In our work with families, we often see a common theme: a vacation home that gradually becomes something more complex. What was once a simple retreat evolves into a shared responsibility—one that carries financial, legal, and emotional weight across generations.
That shift doesn’t happen all at once, and it’s rarely planned for as early as it should be. Families hold onto the idea that goodwill and shared history will be enough to carry things forward. Sometimes it is—but more often, without structure, even the most meaningful places can become sources of tension rather than connection.
To help guide these conversations, we’ve created our newest workbook: Strategic Stewardship of the Family Vacation Home.
This resource is designed to walk families through the realities of multi-generational ownership—from understanding the true cost of keeping a second home, to exploring legal structures like trusts and LLCs, to establishing clear governance around usage, expenses, and decision-making. It also addresses the less obvious, but equally important considerations: how to plan for conflict before it arises, how to create fair exit strategies, and how to preserve not just the property, but the relationships tied to it.
You can access the full workbook on our website or download it directly using the link below. Whether you are just beginning to think about the future of a family property or are already navigating shared ownership, this guide is meant to serve as a practical starting point for more informed, productive conversations.
In the end, successful stewardship isn’t about holding onto a home at all costs; but rather about making intentional, informed decisions that align with your family’s values—so that the place you’ve built together continues to bring people closer, not pull them apart.