“Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and winds long to play with your hair.” – Kahlil Gibran
When I think of the house plan name Natoma, I think of the base word Nature. I think of the outdoors with its earthy colors, space, and myriad of ‘emotions’ to be so interesting, do you? If so, Natoma, a Living Concepts plan with over 4200 square feet, 4 bedrooms, and 4.5 baths, will have you longing to be here daily. Whether this is a primary or second home in a mountainous or peaceful setting, it can settle your soul, both indoors and out. Being cottage/craftsman in architectural style, the use of natural materials and colors is common. Wood beams, brick, and stucco are often used on the exterior of the home as well as beams on the interior.
The curb appeal of Natoma is both charming and deceiving (in the best way). A welcoming covered front porch for rocking chairs and letting your mind wander sits among curious arched windows and garage doors. Low-growing foliage anchors your landscaping, and this is just the beginning.
The Natoma
Foyer – Dining Room
As you step into your foyer, a few exciting visuals greet you. First, the foyer is long with a solid left wall. Here is your opportunity to start your ‘style-stamp’ in artwork, a bench for removing shoes or hooks for coats, and a pretty wreath.
To the right is a dining room. A large opening into the foyer, a long hallway, and a large front window give an air of openness and welcoming here. A long wall on the right side is ideal for a unique cabinet. Whether you have formal meals or lunch with your favorite people in here, let the memory-making begin.
The Natoma
Family Room and Kitchen
Crossing a hallway between your foyer and family room will have you stepping into comfort central. The family room is large and anchored by a fireplace. Many days and nights can be spent here napping, watching your favorite PBS show, laughing with friends and family, and enjoying holidays as you please. The cool thing about this room is that its entrance is outlined with columns. This allows the space to feel open, yet not open floor plan, and thus, gives the space a sense of privacy and warmth. Doors to a large, covered terrace are central to the back wall of this room. Comfortable leather couches, warm hardwood floors, and a soft area rug (for comfort and sound absorption) will fill this space perfectly.
To the right of the family room is the kitchen and eat-in area. This kitchen has a lot of space for prepping, baking, or entertainment. A raised counter sits at an angle facing the family room and the eating area is where kids or adults alike will sit and have light meals or chat with you while you do what you do in the kitchen. There is plenty of counter space and cabinets for making holiday meals or intimate dinners. A pantry allows for more storage, staples, and cookbooks.
A deck on the right side of the house is accessible from the kitchen. Maybe this cozy spot is where you enjoy morning coffee. Stairs lead from here down to your yard.
The Natoma
Outside Entertaining I
The covered terrace, one of two, has a surprising corner fireplace. Putting a grill, small table, and chairs, as well as comfortable seating/bench in front of the fireplace, helps make chilly nights more enjoyable.
The Natoma
Accoutrements – Laundry, stairs, etc.
Rounding out the right side of the home, and across from the kitchen, are stairs to the lower level. You’ll also find a powder room and a long laundry room.
Leading to the 2 car garage is a mudroom area that has a door to an outer, smaller porch. This mudroom, with a bench and under-storage, will help everyone keep belongings together for quick grabbing in the morning or for afternoon sports. A closet for hanging umbrellas and storage for warmer or cooler jackets is here as well. Stairs that lead to a bonus space above the garage finish up this area.
The Natoma
Garage and Bonus Room
The garage sits at an angle to the rest of the house and offers plenty of space for cars and a workbench.
The bonus room is nice because the stairs are located inside the house. With a full bath, this could make for an ideal exercise space/office space. Giving you privacy, quiet and the ability to separate work/life activities, I think you’ll be very happy here. Or, maybe you make an older teenage child happy and give her the space to call her own.
The Natoma
Master Suite
Last, but not at all least, on this level is the master suite. The entire furthest left side of the house is your space. I hope you find that beginning and ending your day here won’t be a challenge at all.
From the foyer, go left and enter the master suite. A tray ceiling adds interest and a private door leads to the covered terrace for quiet nights. You had a back wall of windows and 2 long walls for artwork or furniture placement. Do you want a California king-sized bed? Get it. There is plenty of space.
Walking toward your master bath, you pass 2 walk-in closets. One for cooler season clothes, the other for warm? The options are yours. Enjoy. Finally, your master bath. This room is in the front left corner of the house, the front window, lets you peek out to your front porch. There are 2 separate single-sink vanities, your commode hidden by a pocket door as well as a separate soaking tub, shower, and a closet for linens. The floor space in here is large and ‘open’ giving you options for a great flooring design.
The Natoma
Down and Out
Heading down the stairs, you walk into a beautiful lower level. Your rec room area is large and wide open to a long, curved bar, ample space for a wine cellar, and more. Let’s break this out.
The rec room has a fireplace. No temperature chill down here. A perfect treat is the walk-out doors that lead to your covered terrace and guess what…..ANOTHER fireplace. People, that is 4 – FOUR with this home. Two fireplaces inside and two outside. How will you decide where your favorite spot is? You won’t have to because every space is ideal. Keep looking….
The bar area is large and has a sink with room for a fridge and ideally, a dishwasher (that doesn’t have 2 hands). An open space that leads to mechanical areas and storage, is where you can put a fancy card table, old vintage video games, or a pinball machine. Imagine all the hours of fun to be had in this lower level.
Guest Suites
On the left side of this level are 2 suites. Room for guests or kids, it’s here. Adjoining jack-and-jill bathroom with double-sink vanity and separate toilet/bath/shower space makes sharing easier. The back right corner offers a guest suite with a walk-in closet and its own bath with a shower. While this room buts up to the outdoor lower terrace, there is no direct access from this suite.
There is a small powder room just to the right of the stairs, leaving the other bathrooms private.
Lastly, a large storage space is located in the front right of the level. This is a dual-access space, so it’s convenient from here, or can be accessed from the outside. Store planting items, chemicals for a pool or whatever you need.
“They were pleasant spring days, in which the winter of man’s discontent was thawing as well as the earth, and the life that had lain torpid began to stretch itself.” – Henry David Thoreau
Nature. Natoma. Wherever it is you choose to plant yourself, plant the grounds around you as well. Let yourself and your surroundings bloom and evolve – grow and change. This beautiful home lets you cozy in during seasons of chill and will yawn itself awake when the frosts subside and the sun of springs dawning, beckons you to your outdoors; stretching, reaching, beginning a season anew.
Make this your own. Welcome Home.