I would be surprised if the arch with the stools couldn’t be removed completely. The one by the table doesn’t look structural either. My guess is that you only need to keep the elements of the wall that go to the ceiling. You’ll know for sure when you take a look.

I am so sorry for your loss.

My condolences.

Regarding the arches: It may not make any difference to you if you really just dislike arches; but the arch is a classic shape that is actually “back“ and trending now in design. So, you could save yourself a lot of trouble (not to mention money $$$) if you were to embrace them. And, imo- it is what you pair with them, that decides how traditional or contemporary the look is.

I created a few visuals:

It may be something to consider. Easier- plus, potentially tres chic. If you do a quick google search for ”are arches back in design” - you will find a ton of links about the ‘arch resurgence’.

So if you like the house- don't let the arches stop you. Personally, I would embrace them. ( But I don’t have any issue with arches... plus, I am super lazy. :)

I am sorry for your loss and the reason for your move.

What @freedomplace1 is saying is certainly true about arches being on trend. But where this home and @freedomplace1's pic's differ is that this home has arches that then have void space above them to the ceiling. I agree it is a bit of a wonky look.

I too suspect that the arches could be removed. I wonder too, if the ceilings feel crazy high and the space too open, perhaps you could have the space above the arches filled in so you'd keep the arches but the walls they are within go to the ceiling.

I see no reason for the double arches, and seems relatively a simple drywall mess to have them gone, or.....acknowledging a trend, limit them to ONE.

You have to like the "whole" of the home, and a painful/ recent loss such as yours can confuse and make one hasty! Just make sure you love it on "whole" : )

I'm guessing this is Florida, as you say "shotgun" and I see tile. Narrow lots a very common thing in that locale......so make sure you are good with the natural light and the flooring. Arches may be the least of all.

I am sure they could be drywalled and you will never know they were there, if you really dislike them that much. I have always liked arches in a house, so I would probably keep them.

Thank you for all of the thoughtful comments. I saw that wall-to-wall carpeting was coming back but not arches. (Not that I want WTW!) Yes, Florida is correct and I want wood flooring actually. Maybe I COULD embrace it and use the money on the floor. I think if you're younger and don't remember arches everywhere in the 80s it wouldn't seem dated but when you've seen them before.................... Thank you all so much!

For me trending or not they don't look good in most cases. I too lost my husband in the last 6 months we were lucky we were already downsized whne he died. It is stress ful and my advise if you love all the rest get the house and then take time to see how it functions for you. The arches are really a job but no huge rush The one in the kichen dining space would close up and that space could be afab pantry if you have another DR. Once you are in and settled a bit come back here with a to scale plan of that whole main floor and see what we can advise .

I think the arch can be removed.

First, I am very sorry about your loss. I'm sure that this must be a difficult time for you.

I agree with @Kendrah - having the open space above the arches makes them look much different than the ones that freedomplace1 has posted in above comment.

Beverly's photo above looks like an improvement to me vs. how the wall is currently configured.

I think the arch is okay for this style of house. What isn't okay is the decor, just fillers, and they are terrible.

@freedomplace1 has perfect has posted a perfect example of how it could look.

That's not my decor! I am much more playful! Haha! You are all so kind! Thank you so much!

My condolences on your loss.

My two cents: If everything else about the house works for you, then buy it. You can remove the arches before you move in, if you won't find that too disruptive to your related plans. Otherwise, I strongly suggest you just move in and live with the arches for a year or two. By that time, you'll have a much better idea about how everything in the house works (or doesn't work) for you, and what (if anything) you want to do about it.

I took the above advice to an extreme. It took me ten years to renovate my home! I had very personal reasons for delaying; I had a frail elderly dog whose life I didn't want to disrupt, and then the Covid 19 pandemic hit. I don't recommend waiting nearly that long to make your home work for you! But I must say that the choices I wanted to make after two years were very different, and much better informed, than the choices I would have made when I first moved in.

FWIW, I like arches, but I don't like those arches. But I would not be living there!

Whatever you decide, I wish for you that things go smoothly. You've had enough of the rough.