house plan

Southern Living, May 2005 by Mercer, Amy Bickers

Blackstone offers the convenience of one-level living while still providing plenty of room on the second floor to expand. The plan features three or four bedrooms on the first floor, and an optional second floor adds another bedroom and bath. The downstairs study features an adjoining bath; this space could easily become a guest room.

Blackstone's floor plan also works well for family life, with a central family room off the kitchen and breakfast room. A deck and screened porch extend the living space to the outdoors. The garage entrance leads conveniently to a pantry/mudroom, where children can shed dirty sneakers and jackets on their way in from school.

The exterior's mix of siding and stone creates a facade with rustic sophistication. Window boxes overflowing with annuals and lacy ferns add extra charm.

AMY BICKERS MERCER

Personalize This Plan

Your builder or architect can help you customize a Southern Living plan. Here are a few suggestions for this house.

1. Opt for a two-sided fireplace between the family room and deck.

2. Add a seating nook in a box bay window in the master bedroom.

3. Create another window on this wall for symmetry.

4. Install a window between the front porch and study.

5. Remove the built-ins and closet in the breakfast room to incorporate more space in the nearby bedroom.

6. Include a double-swing door between the dining room and kitchen for more privacy when you entertain.

BLACKSTONE SL-0505-087

* Designed by Frank Betz Associates, Inc., Smyrna, Georgia

* 2,434 square feet, plus an optional 307 square feet on the second floor

* 3 or 5 bedrooms, 3 or 4 baths

* Ceiling heights: 9 feet main level

* Basement or crawlspace foundation

HERE'S HOW TO ORDER

Working drawings are priced as follows.

5 sets-$580

8 sets-$680

Reproducible set-$1,020

Planning set-$160

CADD sets-$1,320 Shipping, handling, and taxes will apply.

CREDIT CARD ORDERS

Call 1-800-755-1122, or visit southernliving houseplans.com.