Our favorite shops across the south

Southern Living, Spring 2001 by Griffin, Eleanor

In this issue we feature our five favorite houses. We started with the 10 top-selling plans and narrowed it down to the best 5, using reader input as well as suggestions from the editors in the Homes department. We feel that the designs shown here offer a true representation of what makes a Southern Living plan a favorite among our readers. Melanie Gaines

CULPEPER COTTAGE (FAV-0104-525)

Perfect can be simple. And that's why this classic cottage is one of our choices. Culpeper Cottage, created by William E. Poole Designs, is suited for an established in-town lot or a new neighborhood in the suburbs.

This home derives much of its charm from the clean, simple lines of the exterior and the straightforward plan inside. It's a natural choice for a growing family. The floor plan provides an expansive second floor with a spacious bonus rec room and two storage areas.

CHESTNUT HILL (FAV-0104-571)

Chestnut Hill, a 1997 Southern Living Idea House designed by John Tee, is inviting and open. It combines the relaxed exterior of a mountain retreat with a modern floor plan. The main living areas provide magnificent views to the outdoors. The family room, dining room, kitchen, and screened porch flow together to create a great space for entertaining. A mix of classic details makes this home a hit with our readers.

WOODVIEW

(FAV-0104-229)

With 1,929 square feet, this plan, designed by Donald A. Gardener Architects, brings together the charm of a lakeside cottage and the comfort of a home in town. Exterior materials reflect the mix of styles. Walls are clad in wood with handcrafted touches.

Interiors flow with a comfortable arrangement of open spaces. Upstairs is a bonus room for expansion. The combination of Southern details and roomy interiors makes Woodview one of our best.

EDISTO RIVER COTTAGE

(FAV-0104-511)

This Lowcountry-style cottage by William E. Poole Designs celebrates old Southern ideas of comfort and style. Favorite elements include the columned front porch and tin roof.

The house also features 10-- foot ceilings on the first floor and conventional 8-foot ceilings upstairs. It contains 2,438 square feet of heated space, plus an additional space that may be finished as an above-- the-garage apartment.

DEER RUN

(FAV-01-04-731,

Deer Run is cabin living at its best. With less than 1,000 square feet of living space, this compact structure has a rustic style.

To add to the rural flavor, architect William H. Phillips, Jr., of Dauphin Island, Alabama, suggests interior-finish materials of stained or painted board-and-batten walls with vertical or horizontal tongue-- and-groove ceilings. Small and affordable, this quaint cabin is truly a favorite among our readers.