I wouldn't cut the one large tree that you could cut, they are beautiful.

I wouldn't paint the brick, you could pressure wash it with some of the biodegradeable bleach and see how it looks then.
You could cover up the repaired part with artwork or plants/vines. I prefer artwork.

You said a gateway between the two tall trees? I think that would be weird. I like your idea of creating a courtyard in the area near your front door, the gate could be right of the left side of the garage, fenced in to provide privacy and a grand entrance into your home since it's currently so tucked away.

What is your backyard like? Do you need to utilize the front yard?

Our backyard is amazing and we have no need to utlize the front. It would be entirely curb appeal. We haven't been here long enough but apparently if you want sun you go to the front of the yard and if you want shade you go to the back as it is entirely treed and feels like you are in a forest in the back...

Here is the stucco look of the home...http://www.houseplans.com/plan_details.asp?id=14402&st=4

What did you think about the porch idea? Something like this but in brick...
http://www.houseplans.com/plan_details.asp?id=13411&st=26
OR
http://www.houseplans.com/plan_details.asp?id=28812&st=26
but with the brick look...

Thank you for your help! Great ideas!!

Well I personally wouldn't want to dump a ton of money into the home unless you are either planning to stay there for a long time, or think you really can get a return on your investment. Stucco over brick, have you priced that? Re-sizing windows have you priced that?

The porches you have linked to have a common theme, they have a roof over them, yours would not unless you plan to add-a-roof over the area transformed into a deck.

At the least I think a nice wide front walkway with curves would increase the appeal of the entrance to your home. Possible turning into an area large enought for a table and chairs as you approach the bathroom window.

Do you have pics of the backyard area? I ask only because someone here may have suggestions for that area that you might get more enjoyment out of then increaseing the usefullness of your entry area....

Hi Home,

Your photo reminded me of a landscape question I saw in BH&G Garden, Deck & Landscape (Winter, 2000; Note: cost estimate may be dated). The site was in TX, the designer is LA Prof. Travis Rice, and there is more text in the magazine if you are interested.

hth,
VW
before
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design
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cost estimate
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Here is a link that might be useful: Designer Travis Rice

Wow, how similar! I like that design!

o.k this is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!! WOW!!! OH MY GOSH! Thank you so much!! How do I get access to more from this magazine!!!

Thank you thank you! No stucco for sure or a porch!!!

btw. those french doors in that one picture -- o.k for the front of a home? both of them even the more simple one... love these pictures....way cheaper too!!!

A french door in a front bedroom might not work for everyone *grin*. But you could get a similar effect with a trellis or ???
(Also consider adding art glass, or at least privacy film to the bath and bed windows if you go for the porch idea).

Your question sounded so familiar, but I was surprised I was able to find the magazine this morning. (Now there goes any hope of clearing up some clutter by my throwing away my garden mag collection).

Here is the rest of the article. Just in case this is a major copyright violation I posted it on tinypic. You might email the designer Travis Rice, I'm sure he would appreciate hearing that his design was useful to you!

-VW

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What's even funnier is the article speaks of a 'Danny' and that is my husbands name lol...

Hi Homebound, replied to your post over in windows and followed your link over here. A lot of wonderful ideas here! Your original idea of what to do in the front sounds real good.

I would keep the trees too, it is so rare to have two large trees nowadays. I cannot see where they are relative to the edge of your yard and sidewalk but if they are far enough to the middle of the yard, I would build a nice wood covered patio designed around the trees. In other words, when it is done, it will look like you trucked in the trees to complement the structure.

A nice low picket fence or rod-iron or ranch style along the front marks a nice boundary and also provides security. If you need the grass for children, I would then plant low brush along fence line to prevent people from being able to just hop over. An alternative will be to convert some of the lawn into flower beds and install secluded seating areas.

It is nice to have a place like this where you can just do as you please from scratch!

Have fun!