After several years planning, we are finalizing plans to go out for bids with construction beginning in the second half of this year. We are awaiting feedback from an architect we know and welcome all feedback others may have for things we've not considered or missed. I believe we are happy with the overflow flow and layout of the house though we wouldn't mind shaving down the size of the addition.

We are a family of 6 living, kids between 6 and 13, on 10 acres setup for horses. The area containing the 3 kids bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms and extending up to the stairs and laundry is part of the existing 1960 ranch that will remain mostly as-is (30ftx50ft box). The balance is a large addition of approximately 2,200+ sqft. This is and will be our forever home so we've tried to make the main level addition accessible with future plans for a ramp in the garage if needed.

Floorplan

The view out of the great room and bedrooms is to the west (north is left on the plan) overlooking the main pastures. The view out of the front of the house overlooks a small pond and sits 450ft back from the road. The following elevation is still a rough look with final materials undecided. We are leaning to a darker blue shake with stone along portions of the exposed basement walls and entryway.

Front Elevation

Given heavy clay soils with hardpan that keeps water at 3-4ft below grade, we are raising the main floor up with a full basement set at grade. The pond will be expanded as needed with the spoils used to raise existing grade in front of the house and garage.

We appreciate the knowledge we've gained from numerous other threads and contributors which have helped us get to this point and welcome all input on our planned project.