Houses revisited: Speargrass Flat house

Lauren Michele and Joe Caves, environmental policy consultants, discovered their dream home, a century-old Prairie-style mansion in midtown Sacramento, after repeatedly admiring its unique character during their neighborhood strolls. The couple, who had initially placed a deposit on a new townhouse, were fortunate enough to reclaim their deposit and purchase the historic property when it unexpectedly came onto the market. This residence, known as the Shields House, once belonged to Judge Peter Shields, a pivotal figure in the establishment of what is now UC Davis, with the campus library bearing his name. His wife, Carolee, was also a significant benefactor to the university, having an arboretum garden named in her honor. The Shields House, built around 1913, features a distinctive Prairie architectural style, mirrored by a twin structure next door. These two houses, originally built by William Murcell, shared a common courtyard and a standalone garage. Catherine Turrell of Preservation Sacramento highlights the house's combination of simplicity and classiness, noting the resurgence of interest in the streamlined Prairie style. Michele, a UC Davis alumna, feels a special connection to the house given its history with Judge Shields. After their Bali wedding, Michele and Caves filled their new home with positive energy and undertook extensive renovations guided by feng shui principles. While maintaining the original structure, windows, and antique door hardware, they replaced warped oak flooring with walnut and reconfigured a downstairs bathroom. A significant transformation involved changing the interior color scheme from serious steel grays to friendly butter yellow and clean white trim, which dramatically increased the sense of spaciousness and natural light. The couple also incorporated Balinese artwork from their wedding trip, which introduces a natural element into their Prairie-style home. Living in their dream home offers the couple an ideal lifestyle; Michele now works from a sun-filled former sleeping porch, and Caves enjoys a short walk to his office or works from home. The serene courtyard, with its babbling fountain using recycled water and iridescent glass tiles, serves as a peaceful retreat. Both Michele and Caves express deep gratitude for finding their perfect home, appreciating its proximity to amenities and the overall sense of tranquility and contentment it brings to their lives. #PrairieStyle #HomeRenovation #HistoricHome #SacramentoRealEstate #HomeDesign #FengShui #ArchitecturalPreservation #DreamHome

Jamie and Tim Forsyth, along with their daughter Sienna, reside in an English country manor house in North Wales, Montgomery County, which was built in 1880. The property, originally part of a 200-acre horse farm, later became a riding academy before being subdivided in the 1970s. The Forsyths acquired the seven-bedroom manor house and a caretaker's cottage on two acres in 2016 after the price was reduced. Both Jamie, a nurse, and Tim, a project superintendent for a commercial contractor, were drawn to the house's historic charm and “good bones,” despite its considerable size. Upon moving in, the house featured 11-foot ceilings on the first and second floors and nine-foot ceilings on the third. The interior had been recently painted with cream walls and a deeper buff for carved doors and trim. The parlor showcased sky-blue walls and ceiling, complemented by Dutch tiles around the fireplace. Brass and crystal chandeliers adorned the parlor, foyer, and family room, hanging from elaborate plaster medallions. The original random-width oak flooring was well-maintained, contributing to the home's historic appeal. Despite the well-preserved interior, the Forsyths undertook several renovation projects. They installed a new roof and trimmed large ash and evergreen trees, while removing smaller trees from the pool area. Tim, with the help of friends, repainted the stucco exterior an antique white. The columns of the wrap-around porch and window trim were painted a brighter white, with shutters and column brackets in black. Tim also collaborated with a plumber friend to remodel the first-floor powder room. Future plans include installing a ductless heating and air conditioning system and creating a master bedroom suite with modern closets. They also intend to renovate the 20-year-old kitchen, merging it with Sienna’s current playroom, and add French doors that open to the patio, enhancing its suitability for entertaining. Jamie furnished the living areas with existing carpets and sofas from her previous home, alongside vintage pieces. Notable items include a grandfather clock built by her great-grandfather as an engagement gift and a mahogany drum table inherited from her grandmother. A metal-lined bar in the dining room belonged to an uncle. Seasonal decorations are a significant aspect of their home life; a spring bouquet of tulips, candle holders spelling “Spring,” stuffed bunnies, and bunny-embossed pillows adorned the parlor for Easter, with baskets of colored eggs completing the theme. The Norristown Garden Club decorated the house for Christmas, including it in their annual holiday tour, featuring floral arrangements and pine cone ornaments crafted for two Christmas trees. The Forsyths welcomed local carolers and hosted a family holiday party. For Easter, they organized an egg hunt on their lawn for Sienna and neighborhood children, reflecting the strong community ties that have developed with other young families living in homes built on the former horse farm. The Forsyths acknowledge the continuous work involved in maintaining such a large property but express that the effort is worthwhile. #EnglishCountryManor #HistoricHome #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #VintageDecor #FamilyLife #MontgomeryCounty #NorthWales #HomeRestoration

This article showcases 24 different farmhouse house plans, highlighting various architectural styles, sizes, and features to help individuals seeking to build a farmhouse-style home. The plans are presented as ready-to-move-in options, eliminating the need for fixer-uppers. The common elements across these designs include wide front porches, hardwood floors, and expansive areas suitable for entertaining. The selection ranges from modest ranches to larger farmhouses, each with distinctive touches such as board-and-batten walls and metal roofs. The article begins by featuring the Tennessee Farmhouse (Plan #2001), a 4,423-square-foot design with four bedrooms and 4.5 baths, noted for its abundant views facilitated by double doors, double decks, and numerous windows. It also offers the potential for additional space by finishing the basement for a workshop, workout room, or secondary family room. Following this is the Farmhouse Revival (Plan #1821), which served as the 2012 Idea House, encompassing 3,511 square feet with four bedrooms and 4.5 baths, and distinguished by a wraparound porch and classic Southern farmhouse aesthetics. The Ramble Farmhouse (Plan #2052), featured as the 2020 Southern Living Idea House, offers 3,643 square feet with four bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Its unique features include a wide terrace entry, a gallery-style back kitchen alongside the main kitchen, and a library with a stone fireplace, contributing to an open and inviting living space. The Lowcountry Farmhouse (Plan #2000) spans 2,754 square feet, providing three or four bedrooms and 3.5 baths, emphasizing spacious rooms, traditional details like rough-hewn hardwood floors, and shiplap-paneled walls, ideal for entertaining. Other notable plans include the Valley View Farmhouse (Plan #1718), a 2,541-square-foot design with an open layout, a patio off the main bedroom, and a large screened porch, featuring three bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The Cedar River Farmhouse (Plan #1954) is a substantial 3,711-square-foot home with four bedrooms and 3.5 baths, featuring old-Georgia style with a wrap-around porch, morning room, family studio, and outdoor living areas. The Texas-Style Farmhouse (Plan #169) highlights a wide front porch, board-and-batten walls, and a steeply pitched roof, offering three bedrooms and 3.5 baths within 2,591 square feet, drawing inspiration from historic Texas homes. The Country Farmhouse (Plan #125) provides 2,796 square feet with deep front and rear porches, a traditional foyer, and three bedrooms and three baths, offering flexibility with a detachable primary bedroom wing. The collection also includes designs such as the Whiteside Farm (Plan #1979), perfect for families and entertaining with four bedrooms and a screened-in porch, and the American Farmhouse (Plan #1996), characterized by its wrap-around porch and a main-level primary suite. The Lakeside Farmhouse (Plan #2007) emphasizes an open layout connecting indoor and outdoor living, featuring four bedrooms and four baths, with a primary bedroom suite. The Deep River Farmhouse (Plan #2059) is specifically designed for multigenerational living, offering dual primary suites, additional bedrooms, and sophisticated touches like a walk-in pantry and library. The Honeycomb Farmhouse (Plan #2064) provides flexibility for future expansion with walkout basements and features like curbless shower frames for accessibility. Customizable options are available with the Old Mill Farmhouse (Plan #2050), offering four different plans to suit various family needs. The Harpeth River Farmhouse (Plan #2073) introduces a forest green exterior option for its board-and-batten siding and includes an oversized two-car garage with an optional in-law suite. The Georgia River Farmhouse (Plan #2048) combines an old-fashioned appearance with modern amenities, featuring a primary bedroom and great room on the first floor. The Summertime Farmhouse (Plan #2011) includes a walkout basement and options for adding various rooms like an exercise room or guest suite. The Little Blue Farmhouse (Plan #1873) is a Craftsman-inspired design with a wraparound porch and wood cladding in living areas. The Homesteader (Plan #1701) embodies Southern Piedmont style with two-story gables and fieldstone chimneys, featuring a private fireplace in the primary bedroom. The River Bend Farmhouse (Plan #499) boasts a two-story covered porch and separate living spaces. The 2023 Idea House, Dogwood Acres (Plan #2098), presents a sprawling layout with warm wood beams and an option for a party barn. The Rockwell House (Plan #1277) adds rural charm with a cupola and barn roof, providing three bedrooms and a loft upstairs. The Orchard House (Plan #772) is based on a historic Greek Revival farmhouse, blending historic aesthetics with modern interiors. Finally, the Latimer Farm (Plan #028) offers country charm with a gambrel roof, cupola, and barn doors on the garage, along with a wide front porch. #FarmhouseStyle #HousePlans #HomeDesign #SouthernLiving #Architecture #Porches #OpenLayouts #MultigenerationalLiving