I like Visbeen too, but would never have the coin to build one of his plans. Most are a bit big for us. But great character. (A gym under the garage? Sweeet) I really also like Stephen Fuller. Lots of character details, efficient use of spaces. On our 'short list' is the Wakefield, but he's got many variations on the int/ext in the "Classic Suburban" collection. It's got many of the features you (and us) want: adults down, munchkins up, good light for the kitchen, some 'southern charm' like porches front & rear. I especially like the extra living area upstairs. Gives the kids a public place to hang out all their own. It does have a detached garage that I suppose could be enlarged to 3 wide or tandem depth, and you could always flip the plan to get it on the right. Here is a link that might be useful: Stephen Fuller, Wakefield

My favorite shop is is Great Finds and Designs a lovely high end- no junk here-consignment shop. The furniture and accessories are arranged in wonderfulroom settings which are always changing because things are always flying out of there. I overheard a designer picking up goods there to use at the symphony showhome a few years ago. Their prices are reasonable, I think because they do such a tremendous business, furniture being dropped off and being picked up every time I shop there. They were on Greenspring in Timonium, MD but they moved right before Christmas, I think- across the street or nearby but not sure. Need a shopping day soon I think. There are so many antique shops in the area I can't just pick one. There is antique row in Baltimore. A new fav of mine is the Good Life Market in Ellicott City MD. 2 buildings both incredible. Any shop in Ellicott City is not to be missed if you visit the area.It is an historic mill town and is quite charming.Home decor, antique, shabby chic, bakeries restaurants, new age shops,railroad museum. I am lucky enough to be able to hike down the historic trolley trail and visit( not for serious shopping though)

I understand, but desired budget is going to be important. Also if you plan to age in place, or if that is not a concern. For the kitchen -- do you entertain often or are you home-bodies. (Do you LIKE cooking, or do you prefer Lean Cuisine nuked?) Actually, I started out something like you -- I have 52 acres mostly wooded and I am keeping them almost entirely that way. I checked out my own needs (probably not the same as yours), discovered I hate dealing with my knee issues, so the laundry will be on the main floor. Discovered on my own lot a walk out basement would suit me and I can keep the mechanicals down there with little problem, and not have to go down there as often as I do have to do laundry!!! I'll be able to do a root cellar and a workshop, but your needs will likely differ. (

Every year is a new year for me.. right now I'm in the middle of a 6 year rotation of a lot of seeds to try out. Last year was orange tomatoes- Juanne Flamme was the hands down winner among a lot of orange tomatoes. This year is whites and container kinds. It's still a bit up in the air about the number one, but leading in the pick is Snow White cherry. Super hardy plant, prolific, and the first cherry in ages that has captured the whole family's attention for tomato goodness in a little package. All the rest of the tomatoes just sit and wait for me to preserve in various ways. But I can pick a quart a day of Snow Whites and they disappear within hours for fresh eating on. Good thing the two plants I have growing can keep up with the few quarts a week habit we have for snacking on this tasty tomato. Dwarf Wild Fred is in the running too- for all that I tend to grow only heirlooms, this is a newer container black (or rather a zebra stripe of deep red and green with a plum heart), that is worth seed saving for another years growth. Very tasty, grows well with a good habit. Totem is the red of choice for this years containers- compact, grows strong and well, and darn fine and tasty red tomatoes for small slicing, canning, dehydrating, or saucing up. If you only have a tiny space- go for this one. Silvery Fir Tree pretty much sucked in production- that might be because almost every fruit produced got snacked on by critters before I could get to it.. But it was the hands down winner for ultra beautiful foliage to the extent that I would grow this tomato in my flower garden for just it's lovely foliage. One billion percent a must for ornamental gardeners. I have around 16-18 kinds of tomatoes in the garden this year.... if I had to only choose one for seed saving, I would have to choose Snow White.