If I were building new and not just doing an addition on my current home- I would be doing exactly this. It's wonderful! I love the simple shape and the cupola! And I just have to say, I love the artistry of ARGs drawings, I'd be framing one for my place for sure! Congrats and can't wait to follow your build:)

I think it might need a cloud over on the right side.

I think the design is wonderful overall, and love how it picks up on the barn look. I could easily live in that house.

A few minor things:

I personally don't like walking into a bedroom at the head of the bed on the side. YMMV.

It might be nice IMO to have a door from the bedroom hallway between the closets out to the mudroom/laundry area. I did that with my bathroom and now that the house is being built, I love having the second way in and out of the dressing/bathing area. In fact, I believe it was Doug who suggested the idea to me.

Last thing is I personally would prefer the door to the pantry in the hallway to give me a larger wall for hanging art or putting a buffet or...

But I must say, it looks like Doug has come through again in a big way. And I love how he's integrated the exterior and interior so well.

Beautiful design! Love it.

Looks great, CONGRATS! Doug is currently tweaking our original design to work with our lot. Actually just received the first draft yesterday. As you know, Doug is great to work with and distance knows no boundaries when working with him. Very straight forward and easy process. Doug has tremendous talent and we are lucky to have our home designed by him.

Less is More...and simplicity is genius! You've got 'em both! Congratulations to you and to ARG!

Love it! Thanks so much for sharing!

A playroom upstairs sounds great, but in real life isn't as practical. When kids are little (and when they are older) you really want the playroom to be visible from the room you spend most of your time in.

When you are busy making dinner you will have no idea what your toddler(s) are doing (sticking a toy into an electrical outlet) or what your teen(s) are doing (watching youtube videos instead of doing homework).

Our playroom is on the main floor, in the back of the house, connected to the family room, with a door that remains open most of the time. From the kitchen I can see the 2 computers and what the teens are doing online. Previous owners had a pool table in the room. Once youngest is off to college in a few years I might move my desk/PC in there, but you could do anything with a room on the first floor.

Are you planning to use the loft yourself as a home office? I mean, for home records, etc, planning, etc?

I think you're fine with the playroom. Actually, the kid(s) will play wherever they want to. But an older kid will be happy to be up or down stairs while a baby is with you, wherever you are. I just know I like being able to wake up at 1am and see the light spilling under the teen's door. Well, I don't like that the light is there, but at least I know I need to tell a kid to turn off his light already.

Fun project that was a little bit different. And fun owners too! He owns a paintball business. Love doing that so I'll have to come down and shoot off a round or two!

From looking at her exterior ideas started out with an initial concept

Had a long talk over that and then I came back with a more refined drawing (TWO clouds here!):

And then fine tuned it from there. A simple rectangle with a straight bearing wall down the middle. Not really a fan of two story spaces but this one could be kinda neat (sorry for the use of a highly technical design phrase) with the barn look and all.

The garage was not part of the program but I set it up so they could either build it now (I highly recommend it) or later if they wanted it at all.

Thanks everyone for the kind comments!

CP - will play around with the bed on the walls. A door to the hall from the closets sounds great, we will play with that too. I had Doug move the pantry door, it may be a last minute decision but I prefer it on the kitchen side. thanks!

Chispa/BP - It will probably serve a few purposes early on. I'd like to get most toys out of my toddlers room and she's going into the age of train tables/kitchens and crafting. I grew up with a playroom that was out of sight so I'm aware of all that comes with it. Between a playroom, 15 acres, and a basement; the kids will have options.

Thanks for the additional write up Doug!

The house has great bones inside and out. And it's clear that the house was conceived by considering both inside and out together throughout the design process. Once the "good bones" are established, one can always fine tune here or there. Good work, everyone!

Clouds?!?! Slowly I turned . . . step by step . . . inch by inch . . .

I love it. ARG...your talent is phenomenal.

I love the artistry of ARGs drawings, I'd be framing one for my place for sure! Congrats and can't wait to follow your build:)

There's a thought. Mark, I may need a framable drawing (with clouds!) to hang IN the house, once it's done...

Wow, great job! If I ever build a second house (NOT in the plans - still haven't finished with the first one!), I'm looking up ARG... though we may come to blows on clouds!

I've been practicing.

Are there more bedrooms in the basement?

Stan - maybe, depends on how the family grows. Planning a turfed sports room, movie room, and storage for sure. Maybe a guest suite. I'm a fan of kids sharing rooms

thanks everyone!