Compact Barlow feels spacious

A vaulted foyer runs up the center of the Barlow, leading family and friends directly into a vaulted, richly glassed great room. This judicious use of vaulting creates a surprising sense of expansiveness in what is actually a fairly compact cottage. The plans footprint is a narrow 43 feet wide, allowing the home to fit easily onto a small lot.

Out front, slender columns sit atop squared bases clad with brick veneer, bounding the leading edge of a wide covered porch. Corbels accent the apexes of three front-facing gables that flow together in a neat line on the right. Each gable reaches its apex at a different level, then angles off to create separate yet parallel roof lines that extend to the left.

Windows flank the gas fireplace that graces the rear of the great room, while a dining area fills the right side. Wide sliding glass doors there provide easy access to a covered patio, which could be screened if desired, for pest-free outdoor dining. The dining area is also open to the kitchen.

A peninsular counter marks the dining room/kitchen boundary. Its raised eating/conversation bar is handy for serving up quick meals and snacks. In addition, parents can easily supervise homework done here while they cook dinner. The walk-in pantry and pass-through utility room are both exceptionally spacious for a home this size. The kitchen-garage link assures that the process of unloading groceries will always be easy, comfortable and safe.

Sleeping quarters and bathrooms fill the entire left side. The owners' suite boasts a deep walk-in closet plus a bathroom with a spa tub and dual vanity. The bathroom and closet create a sound buffer between the adult sleeping area and secondary bedrooms.