Inverness a mid-size home with colonial flavor

Sidestepped gables draw eyes to the Inverness, a mid-size home with colonial flavor. Guest designer Rod Pfotenhauer of Toledo, Ohio, added to the appeal with shutters, coach lanterns, decorative lintels, and a copper roof over the living room's bay window.

Inside, this plan is fully in tune with the needs of contemporary families. It has two entry closets, one for coats and a smaller one for storing boots and other footgear. To the left is a den, which could be used as a home office. To the right is a large living room brightened and expanded by a rectangular bay window. A wide opening flanked by classical columns leads into the formal dining room.

Utilities are close to both kitchen and garage. The tiny bathroom is handy for dashing in from the backyard or garage, perhaps with dirty feet. It's close to the family room as well, a spacious room with a fireplace, built-in shelving, and a closet.

Bedrooms are upstairs. The Inverness' sumptuous master suite has everything--a large walk-in closet, two basins, enclosed shower and toilet for privacy and steam containment, and a spa tub that features an arched window above. Two secondary bedrooms share a third bathroom.