European Charm
“There was a handful of clay in the bank of a river. It was only common clay, coarse and heavy; but it had high thoughts of its own value, and wonderful dreams of the great place which it was to fill in the world when the time came for its virtues to be discovered.” – Henry Van Dyke
As the story goes, the clay is plucked from the river and goes through quite a bit in the hands of a skilled craftsman. The clay becomes a flowerpot; it thinks itself ugly and plain, but it houses a seed in its ‘heart’ (center of the pot, in soil) that blossoms into a royal, valued and exquisite lily. The clay knew there was greatness in store for itself when the time was right. So too, are the rocks, the sand in the mortar, the trees that become wood beams and all the other, seemingly simple, elements that go into this house. This lovely home, Charlemagne (G-4816) by Frank Snodgrass of Living Concepts House Plans, becomes beautiful in his hands with a lovely drawing and smart planning of space. The materials used, rock, wood, stone – become beautiful in the hands of the builders and craftsmen that bring this to life according to your vision. The bigger beauty, the value and wonderful dreams these people and materials can be and are – they bring it all to you. This home has a great place to fill in the world when you are ready to make it so.
The style is French Country. This home, with 4,816 square feet, 2 stories, 4 bedrooms, 4 full and (2) ½ baths, has steeply pitched rooflines and modest eave detail with little or no overhang. Commonly, this style has arched widow and opening shapes both inside and out, offering a very welcoming and casual feeling. However, a French Country home can be finished and furnished in a very formal manner with detailed fireplace mantels and trim, or it can be rustic and cozy with a romantic, intimate feel depending on your taste.
From the outside of this home, the classic French Country looker shows itself off with many arched windows, the front door, garage doors and the high-peaked rooflines. Let’s go inside and see just how many wonderful dreams can be built here.
Yes, this is a large home. However, its spaces are both well marked and defined while being open, airy and easily accessible. Accessibility brings up another important point. With large, wide door/room openings, a master suite on the first floor, a screened porch and large, opened terrace, this house is manageable for someone with physical limitations or challenges. Entering your portico, your dining room is on the left. Either a round dining table or a contemporary glass topped rectangle one suits the space, and a wheelchair, if needed, perfectly. From the dining room, cross an open hallway to your family room. This is the perfect room for a wooden beamed coffered ceiling – adding depth, character and acoustic enhancements. A fireplace centers this space and will fill many a night with beauty and warmth.
From your family room, walk out your large glass doors to a very open terrace. A long, wide planter frames the terrace and will bring your beautiful blooms and herbs close for daily enjoyment. Perhaps you’ll put in a birdhouse or two for your feathered friends. Low-profile (stamped concrete perhaps) steps split the planter and take you to your back yard.
The long, perfect for dining, plenty of outdoor kitchen and lounging space of the terrace is sure to help you make many memories in every season. Walk from your terrace to your large, covered screened porch. Another great fireplace in here will surely compete for your attention.
The screen porch takes you back into the house to your kitchen/breakfast area. The heart of the home – the central nourishing center, will offer you plenty of cabinets, counterspace, a significant island and a walk-in pantry. Have a ‘thing’ for entertaining and dish collecting? No problem, the large butler’s pantry, just outside the kitchen, will let you indulge that collection.
Opposite your butler’s pantry are stairs to take you to the second floor. If getting up steps easily is a challenge, this is the perfect place for a chairlift. Rounding out the tour of this side of the first floor, you’ll find a powder room, large, closeted storage space, laundry room and open service area that leads to your 3- car garage. Go ahead, get that convertible you’ve been wanting. You have plenty of room.
The farthest right side of the house showcases the master suite. This very large suite, in fact, will never disappoint you at the beginning, middle or end of day. With a large window facing the back yard and an exterior door to your terrace, your morning devotions or meditation will be peaceful. There is just the right spot for two comfortable chairs, a small side table and lamp for end of day chatting with your favorite person or winding down with a beverage and a calming podcast. A master bath with 2 separate vanities can accommodate 2 separate heights if need be. Also, replace the soaking tub with a large, ADA approved and accessible shower if necessary. Your walk-in closet is very spacious and with the help of a closet organizer system, nothing needs to be a challenge in reaching.
Let’s talk about the wonderful second floor of this beautiful abode. Again, it is full of space and options, but easily manageable. There are (3) suites upstairs EACH with their own bathroom. Two of the bathrooms have tubs, one a shower – switch it up to meet your needs. This is perfect for a growing family or plenty of guests. This is privacy and primping at its best. A very nice library/study centers this floor and has columns ‘marking’ the interior ‘wall’ lines. This makes for a separate, but wide open and welcoming area. Open space, open mind. Do you write, listen to great music or have a collection to showcase? This space can handle it. Couches and a big coffee table along with built-in bookshelves, a desk and chair easy accommodate this space. Don’t worry about where you and your guy friends or girl’s night will take place, it can happen in your bonus room! Yes – there’s that space too. Need a place for noisy teens? Here it is. Have aging parents that need your first-floor master? No problem. There is so much room for all you want and need upstairs.
This home does offer everything. It’s a total package and one with the heart of your heart at its core. Don’t under or overestimate this home. It is beautiful in all ways by all who create and come into it. Make this your own. Welcome home.