Four Porches House

Porches give this plan the look of a homestead set deep in the country. In fact, the design was inspired by just such a house, Chestnut Hill, built in the 1830s in West Tennessee. Lumber used in the original was taken from chestnut trees that were cut and seasoned on the site.

Twin chimneys and a steep, dormered roof retain the old-fashioned flavor of the original home. But interiors are updated for comfortable living. The house contains 2,100 square feet of heated space. A semiopen floor plan and the use of high ceilings make it appear even larger. For convenience and privacy, there's a downstairs master bedroom with its own fireplace and adjoining bath.

The kitchen is one large family area. Flooded with natural light from a fan window in the back wall and skylights in the vaulted ceiling, it's an airy, open room. The dining room doubles as a cheerful family eating area and a more formal dining room for guests. The upstairs plan includes some of the cottage elements that might have been found in the original, including dormers, each with a window seat. A small stair landing overlooks the kitchen area.

See all plans designed by Philip Franks Architects.