NO, please!

To help you decide for yourself: https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/residential-architecture-101-shutters/

I don’t understand the knee-jerk reaction against exterior shutters. To me, this house NEEDS shutters. Those windows were designed for shutters...they look ridiculously small without them. Properly sized, operable, cedar shutters would make this house look finished.

Yes, even that window would look better with properly sized (probably at least 24" wide) shutters. I agree that this house needs properly-sized, operable, cedar shutters.

Was this house designed? The garage looks like the brightest room in the house.

With no shutters on double window:

With shutters on double window:

Personally, I like the shutters but could go either way on the double window.

The above appropriately-sized and styled board and batten shutters--but with added shutter dogs--would not offend purists, I'd venture.

But I fear aluminum shudders "a commin Ma!"

When did aluminum fall out of favor? Here in SC we have plenty of bahama and charleston style shutters made from aluminum, many on commercial buildings.

I was thinking more of this style of aluminum shudder:

It looks like they have an, ummm, profitable garden growing in that eavestrough.

Ah ok, around here those are all vinyl now!

Well...the house has an appealing vernacular feel to it, IMO. It reminds me of a number of Texas ranch houses.

I think that shutters could work on this house if sized properly. That means that they are sized in such a way that the could actually cover each window where the shutters are applied.

For the double window at the garage, folded shutter could be mocked up, so that they could cover the double windows when unfolded and covering each window.

I agree with Mark: talented landscaping will add a great deal to this project.

Shutters on all the single windows and a cedar awning or pergola over the double one on the garage. If guests are going to have to walk from a driveway at the garage around to the front door, you might prefer custom cedar Bahama/Bermuda shutters on the garage windows to block the direct view into it.

The Lean Too House · More Info

Bahamas Shutters · More Info

When shutters were functional and in frequent use, a wall space too narrow for a full shutter was not a problem functionally or aesthetically. "booking style bi-fold shutters" were a standard solution.

This is my house in 1891. About half of the window shutters were of this design. Nothing was going to stop these folks from having their big windows and shutters. Mr. S. W. Jones, standing on his "piazza", doesn't look like he would be concerned if you didn't like his shutters.

I'm with Mr. Virgil -- This house looks like a cute Texas hill country house. <3 Very pretty.

Having real, operable cedar shutters on it would up the charm factor for me, especially if your porch posts (and doors?) are cedar, too.

I voted no - I personally think limestone is so beautiful I’d hate to see it covered up with shutters. Done well, it wouldn’t be bad - just not what I would do. (And it’s not my home!) it’s beautiful, btw.

Once you get some landscaping going, I think it won’t look as bare. I am just a fellow home owner - so grain of salt and all - but the cedar pillars are great - is there another way to incorporate some additional cedar touches without doing shutters? Not sure if that would be possible or just muck up a nice exterior.

I love the house the way it is. No shutters. The limestone and the cedar and the metal roof give it a timeless feel.

Is there a historical tradition of limestone houses in your area? If so, drive around and take a look at the old ones. Visit your historical society or library history room to view old photos. Get a feel for what is representative of your area. Maybe that can help in your decision making. Good luck arriving at a solution you enjoy coming home to!