The latest progress: pillars and stones
The architect came by the other weekend to see his work come to life, and remarked about how pleased he was that it's a "four-sided house"--meaning the home looks correct and symmetrical on all four sides, every side being just as important as the other (not just the front). How many times have you seen a great house that looks nice from the front, but the sides and the back look like utilitarian afterthoughts?
If you've been following our home search, we started looking last year while our condo was still on the market. We knew we wanted three things:
1. A single family home that is
2. Architecturally thoughtful with
3. Mature trees
The project is called "in-fill". As I've mentioned, it's when you buy an existing property (ostensibly for the lot), tear it down and fill-in with a new structure. This type of home-buying is very popular now. Apparently people no longer want the cookie-cutter McMansions on tightly spaced, tree-less lots. Customization and green space are key elements.
The original house
Raised
Basement forms
Framing up
Roof on
Windows and pillars in, roof shingles on
The property is a corner lot in a quiet, older neighborhood with beautiful mature trees. The modest ranch-style house that sat on the lot was owned by one person for the better part of 50 years before we leveled it. The plans were already in place when we embarked on the engagement with the custom builders. They had spec'd the lot for stylized Dutch colonial, which the architect they commissioned with designed after an historic home called Windover (in our town about a half mile away). Needless to say, ours is a muuuuuch more scaled down version of Windover.
The historic inspiration circa 1906 (extensive reno in 2004)
What are the elements you want in your forever house?
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12 comments:
Your new home looks beautiful. How exciting! I'm so happy for you! (And a little jealous too!) :)
Gorgeous house!
I went to Montessori school in Vienna and have wonderful memories of my time there...when the time is right, let me know and I can send you the name! I actually drove my husband past it when we were in DC in April!
You're making some great progress. It's going to be beautiful.
Great looking home! And thank goodness it doesn't look like some of those cookie cutter houses that we have in some suburban communities out here in Seattle. They are truly awful!
I have to comment though...that's a lot of roof! :)
We were just talking about our house and we think we'll stay and throw a 2ndd story on it if need be. Either that or we're going to buy out and level the obnoxious neighbor's house next door and put in a swimming pool. Hehe.
It already looks so gorgeous! Chris and I went single family home hunting for fun a few months ago (we currently own a townhome) and found things we really like and others we hate. For example, we need a larger lot, can't stand double stair entryways, and love love love cathedral ceilings.
Wendy: Thanks, mama! I forgot to let you know that Baby P is looking so YUMMY!!!!! Pretty little girl!
Michelle: So funny your connection with the area!
Catherine: You're an old pro and home-building! Any advice?
Elyssa: Haha! Level it! Yeah, RIDICULOUS amount of roof! It's the key design element. When we were choosing the roof color, the builder paused and said, "Remember, it's a lot of roof..." Um, how can we forget?! But we had to take that into consideration. I was initially going to go with a grey, like weathered New England cedar. But that would have just looked washed out and weird given the volume of roof.
Kate: Yes, visiting homes for sale really allows you to hone your preferences, no?
I cannot wait to see the final product - and how you plan to decorate it! For us, our "forever" home will hopefully include a great backyard for the whole family to enjoy (pool, fireplace, outdoor kitchen, etc.). I have a feeling it'll be a while though ;)
Totally agree on your home looking fantastic from all sides (at least the sides we've seen so far). Love that it has character!
Can't wait to see you and G work your magic on the inside. Your sense of aesthetics is impeccable!
Beautiful home! WOW!
would love to see the house once it's complete! i'll be done with my boards by then, i believe!
This was not just informative it was very helpful also regarding building and buying a house or property. I like this blog because it was well detailed and studied. Thank you for sharing this. God bless
Charles A
The environment and the neighborhood, of course! Yours is truly fantastic. A serene place is where a family can live most comfortably. They can get to enjoy the beauty of the environment and the company of the people around them. A gorgeous house is where a gorgeous family lives. ;)
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