Again, thank you. I've rethought a few things and will have DH work up the new plans and repost them on another thread (incase anyone is interested). If I keep the island as it currently sits, I can have a nice long, maybe 18" deep, counter where the fridge currently sits. I plan to move the Fridge to the area you all suggested which means the island will be less of the "barrier island" you pointed out. I plan to get the GE single oven (but 2 ovens--I posted a link somewhere) and will put them under the counter----I will swap the sink and the range. I think having the sink closer to the fridge makes more sense. The oven(s) will then go to the left of the range (not directly under it so it is not hot if I am cooking and baking). I am starting to lean towards all wood counters because I just think they are so gorgeous. I"m still not sure about cabinet color (cherry or buttercream) which means the wood counters are TBD (cherry, maple or Wenge). I adore stainless but we may have to build long distance and I just worry that the added expense and interface with getting it done may be problematic. It may not be, but I'm a worrier. If I keep the current table/island, I think the "T" will be a nice juxtaposition versus the parallel, but maybe not. I guess when I post the updated info, I look forward to more input. I guess my last thought was if I get the long bank of counter against the wall where the fridge is in the posted design, should I keep with wood or add a "pop" counter like Marble or solid surface or something.....or stick with all wood? I'm still not sure we will get a prep sink. I'd thought this could be a "wet bar" type area, but maybe leaving a prep sink on the island (if we get the prep sink) would still be a better option. Thanks to those of you who have read, suggested and shared your ideas thus far!!!

Westsider, Thanks for jumping in here !! Your place sounds great. I sure wish I was on your family list. ;) I also appreciate all of your comments. You have given me a lot to think about. More below to you (and anyone else who wants to comment)... I really appreciate everyone who is helping me with all of these ideas. Our builder said last week "That new layout looks good, sometimes it takes another set of eyes to see something, especially after you look at something for so long". That's what you guys are doing for me ... being my extra set of eyes and helping me think what is important to different groups of people. Good news from the builder ... he said yes to the bumpout behind the lower cabinets over the stairs ! That makes design #05 (a few posts up) officially ok from the builder. 1. have 2 or 3 outside beach showers ... do you mean hot & cold showers or just cold for rinsing sand off from beach ? We have planned 1 cold on the walk over the dunes and 1 hot & cold enclosed shower. 2, 3, 4. do you have some ideas for layout in these areas ? Would love to see what you are thinking. 5. weddings are probably not too frequent 6. Grilling - this is an issue. We will not be able to control if people ignore with portable grill, but rules will not allow a built in grill or homeowner provided grill on the deck. We have plans for the ground floor grilling area to be a fun gathering place though with a tiki bar, picnic tables, pingpong and foosball, horseshoes, in addition to the grills. Two grills is great idea !! Good idea also to plan storage for grill tools and mitts near the grills. 9. Will review to make sure stuff stored on high shelves is rarely used stuff. Looking like some of the high shelves will even be empty. Who knows - once it is unpacked, stuff has a way of filling the available space. LOL !! 10. Lot is 50 x 150 ocean front. With 7 foot setbacks for each side of lot, neighbor houses are 14 feet away from each other. 11. two washers & dryers - yep ! 12. elevators - will ask about property insurance - a neighbor has an automatic gate operator (which cost a lot extra) and had problems with renters messing up his door and lots of service calls, so he eventually disconnected his auto opener. We know now to not spend extra for the auto opener. 13. your property taxes are outrageous !! Luckily, we are on flat rate here ... approx 1% of home value. lakehouse, leaving now to go meet a friend for movie, but will check out your plans later. Looks like you are remodeling kitchen for a lakehouse you already own ? Thanks !! Keep the comments coming on all areas of the home !

Long grass wouldn't worry me, nor a bit of a mess I suppose, but what I can't understand is when what I would consider a part of the sale is taken away. The gazebo for instance, or shrubs. I would feel that what I had seen, was what I was buying, unless the sellers asked me would I mind if they took this prized rose that reminded them of their old dead Aunt Mary. Or, could we take some of the daffodils, would that be all right? And yes, of course it would be. Yet, with some people, it is considered normal to rip out shrubs and young trees to take to their new place, after the sale. So strange. Anyhow, I am glad that you've 'moved on', musicgold, as it's NOT worth the angst to pursue this sort of thing. But please, next time, refuse to settle unless and until they put back what they take.

LOL My fondest memories were in my grandmother's home. I suppose her home was built after WWII but I am not sure. It had a great front porch,enclosed, windows all around and the only bathroom was OFF THE KITCHEN one door down from her bedroom also off the kitchen. The home we rented in that town while my dad was off fighting the Vietnam conflict had one bathroom OFF THE KITCHEN..If a Tudor can't have a barn door (I agree) then the bathroom needs to remain!! THAT was what people did!!! That is a present day truth for THOUSANDS of homes. Think about it. When plumping came INSIDE the kitchen was where the water was!!! I remember dad telling us to look for the outhouse, one of the few times I recall returning for a visit...it wasn't true but it wasn't far from it either. You need to decide what you are doing in this home. The arch/alcove is already screaming against the fireplace and the coffee bar as far as style. Someone painted its "quaint" out of existence already, so not sure what you are salvaging. What ever you do I would want to figure out a way to get ONE vibe carried through out. Right now things are a bit jumbled.