This craftsman styled home is deceivingly larger than it appears from the street, with nearly 6500 square feet on three levels. My clients were adamant that this not appear as a "monster" home yet it still had to include all spaces they required on one level. This would be their final home and wanted to ensure that as they aged, they could function comfortably on one floor. They loved the craftsman style and absolutely had no desire to flaunt the size of the house to anyone. It was simply not their style.

I absolutely enjoyed the design process on this home for a couple of reasons; one, the exterior style is truly one of my favourites. The other is that there were so many different spaces, each with very specific uses. I do like an open concept house but I also appreciate having many different and separate spaces that you can escape to. This home is packed full of them. It's truly a joy to wander through the house and let one space lead you to another. Some interior features include a home office, second floor dedicated entirely to art studio, incredible lake views, and an enormous lower level with enough bedrooms for the entire family to visit. There is also a large cold storage for canning & mechanical area under the suspended garage slab. The rear level is entirely a walk-out style with covered and open areas to enjoy the lake views.

I put my experience in timber design to work on this house and added some large but tasteful features to the entry area. There are really just three simple gables on the house which all tie together nicely, but the front entry porch while not the largest in size, is the biggest feature on the house. You're simply drawn to it and it invites you the front door wanting to see more. It's large and beefy timbers provide a solid feel without being overwhelming.

Photo credit : Steve Hancock. http://www.uniquecaptures.com