Welcome, I was so exited when I found this site also so know the feeling. There are alot of helpful people on this site. I will look around and see if I can find any baby redbuds in my yard to dig up for you(do not have much luck w\the big ones] if you come to the plant exchange I will give it to you. Even if you do not have any plants to trade yet you can still come to socialize. I have learned so much from the gardenweb folks. Jill

My current house is "reversed" as well. It's 3-stories/five levels to maximize the ocean views. First level is the foyer/garage, half-flight up is the master facing the ocean, half up from that are two guest rooms facing the street, half up is a story-and-half great room facing the ocean (over the master bedroom footprint). Half-flight up from that is the kitchen, dining room and library, all with ocean and street views. Every morning, looking at the sunrise and dolphins in the waves I know it's worth it to carry groceries all the way up!

If we modified the floor plan to move the fireplace on the wall against the master bedroom, do you still think the floor plan would be too dark? We have a deep lot so are having trouble finding a good house that's both deep and would provide some light. We are facing the sunset so the afternoon would def get more light. We are also going to take out the fireplace in the keeping room and add windows for more light as we are adding a fireplace on the deck so do not think we need three total in the house. Any other options are definitely welcome - first time builders and we want to be happy!

So you have a rear sloping lot? IMO stock house plans are never perfect and every change you make costs money . My advice is get an actul architect to design a house for you and the lot. Since the slope is the firstt hing needing to be adressed . I see things in that layout that are not good . You need to know how you live, and what you need in a home .