All Together Now: A Group of Friends Create their own Retirement Community

A savvy designer helps trusting clients take retirement living in a new direction.

A generously scaled island anchors this kitchen, designed for gathering as much as function. Layered lighting, warm wood accents, and a tailored plaid backsplash bring personality to a space that feels both elevated and effortlessly livable.

Designing a New Kind of Retirement Community in Ogunquit Maine

As people near retirement age, they make wish lists for how they’d like to live in the next chapter of their lives: Will it be a house or condo? How many bedrooms? Stairs or not? How close do they want to be to family, recreation, shopping, health care, dining—and their longtime friends?

For many, becoming neighbors with your best pals would be a dream come true. For five couples from the greater Boston area, it’s a reality. “They’ve actually created a self-made retirement community,” says Tory Stamm, the interior designer who is leading this unusual project for her team at Stamm & Black an interior design firm based in Acton, Massachusetts.

“It all started with the OG, the original house that sparked the project,” she says. “Three years ago, a longtime client with a ten-plus-year relationship with us decided to move to Ogunquit, Maine.

“Instead of downsizing, though, they wanted to upsize,” says Stamm. “They wanted their new home to be bigger than the one they had lived in for many years—and they wanted everything about it to be new.”

The couple purchased property that was part of a very large lot less than a half mile from town and commenced building their “forever home” with every bell and whistle imaginable.

Soft textures, natural light, and thoughtful symmetry create a living space that invites you to stay awhile. Built for everyday comfort and weekend gatherings, this room reflects the balance of beauty and ease.

A mix of textures and warm materials brings depth to this dining space. Positioned between everyday living and special moments, it’s designed to host both.

Friends and Family Shape a Multigenerational Coastal Neighborhood

Even as plans for the Maine house were still developing, one by one, their closest friends purchased building sites on the large lot. “It really happened organically,” says Stamm. “Keep in mind, these couples are longtime friends who spent their families’ formative years together—and raised their children together.” They were in constant touch.

They debated the idea’s balance sheet, and in relatively short order, plans were launched for four more homes—for the other couples.

Every site is has plenty of land, says Stamm. All of the homes are new builds, larger than the ones they had lived in; all are designed for how the homeowners want to live now. “They’re more like beach retreats than retirement homes,” says Stamm. They have multiple bedrooms and bonus rooms where families can gather. Outdoor spaces are optimized for entertaining.

Because these are ground-up builds, every element is purposeful, both inside and out. “Layouts are designed for hosting and flow, materials selected for durability and longevity, and there’s seamless integration between the architecture and interiors,” says Stamm.

A deeper palette introduces a sense of intimacy, offering a quiet counterpoint to the open main living areas. Framed by architectural detail, this space is designed for slowing down.

Organic forms introduce a sculptural element that feels both collected and intentional. It’s a subtle nod to the surrounding landscape, brought indoors.

Even transitional spaces are considered moments of design. A tailored runner and simple bench create a quiet pause, tying together movement and material.

Creating Distinctive Luxury Homes with a Shared Design Vision

The homeowners all worked with different architects, builders, contractors, and subs, so coordinating schedules was a challenge. “Luckily, the timelines just worked out,” says the designer. There were times, however, when she says she’d be driving back to Massachusetts, get an urgent call from Maine, and have to turn around.

Stamm & Black Design is currently working across all five homes, with each project in various phases of design and execution. As you might imagine, lifelong friends often have a similar sense of style, so Stamm had to be sure that each home was personal, layered, and distinctive. “We are excited to showcase the first home, and look forward to sharing more about the other homes,” Stamm commented. “A top priority is balancing individuality within each home—while maintaining a cohesive lifestyle vision across the neighborhood.”

If the project has a design ethos, it is “upscale comfort,” says Stamm. She says she’s designing spaces that are beautiful yet fully livable, sophisticated yet relaxed. It’s elevated design that looks effortless and feels inviting.

Thoughtful details elevate this compact space—from the deep-toned vanity to the warm brass fixtures. Proof that even the smallest rooms can carry a strong point of view.

A rich tile selection paired with warm metals creates contrast without overpowering the space. It’s a balance of personality and polish, designed to feel both fresh and timeless.

Rethinking Retirement Living Through Community and Connection

The client who inspired the project had collaborated with Stamm for more than a decade, and that made all the difference. “I believe this long-term trust enabled quicker and more confident decision-making, and a willingness to take design risks,” says Stamm.

She and her community of clients are challenging the traditional idea of downsizing. They’re embracing a new lifestyle centered around connection; one that includes hosting children and future grandchildren for long stays and shared gatherings.

Is this notion just having a moment? Or is it likely to shape the conversation around retirement living going forward? “People are living longer and better lives,” says Stamm, “so yes, I can easily see this lifestyle having lasting appeal.”

It really is about starting over—in the best possible way, she says. People work hard to retire comfortably, and yet those who cherish friendships and appreciate great design may not have imagined they could have it all.

Stamm & Black’s unique “experiment” in Maine can be replicated, says the designer. All you need is a location that’s easy to love (with a subdividable lot), a designer who can envision a new kind of community—and like-minded friends with a sense of adventure.

Stamm & Black, Acton, Massachusetts, stammandblack.com