“Charm is a product of the unexpected.” – Jose Marti
Unexpected charm is certainly found in this lovely English Country style home. Yorkgate (D-3217), a 3,462 square foot 2-story home with 3 bedrooms and 3 ½ bathrooms by Frank Snodgrass of Living Concepts Home Plans will surprise and delight you. With its squared off windows and openings, possible diamond shaped windowpanes and materials of timber, stone and stucco, this home is calling you…..home.
Welcome
Already, charm oozes from this home plan. Its dual cupola perch on the roof peaks like proud, tall hats. Arched-top windows on the second story look like knowing eyes, glimpses from the soul of the house. The fairy-tale like qualities of this home, with its turreted front will have you dreaming and planning your ever after. Large front windows on the main level and the stone and stucco exterior are just the beginning of the charm you will find here. Imagine your favorite flowers overflowing large window boxes and the lush green surroundings of your outdoor spaces.
Foyer, Grand Room & Outdoor Space
Your portico brings you into the foyer/gallery hall area with clear views to your large, grand room and long-covered terrace outdoors. The fireplace in the grand room is sure to, not only keep you warm on cool nights, but also add elegance and a sense of home. This space can entertain many with room to spare for big birthday parties or for just a few when you binge-watch your favorite Netflix show. From your grand room, you’ll walk out to your covered terrace. This terrace is perfect for not only an outdoor kitchen/grill area, but also a dining table set, plants and herbs. A surprise is the closeted storage area in this space.
Kitchen, Sitting area, More Outdoor Space
Back in the house, your kitchen and informal sitting areas might be the heartbeats of daily living. The large island will be a hotspot for sitting and chatting with others or watching your favorite meal being made. There is so much counter space in here that even a seasoned cook will have plenty of room for creating a many-course meal. From the kitchen, a second stairwell up to a bonus room is nearby. Your entrance/exit to your 2-car garage is here too. From the garage, there is an adjoining door to your single-car garage and from there, a large, covered patio area. Surprise. Two great outdoor sitting spaces, covered at that, protecting you from any weather element. This outdoor space might be where your chaise, side tables and tall potted plants await you and your latest book. Or, perhaps, this is where you like to sit and paint.
Master Suite
Back in the house, you’ll pass a powder room and formal dining room as you head down the gallery hall towards your master bedroom. The main stairway, in the ‘turret’ of the home, is also just off the foyer. Your laundry room is conveniently located just outside your master suite. Perhaps, from one of the two walk-in closets, you can add a secret door directly into the laundry room.
The luxury of this master suite must be the corner fireplace. There is a door to your covered terrace from here as well. Your master bath has separate vanities and sinks, a corner soaking tub and a shower. If there’s a reason to leave this space, I’m not sure what it is, although the kitchen is probably a good reason. Make this room as indulgent and luxe as you’d like, or just soft, cozy, and the easy feeling you seek at the end of the day. No matter, this space is a haven to behold.
Upstairs
Let’s go upstairs where your family and guests will enjoy privacy. At the top of the stairs is a balcony overlooking your great room below. There is a small sitting nook with a dormer window and a linen closet here as well. Two bedroom suites adjoin a full jack and jill (shared between them) bathroom. The back staircase is here by the large bonus room, so sneaking down to the kitchen for late night snacks while movie watching can go pretty undetected. If you have older adults living with you, this bonus room can make for very private, really nice casual living space. With a wet bar and fridge, add a microwave, and this space is ideal for an aging person. There’s plenty of room for a large television, soft, comfortable sectional and a recliner if preferred (or a lift chair recliner for the aging person).
This home is fairy-tale dreamy but can be your sure-bet reality. It offers big thinking and enough space without looming large and too formal. Be the kings and queens of this castle and watch your dreams unfold.
Make this your own. Welcome Home.