Can't answer that question, but I will suggest they should be looking at universal design. This is design that allows for aging in place: things such as lever handles instead of door knobs, wide doorways & halls for possible wheelchairs. A good architect can design in this way w/o it looking like a hospital.At their age, it should definitely be in their thoughts as they plan.

Ive seen some beautiful low country plans on just about every plan site, and I do believe I have looked at them all. Ive fallen in love with a low country plan but its 950 sq ft. It may be angood idea to have them look at plans to see what they like and then maybe go to an architect. This sounds like it will still be a big house. Also I agree with everything the previous poster said. Universal design is going to be key. I'm only 30 but that's how I will be building my house in the next year or two.

Kled, I responded my thoughts about this on the building forum.

Make sure any house they live in is handicap accessible. While they may be completely healthy today, things will be much different in 20 years.

they might like some of the allisonramsey home plans
we are looking at bermuda bluff cottage, and many others, they have a lot of style and are not large

I'd suggest getting a sense from them what "downsize" means....6000 sq ft is still substantially downsized from their current space, but still very large for most people.

If they want to go to 1500 sq ft, then that's a whole 'nother thing and will be a tremendous change for them, and mostly for their stuff.

Most of us have homes less than 2000sf....to us what they are wanting is huge! You might post on Building Homes site...there are larger homes over there....good luck!