The essential shape is not incorrect:

How do you think shake siding would look with a 4’ high rock at the foundation?

"we just bought it and I have no idea what to do with it"

Would you like to buy a bridge or swamp land in Florida?

Ha, I’m talking about how to finish it. What elevation will look best.

One finish top to bottom. All stucco or all stone or all brick.

Perhaps hire an architect?

It’s a really interesting house. Could you post the plans if you have them?

I would definintely do all brick veneer if you could - it would look solid and stately.

Definitely needs more windows.

I agree about more windows and you’re all correct, it really would look best with one finish. We should have the floorplan shortly.

Here's a great article on a real French country farmhouse in Sarthe, France:

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/a-french-farm-gets-fixed-up-for-a-family-of-14-stsetivw-vs~113885389

And another:

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/houzz-tour-charming-bright-country-home-in-france-stsetivw-vs~2117212

And some gorgeous examples from a Houzz search:

Glencoe Residence7 Front Elevation · More Info

Rustic French Country Home with Stucco and Stone · More Info

Country French - Havenwood · More Info

French Country Estate · More Info

It's all in the details. Common features include steep hipped roofs, arched (not round-top) windows/dormers, stone/stucco exterior finish, shutters, copper gutters, French doors, and muted colors (gray/French blue/taupe). Make sure the window arrangement makes sense--what you have now is not great. It is not aesthetically pleasing from the outside and will not allow enough light on the inside. Do your own search and show your architect what you like. It could be an awesome home!

Wow, thanks so much! I’m in absolute agreement about the windows. I dislike what we are starting with. They were in when we bought it. I’m really leaning towards stucco.

You're welcome--good luck and keep us posted!

I think a moat with a drawbridge would give a nice authentic look.

Just don't wait too long to decide. Zip Sheathing and tape has a 180-day exposure rating.

Forget brick veneer without expensive retrofitting as there appears to be no brick ledge.

I can’t wait to see what you do with this house. It’s so unique and has a lot of potential. If you can’t do brick, I found photos of french style homes in what look like stucco. They look great!

Worthy, thanks for the info! Important to know
Scout, Got a quote for siding today and getting a quote for stucco later this week. I’ll keep you pasted