Compact Andover feels spacious inside

The ranch-style Andover is an equally good fit for a country setting or a suburban neighborhood. While exuding a measure of traditional country charm, this compact home is also fairly inexpensive to build and maintain.

A sheltered walkway leads to the entry, plus an open and welcoming front porch. This feature will be especially appreciated in excessively rainy or sunny climates. It’s easy to imagine foliage and flowers twining up the four posts that highlight these spaces.

Entering, you step into a wide open gathering area with the living room at the near end. An L-shaped kitchen and a naturally bright dining room fill the far end. Gridded windows, fairly high up, flank the direct vent fireplace. Shelves can be built into the spaces below the windows, if desired. Wide sliding glass doors offer easy access to a spacious covered porch at the rear, which could be screened if flying insects are problematic in your area.

A conversation bar fronts the kitchen’s long work island, which doubles as a buffet for the dining room, when needed. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can keep tabs on the porch and rear yard, while still staying attuned to indoor activities.

Two bathrooms and a utility room run down the center of the home. Conveniently placed, they also provide sound buffering between the more public living areas and the private sleeping areas. The owners’ suite boasts a walk-in closet. Its bathroom is surprisingly luxurious for a home this size, complete with a spa tub, oversized shower, private toilet, and dual vanity.

Stairs leading to the bonus room over the garage are right next to a pass-through utility room that links the Andover to its two-car garage.