Ok....I admit I kind of rambled on in my posting above...maybe TMI....but any thoughts on deck or patio layout? Sometimes a fresh point of view is nice, although we already kind of have an idea....or pics of yours is great too!

Thanks!
Kathi

I'd think function first. What are you going to be using the deck and/or patio for? Cooking, lounging, entertaining big groups, play area? Do you have small kids? Where is the kitchen, the living room, etc. Where does the hot sun shine, and in what part of the day? Will this be used mainly in the evening, or all times of day? Will you really use a fire pit? I know they're all the rage, but I think they're like jacuzzi tubs--lots of people build them but relatively few people use them. Think about how many mosquitoes are out in your area, for instance. It's hard to give you suggestions without context. You also have to think budget, since materials can cost vastly different amounts. You might want to take a look at the porch/deck forum too, though it's a pretty contentious bunch! You've got a lovely house and I think any of your ideas would work, but think of function more before design.

I agree with lovesummer, I'd like a little more context. Is it for your use.. do you entertain? What do you intend to use it for? I do like the idea of a wrap around deck but will you use it? Do you need that much surface area?

My first thought is that a pergola would help break up the high wall but I can't really picture the pergola wrapped around. It's hard to tell since your photo was taken on a sunny day, but is the side area all in shade? If so, a stone patio surrounded by a shade garden would be lovely.

Drawing a blank otherwise. It's been a blank expression kind of day for me :)

Wow, thought that was just a tiny little cottage! Your kitchen is beautiful too (other post). How about a stone patio and low wall? It would be beautiful in your woodsy setting.

squirrel.....yes it's a unique house for sure. The only thing upstairs is the Master Bedroom/Bath/Closet.

lovesummer....we would use it for all of the above....we do like to entertain but haven't done much outside and you can see why! Actually it looks good now compared to when we moved in five years ago....it was mainly just brush. And yes, we have 2 children, ages 10 and 5. The side of the house (with slider) gets afternoon sun. The slider and windows are looking right out of our great room. The fire pit...I think we would use it occasionally when entertaining. It will be a good opportunity to burn DH's woodworking scraps too! :)

funkyart...I have debated myself whether or not we would use a deck on the back of the house, it is very shaded under the fir trees. It just seems like it needs something to blend with the deck on the side if we didn't wrap it around. It seems like the heigth on the house (side and back) is calling for something....

Would it look ok to just do a pergola over the back door (no deck) to match the heigth of the pergola on the side of the house (look at the last picture)?

One other thing....we probably wouldn't do stone right off of the house because of where our septic is located. DH's idea was to do a deck there (he can build a small part of the deck that "lifts up" for this purpose. But I like the combination of wood and stone....so I thought deck with steps off to one side with a stone patio....but that part could be done at a later time as well...although we need to keep it in mind when planning the deck.

Thanks for your thoughts!