Sunday, September 21, 2014

New Pre-Designed Plan: The Foxchase

This 7,000 square foot manor house began as a quick design study for a couple who wanted very different "looks" for a new house. One wanted a graceful Georgian--symmetrical and stately. The other wanted a Charleston single house. So what better way to accommodate their wishes than to give them both? Designed for a corner lot, a graceful formal facade faces one street, while an inviting Charleston piazza faces the other.

The formal facade of the house features copper collector heads, and cast stone accents at the watertable, window surrounds, and entrance portico.

The facade facing the other street is pure Charleston style. A leaded glass entrance opens to a double piazza that overlooks the courtyard.
 The floor plan of the house is designed for entertaining on a large scale. The two entrances of the house converge in the center of the plan where a reception sized foyer and light filled round stair hall present a grand sense of arrival. Graciously scaled rooms round out the plan--a paneled library, banquet sized dining room, and beautiful living room occupy the front of the house, while more casual living areas, and the chef's kitchen fill another wing that wraps around the courtyard.

A vaulted family room has one of two fireplaces on this level. A sweeping staircase set into a half round wall of glass makes a memorable statement. Other features include built-ins, thick arches, and a flowing floor plan perfect for entertaining
Upstairs, three bedroom suites occupy the front portion of the house. A large master suite includes another fireplace, oversized bath, large dressing room, and a convenient coffee bar. This room accesses the second floor piazza and enjoys a view of the courtyard. Two other large bedrooms also include private baths and walk-in closets. Walk-up attic space on the third floor is accessed by another staircase off the hallway. Over the garage, a flexible suite of rooms features over 1,100 square feet of space. Perfect for media, games, and craft space, or as a self-contained apartment for staff, in-laws, or long term guests, the space is accessed via the back staircase near the family room.

The primary bedroom suites all feature walk-in showers, ample closet space, and generous proportions. The suite over the four car garage offers flexibility for various life stages.


If you're interested in more information on the Foxchase, please email us at southgateresidential@gmail.com, and be sure to like our Facebook page to see more of our designs.


Saturday, September 20, 2014

On The Boards: A Narrow Lot Craftsman

I recently finished a design for good friends of mine. They have a narrow lot with alley access in Greenville, South Carolina's hot West End neighborhood.

The exterior is a true Craftsman style...exposed rafter tails, numerous bracket details, and tapered porch columns give it great curb appeal.

Bahama shutters on the left disguise the asymmetrical windows behind them.
While the house is relatively small, just over 2,300 square feet, it lives much bigger than that. The main floor houses the master suite, with dual walk-in closets, and a very open living/dining/kitchen area that overlooks the back yard and adjoins a vaulted screened porch.



The main level floor plan. The layout creates a private back yard, and the extra-deep garage provides storage for sporting equipment.

 
Upstairs, an office is located at the front of the house (could be called on to serve as a fourth bedroom if needed), and it shares a full bath with one of the secondary bedrooms. The rear bedroom has a private bath and walk-in closet...effectively giving the house two master suites.


The second master suite would be perfect for long-term guests.
We look forward to sharing construction photos with you as the house goes up, so check us out on Facebook!

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

On The Boards: The Altamont

Here's a new design we're working on: The Altamont. Designed for a lot with a view and a relatively shallow building footprint, it's a plan that is great for entertaining.


The exterior showcases fantastic details and a high mountain style. Stone, timber work, and a flared foundation tie the house to the natural surroundings. 
A wide open floor plan with tons of glass at the rear blurs the line between inside and out. Grandly scaled great room and kitchen are complimented by more intimately scaled nooks and spaces. A large screened porch increases the living area. 
The second floor includes three bedroom suites, all featuring walls of glass looking over the view. The two smaller rooms are on the left...each with a private bath and walk in closet. The left side of the house is home to an enormous master suite with sitting room, spa-like master bath, and double walk-in closets. The laundry room is conveniently located upstairs also.
If you're interested in learning more about the Altamont, please email us at southgateresidential@gmail.com.
And join us on Facebook for a look at more of our designs.