You will get some really good ideas here.....

The angled kitchen would be easy to rectify.... just make the fireplace and "regular" one up agains the wall and that peninsula ( or wall) will then be at 45 degrees. Probably not only easy but less expensive than as drawn.

My biggest concern with this plan is the lack "back hall" space as I think Chisue termed it... ( love that term). The only bathroom on the first floor other than the master is only accessible through the den and far from the business end of the house. What door would be used for "everyday" traffic? Where would you come in with muddy feet? With a detached garage you are going to have a nice collection of gear somewhere- most likely near the most commonly used door...... the only back door appears to be the sunroom door.

I agree with you though... love the curb appeal of this house...

Thanks ponydoc,I never even thought of practical things like traffic flow! Do you think an architect could remedy that? (also I'd love to have a foyer, but doubt there's room.

Eric Moser is the architect? If so, I'm pretty sure that his company will modify the plan for you.

Also, go look at Allison-Ramsey Architects in South Carolina. They have a similar look and several detached garage plans to choose from to use with their homes. We started to use one of their plans, but had to back off of it as the garage we wanted would exceed the allowable height with our covenants for a detached. They are very nice and emailed back and forth, including sending us photos of a home built from the plan that we liked.

Cameron

Here is a link that might be useful: Allison-Ramsey

While I like the 'farmhouse' front elevation, there are so many things I dislike about the plan that I don't know where to begin.

You do have a foyer -- they are just calling it a den. (BTW, I agree that you don't want to just plop into the LR from outside.)

Do you want to have only 'back stairs' that empty into the kitchen? (Kinda weird.) And, yes, there's no nice back hall for laundry and pantry and powder room and the 'stuff' we all have.

Are you OK with always having to walk UP from ground level to get into the house? I can see this Where you wwant a nice basement with natural light, but not for a house on a crawl. Actually, I can't see it for ME at all; I'm recuperating from a hip replacement and am grateful for one-floor living that's one step up from ground level.

I'd prefer a larger eating area off the kitchen than just the sunroom. And, why doesn't it extend all the way to the side of the house?

I'd reverse the toilet and shower in the master bath so that the toilet room can have a window.

Upstairs, I'd prefer a hall entrance for the bathroom. There have been many posts here about the Jack 'n Jill arrangement driving people nuts. ("He's locked me out!", etc.)

I'd keep looking.

Do you have a certain square footage in mind or limit? What type of foundation? Are you gearing more towards a farmhouse look? What are the requirements for the front porch? Sorry if I missed that info.

After a quick search I sound one plan. Not sure if it is your style, but I thought it's a start. You could ax the garage, using that side as a grocery drop off/friends entrance. I think the upstairs master and bath need tweaking, too, but it could work.

Lindy likes to look at plans like me, so hopefully she'll find something and add it too. LOL!

Here is a link that might be useful: House Plan

Another one...again cutting off the garage.

Here is a link that might be useful: Another Idea Plan

We live in a similar neighborhood. The homes have to be Williamsburg in style. It wasn't what I would have chosen if there were other options but this was the only new neighborhood in the school district that we wanted to be in and was halfway between each of our jobs.

I have attached the link for the site where our plans were purchased. Since we were transferred here by my husband's company, we had to get a house going FAST. These plans were all preapproved by the development. I was the opposite of you though. I chose a plan with an interior that I could live with, with plans to change the exterior, but it was too much of a headache with the ARB so we just built as is, knowing we would move again in 3-4 years.

We also have a detached garage. Ughh! Never again! Ours is off the basement level, so we were able to add a nice mudroom with cubbies and closet space for all the junk that accumulates, but I hate having to go out to a cold car every morning, since it's not convenient to just run out and start it while you are getting ready for work. Unloading groceries and kids is a major PITA.

I know I sound discouraging but just wanted you to know what you are getting into. Maybe if mine were off the kitchen instead of the basement, I would like it better. If it's possible to link the garage to the house with a breezeway I would definitely go that route.

Here is a link that might be useful: House Plans

Wow, you have all given me ideas to mull over!
I have checked out both Moser and Allison Ramsey designs,in fact,they are local.Will most likely end up with either.
chisue- I'll take your suggestions into consideration- my DH is scheduled for hip replacement too. (although by the time we build he should be a new man!)
eventhecatisaboy- We'd like to stick between 2,500 to 2,800 sq. ft. I did like the two plans you picked though. Master on the first is important- what if his other hip gives out! No basement, all the houses are raised up a bit( not a slab)I want a big front porch to overlook a pretty park.
And chisue, I think I'll bag that SL plan, seeing it through your eyes. You've all been so helpful... can I run one more by you? Thanks.

Here is a link that might be useful: Another SL plan to tweak