Dream homes for empty nesters: 11 elements of a comfortable and connected home for two

For the last several months I've been working on a new home for a couple from the northeast who plan to retire in a few years. After looking at scores of existing houses and empty lots, we've settled on a delightful piece of property in Ft. Myers, Florida. It is close to the Gulf waters, close to shopping and other amenities, and has frontage on a lake as well as a southern exposure.

Now that we've found our lot, we can start working on the home's design. Which got me to thinking about what constitutes the ideal home for a retired couple. What features should the home have? What would be the difference between this type of home and a home for a family with children? So I started to look for answers and this is what I came up with.

1. One-floor living. It certainly stands to reason that we don't want to climb steps and stairs all our lives. So a home that's all on one level makes sense.

2. Efficiency and low maintenance. Let's face it, no one wants to be spending their nest egg on utility bills or painting and re-roofing their home. The design of a home for your golden years should be "one and done."

3. Separate zones. Creating a separate zone or two for visiting friends and relatives makes a lot of sense. These zones should be self-contained so they don't need to be heated or cooled when not in use.

4. Connected to the landscape. It seems that most of us hope to live in locations with warm weather when we retire. So these homes should be connected as much as possible to the landscape beyond its walls.

5. Barefoot and barrier-free. Inside should blend with outside without obstructions or barriers. The transition between patio and living should be as easy to navigate as the transition between bathroom and shower.

6. Open plan. Combining the kitchen, dining and living rooms into one space creates the ideal room for when it's just the two of you, and when friends, children and grandchildren visit. Manipulating ceiling heights, walls and sight lines enables the room to be intimate and large at the same time.

7. A cozy and joyful corner. Include a place to have that morning cup of coffee, do the crossword puzzle, read the morning paper. The spot should connect us to the world beyond as we enjoy not having to go through that frantic rush to get out the door each morning.

8. An away room. Though it'll be nice to have that large space to enjoy each other's company, it'll be important to have a room (or two) to get away to. Someplace small, cozy and quiet. Perhaps to read, play the piano, take a nap, or watch the show only you like.

9. Easy to use. Doors, like everything in a home you plan to grow older in, should be easy to operate. The door should open or close with a simple push or pull and provide an opening large enough for us to get through easily.

10. Hazard free. Homes for owners not as spry as they once were should incorporate features such as zero-threshold showers and towel bars that can become grab bars.

11. A place to relax and enjoy. Someplace for an afternoon nap.  Perhaps a hammock, maybe a lounge chair.  And of course with a view of the water, the fairway or other place that relaxes the mind and rests the spirit.