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perkins1181

Backwards house

6 years ago

My husband really likes this house but I’m having a hard time getting passed the idea that it was built backwards. That is a walk out basement. Is there anyway to make this facade look like like you are looking at the back of the house?

There is no way to change the driveway..just in case that gets asked.

Thanks!

Comments (11)

  • 6 years ago

    Can you post more pics of the house? Front? Aerial if you have it available.

    What is the view?

    Landscaping is a good way to direct the attention to the front and off the back of the home. I assume that the gravel shown in the lower left of the pic is the driveway or private road to the house. If that is the case you could plant a few trees between the road/driveway and the house to block the view from the approach. Post your dilemma in the landscape forum (with additional pics so the entire house can be seen) to get ideas for a master landscape plan.

  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    We once had a house which faced the view, so I know what you mean. Change the railing:

    “beef up” the support columns (easily done with wraps); and on the lower supports, plant something like Manhattan euonymus (a climber that is green year ‘round with flowers in the spring and red/pink berries in the fall). Under deck is a great spot for a patio.

    The biggest impact is paint. Right now all I see are the garage doors. What if you paint them the gray of the house and paint just the deck walls white?

    The garage foundation you cover with evergreens, as well.

    In 3rd photo, I wish they had stained the support columns and deck apron white...


    Some ideas:








  • 6 years ago

    If that's the back of the house, where's the front door? Is that breezeway between the garage and the house the front door? I think this view of the house is nice but I would make it look prettier since it faces the street. Beef up the posts, beef up the white trim around the doors and windows, replace the railing with glass panels. I would also add some major landscaping, maybe a long trellis along the garage wall. You haven't really described the rest of the property, is there any space behind the house? Or is all your outdoor living area in front of the walkout basement? If that's the case then good landscaping can give you a private patio off the walkout. You said this house is backwards but it doesn't look backwards. I see it as a property with oodles of potential.

  • 6 years ago

    Why don't the columns line up from top to bottom? Hope it doesn't snow there!

  • 6 years ago

    You won't ever be able to alter the facade of that architectural style enough to not make it look like the back of the home. You don't like it now, you won't love it anymore after you purchase it and drive up to it every.day. Run, don't walk to find something better, that you both like, my opinion.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    You want this facade to LOOK like the front of a house--but it isn't?? The bottom door does not open to a main living area?? What would be the point of the confusion? I would concentrate on making the "breezeway" welcoming as I think that is the first door and one most guests will stop at. Look around in that area. I am thinking that one is't the only one where the back opens to the view. Would it make it easier to live with if you aren't the only one? The driveway can't be moved but can it be extended into a circle in-front of the house bringing your guests to the front facade?

  • 6 years ago

    I agree about landscaping. I know if this was my walk out area from the living spaces I wouldn’t want to see the street view. So is there a way to build an arborvitae wall/ staggered evergreens, etc to completely block the view of the house. Then when you are in the home you have a private ‘back yard’

  • 6 years ago

    It looks like this house is either in the country or on a large lot. How close is the nearest house? How long is the driveway and how close is the street?

    Anne

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Waht does the other side look like Does it face a great view ? I for one would need to see the other side of the house.

  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    I think there maybe some misunderstanding going on here.

    You posted: Is there anyway to make this facade look like like you are looking at the back of the house? I am taking it to mean “ look like you are NOT looking at the back of the house.

    I don’t think it such a big deal to transform the look. Think southern homes where the decks face the street or the intercostal waterway. It’s a matter of landscaping (which probably you would have to do at any house) and adding to railings and support columns.


    Connect the door to the driveway. Make that door more inviting with a bright paint color and good lighting and make ground level garden style and add a patio.