I agree with deco. It’s true that the pillars look odd, but that’s because the gable is so very high up. THAT’S the real problem. There’s no reason for the gable to be that high - it towers over the first floor and you don’t even have a second floor. (Well, maybe an attic with one mini-window.)

Overpowering. Without the nice plantings and stuff it would look even worse. I'm also bothered by the windows to the right of the door not being symmetrical on that front wall. Also don't love the skylights. Sorry, don't mean to be harsh. The part of the house to the left of the front door is really nice.

tfitz1006 do you have any suggestions on what would look better on the front instead of the pillars.

Decoenthusiaste thanks! I was feeling the same. It’s out of proportion but I wasn’t sure how to correct it. Thanks for the photo

Some idea to make portico lower for balance.

Littlebug - there is a second floor. There is a full large window in the upstairs hallway. It’s a house I have purchased. The front pillars are one thing I don’t love that I am looking for alternatives for. This photo sorta shows the upstairs window better. Let me know if you have any suggestions

Zulu - what do you mean by a 8x8 and clad and nice trim? Is that a wider post?

The proportion is all wrong. IMO the only solution is to lower the gable. Changing the pillars to something else doesn't fix the proportions.

Beverly- could I lower it like your photo considering there is a hallway /window right there?

Your entry gable appears to be open underneath. It would not be ideal but lowering the gable is going to cost $$$$ so you must decide how important this is to you. Right now the entrance overwhelms the rest of the home and garage.

Another option would be to change the portico to one with a flat roof.

Lovely home and gorgeous gardens! Changing that gable and roofline is a big expense but all things are doable with enough time and money. In the meantime, close up that round window in the gable so they eye isn't drawn to it.

And you could make the columns part of the garden not the house by growing vines up them. Even grow vines around the front door. I have a feeling you have the skill to do it. 😀

It'd be interesting to find the old permits on file at City Hall. They'd give you info on when the gable was added or the windows moved.

A good time to change the gable would be when the roof needs new shingles.

Thanks apple pie- that’s something I had wondered about too. To change it when the roof needed change.

The overscaled portico is a variation on rural Greek Revival farmhouses from the mid-19th c. One thing that is missing is the frieze or architrave, which visually should be holding up the pediment and would, in turn shorten the columns.

I agree that the proportions are not quite right on your house, but on the other hand one of the charms of the house is that the proportions are not quite right. It's charming looking rather than "correct" looking, and it does assert itself over the wing over to the right, and in that regard, that's how it should be. Unfortunately we have gotten used to garages being as big or bigger than the house.

In my opinion the house is much more charming and interesting than the house with the red door at the top of the thread which is almost boringly correct in it's appearance.

Palimpsest- what a interesting idea. I had never considered the frieze/ architrave. Thanks!

Palimpsest- also thank you for the compliments on my new unique home! They came at the perfect time as I was having a Buyers remorse moment.

Also note that if you are going to replace the columns, they should be set at the corners of the portico with the capital extending Past the architrave not with the architrave overhanging the columns

Thanks for all who shared their ideas. Always great to hear a new idea or perspective on something.