The more I think about it, I'm wondering is it odd to walk from the entry through the breakfast/kitchen to get to the living space? What about switching the living to where the dining is and putting the dining/kitchen in the back. It was suggested above but I dismissed it originally b/c of the bar. But I don't know now. Thoughts? My thought process in this has evolved: 1) Make kitchen/dining one to have it be an eat-in area and make kitchen area bigger. 2) Then I went to flip dining to between the living/kitchen and move kitchen by stairs. Then I thought it might be strange to have people walk through that first?? 3) Flip EVERYTHING and put living by stairs and kitchen/dining where kitchen/living are now. But this blows my original image of having a view of the backyard while sitting in the living room, etc. which leads me to... 4) Our architect can kill me (just kidding...we are still in the first phase) and I can tell him to scrap this and go back to putting the breakfast nook where Mike's Den is and the kitchen next to it and leaving the living room where it is b/c it just WORKS there. There HAS to be a way to keep the MBR where it is and fitting the pantry between it and possibly the laundry or the pocket office between the closet and the hallway. Or even reshaping the MBR closet/bath area to do this? Then the bar and half-bath could go UP by the family room with Mike's Den to the right of them against the stairs? Could that work at all? I'm just so much more comfortable with the whole back being open like that. Plus, it's easier to come in and out with groceries, etc. I still don't know what to do about a drop zone though with kids stuff. That's really my only other issue. I can have him do a coat closet up front. Any feedback would be welcome (again! Ha!) Thanks guys!

It would be very helpful if you could give us a rough drawing of the house on the lot, where the lake and road are, which way is south, where there are other good views in addition to the lake, and which direction would have access to the walkout. Depending on your answers to this, it would seem to me that it might make more sense to have the kitchen, dining and great room where the master bedroom suite and laundry are. Also, what kind of climate will this be in? Your English is very good, but I'm not understanding your use of the word "visitable" in referring to the lot, bathroom, and master. Could you explain that in some other way? Anne

Mnerg - I am using several different programs to get to the final version that I originally posted. Got tired making all those changes, so used some short cuts. Sure I have the half walls. Added them differently to the latest version to lessen confusion. The eating and sitting is little tight in the screened area. Will making pantry storage 5' rather than 6' work? Then I can add that foot to the screened area? When we will clear the building area, I will see if I can squeeze another foot or two to the length of the building to add some more room to the open area. noebee1313 - The new version has two sinks. I hope to get some comments if this would work? As for quests - for large gatherings, which I expect couple of times a year, we will have a different open area for that. Just regular small dinner parties are not common with locals. Where we live, we have not met any gringos yet, so currently I do not see too many dinner parties in the future. But most likely they will be able to come through side doors as well, especially if I can squeeze another 2 feet to that area, to make is more roomy. Taggie - I agree with you. Once I looked more into the two versions, I realized that the two-door version had again very unappealing views. So although little more practical, not esthetically pleasing at all. live_wire_oak - added the 2nd sink. Do you all think I have enough counter around the stove with the new addition of sink? Will stealing a foot from storage work to add to the screen room ( this is not done on the current version yet, just got that idea while typing)? How does the fridge area look? And here is yet another version :

Hey Lizzie! Speaking as a know-nothing who delurked last weekend; I will not be able to tolerate myself without commenting on your oh!-so!-exciting!-life!-changing!-adventure! What a wonderful process you are beginning (emphasis on beginning!). Do not let anyone rain on your parade! With that said, please take the time n.o.w. to make absolutely certain that you make this project your "Most Excellent Adventure" and build a home that will work for your family now and will also be ready for you alls future needs. 1--Please, please, please, with cinnamon and sugar on top/hot coffee on the side/whatever floats your boat--Read and pay the closest attention to every detail that cpartist and Architectrunnerguy offer for your consideration. They are consumate proven professionals and artists in every sense of the word. They both give amazing amounts of their time here helping people. 2--Read cpartist's saga of designing their home, because this is a genuine epic event on which you have chosen to embark. Learn from all that she has handled, and with true grace and finesse plus infinite patience. 3--Read all of Architectrunnerguy's input available. He has great, highly pertinent info for you! 4--"Listen" to what they communicate so well, with their persistent honesty. I just saw lolauren and mrspete have also offered their talents. Listen. HVAC guy speaks the truth. In your area you will need to incorporate ample room for HVAC plant(s) and runs. Think about how to access those frozen pipes when you lose power and the fuel for your back-up generators all leaks out or never gets filled or whatever. Happens. Others will have equally valuable insights. If you fully commit to making the time and go through your process here, you will end with a home that will not only serve you fairly perfectly, without wasted space and money-sucking poor design; it will speak to your soul and gladden your heart every single time it is within your field of vision. Your house has the potential to be a beautiful, aesthetically wonderful, modernly-appointed work of art, as well as a superb blending of form and function that will be fully customized for your family's current and future needs. You do not want to build a house, you want to build a home. ;-) I am sooo excited for you and yours. Remember to relax and savor every minute of the entire process! Architectrunnerguy, thanks for the shout-out to lurkers! ;-) You made my day.