I'm a crazy sleeper (if what my wife says is actually true). Allegedly, I snore...but besides that, I've been known to hide from assassins (in our bedroom -- at 3:00 am) and one time, I nearly broke my foot while kicking at an attacking goose (in our bedroom -- at approximately the same hour of the night). Truth be told, I can vaguely remember moving a really heavy potted plant from the nightstand on her side of the bed, across to my side -- over the top of her sleeping head, whilst on my knees, barely keeping my balance and my grip. (What could've gone wrong?) So, with people like me in mind, let's take a brief look at something that's a growing trend in home design -- the inclusion of two master bedrooms on the floor plan.
Until recently, the concept of two master suites in a home was rare -- or at least, it was rarely suggested -- because of the stigma that was attached to the implication of couples not sharing the same bedroom. But the reality is, more and more homeowners are seeking out house plans that include two master bedrooms -- and for a number of good reasons.
Of course, there's always the aforementioned issue of snoring. His snoring. Her snoring. Or perhaps, mutual snoring, celebrated in nightly snore fests. In any case, listening to someone's snoring can destroy one's hopes for a good night's sleep (or, so I'm told) and separate master suites can provide the ultimate fix for that particular problem. (...a solution that is, by far, more socially acceptable than murder)
Beyond snoring, however, is the reality that as Baby Boomers age into their 60s and 70s, multi-generational households are becoming more and more common. Second master suites can provide a greater sense of personal space and independence for Boomers' aging parents, when retirement home options are not desired or feasible. Likewise, a second master offers a more comfortable space for homeowners' boomerang children who might "return to the nest" for any number of reasons.
Another motive for considering a second master might be the accommodation of a couple's differing and/or demanding work schedules. A spouse leaving early or coming home late due to work can cause major disruptions, and at some point, it is bound to cause friction in the relationship.
Additionally, some homeowners frequently host out-of-town visitors and may want to provide their temporary guests a real sense of home away from home -- a sleeping space that's more comfortable than "the spare bedroom."
Here at Advanced House Plans, we offer a number of existing designs that feature two master bedrooms. All of our house plans, however, can be customized to accommodate a second master in any number of ways, depending on the home's original design. For instance, you may desire two masters on the same level, or one on the main level and another upstairs, or on the lower level. Perhaps you're needing a second master that has its own entrance to the outside -- a feature that is especially appreciated by those seeking a sense of independence, such as an in-law or adult child.
Whatever the reasons for including a second master suite in a home, this design trend is here to stay, and it is likely to become more and more common as the population ages. The associated stigma of having a "broken marital relationship" is on its way out -- replaced instead by practical, realistic and intelligent design considerations.
As for me, I'm hoping my wife learns to sleep through my nightly assassin invasions, goose attacks and house plant relocations. (And I need to remember to remind her...murder is not a socially acceptable option.)