I should add, this is not the main entrance to the house. This side faces the road and the main entrance is on the side of the house. This goes out to the lawn and is occasionally used in the summer.

I’m so in love with this house. Adding a porch would be beautiful and practical... and probably add a ton of resale value. I’d run it the full length of the house, but narrow (6-8 ft). Enough for a couple of chairs and a few potted plants. Looking forward to seeing the results.

I this is a back porch, not sure you want to do this much, but you started by calling this a 'front porch'.

Here are other metal canopy or awning options.

It’s the front in that this is the side the faces the road. It would be a side porch in how the house is used. Probably looking for curb appeal over functionality.

Yes to porch and shrubs ..or trees for curb appeal ..

You need a historically accurate portico. Not a porch.

I don't know how to add a link to a website on this app but if you search the website of GPAelgin.org, there is an excellent guide to designing a historically accurate porch. The guide was originally linked to the Old House Journal article but I think that link is broken.

Look for images of Italianate porches for suggestions

...And maybe create a new "landing" while you are making changes? It appears that the current set-up requires one to step down out of the house if I am seeing it correctly.

How many portico do they need since they have one already?

What is there will be tore off and replaced with something new.

So this is the original front of the house. Needs a nice Italianate porch, which I don’t believe where very large.

Well the house is a version of Italianate style, so here are some examples. All depends on what you want to spend. If you go this route, get an architect involved.

Someone mentioned “one step down.” You might want to reduce the height of the step down from the front door, but that’s something that you may have to continue with, based on the building code in your area. There’s snow in your photo, and by having the landing lower than the door, there’s less chance of snow piling up and leaking at the threshold. With a roof on the porch, that might not be an issue. Just keep it in mind.

You have received some very good advice from those urging you to research Italianate appropriate porches. And a roof is a great investment as it will save upkeep. Exposed porch floors deteriorate quickly. That is the voice of experience speaking.
Keeping the addition in harmony with the fabulous ornament and materials palette already on this gem will increase the value not detract from it.

Apparently the original porch was 2 stories and there was a door on the second level. It wasn’t ornate, boxes with posts in between. I don’t have a picture of it.

What about something like this:

How about a screened in porch all along that side of the house?