Country Home With View Tower

Shingle siding, interesting architectural lines, and steep gable roof pitches give this home a rugged but luxurious feel. As its name implies, it is designed for a view from all levels, but especially from its lofty lighthouse–like observation tower.

The covered entryway is located at the right corner of the house, which brings you directly to the pyramid–shaped space holding the stairs to the upper level and the lookout tower. You pass a powder room and a step–in closet before entering the open living spaces of the house. The kitchen, dining and living room are all open to each other, and the ceiling in the living room vaults to an impressive 19'. A fireplace in the corner can be enjoyed from all three areas, and the walls are lined with windows for views to the front and rear. The rear windows are quite large, and both they and two sliding glass doors that open to the rear deck are topped by transom windows.

The master suite is located just beyond the living room. The master bedroom has a vaulted ceiling, windows on two walls, and sliding glass doors on the third that open to a small porch. The master bath features both a soaking tub and a shower, and two vanities.

At the opposite end of the main level, there is an office/den space, and a large laundry room. The laundry doubles as a mudroom for entry from the three–car garage, the rear deck, or a recessed side entry door on the garage side of the home.

The upper level has two bedrooms and a shared full bath. Both bedrooms have raised ceilings. The smaller room has sloped ceilings that rise to a flat central section at 11'. The large bedroom has 9' ceilings with sloped sections on either side of its front dormer window.

The stairs don't stop at the upper level, but rather continue up in a spiral to an observation tower above. The general lighthouse feel of the tower from the outside makes this home work well in a waterfront setting, but it would work equally well in a mountain or wooded area where a great view or wildlife viewing are possible. It would also make a great reading loft or meditation area. All the windows in the observation tower can be opened, allowing hot air to be let out in the summers, much as you would use a cupola. This passive cooling helps lower summer energy costs, and improves indoor air quality on all levels of the home,

The basement is left almost entirely wide open, allowing a number or possible configurations. It is designed to have a full bath and lots of storage space, but future bedrooms, workshop or large recreation spaces are all easily added. The original home was designed for a slight slope to the rear of the lot, but since the basement is so versatile, it can be modified for a steeper slope, no slope, or eliminated altogether if desired.