I don't think it's quite the same as buying a vacation home. I think having everything in the house be "the way they left it" is a much bigger motivation than being able to visit whenever they want. at least, this is what people with second homes tell me.

this is actually closer to why I would want a car with a longer range. I realize I could just rent something if I need to drive a longer distance, but I like my car and it wouldn't be there when I arrived.