Family Expands Home in Hillsdale, NY Amid Growing Needs

BREAKING NEWS: A family in Hillsdale, New York, is making headlines by expanding their home as they prepare for new family dynamics. Dimitri Brand and Nelly Mecklenburg, who purchased their land in 2019 for just $32,000, have adapted their living space to fit their growing needs—now including their nearly one-year-old son.

The couple’s journey began out of a desire for stability after years of moving between cities like New Haven, Connecticut, and Cambridge, England. Brand, a 36-year-old architect, and Mecklenburg, also 36, sought to create a permanent home. Their initial project—a 100-square-foot platform—sparked their transformation of the land into a livable space.

As of spring 2023, their home has evolved significantly. After completing a compact living space and office, they took a break from construction. However, with the arrival of their son, they recognized the need for more space. The couple recently added an impressive 850-square-foot extension to accommodate their growing family.

The new addition, designed by Brand, offers a full-sized kitchen and flexible space for future developments. The couple initially plans to utilize 200 square feet of this expansion while leaving the rest unfinished for future use. “Now, we end up spending most of our time as a family there,” said Mecklenburg, highlighting the emotional significance of their evolving home.

Despite the challenges of construction, Brand and Mecklenburg managed to keep their costs around $325,000 by performing much of the work themselves and relying on friends for assistance. Their approach exemplifies adaptability as they build a home that can grow with their family.

With their innovative design, the couple aims to create a space that can adapt to different phases of their lives. As they embark on this new chapter, their story is a testament to resilience and the importance of home in nurturing family bonds.

Stay tuned for more updates on this inspiring story as the family continues to shape their living space in Hillsdale.