Harlequin boasts spacious family area

Craftsman detailing adds its charm to the Harlequin, a compact single-level home with a surprisingly spacious gathering space. Craftsman features include the characteristic gridded window uppers and the front-facing gables with decorative corbels at their apexes.

The plan's 42-foot width allows the home to fit neatly onto a city lot, but the footprint is larger than it appears, stretching quite a ways back from the street.

Family living areas fill the entire left side, while bedrooms and bathrooms are on the right. Entering, you step into a living room that's windowed on the front and sides. This space flows into the dining room, which is open to the kitchen on the right. Wide sliding glass doors at the rear access a partially covered patio that could easily be screened, if desired.

A flush eating bar rims the peninsular counter that separates the dining room and kitchen. Counters, cabinetry and built-in appliances wrap around the other three sides of the kitchen. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can converse with folks in the dining room, keep your eye on the patio, and enjoy watching seasonal changes in the landscape beyond.

Natural light from a skylight illuminates a front bathroom that is equally convenient to the family living area and the secondary bedrooms. It's right next to the Harlequin's pass-through utility room, which links the house and garage. Storage closets line the hallway that runs the bedrooms and passes the utility room before reaching the living room.

The owners' suite has its own private bathroom. Amenities include a dual vanity, an oversized shower, and a walk-in closet. The toilet and shower can be closed off for steam containment and privacy.