Back-story

Today, April 20th, is another stunning spring day. Unseasonably warm with temperatures near 70 and clear blue skies. It reminds me of last spring, when Loralee and I started the homebuilding process. We both wanted very similar things in our home. We appreciate classic architecture, and were leaning towards a traditional cape design. Meanwhile, I had previously seen the work of a local builder, Old School Builders (http://www.oldschoolbuilders.com/), and had fallen in love with their work. Their primary focus is on building sustainable post-and-beam style homes.

For us, the core design elements of the home would include: A small footprint that would integrate into its surroundings; an open but cozy floor plan; Energy efficiency; traditional style. Loralee specifically wanted a light-filled home. I had read a lot of Sara Susanka’s ‘not so big’ literature, and am impressed with the ‘quality over quantity’ message. As always, though, cost would be a constraining factor. (this can be good, though: It creates a natural barrier to building an oversized home!).

We looked at a lot of plans and a spoke to different builders, but when Keone Maher, the principal of Old School, walked into my workplace with his plans for the “Old Salt Box” last spring, we fell in love with it! The house is an expression of everything we were looking for. (Side note, if you are thinking of building your own home, I STRONGLY suggest reading the book “A Pattern Language”. It contains timeless advice for creating communities and homes).

It starts with the large mudroom, on the north side of the house (Necessary in Vermont). The area has space for a coat closet, a bench, and small desk for mail sorting or bill-paying. From there, you walk into the kitchen. On your right, a short hall leads to the small pantry and half-bath, then next are the stairs leading to the second floor. As you move forward through the kitchen, you find yourself in the dining area, with south-facing windows. Turn right, into the sitting area in front of the Masonry Heater. This is the heart of the home, and we intend to use the heater as our primary heat source. It will be brick-faced and include an oven for baking bread. Moving on, you will find yourself in the living area, which will be split onto two spaces—A sitting area, as well as a den-like space with bookshelves, our piano, and computer.

The second floor will have a full bath at the top of the stairs, a master bedroom to the left with walk-in closet, cathedral ceiling, and sitting area, and two small bedrooms to the right… for guests OR children. All this in 1800 square feet. There is expansion space in the attic as well as a walk out basement that may eventually be finished off into living space or an in-law apartment.

Stay tuned, more to follow….