By Karen and Erica

We fantasize about building a dream home somewhere perfect that will be suited to whatever we are doing as we move forward. We might never actually build that home, but we do like to window-shop.

Our fantasies were stimulated when we read about this home, spotlit on Dwell. (Who wouldn't love something called Butterfly House, in recognition of its inspiration?) We loved its beauty. We loved its huge windows, which invite in the outside, at every turn. We loved the fact that it was on one floor. And we applaud anyone who prepares in advance for a time when they want to adopt a different life, after retirement and as we continue to accrue the years.

So what would we look for in a home—an apartment in a tall building, or a ranch house in the country, or any of a number of other structures—where we could live forever?

1. No stairs. We have actually have never liked stairs. We like having wider expanses in our homes, horizontal rather than vertical. We have no plans to prepare for immobility, but why not live in an abode where it would present no issue?

2. Lots of light. Light is life. Of course, eco-friendly windows that are easy to operate and soundproof when closed. We just learned there are actually self-cleaning windows too. Can that be real???

3. A reduced environmental impact. If we could build a greener home, we would. There are many ideas out there that aim at environmentally friendly building. One that particularly appeals is a green roof covered in plants. Since we are likely to live in apartments, for us a green roof translates into a vertical garden, especially where used tactically to provide other benefits, like privacy.

4. A space new enough to not require constant maintenance.

5. Small closets. So we stop accumulating. Of course they have to be cleverly designed—and we have to be disciplined.

6. An efficient kitchen. The kitchen does not have to be large, but it has to be smart. By which we mean a kitchen laid out in a way that enhances the act of cooking. A double sink is a treasure, and ample counter space near the cooktop another. We would splurge for an induction cooktop. And, unlike our closet strategy, we would aim for a large pantry so we would always have what we need when inspiration strikes.

7. A good sound and entertainment system. One that is not too complicated to use, if there is such a thing. So we can sing along while we cook, and see movies in style.

8. If our home were in a multi-family urban building, as ours is likely to be, we would like a place where residents could gather—a library with a bar, maybe. So when we get old and gray and out of shape, in about 75 years, we can amble in and have fun when the weather is bad.

Of course, these are qualities we would love to have in a home at any stage of our lives. Added years do not actually make us different from other human dwellers.

Do you think about a home for the next phase? What do you want—for now or then?