The first two homes at Aase Haugen's Nabotunet will be completed this month

Posted: Wed, Dec 5, 2018 10:20 AM

Lot 6 is pictured above and will be completed in January

Decorah's newest neighborhood is taking shape. Nabotunet, which in Norwegian translates to "Neighbor Yard," is being developed by Aase Haugen Senior Services (AHSS) for active people ages 50+.

The homes are for sale in three different models. They're located on a cul-de-sac just south of Vennehjem on Nordic Drive in Decorah, adjacent to the future location of the AHSS new assisted-living and state-of-the-art nursing facility. "Nabotunet is part of the Aase Haugen Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) and a beautiful neighborhood in a rural, wooded paradise, with great views and quiet of the country," says AAHS Business Development Director Patty Casterton, adding, "But it is only two minutes from downtown, making it so convenient to live in a private, serene area but have the convenience shopping just down the road."

The new homes are priced at $107-179 per square foot, well under the local average for homes of this type or for any new construction.

"A major advantage is that we offer a guaranteed return on your investment," says Casterton. Much like the Vennehjem community, each Nabotunet member is guaranteed a return on their entry fee investment, ranging from 70 to 90 percent, depending on the number of years they occupy the home. In addition to the entry fee, the member pays a monthly fee based on the size of the home they choose. "When members decide to move on, they simply pack and go, without the hassle of waiting for their home to sell," says Casterton.

Aase Haugen Senior Services Director Jeffrey Schmitt says research has shown that today's over-50 population is more active than ever. "This is how people 50+ are living today. And Decorah is becoming a popular retirement destination," says Schmitt.

"Neighborhoods like this are popping up across the nation. They offer all the benefits of home ownership without the hassles for those active baby boomers who have worked hard all their lives and are ready to enjoy more freedom with less demands on their time," added Casterton.

Nabotunet homes range from two to three bedrooms with open floor plans. Each handicap-accessible home is stick built and accented with masonry and energy efficiency in mind. The project relies on local vendors, such as Spahn and Rose Lumber, Fashion Floor Center, Singing Hammers Construction, Decorah Electric, Casper Plumbing and Heating and more.

Each model comes with custom cabinetry, tray ceilings, private guest baths, options to finish the lower level, private decks or patios and more. Ongoing maintenance and grounds keeping includes snow removal, mowing and other yard work, exterior window washing and more. All appliances are 100 percent covered and maintained and replaced at no cost, plus Aase Haugen Senior Services takes care of the taxes, water, sewer and home insurance.

"We handle the details so our neighborhood members have the freedom to choose to enjoy what matters most to them," says Casterton. Members also gain priority access to move seamlessly to other areas within the organization, such as assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing. "Couples find this aspect of CCRC living especially important. Should one spouse need the services provided in another part of the campus, the other can easily visit any time of day," says Schmitt.

Two homes will be completed this month and two others are currently under construction. Tours are available seven days a week. To book one, contact Casterton at (563) 382-3603.

The kitchens include custom cabinetry and quartz countertops

Each home has an open floor plan, with views to the sunroom and back yard patio

Still under construction, the master baths have a custom vanity with two sinks, custom cabinetry, mirrored medicine built-ins, walk-in shower and more

A view of the units from the front