Country Home Plans

¶ We might, with almost equal propriety, have termed this a farm house. The only objection to this is the probability of impressing the reader with the idea that its application would be accordingly restricted. Indeed, it almost deserves the name of villa; but the total absence of ostentation in its external aspect inclines us to the appellation we have bestowed upon it, notwithstanding the villa-like extent of its accommodations. Plain, sensible, and solid, it is within the reach and applicable to the circumstances of many who love convenience without ambitious display, and who prefer dignified plainness to gingerbread ostentation.

Country House

¶ Architecturally, this design aims at being a country home, manifesting the dignity, comfort, and substantial character of social life that is attainable in the country. There is a growing demand for this class of homes. Farmers are becoming rich, merchants and manufacturers are retiring from business; and we know that while the frank modesty of the farmer seldom allows him to aspire to towers or pinnacles, nine out of ten of retired citizens are too plain and practical in their views to seek for more than the embodiment of the various accommodations suited to their modes of life, at the lowest grade of expense requisite to give them a tasteful and substantial home. Since we have held these points in view, our motive for the comprehensive appellation "country- home" will be at once perceived. Suggestive not only of home comfort, but of the pleasure of social existence, the internal arrangements are in conformity to the demands of a life of business or a life of leisure, while the outward evidence, furnished by the elevation, goes far to sustain the idea that the proprietor, if not in possession of an unlimited store of wealth, has been touched by the spirit of elevated taste, and has declared his inspiration in language susceptible of no double meaning.

Country Floor Plans

¶ The scene chosen to accompany this design and plans is evidently agricultural. We regret that the idea was not more elaborated in the picture, to show at least a carriage-house and stables; but since our chief object is the improvement of human homes, we hope the absence of appendages will not be chargeable to us as a serious deficiency. Yet the importance of out buildings of a tasteful and appropriate character is undeniable; while the abodes of the "lords of creation" are entitled to our earliest and most earnest consideration, the necessary useful surroundings should not be forgotten; and if we have neglected to notice them, or make them a conspicuous portion of this work, it is only because our limits will not allow that extended and thorough treatment of the subject which its importance demands.

Country Home Interior Plans

¶ A veranda G, picture 59, furnishes the entrance way to the main hall D. A drawing room A, 14 by 26 feet, entered by folding doors from the hall, forms a very interesting portion of this plan, on account of relative situation, its modest little bay window, and the adjoining veranda, which is approached through lengthened windows, and communicates in the same manner with the living room. This living room, marked B, is 22 by 14 feet, and comnmnicates directly with the drawing-room and main hall. This hall is 12 feet square, and a passage, containing the main stairway, leads to the rear entrance, and affords communication with the kitchen and private stairs. An arch thrown over the stair passage, at its junction with the hall D, will give the latter a complete individuality, and will be not only productive of effect as a feature, but gives opportunity for the introduction of a separate and dissimilar cornice, and, in short, establishes for the main hall a character exclusively its own.

¶ A dining room, 17 by 24 feet, furnished with china closet, and entered from the main hall, is located in the front portion of the house. With the facilities attendant on the mode of service which generally obtains in the style of living of which this house is assumed to be an exponent, all the fixtures of the table can be promptly removed, and the room, under the auspices of youthful management, becomes a scene of social and even sportive enjoyment. The private stairs are situated between the dining room and kitchen, communicating with a small lobby, which is intended for a passage between these rooms. The kitchen E, 14 by 20 feet, is provided with a side entrance, and a very respectable appendage, 12 by 14 feet, which may be used as a pump-shed, wood-house, or bakery. In the latter case a suitable oven will be built, so as to vent its smoke into the kitchen chimney.

¶ By reference to the plans of the second floor, picture 60, it will be observed that the bedrooms are respectively designated by the letter H. I is the hall, and K the roofs of verandas. Good bedrooms may be fitted up in the garret, care being taken to provide for their ventilation, in addition to that afforded by the gable windows, the method of doing which is specifically described in another part of this volume.

Building Plans

¶ Brick, rough cast, with wooden cornices, and slate or shingle roof may be indicated as the essential components of this structure. The verandas, however, require metallic roofing. The window-heads and sills should be stone. There is no absolute objection to building the walls of rubblestone. The effect of this would be to make it look more essentially the home of the farmer "to the manor born".

Plans Cost

¶ Built in the manner above described, the cost of this country home would not vary much from $6000 (1861 price).

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