“Many people cycle or swim to keep trim. But if swimming is so good for the figure, how do you explain whales?” Charles Saatchi Many moons ago, I swam a lot. Every day, in fact, the pool was open. Since then, I have swum in rivers, lakes, ponds, and my favorite- the ocean. If you love the pool, though, and need a home with a pool house, then pay close attention as we unveil those plans these next few weeks. Let’s begin with the Essex-Jump on in by Living Concepts.
The Mediterranean home has two stories. You will have room for three cars. The single bay garage is at the far left, and the two-car garage is connected to the single one with a breezeway. Two powder rooms and full bath (master’s) are downstairs, while three full bathrooms are upstairs. There are five bedroom suites with 5322 square feet, and every foot of that is used to the owner’s advantage.
The Essex- Jump on in!
Entering from the garage
Like the Belvedere plan, the Essex has its garages on the left side of the house. A breezeway connects the two garages. To enter the first floor, you will take the few steps on your left. Another door on the left allows you to come inside without having to use the garage. On your right, though, are stairs going up to a separate bedroom suite (more on that later).
A small reach-in closet is to the left of the stairs taking you to the second floor. Opposite those stairs is the powder room and utility/laundry room. Another reach-in closet and powder room is on the opposite side of the utility room.
The Essex- Jump on in!
Exploring the Kitchen, Gathering Room and Veranda
The kitchen is on the left side of the home. This room includes all of the extras you would want in a luxurious home. First, there is a butler’s pantry on the right. A sink, shelves and countertop will make preparing those larger meals an easier task. (Be sure to recruit those young folk, too). Next on that wall is your pizza oven. Who doesn’t want pizza on Friday nights?
A walk-in pantry is on your left. The kitchen island includes a cooktop. Countertops curve around to form a peninsula with an upside-down L shape, and a double sink on the left wall. This is where personal preference reigns. Put your sink on the island and your oven/stove against the wall? Or vice-versa?
The kitchen is open to the gathering room, which faces your backyard. A door on the left, near the kitchen peninsula, leads you to your side yard. There is a fireplace in the far-left corner, with doors on the right leading to the covered veranda.
The Essex- Jump on in!
Entering the Front of the Home
Your front steps lead into the foyer. On the left side is the formal dining room.
Then, on the right, your study/parlor. It also has a fireplace. This room, perhaps, should be spelled retreat. It has that warm, getting away from it all ambience.
A second staircase leading to the second floor is on your right, sandwiched between the living room and master suite. Next, after a few steps down, you are in the living room. A bar is at the far right. It also includes doors that open into the covered veranda as well as the terrace that surrounds the pool.
The Essex- Jump on in!
Strolling Through the Master Suite
From the study/parlor or the front foyer, you enter the master foyer, a circular room that gives additional privacy. In the master suite (sleeping area), there is a fireplace on the right wall. A door leads out onto the terrace, where you can slip outside for that morning swim.
A short diagonal hallway has several purposes. A small closet on either side can hold your extra linens. Then, her walk-in closet is on the left side, while his is on the right. Finally, doors open into the master bath.
A skylight keeps the bathroom bright and sunny. A single sink can be found on either side. Straight ahead, you will find the soaking tub. You can walk on the right or the left to reach your “car wash” shower. (A footnote: the architect told me that’s what clients call this!)
Finally, you once again have more privacy with the toilets tucked behind doors. The one on the right also includes room for a bidet.
The Essex- Jump on in!
At last! The Pool House
No matter how you approach the terrace and pool, the area wants you to linger. It really makes no difference if you are a master swimmer or a raft-hugging pool lounger. Plus, having a pool house nearby makes the experience much more enjoyable. This one has a covered veranda that opens both into the pool house and to the bathroom.
A fireplace on the left wall will dissipate that early morning chill. It also includes a shower, toilet and changing room, imperative for those quick changes and washing before going back into the main house. Finally, another door on the far left of the bath can either hold pool equipment or serve as an additional changing room.
The Essex- Jump on in!
The Second Floor
Let’s use the stairs closest to the master suite to venture upstairs. Here we have four bedroom suites. Suites 2 and 3 share a bathroom. Suite #2 has a walk-in closet while suite #3 has a large reach-in closet. The bathroom has two single sinks, toilet, space to store linens, and a shower/tub with toilet in an enclosed space.
Next, between suites 3 and 4, there is a balcony that opens up, facing the front yard. Suite #4 has an extended reach-in closet and its own bath. The toilet and shower/tub are enclosed and there are two sinks. A closet to store extra linens is just outside of the bathroom.
Another staircase is right next to this bathroom. Before going down, however, take a peek at the bonus room. It overlooks the interior of the home and has its own closet. There is also a balcony large enough to step out onto. Better watch the tiny folk, though!
The Essex- Jump on in!
Extra Suite? (Sweet!)
Remember those stairs in the garage? The fifth bedroom suite is accessible by these stairs. There are three skylights that will make you feel like you are in the clouds. There is a walk-in closet and a bathroom with a single sink, toilet, and tub/shower. You’ll have to go downstairs, however, for that home-cooked meal.
The Essex- Jump on in!
Conclusion
When looking for a house plan that includes room for a pool and pool house, look closely at the Essex plan by Living Concepts. The outdoor spaces and indoor living might combine to be the perfect match for you and your family. Be sure to click on the green button-add to cart (right side) to purchase the plan!
“If you want to learn to swim, jump into the water. On dry land, no frame of mind is ever going to help you.” Bruce Lee
