provides homeowners with deep water slips for their boats within walking distance of their home.
. For additional information about The Harbours, please visit our website at www.liveatsolomonsisland.com or call Jen Olexa at 1-888-814-3330. Questions may also be e-mailed to Sales@liveatsolomonsisland.com.