Retain Architect or Psychoanalyst?

18 years ago

Hello, IÂve commented a time or two but this is my first original post. Sorry I couldnÂt make my debut a bit shorter. IÂm looking for input on the style of house IÂm considering for the pretty 20-acres we bought for our horses at the edge of a very small town.

For the last 16 years, weÂve lived in a 1920s tudor in Oklahoma City, and I dearly love the details from the turn of the 20th Century up through the 1930s or so. We searched for an older house in the country without success, so IÂd like to incorporate period details into our new build.

Now IÂm torn between a single-storey brick/stone European country "tudor-ish" plan and a Victorian plan. My furnishings and 1920s light fixture collection would be right at home in the European country plan. But, there are a handful of fairly simple old white Victorian farmhouses around the area and to me they just seem to fit the site. That style would also allow for wonderful porches to enjoy the view of the creek and the horses grazing. IÂm nervous though. The few modern "Victorians" IÂve seen built in these parts are downright awful. Is the style just too "costumey" -- for lack of a better word Â to pull off successfully? I fear IÂve looked at so many plans that IÂve lost my perspective and objectivity.

It is with enormous trepidation that I post a photo of a house built from a plan IÂm considering as our jumping off point. IÂd really appreciate input on whether it could be "tweaked" to make it more appealing in general and more appropriate to a farm-like setting in particular. Of course, IÂd also like to hear if you all think it falls into that "awful" category I mentioned. IÂll also post the floorplan, but IÂd make substantial alterations -- detaching the garage and putting it off the kitchen side of the house for starters.

Whew! I didn't expect posting this to be so traumatic. It's like one of those dreams where you're trapped at school naked! I await your feedback with fear and trembling. Thanks.

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Comments (5)

dixiedoodle
18 years ago
I definitely do not think that house is "awful!" In fact, I really like almost everything about the exterior besides the dormer window. I would add gable pediments in the front.

I certainly hope that the owner of that home is not a poster on this site!

Good luck with your planning...I would suggest utilizing an architect to help you to determine just what style would suit you and the home site the best.
nutherokie_gw
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks for your input Dixiedoodle. Yes, that dormer bugs me too. I'm trying to crystalize my thinking a bit before we approach an architect.

The photo was submitted by the commercial builder to the site that sells the houseplans.
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mightyanvil
18 years ago
An architect would be much cheaper than a psychiatrist.
Ask him/her about the Shingle Style. It was a reaction to the overly ornate late Victorian house styles and the cut up floor plans. Great open rooms, covered porches and easy to maintain cedar shingles. Even Frank Lloyd Wright designed a few houses in this style before he developed the Prairie Style. McKim Mead & White were the best known proponents in the northeast.

The first photo was built in 1881 and the second in 2004.

Whatever you decide to do be sure to find a carpenter who knows how to build a proper cornice return. The ones in the photo look like a vinyl siding salesman just passed through town.
nutherokie_gw
Original Author
18 years ago
Those houses are beautiful, MightyAnvil. I'll definitely do some research on Shingle Style. I appreciate the direction toward other styles that lend themselves to large porches, and I've seriously admired houses you've posted before. Oklahoma just turned 100 years old, so our architectural heritage is not as extensive as yours on the East Coast.

I think I'm afraid any architect I talk to is going to pass me off to a shrink. Then again, that might just be the one architect with whom I'm personally acquainted! Thanks again for the inspiration (and the caveat regarding cornice returns).
oruboris
18 years ago
Never mind whether we think its awful or not, what do YOU think?

Does it suit your region, location and neighborhood, as well as your lifestyle?

Do you want/need 2 eating and 2 living spaces on the main level? Are you comfortable having all the bedrooms on the second floor?

It will be fairly pricey per foot due to the level of detail and complicated roof and footprints. Things like the alcove in bedroom #2 are wonderful but come at quite a price.

I'd say say the overall look bit earlier than the design period you mention. It's elegant on the outside and welcoming inside, but a little decorated for my taste-- I guess I prefer a little more arts and crafts influence.

I like the lack of hallways [hate paying for square footage just to walk through] but I'm not sure how I'd use the 'study': too many windows for a good computer room unless you keep the blinds pulled, which seems a waste.