Ok, apologies for posting the pdf. Apparently pdf's on this subject abound and there probably wasn't a need to post this one. I'm learning a lot from all of them so while I'm here to sink this thread I might as well post an even slightly more broad based and informative pdf. I particularly liked that it gave the really simple farm houses I see around here a style name - the Homestead Style. Although many of the ones around here don't even have the porch. Here is a link that might be useful: architectural styles, early 1900s

I went out and walked around and looked in the windows. The original windows are sort of shot the rest looked pretty good. It needs someone who loves old houses and has a restorer's touch. Some of the light fixtures look original, origanal farm sink. It does seem as though the floor layout where the fireplaces are isn't ideal and of course you can't move them. The stone fireplace is on the one long outside wall. The front wall has windows, the long interior wall has wood and glass french doors (nice but take up wall space) and then on the other short interior wall there is a door to kitchen. So I guess this would be a long dining room maybe? Then the wooden mantled fireplace is almost in a walk through area from that room to the other side where there is i think a small livingroom - couldn't get to the windows on that side. Beautiful area of horse farms. If I was at a different place in my life or this was somewhere else (I don't plan on staying in this area forever) I'd be all over it. Wood work like that just makes me crave it like a sinner. Sigh

I love the onion style you're considering and think it's a classic enough look to have longevity. I agree that the other style feels a bit uninspired. The onion is trendy enough to feel fresh, but it has very sweet proportions that speak to that farmhouse charm. You love that light, so I say go with your gut.

It's basically a small ranch no matter when it was built. There is very little "style" there, so the good news is you can pretty much do anything you want.