Three in a row: dad, daughter and son all live next door to each other
Three generations as next door neighbours: Darren, Terence and Laura Drum. Picture: Orwell Housing Association - Credit: Orwell Housing Association
There may be heightened pressures on rural housing that risks splitting loved ones apart, but one family has found the solution with dad, daughter and son all living next door to each other.
Howards Close development in Wortham. Picture: Orwell Housing Association - Credit: Orwell Housing Association
Three generations of the Drum family live side by side in a rural development managed by Orwell Housing Association in Wortham, near Diss.
Terry, Laura and Darren, father, daughter and son, all live in a row of three houses in the Howards Close development with their respective families.
Laura said: 'Living next door to dad of course has its challenges. But it is lovely that we are all able to keep an eye on him. We love living together as a family and we wouldn't have it any other way.'
Recent research by the Institute of Public Policy Research found the population in rural areas is set to age rapidly over the next two decades. By 2038, the working-age population in rural areas is projected to decline by 75,000 people while the population aged over 65 will grow by around 1.5 million.
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And home seekers in rural areas, particularly families, have less of a chance of getting on the property ladder than those living in cities, the research found.
The Drum family are living proof that providing affordable housing in rural areas is helping communities to survive and thrive, said Paul Kingston, Orwell Housing director of housing and care services.
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He added: 'It is quite common for larger families to stay together in rural areas. Most commonly as a housing association we tend to deal with families that are dealing with the aftermath of family breakdown. This is one family completely bucking the trend, how fantastic and refreshing is that?
'By bringing families together in rural communities this can only be good to help keep villages alive for generations to come.'
