I’ve spent some time browsing real estate listings today (see two photos from the Texas MLS below)….my realtor soon needs a list of the next round of houses I’d like to tour on an upcoming trip.
On paper, this new construction home seems to have it all. And, I’ve been inside it on our last trip….the craftsmanship seems solid (almost custom) and I like the layout and flow. It is sadly (for the builder) bank owned….
But, something about the front just turns me off. (And, everyone else I’ve shown.) What do you think….what could be done to give this home some curb appeal…..it just looks like a box to me. One friend used the word prison?
And yet, I am feeling drawn to homes like this that have about 1/3 the square footage that I have today …..
Have you ever heard the Doug Stone song, “Love Grows Best in Little Houses?”
My husband hums it each time I show him one of these cottages, I am starting to wonder…. Any and all thoughts welcomed!
12 Comments
The mansion is lacking architectural details of interest. There is a marvelous company in Denver who actually makes the historic plaster details. They are
August 1st, 2010 at 3:40 pmcalled ‘Nostalgic Stone’ and work all over the Unites States doing historic preservation. The space above the door and the the dormer windows would look better with something of interest in those spaces. The overall facade is very one dimensional, hence the uninteresting-ness. We tend to like to see shadows and some ‘in and out’ tension to relieve the sameness. Your cottage appeal is so much greater, as those elements are inclusive. My guess is the period of time the first home was built was a more severe time than the cottage. Cottages seem to prevail in a desirable feeling…..! Love the second home! Both homes have charming mullioned windows…not so inviting on the mansion, and so very inviting on the cottage. Cottage also ‘presents’ itself with porch steps to walk up to….the mansion stays flat. Flat, that is the feeling of the mansion!
ooppsss…just really read your comment that the mansion was a new-build.
August 1st, 2010 at 3:43 pmThe builder really missed, plus there are no tree’s to soften. Go for the cottage!
I thought that some sort of directed ivy or greenery would fill and soften that hard, empty space above the front door. The proportions just seem really off. A trellis-y type greenery installation?
August 1st, 2010 at 3:55 pmOh the gray cottage is calling my name, but you know how I feel about gray!
August 1st, 2010 at 4:28 pmThe cottage is charming, but you might miss having want the extra space with a toddler and a baby. Too much space between the lower and upper windows on the big house…and too much concrete over the door. Can you keep looking? Maybe your perfect house will come on the market soon!
August 1st, 2010 at 6:07 pmThe cottage!! The new build, in my opinion, looks just like a bank in my town. I’m sure the inside is a wonderful layout but there is a certain charm about the cottage. I am more of a symmetrical kind of girl and have to agree with the other posters, there is too much space b/t the two levels. If the 2nd story was lower, then maybe. Would you be able to happily live with the sq footage and layout in the cottage? Outside appeal has a lot of weight but the everyday living wins in my book.
You’ll be glad for the less sq footage to heat & cool!!
August 1st, 2010 at 7:22 pmone last thing to consider…. THE HEAT! Our a/c has run constantly the past few days and our home is similar to the cottage.
Thanks for the comments everyone….much appreciated. We can (and will) keep looking. I haven’t even been inside the cottage yet….we start our 2nd house-hunting trip shortly and have at least another before I cannot travel anymore. And, we are not opposed to renting and doing a reno or build if we have to, or waiting for the right house….but sure would be nice to find something to avoid two moves!
August 2nd, 2010 at 6:44 amCould you please give me the referral on your Northern Va. painter. I live close to Ashburn, and would love to find a good, reliable painter.
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:25 amI too love the idea of a trellis are large soft trees in front. How about some sort of faux balcony above the front door…its too “blank” there.
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:53 amThe facade is very flat. From most of the homes in the Park Cities, this is fairly unusual. It really need some sort of detail on the main archway. I really love the cottages; however, they are not always very square footage friendly. The cottages do offer alot of charm where the new builds typically look like someone else down the street. In my opinion, if the interior fits then you would only have to do a bit of outdoor renovation. This would not be too life impeding like a total gut job. It’s a big decision. Maybe it would be best to wait unless you are like me who couldn’t.
August 3rd, 2010 at 10:06 amGeez…househunting, it always sounds exciting until the reality sinks in that there is no perfect home!
I love the cottage and really hope the inside is as charming. The other house definately seems “cold”, but nothing some stone or custon trellis following the arch around the door couldn’t soften!
Here’s what I do believe: curb appeal is wonderful and can almost always be achieved, but it’s the interior that really matters. Does it function for your family and do you see yourselves living beautifully and comfortably…and making great memories? That’s how I would choose…oh and of course there needs to be good schools close by!
August 3rd, 2010 at 2:32 pmI think ivy would definately help that space above the archway. The cottage is darling! Looking forward to you moving to Dallas and continue reading your blog – and maybe even see you in the showroom I work in. Good luck!
August 4th, 2010 at 12:04 am1 Trackbacks and Pingbacks
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