Outdoor living spaces have become essential in today’s housing market. In fact, 86% of home buyers want a patio in their new home, according to the National Association of Home Builders. This represents a fundamental shift in buyer priorities, with outdoor spaces now considered essential rather than optional features. ROC Homes and Epcon recognized this shift and responded with thoughtful outdoor designs in Winfrey Estates that are tailored to how buyers want to live. Here we share insights describing how ROC Homes knows what buyers want and how they used that knowledge to create unique outdoor courtyards in Winfrey Estates, Tomball's only 55+ active adult community.
How Epcon Knows What Buyers Want
Epcon’s outdoor spaces are rooted in market research and a deep understanding of its homebuyers’ lifestyles. Once the research was complete, the company handed the findings to some of the best architects in the country with one clear directive: “Design a home that meets these needs.” The result? Signature courtyard homes in Winfrey Estates with private garden courtyards and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions that elevate everyday living.
What Home Buyers Want in Outdoor Living Space
Home buyers don’t just want a wide-open patio visible to every passerby. They want their outdoor living space to feel like part of the home. They want privacy, functionality and a place for social gatherings. Buyers often describe their outdoor spaces as peaceful, rejuvenating and a favorite part of the home. Here are the highlights.
Courtyards That Feel Like Part of the Home
According to Fixr.com’s 2025 Outdoor Living Report, the top feature home buyers want in an outdoor living space is a cohesive indoor-outdoor design. Homes in Winfrey Estates are designed around a signature private garden courtyard, making nature a central part of daily life. “Our homes merge beautiful interior space with private outdoor space—they work together,” says Phil Fankhauser, co-founder of Epcon Communities. These spaces are visually connected to interior rooms through large windows or glass doors, enhancing natural light and visual flow. Our thoughtfully designed floor plans do more than break the barrier between inside and out, they promote connections.
Outdoor Spaces That Do More
Today’s home buyers want more than a deck or patio. They want function. Outdoor kitchens top the list for functional features, with pizza ovens and bar areas standing out as the most sought-after components. This explains why the outdoor kitchen market holds a $26.35 billion global market size in 2025, with North America holding a 45.89% share, and is expected to grow 8.9% by 2030.
Fire features are also trending additions to outdoor living areas. Whether for making s’mores, warming toes or just gazing and relaxing, 33% of experts agree that homeowners want that warm glow to extend the use of outdoor areas beyond the summer months. Whether a portable propane fire table, chimenea or outdoor fireplace, fire features serve as a gathering point for friends and family.
Technology and Personalization Enhance the Experience
As the demand for smart home features increases, homeowners are bringing that convenience and comfort to their outdoor living areas. According to Fixr, 27% of experts say the demand for smart tech outdoors is a growing trend in 2025. And it’s no wonder; the integration of upgrades like voice-activated controls, automated LED lighting, and motorized louvers set to adjust with the sun has transformed the outdoor courtyard experience.
In a Winfrey Estates home, you have the opportunity to personalize your living area with curated selections to elevate your lifestyle, which may include a smart home package, contact Jalycia Golden at 346.762.1864 to learn more.
Other Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors
For some home buyers, enjoying the outdoor lifestyle includes even more amenities, including drought-tolerant landscaping, wellness features, and swimming pools. Homes in Winfrey Estates come fully landscaped with plants suitable to the region. Our community includes a walking trail, fitness center and a swimming pool. Since these amenities are for the entire community, homeowners don’t have to carry the expense of or spend the time to clean and maintain them.
The Wellness Connection
Outdoor spaces support well-being by offering privacy, nature and quiet. Many of our homeowners report using their patios and porches as their go-to spaces to relax, unwind or reconnect with loved ones.
Biophilia is the art of home design that includes natural elements. Homes with abundant natural light and views of nature are shown to promote relaxation and improve productivity. And, according to a 1984 study on hospital patients recovering from surgery, those with a view of the outdoors experience less pain.
“The way your home interacts with you can be a revitalizing experience,” Fankhauser said. “The design should connect you with your needs, like morning light and fresh air.”
Epcon Communities Designs Homes You Want
Our partner, Epcon Communities, designs homes that make the outdoors an effortless extension of your indoor living. Our floor plans feature generous windows that blur the lines between inside and out, filling your home with abundant natural light and offering views of your own quiet retreat. Whether you’re sipping morning coffee under your covered patio or unwinding in a courtyard you’ve tastefully decorated, these spaces are built to reflect your lifestyle—with privacy, comfort and ease.
With most landscape maintenance handled by the HOA, you’re free to spend more time enjoying everything your community offers—whether that means a walk on the trail or wine with friends by the pool. Or experience the lock-and-leave lifestyle when you drop everything to hit the open road–grass mowing not a care.
Ready to learn more? Contact us to explore available homes and options for incorporating outdoor living into your next chapter.
Visit our New Home Consultant, Jalycia Golden today!