This is a tough one because I think that your space would look beautiful either way... However, I'm going to have to take your side. The proposed wall is perfect for that space (and truely stunning IMO) and I agree with you that it will make your living area feel more cozy.

persnicketydesign,
This is a hard decision! My vote goes to keep it cozy with the partition between great room and sunroom. No matter what you will have the WOW factor with the ceiling at 16'-8"
In the other hand the fireplace with the built-ins will look better and more syimmetrycal.
I am concern on how that "loose" doors to brk'f and hallway will look on your "big-long" walls if you do not separate the sunroom.
If you want it to look more open to please your DH you could remove the door transom, header and arched window and have a tall arch, of course the opening is to be trimmed. To make it even more open you could not install that windows, just make all the the openings with trims in which case I think you need to build a low wall in the bottom of the windows.

Very pretty, is this a Don Gardner plan? Anyway, I think you need the wall too as it would be a very long room and I think it adds interest to your home.

Sounds like the wall should stay. Hooray!

Tinker...You have a great eye! The photos are from Don Gardner's Herndon, but we drew up our own plan. :o)

I would add the wall too!

persnicketydesign, I love his plans. We built the Southerland in 2006 on 46 acres... moved in, unpacked, and packed back up 7 months later to return to our home state. House is still for sale, just waiting for that buyer! I love how his plans call for transoms, french doors and such. I will look forward to your finished home pictures!

persnickety, Another vote for keeping the wall, for several reasons.

1. I would LOVE the sunroom. It seems like such a nice place to curl up with a book (and I'm dreaming now because I can't remember the last time I had the spare cycles to curl up with a book, but...)
2. Having two distinct spaces would allow you to "vary" the furnishings a bit. Not sure if you have all you furniture or need to buy more, but if this were my home, I would put our living room furniture in the great room and then a little more casual/outdoorsy set in the sun room.
3. I agree with the OPs that the fireplace and doors to the kitchen and breakfast area will look better with the wall in place.

Good luck! Jaymie

Yes, build the fenestrated wall. (Don't you love those big old words we all have to learn?)

I'm sure you know, but you'll need a lot of lighting in those interior rooms: Great Room, Kitchen.

I agree...do the sunroom. This room is very large for trying to keep the "coziness" that you are wanting...and who wouldn't love to have a sunroom just to go out and relax with a book and a glass of lemonade? I don't know where you live, but too bad you are probably a long ways from Kansas~~

I vote sunroom as well.
We have a similar set up. Great room with fireplace & french doors on both sides. The french doors open up to sunroom. We are doing it a little different as we have finished the great room exterior siding all around and when sunroom is built it will be added like it was an old porch that we closed in. It will have the shingle siding on the great room exterior wall. I hope that makes sense.

I love sunrooms and think they add so much elegance and refinement. Not so common these days. I also can't wait to curl up in my sunroom with a good book ( or computer) during a wonderful storm, or some lazy summer afternoon.

The wall is staying! DH read everyone's responses and said "It appears that I'm outnumbered." LOL Thank you all so much for your opinions.

Tinker...I remember seeing the photos of your house and it was stunning. The right buyer is definitely out there. :o)

Phoggie...Anytime you make your way down to GA you're more than welcome to stop by and enjoy the sunroom. We'll have to drink iced tea rather than lemonade. This is The South, ya' know!

ACF...I know exactly the type of sunroom you are talking about. I've seen lots of pics of your lovely home, but never the sunroom. I know it will be a favorite spot though!