A growing trend of domestic migration is seeing public figures trade urban living for suburban retreats and ancestral homes. This shift highlights a broader movement toward prioritizing nature, family proximity, and personalized living spaces over city convenience.
The Quest for the Ideal Home
For some, the transition to a new home is a years-long process of refinement. Singer Iglė Bernotaitytė spent approximately four years searching for a suburban home with her partner, Tadu Juodsnukiu.
Bernotaitytė noted that while she previously preferred apartments, she eventually realized she dreamed of a private yard where she could walk barefoot on the grass. Her final decision came after securing a 10,000 euro discount on a property that met her specific needs for a dressing room, a dishwasher, large windows, and specific floor colors.
Shifting Perspectives on Location
Other public figures are discovering a preference for the outskirts of the city. Vaida Genytė moved to Riešė in October, admitting she had never previously considered living on the edge of the city while originally searching for an urban apartment with a terrace.
Genytė focused heavily on interior details during the move, spending three months selecting the right tiles for her floors to ensure they looked appealing at different times of the day.
Returning to Roots
For Paulius Bagdanavičius, the move represents a return to his hometown of Marijampolė from Vilnius. He is currently reconstructing a house and planning an attic, with a goal to move in by autumn.
Bagdanavičius cited family as a primary driver, noting that having his daughters, aged seven and eleven, near their grandparents would provide better childcare support and allow for more travel.
Architectural Philosophy and Compromise
Singer Stanislavas Stavickis-Stano has taken a different approach, adapting his dream of an ocean-side home to a local reality. He purchased a property between Galgiai and Naujoji Vilnia, which features a pond where he has introduced carp.
Influenced by his friend Tomas Lapė, Stano moved away from “scary” architecture toward a minimalist design. His home features white walls without pigment, allowing natural light and weather to provide the shifting colors of the interior.
Future Implications
As more individuals prioritize quality of life and family ties, there may be a continued rise in the reconstruction of ancestral homes in smaller towns. This shift could lead to further development in suburban areas like Riešė as the demand for “city-adjacent” living grows.
Future homeowners may also be more likely to seek architectural guidance to avoid aesthetic mistakes, potentially increasing the demand for professional architects in residential projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Paulius Bagdanavičius returning to Marijampolė?
He is returning to his hometown to be near his parents, which will allow his daughters (aged 7 and 11) to spend time with their grandparents and provide the family with more flexibility for travel.
What specific home features were important to Iglė Bernotaitytė?
She prioritized having a dressing room, a dishwasher, large windows, and floors of a specific color, as well as a private yard with grass.
How did Tomas Lapė influence Stano’s home design?
Lapė advised against a design that looked like a “scary” building and suggested using white walls without pigment so that the colors of the sun and clouds would naturally paint the interior.
Do you believe the benefits of moving closer to family outweigh the conveniences of living in a major city?
