While the homeowners' choice to build their new ultra-insulated passive house on an urban infill lot made sense on many levels, it also led to some major challenges. A massive basalt outcrop dominated the site, resulting in the lot remaining vacant for decades as the neighborhood grew around it. The architect sited the home on top of the outcrop with retaining walls around the home to create a flat plane to build on. Even pushing the limits this way resulted in limited outdoor space, but the intimate courtyard areas provide make the most of what's available. A narrow walkway leads to a private courtyard area off the master bedroom. The elevation of the house and its mature trees provide more privacy than usual, but additional trees in and around the space will provide additional screening as they grow.

E.S. Johnson Builders faced a challenge to create an authentic Bucks County farmhouse on a narrow lot with a rear yard that has a steep fall-off. The design goal to create a home that looked as if it was added on to over the last 150 years was achieved by building the main structure with four wings, each wing having its own distinctive look appropriate to the time period. This design created two courtyards, one rear and one front, and the rear second story terrace which overlooks a view of the pool on the lower level and outdoor living area. The sharp drop in the rear elevation gave an opportunity to cascade the outdoor living area. A large whirlpool cascades into the main pool; the main pool then drops again into another small pool complemented by a large arbor and exterior stone fireplace. Despite its historic detailing, it is very functional for the modern family featuring a triple-entrance courtyard, a main entrance that leads to the foyer/gallery, and a study/home office that has a front porch entrance as well as an entrance that leads into a side hall. Many of the interior walls are made of shiplap poplar, the beamed ceiling in the kitchen displays the exposed joists from the floor above, and open rafters in the recreation room are reminiscent of an old large gathering hall. All of the fireplaces are of authentic Pennsylvania fieldstone and the floors are reclaimed wide planks made of Appalachian Red Oak. Eldorado Stone Profile Featured: Veneto Fieldledge with an Overgrout Design Builder/Photographer: Eric Johnson, E.S. Johnson Builders Website: www.esjohnson.com Phone: (704)987-7950

A couple from the Chicago area created a home they can enjoy and reconnect with their fully grown sons and expanding families, to fish and ski. Reclaimed post and beam barn from Vermont as the primary focus with extensions leading to a master suite; garage and artist’s studio. A four bedroom home with ample space for entertaining with surrounding patio with an exterior fireplace.

Character infuses every inch of this elegant Claypit Hill estate from its magnificent courtyard with drive-through porte-cochere to the private 5.58 acre grounds. Luxurious amenities include a stunning gunite pool, tennis court, two-story barn and a separate garage; four garage spaces in total. The pool house with a kitchenette and full bath is a sight to behold and showcases a cedar shiplap cathedral ceiling and stunning stone fireplace. The grand 1910 home is welcoming and designed for fine entertaining. The private library is wrapped in cherry panels and custom cabinetry. The formal dining and living room parlors lead to a sensational sun room. The country kitchen features a window filled breakfast area that overlooks perennial gardens and patio. An impressive family room addition is accented with a vaulted ceiling and striking stone fireplace. Enjoy the pleasures of refined country living in this memorable landmark home.

This modern home is designed to take advantage of views with a sunroom and box bay windows. The courtyard entry garage has a personnel door leading to a covered side porch, and a convenient storage bench awaits at the entrance to the home. An efficient kitchen serves the breakfast and dining rooms, and the master suite is positioned for privacy. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and extra storage space are on the second floor.

This modern home is designed to take advantage of views with a sunroom and box bay windows. The courtyard entry garage has a personnel door leading to a covered side porch, and a convenient storage bench awaits at the entrance to the home. An efficient kitchen serves the breakfast and dining rooms, and the master suite is positioned for privacy. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and extra storage space are on the second floor.

This modern home is designed to take advantage of views with a sunroom and box bay windows. The courtyard entry garage has a personnel door leading to a covered side porch, and a convenient storage bench awaits at the entrance to the home. An efficient kitchen serves the breakfast and dining rooms, and the master suite is positioned for privacy. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and extra storage space are on the second floor.

This modern home is designed to take advantage of views with a sunroom and box bay windows. The courtyard entry garage has a personnel door leading to a covered side porch, and a convenient storage bench awaits at the entrance to the home. An efficient kitchen serves the breakfast and dining rooms, and the master suite is positioned for privacy. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and extra storage space are on the second floor.

Her collection of Western art is featured in what she calls her Quilt room, a family room space which leads to a courtyard at the side of the house. The wrought iron lamp was purchased for this space, and her art was hung with the table lamp placement in mind. Design by Linda H. Bassert, Masterworks Window Fashions & Design, LLC. Photography by Miller Photography Inc.

This modern home is designed to take advantage of views with a sunroom and box bay windows. The courtyard entry garage has a personnel door leading to a covered side porch, and a convenient storage bench awaits at the entrance to the home. An efficient kitchen serves the breakfast and dining rooms, and the master suite is positioned for privacy. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and extra storage space are on the second floor.

This modern home is designed to take advantage of views with a sunroom and box bay windows. The courtyard entry garage has a personnel door leading to a covered side porch, and a convenient storage bench awaits at the entrance to the home. An efficient kitchen serves the breakfast and dining rooms, and the master suite is positioned for privacy. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and extra storage space are on the second floor.

While the homeowners' choice to build their new ultra-insulated passive house on an urban infill lot made sense on many levels, it also led to some major challenges. A massive basalt outcrop dominated the site, resulting in the lot remaining vacant for decades as the neighborhood grew around it. The architect sited the home on top of the outcrop with retaining walls around the home to create a flat plane to build on. Even pushing the limits this way resulted in limited outdoor space, but the intimate courtyard areas provide make the most of what's available. A narrow walkway leads to a private courtyard area off the master bedroom. The elevation of the house and its mature trees provide more privacy than usual, but additional trees in and around the space will provide additional screening as they grow.

This charming ranch home features a private entrance complete with beautiful custom wood gates.
Inspiration for a large transitional white one-story brick gable roof remodel in Portland with a shingle roof

The minimalistic design of the pool compliments the basic shape of the house. Close attention was paid to the details of the pool and surrounding deck. Photography Credit: Wade Griffith

Entry Foyer leading to Grand Room, Dinning Room and Staircase. New and repaired plaster walls, fresh paint throughout, refinished original hardwood flooring, new wrought iron stair railing, custom windows, custom wall features.

This modern home is designed to take advantage of views with a sunroom and box bay windows. The courtyard entry garage has a personnel door leading to a covered side porch, and a convenient storage bench awaits at the entrance to the home. An efficient kitchen serves the breakfast and dining rooms, and the master suite is positioned for privacy. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and extra storage space are on the second floor.

Beautiful embroidered linen fabric is used on the drapery panels that frame the door way leading to the courtyard. The doors have motorized roman shades for privacy and light control.

Character infuses every inch of this elegant Claypit Hill estate from its magnificent courtyard with drive-through porte-cochere to the private 5.58 acre grounds. Luxurious amenities include a stunning gunite pool, tennis court, two-story barn and a separate garage; four garage spaces in total. The pool house with a kitchenette and full bath is a sight to behold and showcases a cedar shiplap cathedral ceiling and stunning stone fireplace. The grand 1910 home is welcoming and designed for fine entertaining. The private library is wrapped in cherry panels and custom cabinetry. The formal dining and living room parlors lead to a sensational sun room. The country kitchen features a window filled breakfast area that overlooks perennial gardens and patio. An impressive family room addition is accented with a vaulted ceiling and striking stone fireplace. Enjoy the pleasures of refined country living in this memorable landmark home.

The residence one model home showcases an optional front courtyard featuring a sunken area with built-n seat wall, brick fireplace, and natural stone pavers. A pair of french doors from the den lead out to the front porch with white columns and brick pavers.