Cheap as I am, saving the driveway at the cost of a welcoming and practical facade wouldn't be my choice.

Angling the garage will only emphasize it more than it is already. Again, not usually preferred. (But not everyone's priorities are the same.)

Good points- thank you- my big concern also is that in order to get the kitchen and screen on the east and master on right- (isn't this ideal room layout for light?... the garage has to be the less attractive option- (because my husband wants garage in same side of kitchen... ugg maybe just revert to a front garage?

Also - I didn't realize angled garages are not desirable, can someone explain to me why? Love all the stuff I'm learning here

It's all personal preferences. I actually really like the look of some angled garages. You'll learn lots here, but some info given is personal preferences, and well, everyone is different!

Mnp, lots of learning takes place on this forum.

I didn't realize angled garages are not desirable

I was assuming the structure is designed to the legal setbacks, so the angle could only be tighter.

In any case, when the garage is 75% of the house footprint, the preference among the design conscious--"snobs" to regular folk--is usually to minimize its visual impact.

But after more than a century of cars and garages, and generations having been raised in "snout houses," maybe it's time to pitch that preference.

P.S. Elevations would really, really help the kibitzers here.

1) If you want an angled garage, buy a lot that will accommodate an angled garage.

2) The site will determine the arrangements of the spaces, including the garage.

3) Rely on the expertise of your architect. Chances are they have the pertinent facts that enable them to make proper rational design decisions/recommendations.

4) Pretend the extra cost of having an angled garage will equal the cash tip you give your architect.

Make sure your design takes into consideration the easement to the west.

The angled garage was more of a side note (my husband has always liked them ) as you can see it doesn't work so we are now looking at an "l" garage or perhaps front. my initial main question, which I realize wasn't very clear - was would you sacrifice the inside layout or the outside? I read your kitchen should be on the east for morning light and bedroom on west for evening. If the garage is on the right it gives me a good sight line from the porch and looks nice driving up- it "seems right" on the lot. But then the kitchen would be on the right (west) etc and opposite of what I read- remembering light bright space is my top priority. If we put the kitchen on east, the garage goes on left, and we would see the back of the garage and I don't love that option either. I realize there are going to be sacrifices which is why I said maybe I should do a front garage ? just looking for opinions on light and room layout and what is most important in your opinon seeing the lot layout.

I read your kitchen should be on the east for morning light and bedroom on west for evening

Usually, especially if on enough mornings you like to sleep in... It's what I am doing. If you are usually early birds, the sun helps get you up, and the kitchen/dining on the west can make sense... and depending on the lay of the land, and lake, you may get to share good sunsets with guests.

But there are other factors, too. Views to east and west, And since you are lake front, I think what you want to do is something to accentuate the views of lake, whatever that takes. You are the ones who know if you like to wake up and see the lake first thing, and how you want to "share" the lake to visitors - presumably, you do! With this lot, I do think your architect's thoughts will be paramount, and if he thinks you'd do best without an angled garage, listen.

You have a house to the north of you blocking view from the road, so I think the "rules" about front facing garages fall to the side. Ahem as it were.

Don't forget that you have to be able to get cars in and out of the garage- is there enough turning room? If you pull in forward, would you have to back out all the way to the street?

Put in a circular drive. That will make the vehicular circulation easier and you can use the existing culvert (and put in an additional one). Plus it will make for less grass to mow.

Personally, I like morning sun coming into the master. I'm building my house that way.

And I would place your garage on the right, so that it doesn't block the driveway and front of house from that same morning light.

Will the kitchen be dark in the morning? In my opinion, your #1 design criterion is maximizing that water view! A kitchen open to a great room, 10' (or higher) ceilings, and lots of windows on both sides of the house will keep everything light and airy.

Designing on a somewhat tight lot like this will require some design compromises. And perhaps some more once a builder gives you an estimate!

Everything in life is a trade-off.

I'm in Fl and absolutely would not want my kitchen on the west side of the house. Where in the country is the property? Does it get snow?

cpartist yes, lots of snow, we are in Minnesota. keywest230 that is gorgeous!! Mark Bischak, Architect that is definitely what I want, love the circular driveway, don't want people to have to back out of that strange path to the house, and LESS YARD (currently live on 5 acres, albeit gorgeous it is a TON of work.