I know it’s a “McMansion” so where do we fix it so it actually is timeless and appealing?

The house is a McMansion, but it isn't bad. The house is so mono-chromatic that it is boring.

I think some color in the landscaping would help immensely.

It’s not so bad, really. I like the brick and looks like a large yard. What sticks out to me are the white columns that seem out of place. As well, the horizontal wood on the left side seems odd. Shutters?? Generally I’m a fan, but those I’d probably remove.

Here it is just changed to make it all one color. If that was the only change to make it a cream color in lime wash this is how it may appear blending it all. But are there other options to make it pretty?

I think it's just a matter of getting the pillars and balusters the same color. Match them to your favorite horse. :P

Check out Brick and Batten's website for ideas. I think this house would look great using the Romabio product.

It's ok. Not as bad as you may think. Don't make it ALL one color. A series of related shades adds depth and interest. Paul's horse comment is a bit rude, but by making the columns and balustrades the same color, light grey but not white, and a focal point, it visually reduces the size of the house and draws attention to the entry and porch you like. And, yes, it's a macmansion. So what. If it suits your needs, that's what is important.

Regarding the landscaping, well, winter is hardly the best time of year to be critical, but it is a good time of year to judge where some evergreen plantings might be welcome. I always think landscaping should start with winter. From inside the house, where would you like something pretty to look at in the depths of dreariness? Your foundation plantings are not in scale with the house. And they're lumpy. And is that a couple of oceans of mulch? A photo from the street may help? What garden zone are you in?

Do you actually plan to enjoy that front patio sometimes? Or is it just to frame the entry? If so, some tall deciduous trees to filter the sun, but not too close to the house, would be lovely.

Maybe you'd like to post landscaping questions on the gardening forum. I think your house problem is solved.

Not intended to be rude... just a joke. Plus, I'm good at photoshop. :P

Yes you are, Paul, good at Photoshop.

Better landscaping would help a lot. You need evergreen shrubs all along, including in front of the garage. The row of identical shrubs in front of it does not look good in the winter. Also, your landscaping abruptly ends at the left edge of the house. You need something tall and large there to soften it and tie it into the landscape by extending past the house and around.

Ooh thank you it’s amazing how you balanced the house so quickly that way. And making columns same color is a big change too. Thank you guys keep the ideas coming!

Not bad at all. I would go with the same color for railing and siding.

Could anyone take the landscaped pic and make it like we painted every surface a creamy white? Not sure trim versus brick but I mocked this up with my nontech skills.

We went to see it. Just as disjointed on the outside, the inside layout of rooms and the main floor is just too wacky. Thanks for all your help y’all!

Sounds like you aren't going to buy it then?

Here are the problem areas. They are also the most expensive to fix. The columns have got to go. No French style home has exterior colmuns.

Landscaping will not fix the architecture.

Here are some French style homes that have better details. Fixing that porch could be $$$. Is it really worth it?

The inside was so bad too. Like the family room for instance. The fireplace was simple tell off center so we could not figure out how to make this family room furniture arranged in a functional way. Such a miss. Shame bc we really want to move to this neighborhood but don’t want to settle for a home that has so many seemingly design flaws.

Glad you passed. 1990s construction was done by illegal immigrants who did not have the craftsmanship that earlier and current carpenters, masons, etc do. It was an explosion of hastily constructed subdivisions and unless you really knew your subs even custom homes were crap. Hope you find something you love that is worth the price people are paying now.

Gracefully walk away. It’s not the right house for you. A better one will come along.