Portsmouth – Outdoor Galore
From the outside, this lovely charmer may look ordinary – like ‘just another Craftsman, but this is where it’s deceiving. This Portsmouth, plan D, is extraordinary. Created by Frank Snodgrass of Living Concepts Home Plans, Portsmouth -D is almost 3900 square feet of endless potential. For a family, the four bedrooms and four and one-half bathrooms, an exposed lower level, the main floor, and garage space of a bonus room are just the place to call home.
“Sometimes I feel lost,” said the boy. “Me too,” said the mole, ‘but we love you, and love brings you home.” – Charlie Mackesy The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse
Notice the character of the windows and arches, the shapes and textures that make this house a home. The front porch has room for a few rocking chairs to watch the sun rise or set. The tall arch covering the front porch accents the window’s arch above the front door. These arches are the little sisters to the large window to the right, which lets nature into your dining room.
Come on in – Welcome Home
Portsmouth – Foyer and Dining Room
You’ll be happy to have a foyer with a long ‘anything goes’ wall. Imagine a small round table in the center with a tall silk arrangement of beautiful flowers, that adds freshness without fuss every day. You might consider adding an elegant bench and low table for putting on shoes, a glass bowl for keys, or a small lamp and this foyer is fabulous.
The dining room is open to your right, as well as being open to a hallway between the family room. Remember the lovely arched window at the front of the house? That window fronts the dining room. If you don’t want or need a dining room, this could be a bright, fresh space as an office.
Portsmouth – Primary Suite and Bath
The primary suite is to the left of the foyer and takes the whole left side of the house. There is a hallway from this suite, all the way to the kitchen, and then past a pantry, powder room, laundry room, stairwell, another porch, mudroom, and out to the garage. We will get to all that soon.
The bath is at the front of the house, right behind the front porch. You might want to hang beautiful blinds or a Roman shade for privacy. A separate shower, linen closet, two separate sinks, vanities, and room with a pocket door for the commode is just what you want. There are two separate walk-in closets, which are dreamy for anyone or any two people. No arguing for space, shoes, shelves for handbags, and gym clothes, imagine that.
Long walls in the bedroom give you so many options for bed size, wall art, and even a comfy chair or two to sit near the bay window at the back of the house. This is a great primary bedroom suite all day long.
Portsmouth – Family Room & Covered Terrace
There are so many great spaces in this home inside and out. Let’s talk about each of those, starting in the family room. Centering the house is the family room. Its opening is large and wide, with four columns lending interest and semi-separation from the hallway into the room. A large fireplace here might be the backdrop for a large, muted-toned oil painting. Feel free to be cozy and comfortable here, it is, after all, your family room.
This is a bright space as the back of this room is all windows and glass doors. Why? Because it leads out to the amazing, large, hospitable covered terrace. Make sure you hold the 4th of July family reunion or mega-party for friends and family, as this is the ideal location for good times. Lined with pots of herbs and flowers, a grill, table and chairs, and a chaise for reading, this oasis is yours to enjoy whenever you wish.
Portsmouth – Kitchen, Eating area and Screened Porch
You’re excited about this aren’t you? I know! I told you it’s the house with everything. Now, the back right side of the house is where you’ll make meal memories. The kitchen has cabinet and countertop space galore. Like to bake? Make a dozen cookies 12 times over here…or more. At once. An island centers the space so you can sit and comfortably decorate said cookies
A sink sits at an angle with the eating area in front of it and a window to the right.
The eating area is large and long. A bench-seating table for eight might be exactly what you want, and this area can handle it.
Also, a door to an incredible screened porch is here. The wonderful porch has a door to the covered terrace for seamless flow outdoors. You will enjoy eating bug-free and un-rained on when you sit out here.
Portsmouth – Front of house ‘Goodies”
Walking from your kitchen toward the garage is a pantry on the left and a powder room. The laundry room has a sink and an open wall for cabinets/counter (upper and lower cabinets or upper shelving) for convenience. There is an open space with a closet and stairs that go up to the bonus room above the garage and a door out to the two-car garage. If you like counters, benches and wall hooks to maximize space and efficiency, this is the place for them.
Lastly, a staircase leads to a large bonus room above the garage.
A unique feature is the door across from the laundry room leading to another small porch.
Portsmouth – Bonus Room
Above the garage is an ideal quiet, private space for an office, gym, or studio. This could be an older child’s room or space for guests when they visit. A full bathroom and long, large room with a dormer, would be a wonderful bedroom and cozy sitting space for anyone.
Portsmouth – Takin’ it Down
The lower level in this house is more space for WOW. Here you’ve got three guest suites, all with walk-in closets. Two of the suites share a jack-n-jill full bath with double vanities. The third suite has a full bath and shower, not tub.
And then….let’s talk about the huge rec room with fireplace and bar area. This lower level is ‘the dream’. Guests/kids sleep here, there is family space for movie watching in a rec area. If you like physical games and video or pinball-type entertainment, there is room for this too. Storage is plenty – both inside and outside access. Seriously, this can be your work, play, best-of-everything area.
Oh, guess what? That fabulous upper area entertainment area? It has high perks down here too. On rainy days, too sunny days, not ‘private’ enough days….this lower level gives you private outdoor living. Yep. Lower level dining, fire-pit use, hot tub soaking privacy, viewing the world from another ‘level’ living….this is everything.
Portsmouth – Everything
See? I told you this house is amazing and the best of all things. Build this Portsmouth on the right lot so you can add a pool. Or, build it next to a lake or cute pond. No matter where, just be happy, make this yours, and make the memories even bigger. Congratulations. Portsmouth welcomes you.