Patterson fits practicality nostalgia in small package

Charming and compact, the two-story Patterson is a three-bedroom, three-bathroom home designed to fit on a narrow lot. The railed porch and matched gables add a nostalgic touch to this small country plan.

Families with young children will appreciate having all of the bedrooms within earshot. The small powder room just inside the door is another kid-friendly feature, handy for quick pit stops when they're playing out front.

Living room and dining room flow together to create a great room that is open, spacious and bright. Three windows fill most of the front wall in the living room, and two more windows are in the dining room. Half walls crowned by posts mark the boundary between the two areas. Nine-foot ceilings in the great room and kitchen add to the sense of volume.

Counter and storage space is ample in the big country kitchen. Windowed on two sides, this too is a bright space. Sliders at the rear open onto a small patio, ideal for summer meals or napping in the sun. Next to the wall that hides the stairway, there's space for a good-sized kitchen table, while a roomy walk-in pantry provides additional shelving for canned goods and staples.

Utilities are close to both kitchen and garage. This location allows it to double as a mud room, when needed.

The Patterson's cozy master suite has a private bathroom with dual vanity and oversized shower. Secondary bedrooms share another bathroom, this one outfitted with a combination tub and shower.

Both of the front bedrooms have gabled alcoves, ideal locations for bright window seats.