“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” – Gustav Mahler
Borrowing from Traditional house plans of the past and introducing new products and the lifestyles of today makes for great Traditional house plans. Most people associate a Traditional house plan with Colonial or Georgian styles, but really, Traditional style is based on the detailing of a particular style. This Traditional home, (Brookhaven B-2495) by Living Concepts Home Plans architect Frank Snodgrass, offers 3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths in 2,495 square feet of elegant simplicity.
From its enticing curb appeal and your curiosity for what’s inside, the front of this home says ‘HOME.” It is charm right in front of you from the materials of stucco and stone, to the high-pitched roofline and the arched front window and front door. Perhaps you’ll find the perfect plants to line your driveway with so your welcome is always a sight to behold.
A House is made of bricks and beams. A home is made of hopes and dreams.
Stepping up to your front door that is covered and surrounded, a hanging light that matches the ones you can put above your garage doors, will add the unique touches you want and extra charm and functionality.
Immediately you’ll notice the large foyer and how it guides you to many spaces in the house. The untraditional shape is unexpected in a traditional home – again, this home brings a style and updates it for you. There is a powder room and a front closet just to the left of your front entry. Your dining room is to the right and its windows look out to the lovely plants you’ve put along the driveway entrance. The staircase to the second story is here, but it is perfectly tucked, at an angle, into a wall that is shared by the dining room. Again, simply elegant, and slightly out of the expected ‘traditional’ box.
The shape of the dining room is that of home plate on a baseball field. Perhaps you like a round table and lush, fabric covered chairs? Place this off center and near the front corner for a better view out the window? A sideboard with a great piece of artwork fits on the wall that is shared with the staircase? Your options and your choices – break tradition and make this room unique.
Home is where love resides, memories are created, friends always belong and laughter never ends
The kitchen is to the right of the dining room. Tucked into the front most right corner of the house is your laundry room. Your kitchen prep space is large and inviting. A central island with cooktop will have you easily keeping an eye on your meals, the breakfast area and into the gathering room. There is no dividing wall between the kitchen and the gathering room. However, an extended counter/bar top can create additional seating and still not obstruct your view or participation in what is happening in the gathering room. With a pantry for floor to ceiling shelves, your extra cookbooks, canned goods and dried foods will all have their own space.
The eating area of the kitchen is surrounded by windows for a “Hello, Mother Nature’ feel. An open feeling and bringing the outdoors into this space is a nice bonus.
The gathering room is large and sits in the center of the home. With a big fireplace and built-in bookshelf on one side, this room will add charm for sure. Think of all the times you’ll spend in here, resting, laughing, entertaining and ‘chilling out’ and you’ll make sure this comfort zone is indeed your comfortable zone. Maybe you’ll put glass shelves in the bookshelf and adorn with beautiful colorful glass art?
From the gathering room you can walk out to your covered lanai. With a dining table and chairs, some flowering plants and herbs and a grill, you are ready for grilling anytime. Perhaps it is possible to extend this area and expand your idea of ‘outdoor entertaining’.
May your house always be too small to hold all of your friends
The left-side of the house is master retreat area. From the large suite, to the two walk-in closets and a large master bath, you will be able to enjoy everything about this area. Your master suite has a door out to the covered lanai. If you’ve extended the area or don’t want a large dining table outside, this would be a nice, convenient spot for the hot tub you’ve always wanted.
Separate closets are perfect if you don’t want to share your space with someone else. It’s idea for keeping seasonal clothing separate or, you could use the extra closet for storage if it works for you.
The master bath has 2 separate vanities and sinks. With large floor space, a heated flooring system would feel nice in any season. A large walk-in shower and soaking tub (under a window) round out the luxury feel here.
Where we love is home – home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts
Your stairs lead up to a large, open loft on the second floor. This space would make for a good study area or small sitting, conversation area. It could also be a little dining, ‘cool vibe’ space with wood flooring, counter/cabinet space, a small built in fridge or two (for adult and non-adult beverages) and high-top seating. This space connects to your outdoor lanai with you sitting on the ‘roof top deck’ area. I think this is the perfect ‘get away’ from the rest of the house space as well as peaceful reading or just enjoying the outdoors.
To the left of the loft space is a suite that connects to a walk-in attic area as well as the covered lanai. Between the loft area and another suite, is a connecting (Jack n Jill style) bathroom. One suite has a walk-in closet, the other a long, double doored closet. There is more walk-in attic space on the right side of the house. Your favorite childhood memorabilia, seasonal clothes, holiday décor and more will have plenty of room to fit up here.
No matter your mood, your ideas of what is traditional or not, it all fits here. This home is as traditional as you want to make it – or twist tradition and surprise yourself.
Make this your own. Welcome home.