8. The Allure of Backyard Living
Designer: Alan Mascord Design Associates
Square feet: 1,500
Alan Mascord, who designed this deceptively compact traditional home, believes it’s the covered back porch that attracts the many buyers of this plan, which see it as great place to relax or entertain. “It suits young couples expanding into a family, as well as those with older kids and beyond,” says the Portland, Ore.-based designer.
But buyers also are no doubt drawn to the plan’s classic design, which would fit in virtually any neighborhood. At 36 feet, this is a narrow home, but triple front gables, dual carriage doors, and a high porch entry combine to give it strong curb appeal.
Simple forms, minimal bump-outs, and no wasted interior space would make this a cost-effective plan to build on small lots. Yet the two-story plan manages to fit in some great amenities, including a great room with views to the backyard, a dining room that connects to a porch for outdoor cooking, and a large pantry and desk space in the kitchen area.
Mascord believes the plan resonates with today’s value-conscious buyers. “This home speaks to those conscious of wasted space on many larger plans,” he says, “and those looking to reduce bills and mortgage debt while maximizing family space and enjoyment.”
The home may seem narrow from the street, but it reads large once inside the front door. The foyer offers a clear view into and through the great room to the outdoors, showing the two-story room, which includes a traditional fireplace and a window wall, to its best advantage.
A spacious kitchen is, of course, also important to young families. This one includes plenty of elbow room, along with cabinet storage and countertops and a separate island with a breakfast bar.
Upstairs, a large vaulted master suite features a separate walk-in closet and private bath. Two additional bedrooms, which share a hall bath, and a utility room provide all the necessities on the second floor.