Hear me out. Picture this: it's evening, you're cooking in your kitchen with family around a table and that beautiful fireplace is lit on a cozy evening. You have all the light coming through all those windows and appendages. Instead of the "ensuite", that room has a utility sink and walls of shelves with all of your garden harvests saved in pretty jars. So what I'm suggesting is make the fireplace room (what you currently want as a bedroom) a kitchen with walk-in pantry. Then the area that you're thinking of making the kitchen and adding on can now be the master bedroom and ensuite addition. With that beautiful fireplace in your bedroom, it will never be seen. It would be a lovely transition to step up into that beautiful fireplace kitchen from the living/dining room and your master suite tucked away on the opposite side. My two cents.😊
Having grown up on a 100 acre farm I would only recommend that you have a mud room! A mudroom w/ a place to wash up near it & a toilet is so essential on a homestead! Mudrooms make it easy to not dirty the entire house if it is raining out or if you’ve been in the pasture. Good luck🙏🙏🙏Blessing’s
@@lauraquigley6403 mushrooms make so much sense in your environment…homestead in an area that sees its fair share of rain. As a pantry also would be a dream if you can swing the area! You’ll be doing lots of preserving as well as stocking up so you don’t have to run to the store all the time!
Most people don’t spend loads of time in their bedroom. 🤔 but for sleep, especially in ones old age 😳 I agree to the comment on making that master bedroom your kitchen and the en suite your mud room. Make the add on your master bedroom. It looks larger than the one you have marked for said room. 🤷♀️🤷♀️
I would remove the en-suite door and replace it with a full height decorative window to bring light into the back of the en-suite. Putting a roll top bath in front would make for a great place to have a soak after chasing the ponies when they escape again!☺️
I was about to suggest this. Maybe glass "blocks", like we had in the mid-century house I grew up in, or something more fitting to the house your have and that adds privacy too. Perhaps even widen the now-window, if you can...
May be easiest solution. However if this is your forever home, keep in mind 20-30 years from now you may not want steps. I would level it all the same so main floor is level for your 60+ years of age…..
Question 2: I think you should attach the appendage to the new kitchen and walk through. Either make it part of the kitchen or a little sun room/hothouse solarium to have plants and herbs to cook with. It would be so much more open and bring in light. I say absolutely keep it and just attached it to the kitchen.😊
Yep. Plan on moving the existing wall to a parallel position, overlapping the appendage in phase 2 for your final kitchen/dining, & maybe when you lay out your under-floor piping, have a manifold, or lay it so that cutting in a new loop for the extension isn't difficult. On the bedroom I'd say cut off the carbuncle ... sorry appendage, & raise the lower window level so you put in bed & not lose useful space. Also; don't sweat too much on making mistakes, they're guaranteed in any building work, all you can do is be flexible & roll with the punches.If you try for perfection you just fail, & get ulcers.
Also, the appendages have awkward, pointy doorway. Not original, not attractive, looks amateur idea. Love appendages. Would “square off” doorways on each to communicate with other doorways!!❤
Or a nice pantry if close to the kitchen or a half bath for guests visiting. The one in the bedroom I’d put a desk so you can enjoy the view whist working or painting etc. oh no you just pointed out the bed dilemma…. It should take priority in all your decisions. What size bed? I’d make room for a king sized bed. Need bedside tables as well so don’t forget them. Save all windows if you can since you have those beautiful views.
Addressing mainly your Master situation. I don't know the dimensions but consider going to a Queen sized bed; after living in the caravan it should FEEL like a King sized bed. A floating wall, not connected to any other, running side to side, in front of the bathroom will not make the room feel smaller, will simplify the view by hiding the doors on the bathroom wall without hiding the beautiful ceiling and end wall, give you a place to put the bed and access to the loo from either side of the bed and possible bookcase/storage on the hidden side of the bed. The bed will face the fireplace and the entrance to the Master, always a bonus. You can mount shelves and lamps on bed side of the wall and avoid some clutter. Electric run to the wall area and posts sunk into the floor before the concrete can add stability to the wall or perhaps the storage/bookcase will do that sufficiently. A couple of steps and a short landing before the door to the room will make for a grand entrance and handle the elevation problem. The "appendage", I would widen it outside the wall for a sitting nook, put in a window or two for ventilation but no door. Match it to whatever you do to the kitchen appendage, if you keep it, for continuity. I like the idea of the passage to the kitchen for that one. The door in question, perhaps you could keep the cottage door on the exterior and build a wall behind it paying consideration to sufficiently weather proofing it. A personal opinion: you can never have too much storage (walk-in closet becomes a laundry/ storage) or too many electrical outlets. But what do I know...I live in the mountains of Arizona. I am enjoying your channel, though.
I’d cut off the smaller appendage on the back side of the bedroom and fill it in to make wall space for the bed. Put a built-in high reading bench in the other bedroom appendage with cabinets or shelves underneath for storage. I think one of the appendages in the bedroom needs to go and the one on the backside of the house makes more sense.
I would remove ALL of the appendages 😊. Put in large windows or French doors so that you can keep the light ❤. Not to mention furniture placement would be so much easier ❤
I would definitely take the external door out for the ensuite and brick it up. You'll be surprised how much stone/granite you may find on your land to match. Or get a stone mason to come and take a look, it may be easier than you think. 😊
Always amazing how much thought, space, money goes into a master bedroom. A place you only need mostly in the dark for 2 activities. A bit more if u're often ill, but that we don't count with because it is highly hypothetical. On a farm you want need wish use a lovely luminous kitchen, warm, cosy, efficient, with lots of workroom and seating, chzirs and maybe a small sofa or bench like agreeable nook. The heart of the house, of the produce conserving, of the shared meals, friendly teas, familydinners, homework,...
The appendage to the kitchen. Keep it glassed and make it a walkthrough to the kitchen. You could have fresh herbs growing there off the kitchen and/or a little nook for tea or coffee.
You can always leave the living room or living space flooring like it is and instead of the ramp going into your bedroom, maybe do a couple of steps that way you can leave the bedroom the same and the living area the same, no digging required.
I was thinking the same. A couple of steps would be a nice feature heading into the bedroom rather than a ramp. Reducing the work of raising and lowering floors. 😊
Yeah I would step it. The outside level will play a part too. You need a minimum of 4-6" level difference or you could have damp problems. Make sure you put in a damp course too
Get rid of , they're not particularly functional, not at all aesthetically pleasing and take up wall space. The one at rear of bedroom in.a different shape,size is the only one I'd keep if that
I agree-get an architect who specializes in old buildings, esp if you want to preserve this in the best way for the future-there are too many strange things about the layout. An architect can give advice without detailed drawings if you don't want to use an architect but I think you will be sorry in the future if you don't have professional advice. We had odd situations at our home and the architect easily fixed the problems and it looks wonderful now. Get rid of the appendages and wood ceilings and focus on what the original building looked like.
Do you have a mudroom? If not, I would maybe try to leave the door into the ensuite. As a former farmer, having the ability to come in directly to a mudroom/bathroom and get cleaned up without having to go through anything is a big plus.
The thought of turning the lounge appendage into a throughway, I like, I'd keep the windows and have deep sills for plant starts and winter herbs and seriously that cottage is dark, they were probably added for real light. Also like the idea of making the bedroom appendage into a larger usable retreat in the main bedroom, then both of you can sit in a comfy chair and read. :)
Hi guys. A couple of suggestions from Killeens. 1) Don’t adjust the floors. Have 2-3 steps up into the bedroom. 2) lose the small bedroom appendage and brick it up and use that wall for the bed so you can still have the larger appendage/ view available from the bed. PS: I’m enjoying the channel. Keep up the good work.
You could make the step up a beautiful feature in stunning wood but just remember it’s there after a few wines 😄 Also with the door in the ensuite….. you could turn the gap into lovely window, privacy glass or not. The bath could still go across there if you brick up a little. Imagine some stained glass in there or a wide sill where you could tile and put your candle , wine & soaps & maybe a lush trailing plant ❤
1. Keep as much height as possible in the lounge. That isn’t something that can be changed easily down the line. I would have steps up to the bedroom. 2. Keep the appendage and incorporate it into the kitchen down the line. More light is better especially in Ireland. Adding it into the future design also means you could have a two way fireplace (lounge and kitchen) which would be very cosy in the wild weather. 3. Extend the appendage to create a small seating area to take advantage of the view and create a suite feel in the bedroom. 4. Can you create access into the ensuite via the appendage closest to the ensuite opening? This would allow you to close in the current ensuite opening and have that whole wall for bed. It would also solve the issue with the external access to the ensuite on the plan.
My husband and I faced a lot of decisions when we moved into our current home. We tackled each one just as you are! It’s so rewarding when it all falls into place. While watching your show this morning, 2 ideas popped into my head… Facing the back wall in the master bedroom, close off that doorway to the closet and enter the en suite through the right doorway. You won’t need to put up a false wall which, I think, would negatively impact your beautiful peaked roofline. Place your bed right against the wall under the peak. As far as the ramp entering your master, why not put three 6” steps there instead of removing all of that soil? Hope these ideas will help in your decision making! Love your show and love Ireland. We spent 2 weeks there in 2021 and plan to return so I can research the origins of my Irish grandfather.
Definitely extend the bedroom appendage with the lake view and add French doors to a patio; Magical!!! Imagine: The Fireplace lit and fresh frosty air wafting in from the fall night, gazing at the moonlit lake; chilliness and warmth; coziness and wildness. Also, waking up, wrapping fluffy robe around you and padding straight out to your patio and the pre-dawn lake bathing you in wonder. Priceless!!! I like the floating wall against the ensuite wall, with space for wardrobe. Bed faces fireplace and still has lake view (?). And I agree with several people that the lounge appendage would be wonderful connected with the kitchen (and could one day be enlarged into solarium or stay cozy and Also have French doors to another patio). My motto is that there are never enough French doors in people's lives. 😊 Best of luck with these tough decisions and timelines.
I’ve always looked at your layout and thought about how you enjoy the fireplace the most and I would say as having that room as a kitchen. My other thought about the appendages would actually to extend and join them together all across the front to create a sun room which can be a lovely place for reading, growing plants, and having somewhere with an out door feel protected from the weather.
Hello - I live in the states and am a retired professional interior designer. My comment is a suggestion for the ‘appendages’ in your future master bedroom. Keep both. Make the one with the desirable view into a sitting area for both of you, make the other one into a closet, possibly a walk-in closet. This might mean enlarging both ‘appendages’, but the realized added storage of a large closet is invaluable over time; and of course a sitting nook with a terrific view is always fabulous. I had a walk in closet (room) in a home of mine and it actually had a window which was terrific for airing out my clothes and air flow in general. So if you were able to enclose the walls in one of the appendages but possibly allow for a small window as well it could be an excellent closet. In the sitting nook appendage the more glass the better. Good luck, can’t wait to see what you do!
Always good to hear about your plans for your dream-home! I like the idea of putting in French doors and patios wherever there’s an appendage, create a couple of steps rather than dig, keep the en-suite door and the living room door in-ine (so you’re not having to walk around the bed every time), nix the external door into the en-suite and add a window, don’t lower the head-height in the living room (we’re all under 5/5 here, but there are eight-foot minimums where ever I’ve lived, so I can’t imagine the claustrophobia of something less). And, Please consult an architect to go over your plans - just in case! Cheers🎉!
1, I would dig down 2, I would incorporate the appendix into your kitchen 3, I would take out the appendix for your bedroom giving you a wall to but your bed upto 4, I would remove the door and replace with half pvc and top frosted glass Can’t remember the last question I asked my dad who was a builder what he would do and these are his recommendations love your videos hope I helped make some sort of a decision ❤
The only suggestion I have is to change the outside door in the bathroom into an opaque window/wall. Maybe glasss block. You will enjoy the natural lighting in your shower.
I agree about steps into the bedroom. We have an area from the kitchen to dining area with one step due to a previous addition. This step does not cause a trip hazard and works out well. This would decrease costs as you wouldn’t have to change the grade and dig out the current level of the floor
I think maybe an orangery where living room appendage is with access to kitchen too. Glass window where door is in bathroom, and block up small appendage in bedroom for bed,and patio area for the other,but definitely in need of a bootroom/utility room by kitchen too. Good luck guys 😊😊
For the batheoom door - maybe do half (or so) window with a small make up vanity table under it inside. Lots of natural light. Outside bottom, perhaps a decorative feature or flower box. with wood background that would accent the stone.
I would start again . . . with the layout ideas ! The appendages may need to be moved to make the space more user friendly. Ideally the room with your vaulting ceiling becomes the sitting room . . . this would become a feature The ensuite becomes your kitchen So the master bedroom then moves to the other end of the building It would be good to use one of the appendiges as a entrance hall for muddy boots and coats. At this point it would be good to talk to an architect for professional ideas on a useable comfortable home 🙂 The important questions are what do you want to achieve, how does the design help you evolve as a family ? What is the purpose of the building - how will you use the building - for the next 10 years ? Do you plan to sell vegetable etc from your home. Other buisiness requirements - dedicated office - in the near future?
5. Leave the door to the bathroom! Imagine going able to walk right in and avoid tracking dirt into the house before showering. That sounds like a dream to me.
I think a 6" difference between the two rooms, along with adding 4" in one room and digging 8" in the other should work very well. But have you thought about putting in a 6" step between the two rooms instead of a ramp? Now the first appendage. I think you should take away the appendage, and add French doors that open on to a patio that will work for the lounge and the kitchen extension. Think outdoor table and chairs on a sunny day! I would remove the smaller bedroom appendage, (replace it with a window) and keep the bigger one. I like the idea of enlarging the bigger one. I personally would make it into a sitting room for two. Then on winter days, you could sit in it with a nice snuggly blanket and read or just enjoy as much sunshine as you can. Also, with the small appendage gone, you can put your bed on that wall. You could use an open type headboard such as an iron one, or one that is not solid to get the max amount of benefit from the window behind it. The one thing I would suggest in the bathroom is to replace the door with glass bricks, and make that one wall of your shower. That adds lots of light to the bathroom and you wouldn't have to change the frame, thus nothing to change on the outside structurally.
I'm from Tennessee in the US, so your journey to find and renovate your "Dream Home" is fascinating to watch. But, I have to tell you what hooked me is the dynamic between you two, how much fun you have together, and how tickled I get at your antics and shenanigans! I'll be watching your channel for a good long time! Congratulations and good luck with living your dream!
When I first saw the inside,like previous commenter Nicole I thought that room with the fireplace would make an awesome kitchen with walk in pantry,and maybe a separate toilet that you access when you are working outside through that door that you don’t know what to do with, with the vaulted ceiling it would make an incredible kitchen.
Our kitchen extension will be a modern mirror of this, with the double height vaulted ceiling too - so we won't be missing out - dont you worry! Thanks
Bedroom appendage #1 - if you extend and put doors in it, it will become a transition space which won’t be inviting to spend time in. Leave the existing footprint, adjust the roof line to improve the guttering situation. False wall: Kori’s idea will work better. Apologies to Kayvan. That’s your free advice from a retired architect. You guys are doing a great job, keep up the good work!
For the appendage off the lounge, I would incorporate it into the new kitchen/dining room. With large windows, it would bring a lot of light into the lounge and the kitchen/dining room. It would also make the Lounge feel larger. You could create a little library and reading nook in it. I also think it may help blend the new addition exterior into the existing cottage exterior. For your bedroom, I think the false wall across from the fireplace would be good, and the idea of creating a wardrobe/closet behind it is a really good idea! For the exterior door in the ensuite, I would replace it with a frosted glass window. If you did a full-length window, it would make for a kind of cool shower space, or you could do a regular window (also frosted) and put a bathtub/shower in--either would call for minimal unmatched exterior siding, which could be hidden with plants. It looks like it's at the front of the house, so for privacy, a tree or shrubs could be planted in front of the window, maybe even create a kind of mini courtyard (which can be done in the future) so foot traffic isn't up against the house near the window. For the master bedroom appendage, making it a little bigger might make it more useful, but leaving it as is with a cozy seat in it is also nice. I am so interested to see all the ideas others come up with! Good luck!
i would ask west cork wander any questions,as they have completly renovated their irish cottage , took roof off /replaced .they have literallly done everything and nearly completed ,clare n rob ,amazing couple
Hi guys! We watch your show religiously! We have two ideas concerning the bedroom. Firstly, keep the floor levels between the lounge and bedroom the same, but bring the bedroom floor level in the passage and put steps. As for the door in the bathroom, put a beautiful floor to ceiling window. That brings in natural light. Love you guys! Thomas and Mandy Kentucky USA
Your bump outs (“appendage”) are a great feature. With a rural property especially, it is helpful to be able to see as much of the property as possible (we enjoy that aspect of having bay windows).
I like the idea of the head board wall being on the side of the room, blocking the sight of the bathroom door. I really think that is the best use of the awkward space. If I’m no mistaken then the bed would face the fire place. Very romantic 🥹. All the best with these very hard and stressful decisions. You’re doing a great job. Keep up the good work and thanks so much for sharing your journey😊
I agree that for phase one use two bedrooms and bathroom upstairs. Switch kitchen, just do as much as you need with downstairs toilet and utility. Leave appendages, living room and gym. Then in phase two make a beautiful downstairs bedroom. Full height extension. Expose the stone wall, bedroom, ensuite and build a mezzanine for the gym and office! The house is going to be beautiful.
Go with your own hearts forget all suggestion’s from others it just gets confusing it your home and what you both want this is from experience good luck blessings from the oldies 🤗👍🤗👍😊
Not sure what stage you are at, as each time I watch I get the episodes out of order. My suggestion for the front appendages is that you use them united with an open porch to unify .the front . You would have to have a door into each appendage , I love your suggestion of using the one near the kitchen as an entrance there, or maybe the front door, if that does not take from the overall look. You could then shut off the original internal entrance to the kitchen, giving you more wall space. I love following you and wish you all the best in your endeavours. Cheers Ann G
I suggest for your floors, to make the floors level by bringing up on a suspended floor for the lower area. Electrics, divide the house into zones, with separate zone areas to allow for future "change your mind times". Stud your outer walls and insulate between, and plasterboard. This will facilitate wiring the house and also give a route for pipework. Bring your services into the Kitchen, especially water, and have a master drinking tap, and stopcock where you can reach it. You can pipes through the roof space, and wires. Do your first fix before the floors and wall coverings. Think of under-floor heating , and levels. A level floor throughout is better for the future for anyone using a wheelchair, or otherwise disabled. Think about building bigger in the future, and prepare the groundwork now, i.e. bedroom annex, into shower and ensuite room. Hope that helps, we have tidied up many houses, from six bedroom rectory, to building a four bedroomed house between us (never again, she says), so think outside the box, and look at up-market houses on the Net, for sale for ideas. I would double the width of the property to get better use of space. Draw it out on A2 paper, makes it easier to scale the rooms. Hope this helps.
❤Hello, my mother has been 90 years old when started to need a walking aide. Steps became a stumbling hazard. We had to remove all steps on the ground floor to ensure her mobility, which was quite costly. Going up a slope with a wheel-walker is okay but going down is difficult and can lead to a fall because it rolls away faster than one can walk at this age and is possibly too slow with the brakes. So neither steps nor slopes on the ground floor!
All the appendages would be lovely small greenhouses, so you have nature throughout the cottage. the one in the bedroom looks like it may fit some small furniture or like a bench that you can make into a bookcase a bit. But both appendages in the back work, though I'd say one should maybe be a large french door... As for where to put the bed, I would take the appendage on the back wall and open it up a bit more setting the bed inside of it, allowing more use of the space. Also the second idea for the false wall in front of the ensuite is perfect.
What about using the appendage next to the kitchen as a breakfast nook? Like you said essentially adding it into the kitchen. That way you would still be bringing in an abundance of light. Seeing how natural light can be an issue in these cottages.
1.Do whatever you need to do to make it as level as you can. 2. Nice patio door where appendage is. 3.I like the idea of extending the bedroom appendage. 4. Get rid of the other appendage in the bedroom. 5. En suite, it has to be comfortable for you, if the door is in the way get rid of it but it could also be really good to have if the weather is really bad and you just need to strip off and go straight in the shower/bath. 🤔🤔🤔
For the bed try a half height wall. To the back of it you can have a dressing table. This can work for either aspect. It will allow the lovely full ceiling rafters to be exposed however stop the bed in the middle of a room feeling
Could you block up the internal door to the en-suite and create a corridor via the rear appendage into the back door of the en-suite? Would give you a solid wall for the bed to go against and not waste any corridor space in the room.
Bed- when you speak of a false wall, consider a wall that does not reach the ceiling. Imagine an oversized, solid headboard ( extra width to allor for bedside tables). perhaps 6-7' high. This allows light to flow over. If this wall is in line with room entrance, it creates a long unusable hallway. If placed in front of end wall (ensuite) allow enough space to have shelving/ storage/ hanging space so the space acts as your closet and dressing room. All this depends on the length of wall from the ensuite wall to that large apendage
Oops! I apologize- am prepping Thanksgiving dinner while watching in spurts- you came up with the same idea! I wouldn't attach wall to appendage wall but perhaps have an archway? Again, to not block the light
Where the door is In the en suite, you could wall it in on the bottom and put a window higher up so it would give you light for a shower or bath without it feeling like you were bathing outside. :) This way, you have a smaller spot that you need to blend with the outside. I like the idea of the false wall in front of the en suite. I think that will be the most aesthetically pleasing and you will be facing the fireplace, which I think would be nice.
Many great suggestions from others already. I would add a few more for you to consider. Instead of making the bedroom appendage larger I would simply add a patio door to an outdoor patio. Then I would put glass shelves along both sides of that appendage for shelves filled with plants making it almost a little greenhouse as a walkway to the patio. I would also prefer either simply putting in a few steps between the living area and the bedroom in order to keep the ceiling heights as they currently are. If you are concerned about future wheelchair accessibility, I would suggest keeping it as a ramp since handrails could be installed to make it easier to pull a wheelchair up the ramp. But would there be an issue with in-floor heating if the heating needs to be pushed up hill to the bedroom? I would also suggest replacing the exterior door from the en-suite with another appendage large enough for a laundry room (or maybe a mud-room as someone also suggested that you might need). Because of the other appendages, an additional appendage wouldn't look as out of place as simply bricking that extra doorway shut. Or if you decide to remove one of the appendages, maybe you could reuse some of those materials for making an appendage off of the en-suite. Thank you for creating these videos. We're enjoying watching your progress and really admire your ability to do so much of this work yourself and still laugh.
We bought a valley farmstead in the Appalachian area of East Tennesee, USA. The log cabin was build around 1900 and had a couple of additions since. The 205 acres of the farmstead is beautiful. We had to remodel the additions, including leveling all the floors. Then, we did two more additions ourselves. My husband is an architect. We have loved making this farm "our own." To solve the issues of different floor levels, we simply added 1 or 2 steps. We have not regretted that decision. Our farmhouse is quirky and beautiful. It's perfect.
I reckon Cori's suggestion for bed placement is the one. It gives you a space for walk in wardrobe and storage in the gap created by the bed headboard/wall in front of the current ensuite wall. A lovely big ensuite with bath. Lux. That way, the bed head/wall creates privacy for the bathroom doorway, too. Kayvan's idea for opening up the appendage and lifting the roof was really appealing. Doing that would also compensate for the space being taken for the false bedhead wall. And definitely keep the external door in your bathroom. Mudroom entry! Going back to the large appendage, Cori's idea for a throughway feels really good.
Regarding appendages in the primary bedroom: I suggest keeping both of them and again, in the lean-to style. (Kind of like a greenhouse appearance, with regard to my previous comment about changing their style/appearance) Put a bench in the smaller one. Put doors to the patio with the lake view and widen it as Mr. suggested. There are also ways to place beds in the middle of rooms, perhaps “backed” by a large cabinet or dresser/storage piece rather than a “false wall” which will only eat into the room. If you absolutely positively have to have the head of the bed against a wall, get rid of the appendage on the non-lake side of the bedroom.
I agree with what was said for the height issue. The second appendage in the bed room put in a half wall and window to give yourselves more wall space. but not loose light. In the en-suite just get rid of the door (if safety laws allow.)
Integrate the appendage with your extention maintaining the lightflow with the left hand side of the appendage. This creates a bigger space without the loss of light or viewing angle. Your outdoor space is limitless so that is more flexible. Doors can be put on the left hand side of the appendage or the entire space(the appendage corner) can be opened with bi folding doors giving an oudoors inside set up. We renovated our old house from scratch too and as and where (financially) possible its best to future proof things at this early stage so id retain the appendage but with a different us, i.e the entranceway to your patio..leaves you more walls for your kitchen too and more central. Sorry for the ramble, Im just passionate about interior space having done this myself for so long. Its a complicated thought process so I totally get it, but its fun too😊
We recently installed heat pump, raiised ceiling heights byy 1 foot. Makes huge difference, its a bungalow so mot alot of attic space anyway. As my sons are both 6ft 5in & 6in they have plenty space!!
Question 2. - I highly recommend you hir an architect. From our own experience we went ahead and made modifications to our home in Southern California. Later, we hired an architect and discovered we could have saved ourselves time and money had we hired her first. We ended up having to redo a couple of areas. However afterward we were extremely happy. Last question- I would brick up the opening halfway up. Install a large window. Would give you more space for tables and lamps, and I would let you enjoy the scenery and light.
You did mention sockets a couple of times and you have also said that you want this to be your forever home. I have also noticed that the sockets that you have are relatively high on the walls. My suggestion comes from working in care homes and old people's homes. Put the new sockets also high on the walls, not just above the boards, because when you're older bending all that way down is no longer comfortable or even possible. For the bedroom the idea of making that 'bed wall' in front of the en suite is by far the best idea. Like you said, you can have storage behind it. The door in the bathroom: lock it and make it a feature! All the best with your questions and I hope you will find the ansesrs you are looking for in some of the many comments you will doubtless receive!
As a lover of natural light I would take that in to consideration when deciding on the appendages. I like the idea of connecting the big one to the kitchen. I would get rid of one of the appendages in the bedroom and also remove the outside door from the bathroom. You could also think about removing the fireplace and put in a small wood burner.
Exterior door in shower - can you build an outdoor shower and you can go from inside shower to exterior shower? Build privacy wall and be able to enjoy an outdoor shower. Showering outside with warm water is just so relaxing when weather appropriate.
If you really love the views from there maybe the master bedroom could be the kichen. As a family you'll all live in the kitchen most of the time. Bring the back wall right back for more space , incorporating the back appendage. The ensuite could be a mudroom/storage room. Its such an exciting project to do together. Im sure whatever happens its gonna look fab! Best wishes from Dublin ❤
I've lost track of which is which of the questions but.. floor level difference - I'd suggest going with a step (or two?). Interiors wise it looks good, and if you in older age can't manage 1-2 step then it's unlikely you can manage to live in a remote house (just being frank about it). I've not seen where the intended door between living room and bedroom would go, which end of the 1.5m corridor? You have so much on your plate, adjusting the floor level by digging out is going to take a lot of energy and time. Bed location - I'd do what Cori suggested, the false wall wouldn't need to be up to the ceiling, just probably to the upper level of the windows or so. Keep the external door in the en suite but you could (when budget allows) change to an opaque glass door to let more light in. Good luck!
Add steps to the bedroom; a lot less work and doesn’t mess with the headspace. IF ever wheelchair accessibility needed in future, you could add a ramp or lift over these steps. Remove appendage in living room and add large patio doors. The corner created in this space with the proposed kitchen extension would make a beautiful courtyard for patio table/grill etc. extend largest appendage in bedroom to create bright reading nook. Remove smallest appendage which creates wall for bed. Remove exterior door in ensuite; stones from original cottage must be local so could create stone facing to mask the bricked up wall on the exterior. Watching each video as you create your beautiful homestead and farm; congratulations on making your dream a reality.
Two steps would probably be the most cost effective. You could put your money somewhere else. The appendage by the kitchen addition could be a mud room. Or it would be beautiful to have cabinets and a wall of windows looking out. Or seating with a bench seat. Either way I would open up to the kitchen, living area. The appendage definitely a reading nook. Since you are an avid reader it would be worth it and you would use it. I like adding the wall in the bedroom. Take out the door and make a window with the bath tub in front of it. I know this is your forever home but, the costs for me would definitely impact my decision. Good luck!
I would keep 2/3 of the appendages (and possibly make them bigger to make them more useful space). Bedroom appendages - block up the one northern one as that would give you good room for the bed and the pathways to the en-suite and living room and then clear. The one at the bottom I would keep/ enlarge and make into a reading nook or window seat. Whatever you decide, using painters tape/ cardboard cut outs of your bed and side tables will give you a realistic idea of what these would look like in the room - before you start putting in false walls or blocking up the appendages. Kitchen - I would keep as conservatory\ sunroom, extra dining area or boot room/ utility space.
Bathroom- Turn the door into a big window. Idea- a stain glass scene of simple rolling hills country like view, up to just so high for someone not to see in, and the rest of the way up be sky, to bring in more light. It can be hung in the window area later or attached to the frame later. Light, you want more light. I really like the closet wall that comes from the appendage that will be a patio bigger room area (wall facing the fireplace) and the bed in front of it. You will love coming into your room seeing your lovely bed and, you will have a bigger bathroom by adding the closet into the room hiding it behind the bed wall. You are so fun to watch. I wish you all the best.
In relation to Q4,why not make up a "template" of the proposed wall from a few sheets of OSB you can move it around to see how it works in various locations and reuse the OSB for other projects- no waste. Love the show, welcome to West Cork.
Greetings from South Australia. I love your channel.❤ Points to consider 1. Why were the bay windows built... probably for bringing in the light. Will removing them or replacing them with windows make the rooms too dark. 2. Are they, as others have commented, a problem ie will you lose heat in winter, be water-tight? Will you actually be sitting still in your bedroom looking at the view, and would you see it from bed or chair level? 3. Steps are easier than changing floor levels, and ramps are easier to retrofit if you need them in your dotage. 4.Lounge bay window.. do a proper job..remove the current structure and rebuild it outward to create a conservatory from the left side of the bay opening and curved around to meet the corner of the kitchen wall. I can imagine a low wall with wide window sills for plant starts, a wall of double-glazed windows for light and views. And an open plan kitchen bench facing the windows where the wall is removed with all other kitchen necessities along the back wall. 5. Bedroom : I suggest don't block the flow from the entrance to the ensuite with the bed. Rather, modify the bigger bay window to be half the size. Build up to the height needed for bed headboard ( then bed has view of the fire) create a cosy window/ reading nook above the bed. 6. Considering farmlife and weather keep external bathroom entrance ..invaluable as a mudroom idea. Thank you for the questions..they have certainly stimulated lots of ideas... have fun working things out. I will stay tuned 😊
I have a house built, originally, as a summer cottage. This means there was no central heating. #1 Eventually, the floor space was dug out for heating vents, plumbing, and sewer pipes. Then the joists were put in at three feet above the final level of the floors. So, dig down, pour you concrete floor, run your utility lines, and raise the floor to whatever height you want. All your pipes etc will be under the floor. Make a crawl space for access. #2 Have you considered the appendage off the kitchen widened into a kind of mud room. You'd actually be attaching it to the outside of the house and put in a door between the appendage and the kitchen. Put an outer door to the mud room to the outside. You could put in cupboards to store winter clothes, boots, coats etc. Maybe some hooks to hang jackets, hats, or a hanging drying rack for laundry. #3 If you got rid of the far appendage in the bedroom and replace it with a big window, you could put the bed under the window. Make your other appendage (on the front) your window seat. #4 Brick up the outer bathroom door. You can easily find enough stone on your property to use as a facade to match the rest of the stone work on the house. No one will ever know that bit of stone work isn't as thick as the rest of the cottage. (check out the RUclips channel The Indigo Escape to see their stonework facade on their new build).
1. put a couple of steps up to bedroom, 2. make it a thoroughfare to the next room, 3. extend appendage and make a sunroom with french doors, 4. remove one appendage for and relace with a window for a wall for the bed, 5. remove the door and replace with a window. Good luck and have a great week!
How about a full length window in bathroom, with maybe floor standing bath in front. Keeping the one part of wall by loo is a good idea, in case you're caught short when one is relaxing in the bath, but also that wall can be used, sink, shower, laundry basket or whatever. Good luck
Hi from Western Australia! Just watched your latest episode and in terms of the external door in your ensuite, wanted to suggest an opaque floor to ceiling window. This would allow privacy, bring in some muted natural light, and allow you to have a shower or bath in front of this space. It shouldn’t detract from the original stone front of the cottage if done tastefully. All the best with your renovation. We are enjoying every video 💗
Like you finally said planning for ancillisries. My ring main had 9 double sockets, ten downlighters, one interconnected smoke alarm, plus plumbing for 4 radiators all in three rooms.
Maybe these suggestions will help! Was going to suggest leveling the hall to the next room, and adding 2 steps up to the next room, lots best me to it!!. Regarding the MBR appendage, push it out ( toward the lake) , then take it down the side of the house PAST the funky door to the outside in the en suite. You now enter the ensuite from that door. Back in the bedroom, close off current door to the ensuite, giving you a large bed wall and more wall space in the ensuite.. Love you guys!!
I think for the bathroom door you could remove it for more room and in the opening use upper half for a fancy new window and on the exterior bottom half install sealed cedar wood horizontally (like shiplap?). Could then build a cute bench from that and do a clever planting scheme so it’s like a little hidden oasis. Orrrr, paint the wood to match exterior stone color. I love wood and stone combo, straight class!
My suggestion is to move the ensuite door all the way to the left side to make more room for the bed to sit against the wall at the back, you would then be facing the fireplace
The only thing that popped out at me, was on question 4, where to put the bed. Instead of building a false wall, the way Kavagn (sp?) mentioned, brick up the second appendage and just have a solid wall there. Then you can put the bed against that wall and have your view out the first appendage. That’ll give you the same problem that you have with the door in the bathroom though on the outside. I don’t know! Good luck figuring it out, lol.
#2 make it to an office or area where you can have breakfast it really super cute. # 5 the bathroom door will be great if you had a pool that way you would have bathroom access. But I do love all of your ideas. Can’t wait to see the staring build. You guys are so cute.
Door in bathroom, brick up the wall, and put a transom window centred..so you have natural light..light and privacy. I glad one in our master and it was so useful. It was a suggestion to recycle a window from elsewhere..it was genius when living in the house, and so many friends agreed.
I like Cory's idea for the bedroom false wall better, with a wardrobe behind it. But still do the extension on the appendage with the double doors to boot! ❤
I know this is a week late but. Yes. Dig! And! Install electrical conduits in the subgrade to every location you may want and outlet or switch. Use a radius for the corners. Not 90 degrees. Dig a shallow cellar in the kitchen if possible.
I think that in order to answer the questions it would be beneficial to add the cardinal directions on your drawing. It is great to get other peoples views on the plans. The appendages which face south I would keep for solar gain. Maybe the others could be lost but openings kept as glass panels in the stonework. I think a few people have suggested swopping the MBR and Kitchen positions, could be a nice idea with the high ceiling and added rooms as pantry and mudroom. However if kept as a MBR i would keep the exterior door with the thought of adding an outdoor hottub/sauna off your ensuite. We plan to do this with our bedroom sliding doors.
Re: Cardinal directions - good point. Love the Hot tub / sauna off the en-suite idea! Phase 2 which will be big kitchen / diner extension will be a new double height space, hopefully with some interesting wood on show. So we don't mind using the existing double height old animal barn for our MBR, as we aren't "giving up" this majestic grandeur for a mere bedroom. Will end up with it in both spaces. Thanks for the suggestions!
I would dig down the 18 inches so you have a level floor with lots of headroom. Take off the living room appendage and put in double glass doors to get a lot of light. In the bedroom I would enlarge the back appendage to have the lake views. I would take off the front appendage and put in a big window.
You could block up the en-suite door and extend the back appendage round to cover the outside door giving access to the en-suite that way and giving you a wall to put your bed against!
Between living room and bedroom you can make two steps, is very high end look to have different levels in your house…about the bed definitely the second option with the walking closet behind.For the kitchen definitely keep the “opening” as a part of the kitchen…
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Hear me out. Picture this: it's evening, you're cooking in your kitchen with family around a table and that beautiful fireplace is lit on a cozy evening. You have all the light coming through all those windows and appendages. Instead of the "ensuite", that room has a utility sink and walls of shelves with all of your garden harvests saved in pretty jars. So what I'm suggesting is make the fireplace room (what you currently want as a bedroom) a kitchen with walk-in pantry. Then the area that you're thinking of making the kitchen and adding on can now be the master bedroom and ensuite addition. With that beautiful fireplace in your bedroom, it will never be seen. It would be a lovely transition to step up into that beautiful fireplace kitchen from the living/dining room and your master suite tucked away on the opposite side. My two cents.😊
I agree 100% with this, but was too shy to say it.
Agreed, don't build a kitchen twice!
Love your idea
This has to be the best idea!!
I think that this is the best idea, in addition why not make the "en suite" into a boot and utility room
Having grown up on a 100 acre farm I would only recommend that you have a mud room! A mudroom w/ a place to wash up near it & a toilet is so essential on a homestead! Mudrooms make it easy to not dirty the entire house if it is raining out or if you’ve been in the pasture. Good luck🙏🙏🙏Blessing’s
We even had a good shower in it. Which was mostly used by guests, but valuable nonetheless.
@@lauraquigley6403 mushrooms make so much sense in your environment…homestead in an area that sees its fair share of rain. As a pantry also would be a dream if you can swing the area! You’ll be doing lots of preserving as well as stocking up so you don’t have to run to the store all the time!
Agree! Mud room, boot room or scullery absolutely essential!
Most people don’t spend loads of time in their bedroom. 🤔 but for sleep, especially in ones old age 😳 I agree to the comment on making that master bedroom your kitchen and the en suite your mud room. Make the add on your master bedroom. It looks larger than the one you have marked for said room. 🤷♀️🤷♀️
I thought the same. Mud room / utility room. Doing laundry there will benefit from the light
I would remove the en-suite door and replace it with a full height decorative window to bring light into the back of the en-suite. Putting a roll top bath in front would make for a great place to have a soak after chasing the ponies when they escape again!☺️
bravo!!!
exactly this!
I was about to suggest this. Maybe glass "blocks", like we had in the mid-century house I grew up in, or something more fitting to the house your have and that adds privacy too. Perhaps even widen the now-window, if you can...
Oo, oo, stained glass with horsies.
I agree! Steps into bedroom seems the easiest solution.
May be easiest solution. However if this is your forever home, keep in mind 20-30 years from now you may not want steps. I would level it all the same so main floor is level for your 60+ years of age…..
Outside door in ensuite, change to full length frosted (beautiful patterned one) window.
They have stated earlier, they are planning for old age. Steps are not agreeable to the elderly.
Q1 Definitely a step !
Q2 take off the appendages and replace with a big window
Question 2: I think you should attach the appendage to the new kitchen and walk through. Either make it part of the kitchen or a little sun room/hothouse solarium to have plants and herbs to cook with. It would be so much more open and bring in light. I say absolutely keep it and just attached it to the kitchen.😊
Yep. Plan on moving the existing wall to a parallel position, overlapping the appendage in phase 2 for your final kitchen/dining, & maybe when you lay out your under-floor piping, have a manifold, or lay it so that cutting in a new loop for the extension isn't difficult.
On the bedroom I'd say cut off the carbuncle ... sorry appendage, & raise the lower window level so you put in bed & not lose useful space.
Also; don't sweat too much on making mistakes, they're guaranteed in any building work, all you can do is be flexible & roll with the punches.If you try for perfection you just fail, & get ulcers.
I thought break out kitchen wall and make it a dining area. So close to kitchen.
Also, the appendages have awkward, pointy doorway. Not original, not attractive, looks amateur idea. Love appendages. Would “square off” doorways on each to communicate with other doorways!!❤
Or a nice pantry if close to the kitchen or a half bath for guests visiting. The one in the bedroom I’d put a desk so you can enjoy the view whist working or painting etc. oh no you just pointed out the bed dilemma…. It should take priority in all your decisions. What size bed? I’d make room for a king sized bed. Need bedside tables as well so don’t forget them. Save all windows if you can since you have those beautiful views.
This is exactly what I was gonna say. Attach them to the kitchen.Because there's so much natural light there, it's beautiful
Addressing mainly your Master situation. I don't know the dimensions but consider going to a Queen sized bed; after living in the caravan it should FEEL like a King sized bed. A floating wall, not connected to any other, running side to side, in front of the bathroom will not make the room feel smaller, will simplify the view by hiding the doors on the bathroom wall without hiding the beautiful ceiling and end wall, give you a place to put the bed and access to the loo from either side of the bed and possible bookcase/storage on the hidden side of the bed. The bed will face the fireplace and the entrance to the Master, always a bonus. You can mount shelves and lamps on bed side of the wall and avoid some clutter. Electric run to the wall area and posts sunk into the floor before the concrete can add stability to the wall or perhaps the storage/bookcase will do that sufficiently. A couple of steps and a short landing before the door to the room will make for a grand entrance and handle the elevation problem.
The "appendage", I would widen it outside the wall for a sitting nook, put in a window or two for ventilation but no door. Match it to whatever you do to the kitchen appendage, if you keep it, for continuity. I like the idea of the passage to the kitchen for that one.
The door in question, perhaps you could keep the cottage door on the exterior and build a wall behind it paying consideration to sufficiently weather proofing it.
A personal opinion: you can never have too much storage (walk-in closet becomes a laundry/ storage) or too many electrical outlets.
But what do I know...I live in the mountains of Arizona. I am enjoying your channel, though.
I’d cut off the smaller appendage on the back side of the bedroom and fill it in to make wall space for the bed. Put a built-in high reading bench in the other bedroom appendage with cabinets or shelves underneath for storage. I think one of the appendages in the bedroom needs to go and the one on the backside of the house makes more sense.
I was going to say the same thing
I agree😊
I see your thinking, but they said in an earlier video that being a forever home, they don’t want to be negotiating steps in later years.
I agree!
Was thinking the same then when you wake in the morning you are looking out the window
Two steps - save the grief.
Yes that’s what was saying two steps would save a lot of work! You don’t want a lower ceiling!
Yeah it’s a bit of a no brainer, definitely don’t leave the ceiling height less than 7 foot preferably 7’ 2” gives a feeling of space.
I would remove ALL of the appendages 😊. Put in large windows or French doors so that you can keep the light ❤. Not to mention furniture placement would be so much easier ❤
Just like a woman always wanting to lop off appendages they deem not use full.
I would definitely take the external door out for the ensuite and brick it up. You'll be surprised how much stone/granite you may find on your land to match. Or get a stone mason to come and take a look, it may be easier than you think. 😊
Always amazing how much thought, space, money goes into a master bedroom. A place you only need mostly in the dark for 2 activities. A bit more if u're often ill, but that we don't count with because it is highly hypothetical. On a farm you want need wish use a lovely luminous kitchen, warm, cosy, efficient, with lots of workroom and seating, chzirs and maybe a small sofa or bench like agreeable nook.
The heart of the house, of the produce conserving, of the shared meals, friendly teas, familydinners, homework,...
The appendage to the kitchen. Keep it glassed and make it a walkthrough to the kitchen. You could have fresh herbs growing there off the kitchen and/or a little nook for tea or coffee.
Thank you!
You can always leave the living room or living space flooring like it is and instead of the ramp going into your bedroom, maybe do a couple of steps that way you can leave the bedroom the same and the living area the same, no digging required.
Yeah I think the ramp idea is ridiculous. They'd constantly scuff their feet not expecting a ramp up.
I was thinking the same. A couple of steps would be a nice feature heading into the bedroom rather than a ramp. Reducing the work of raising and lowering floors. 😊
Yeah I would step it. The outside level will play a part too. You need a minimum of 4-6" level difference or you could have damp problems. Make sure you put in a damp course too
I think that’s a better idea, 6ft 8in ceiling isn’t a lot .
Get rid of , they're not particularly functional, not at all aesthetically pleasing and take up wall space. The one at rear of bedroom in.a different shape,size is the only one I'd keep if that
I agree-get an architect who specializes in old buildings, esp if you want to preserve this in the best way for the future-there are too many strange things about the layout. An architect can give advice without detailed drawings if you don't want to use an architect but I think you will be sorry in the future if you don't have professional advice. We had odd situations at our home and the architect easily fixed the problems and it looks wonderful now. Get rid of the appendages and wood ceilings and focus on what the original building looked like.
Do you have a mudroom? If not, I would maybe try to leave the door into the ensuite. As a former farmer, having the ability to come in directly to a mudroom/bathroom and get cleaned up without having to go through anything is a big plus.
Yes!!!!
The thought of turning the lounge appendage into a throughway, I like, I'd keep the windows and have deep sills for plant starts and winter herbs and seriously that cottage is dark, they were probably added for real light. Also like the idea of making the bedroom appendage into a larger usable retreat in the main bedroom, then both of you can sit in a comfy chair and read. :)
Hi guys. A couple of suggestions from Killeens. 1) Don’t adjust the floors. Have 2-3 steps up into the bedroom. 2) lose the small bedroom appendage and brick it up and use that wall for the bed so you can still have the larger appendage/ view available from the bed.
PS: I’m enjoying the channel. Keep up the good work.
Thank you!
You could make the step up a beautiful feature in stunning wood but just remember it’s there after a few wines 😄
Also with the door in the ensuite….. you could turn the gap into lovely window, privacy glass or not. The bath could still go across there if you brick up a little. Imagine some stained glass in there or a wide sill where you could tile and put your candle , wine & soaps & maybe a lush trailing plant ❤
1. Keep as much height as possible in the lounge. That isn’t something that can be changed easily down the line. I would have steps up to the bedroom.
2. Keep the appendage and incorporate it into the kitchen down the line. More light is better especially in Ireland. Adding it into the future design also means you could have a two way fireplace (lounge and kitchen) which would be very cosy in the wild weather.
3. Extend the appendage to create a small seating area to take advantage of the view and create a suite feel in the bedroom.
4. Can you create access into the ensuite via the appendage closest to the ensuite opening? This would allow you to close in the current ensuite opening and have that whole wall for bed. It would also solve the issue with the external access to the ensuite on the plan.
My husband and I faced a lot of decisions when we moved into our current home. We tackled each one just as you are! It’s so rewarding when it all falls into place. While watching your show this morning, 2 ideas popped into my head…
Facing the back wall in the master bedroom, close off that doorway to the closet and enter the en suite through the right doorway. You won’t need to put up a false wall which, I think, would negatively impact your beautiful peaked roofline. Place your bed right against the wall under the peak.
As far as the ramp entering your master, why not put three 6” steps there instead of removing all of that soil?
Hope these ideas will help in your decision making! Love your show and love Ireland. We spent 2 weeks there in 2021 and plan to return so I can research the origins of my Irish grandfather.
Definitely extend the bedroom appendage with the lake view and add French doors to a patio; Magical!!! Imagine: The Fireplace lit and fresh frosty air wafting in from the fall night, gazing at the moonlit lake; chilliness and warmth; coziness and wildness. Also, waking up, wrapping fluffy robe around you and padding straight out to your patio and the pre-dawn lake bathing you in wonder. Priceless!!! I like the floating wall against the ensuite wall, with space for wardrobe. Bed faces fireplace and still has lake view (?). And I agree with several people that the lounge appendage would be wonderful connected with the kitchen (and could one day be enlarged into solarium or stay cozy and Also have French doors to another patio). My motto is that there are never enough French doors in people's lives. 😊 Best of luck with these tough decisions and timelines.
I’ve always looked at your layout and thought about how you enjoy the fireplace the most and I would say as having that room as a kitchen. My other thought about the appendages would actually to extend and join them together all across the front to create a sun room which can be a lovely place for reading, growing plants, and having somewhere with an out door feel protected from the weather.
Hello - I live in the states and am a retired professional interior designer. My comment is a suggestion for the ‘appendages’ in your future master bedroom. Keep both. Make the one with the desirable view into a sitting area for both of you, make the other one into a closet, possibly a walk-in closet. This might mean enlarging both ‘appendages’, but the realized added storage of a large closet is invaluable over time; and of course a sitting nook with a terrific view is always fabulous. I had a walk in closet (room) in a home of mine and it actually had a window which was terrific for airing out my clothes and air flow in general. So if you were able to enclose the walls in one of the appendages but possibly allow for a small window as well it could be an excellent closet. In the sitting nook appendage the more glass the better. Good luck, can’t wait to see what you do!
Always good to hear about your plans for your dream-home! I like the idea of putting in French doors and patios wherever there’s an appendage, create a couple of steps rather than dig, keep the en-suite door and the living room door in-ine (so you’re not having to walk around the bed every time), nix the external door into the en-suite and add a window, don’t lower the head-height in the living room (we’re all under 5/5 here, but there are eight-foot minimums where ever I’ve lived, so I can’t imagine the claustrophobia of something less). And, Please consult an architect to go over your plans - just in case! Cheers🎉!
I like Kori's idea for the bed in the bedroom with the false wall for storage. Id block up the door.
1, I would dig down
2, I would incorporate the appendix into your kitchen
3, I would take out the appendix for your bedroom giving you a wall to but your bed upto
4, I would remove the door and replace with half pvc and top frosted glass
Can’t remember the last question I asked my dad who was a builder what he would do and these are his recommendations love your videos hope I helped make some sort of a decision ❤
The only suggestion I have is to change the outside door in the bathroom into an opaque window/wall. Maybe glasss block. You will enjoy the natural lighting in your shower.
I agree about steps into the bedroom. We have an area from the kitchen to dining area with one step due to a previous addition. This step does not cause a trip hazard and works out well. This would decrease costs as you wouldn’t have to change the grade and dig out the current level of the floor
I think maybe an orangery where living room appendage is with access to kitchen too. Glass window where door is in bathroom, and block up small appendage in bedroom for bed,and patio area for the other,but definitely in need of a bootroom/utility room by kitchen too. Good luck guys 😊😊
For the batheoom door - maybe do half (or so) window with a small make up vanity table under it inside. Lots of natural light. Outside bottom, perhaps a decorative feature or flower box. with wood background that would accent the stone.
The appendage would make a lovely greenhouse for doing winter gardening in your house.
I would start again . . . with the layout ideas !
The appendages may need to be moved to make the space more user friendly.
Ideally the room with your vaulting ceiling becomes the sitting room . . . this would become a feature
The ensuite becomes your kitchen
So the master bedroom then moves to the other end of the building
It would be good to use one of the appendiges as a entrance hall for muddy boots and coats.
At this point it would be good to talk to an architect for professional ideas on a useable comfortable home 🙂
The important questions are what do you want to achieve, how does the design help you evolve as a family ?
What is the purpose of the building - how will you use the building - for the next 10 years ?
Do you plan to sell vegetable etc from your home. Other buisiness requirements - dedicated office - in the near future?
Make the bedroom the kitchen and shower room the utility.
All absolutely valid points - thank you
5. Leave the door to the bathroom! Imagine going able to walk right in and avoid tracking dirt into the house before showering. That sounds like a dream to me.
I think a 6" difference between the two rooms, along with adding 4" in one room and digging 8" in the other should work very well. But have you thought about putting in a 6" step between the two rooms instead of a ramp?
Now the first appendage. I think you should take away the appendage, and add French doors that open on to a patio that will work for the lounge and the kitchen extension. Think outdoor table and chairs on a sunny day!
I would remove the smaller bedroom appendage, (replace it with a window) and keep the bigger one. I like the idea of enlarging the bigger one. I personally would make it into a sitting room for two. Then on winter days, you could sit in it with a nice snuggly blanket and read or just enjoy as much sunshine as you can. Also, with the small appendage gone, you can put your bed on that wall. You could use an open type headboard such as an iron one, or one that is not solid to get the max amount of benefit from the window behind it. The one thing I would suggest in the bathroom is to replace the door with glass bricks, and make that one wall of your shower. That adds lots of light to the bathroom and you wouldn't have to change the frame, thus nothing to change on the outside structurally.
Steps as an oldie are no good - of course we have a long way until it becomes a problem.
Interesting ideas - thanks!
I'm from Tennessee in the US, so your journey to find and renovate your "Dream Home" is fascinating to watch. But, I have to tell you what hooked me is the dynamic between you two, how much fun you have together, and how tickled I get at your antics and shenanigans! I'll be watching your channel for a good long time! Congratulations and good luck with living your dream!
When I first saw the inside,like previous commenter Nicole I thought that room with the fireplace would make an awesome kitchen with walk in pantry,and maybe a separate toilet that you access when you are working outside through that door that you don’t know what to do with, with the vaulted ceiling it would make an incredible kitchen.
Our kitchen extension will be a modern mirror of this, with the double height vaulted ceiling too - so we won't be missing out - dont you worry! Thanks
Bedroom appendage #1 - if you extend and put doors in it, it will become a transition space which won’t be inviting to spend time in. Leave the existing footprint, adjust the roof line to improve the guttering situation.
False wall: Kori’s idea will work better. Apologies to Kayvan.
That’s your free advice from a retired architect.
You guys are doing a great job, keep up the good work!
Thank you
For the appendage off the lounge, I would incorporate it into the new kitchen/dining room. With large windows, it would bring a lot of light into the lounge and the kitchen/dining room. It would also make the Lounge feel larger. You could create a little library and reading nook in it. I also think it may help blend the new addition exterior into the existing cottage exterior. For your bedroom, I think the false wall across from the fireplace would be good, and the idea of creating a wardrobe/closet behind it is a really good idea! For the exterior door in the ensuite, I would replace it with a frosted glass window. If you did a full-length window, it would make for a kind of cool shower space, or you could do a regular window (also frosted) and put a bathtub/shower in--either would call for minimal unmatched exterior siding, which could be hidden with plants. It looks like it's at the front of the house, so for privacy, a tree or shrubs could be planted in front of the window, maybe even create a kind of mini courtyard (which can be done in the future) so foot traffic isn't up against the house near the window. For the master bedroom appendage, making it a little bigger might make it more useful, but leaving it as is with a cozy seat in it is also nice. I am so interested to see all the ideas others come up with! Good luck!
i would ask west cork wander any questions,as they have completly renovated their irish cottage , took roof off /replaced .they have literallly done everything and nearly completed ,clare n rob ,amazing couple
Hi guys! We watch your show religiously! We have two ideas concerning the bedroom. Firstly, keep the floor levels between the lounge and bedroom the same, but bring the bedroom floor level in the passage and put steps. As for the door in the bathroom, put a beautiful floor to ceiling window. That brings in natural light.
Love you guys!
Thomas and Mandy
Kentucky USA
Your bump outs (“appendage”) are a great feature. With a rural property especially, it is helpful to be able to see as much of the property as possible (we enjoy that aspect of having bay windows).
Love kayvans idea for the first appendage in bedroom, out onto a small patio with a view to the lake.
Always put in more sockets than you think you might need and definitely in every corner.
👍
I like the idea of the head board wall being on the side of the room, blocking the sight of the bathroom door. I really think that is the best use of the awkward space. If I’m no mistaken then the bed would face the fire place. Very romantic 🥹. All the best with these very hard and stressful decisions. You’re doing a great job. Keep up the good work and thanks so much for sharing your journey😊
As a home designer my husband would put steps between the 2 floor levels.
I agree that for phase one use two bedrooms and bathroom upstairs. Switch kitchen, just do as much as you need with downstairs toilet and utility. Leave appendages, living room and gym. Then in phase two make a beautiful downstairs bedroom. Full height extension. Expose the stone wall, bedroom, ensuite and build a mezzanine for the gym and office! The house is going to be beautiful.
I think I would call them bays!
Go with your own hearts forget all suggestion’s from others it just gets confusing it your home and what you both want this is from experience good luck blessings from the oldies 🤗👍🤗👍😊
Question 5,get rid off door,put in a window,bath,double sinks,toilet, heated towel rail
Not sure what stage you are at, as each time I watch I get the episodes out of order. My suggestion for the front appendages is that you use them united with an open porch to unify .the front . You would have to have a door into each appendage , I love your suggestion of using the one near the kitchen as an entrance there, or maybe the front door, if that does not take from the overall look. You could then shut off the original internal entrance to the kitchen, giving you more wall space. I love following you and wish you all the best in your endeavours. Cheers Ann G
I suggest for your floors, to make the floors level by bringing up on a suspended floor for the lower area. Electrics, divide the house into zones, with separate zone areas to allow for future "change your mind times". Stud your outer walls and insulate between, and plasterboard. This will facilitate wiring the house and also give a route for pipework. Bring your services into the Kitchen, especially water, and have a master drinking tap, and stopcock where you can reach it. You can pipes through the roof space, and wires. Do your first fix before the floors and wall coverings. Think of under-floor heating , and levels. A level floor throughout is better for the future for anyone using a wheelchair, or otherwise disabled. Think about building bigger in the future, and prepare the groundwork now, i.e. bedroom annex, into shower and ensuite room. Hope that helps, we have tidied up many houses, from six bedroom rectory, to building a four bedroomed house between us (never again, she says), so think outside the box, and look at up-market houses on the Net, for sale for ideas. I would double the width of the property to get better use of space. Draw it out on A2 paper, makes it easier to scale the rooms. Hope this helps.
❤Hello, my mother has been 90 years old when started to need a walking aide. Steps became a stumbling hazard. We had to remove all steps on the ground floor to ensure her mobility, which was quite costly. Going up a slope with a wheel-walker is okay but going down is difficult and can lead to a fall because it rolls away faster than one can walk at this age and is possibly too slow with the brakes. So neither steps nor slopes on the ground floor!
Thanks for all the great feedback. Lots to chew over!
All the appendages would be lovely small greenhouses, so you have nature throughout the cottage. the one in the bedroom looks like it may fit some small furniture or like a bench that you can make into a bookcase a bit. But both appendages in the back work, though I'd say one should maybe be a large french door... As for where to put the bed, I would take the appendage on the back wall and open it up a bit more setting the bed inside of it, allowing more use of the space. Also the second idea for the false wall in front of the ensuite is perfect.
What about using the appendage next to the kitchen as a breakfast nook? Like you said essentially adding it into the kitchen. That way you would still be bringing in an abundance of light. Seeing how natural light can be an issue in these cottages.
I like this idea. Put a built-in bench (with storage underneath) around the windows of the appendage and then a breakfast table in the middle.
i like the idea of a breakfast nook more than a a reading one i think it would be cuter and more practical.
Nice - thank you !
No steps, you will get old big bathroom in the master bedroom. Like watching. Y'all make me smile.
Thanks for following along!
1.Do whatever you need to do to make it as level as you can.
2. Nice patio door where appendage is.
3.I like the idea of extending the bedroom appendage.
4. Get rid of the other appendage in the bedroom.
5. En suite, it has to be comfortable for you, if the door is in the way get rid of it but it could also be really good to have if the weather is really bad and you just need to strip off and go straight in the shower/bath. 🤔🤔🤔
For the bed try a half height wall. To the back of it you can have a dressing table. This can work for either aspect. It will allow the lovely full ceiling rafters to be exposed however stop the bed in the middle of a room feeling
Could you block up the internal door to the en-suite and create a corridor via the rear appendage into the back door of the en-suite? Would give you a solid wall for the bed to go against and not waste any corridor space in the room.
Interesting suggestion - thank you!
You guys are the important in this conversation. don't loose site of this.
Bed- when you speak of a false wall, consider a wall that does not reach the ceiling. Imagine an oversized, solid headboard ( extra width to allor for bedside tables). perhaps 6-7' high. This allows light to flow over. If this wall is in line with room entrance, it creates a long unusable hallway. If placed in front of end wall (ensuite) allow enough space to have shelving/ storage/ hanging space so the space acts as your closet and dressing room. All this depends on the length of wall from the ensuite wall to that large apendage
Oops! I apologize- am prepping Thanksgiving dinner while watching in spurts- you came up with the same idea! I wouldn't attach wall to appendage wall but perhaps have an archway? Again, to not block the light
I've got it! Downsize from a king bed to a full. Try it, you'll like it.😊WV 🇺🇸
Where the door is In the en suite, you could wall it in on the bottom and put a window higher up so it would give you light for a shower or bath without it feeling like you were bathing outside. :) This way, you have a smaller spot that you need to blend with the outside. I like the idea of the false wall in front of the en suite. I think that will be the most aesthetically pleasing and you will be facing the fireplace, which I think would be nice.
Many great suggestions from others already. I would add a few more for you to consider. Instead of making the bedroom appendage larger I would simply add a patio door to an outdoor patio. Then I would put glass shelves along both sides of that appendage for shelves filled with plants making it almost a little greenhouse as a walkway to the patio. I would also prefer either simply putting in a few steps between the living area and the bedroom in order to keep the ceiling heights as they currently are. If you are concerned about future wheelchair accessibility, I would suggest keeping it as a ramp since handrails could be installed to make it easier to pull a wheelchair up the ramp. But would there be an issue with in-floor heating if the heating needs to be pushed up hill to the bedroom? I would also suggest replacing the exterior door from the en-suite with another appendage large enough for a laundry room (or maybe a mud-room as someone also suggested that you might need). Because of the other appendages, an additional appendage wouldn't look as out of place as simply bricking that extra doorway shut. Or if you decide to remove one of the appendages, maybe you could reuse some of those materials for making an appendage off of the en-suite. Thank you for creating these videos. We're enjoying watching your progress and really admire your ability to do so much of this work yourself and still laugh.
Thanks for your suggestions and lovely comment!
I like Kayvan's idea for the appendage with the door leading out side and I like Cori's idea for the bed ❤❤
We bought a valley farmstead in the Appalachian area of East Tennesee, USA. The log cabin was build around 1900 and had a couple of additions since. The 205 acres of the farmstead is beautiful.
We had to remodel the additions, including leveling all the floors. Then, we did two more additions ourselves.
My husband is an architect. We have loved making this farm "our own."
To solve the issues of different floor levels, we simply added 1 or 2 steps. We have not regretted that decision. Our farmhouse is quirky and beautiful. It's perfect.
Tennesee - woot! Your farmstead sounds wonderful. Thanks for following along
I reckon Cori's suggestion for bed placement is the one. It gives you a space for walk in wardrobe and storage in the gap created by the bed headboard/wall in front of the current ensuite wall. A lovely big ensuite with bath. Lux. That way, the bed head/wall creates privacy for the bathroom doorway, too. Kayvan's idea for opening up the appendage and lifting the roof was really appealing. Doing that would also compensate for the space being taken for the false bedhead wall. And definitely keep the external door in your bathroom. Mudroom entry! Going back to the large appendage, Cori's idea for a throughway feels really good.
Regarding appendages in the primary bedroom: I suggest keeping both of them and again, in the lean-to style. (Kind of like a greenhouse appearance, with regard to my previous comment about changing their style/appearance) Put a bench in the smaller one. Put doors to the patio with the lake view and widen it as Mr. suggested. There are also ways to place beds in the middle of rooms, perhaps “backed” by a large cabinet or dresser/storage piece rather than a “false wall” which will only eat into the room. If you absolutely positively have to have the head of the bed against a wall, get rid of the appendage on the non-lake side of the bedroom.
Thank you!
I agree with what was said for the height issue. The second appendage in the bed room put in a half wall and window to give yourselves more wall space. but not loose light. In the en-suite just get rid of the door (if safety laws allow.)
Good luck guys hope all goes well for 😊
Great update :) always make sure to get your wants in even if others suggest different :) house will be beautiful
Hi Aisling, been meaning to watch some of your content. Thanks for following along
Integrate the appendage with your extention maintaining the lightflow with the left hand side of the appendage. This creates a bigger space without the loss of light or viewing angle. Your outdoor space is limitless so that is more flexible. Doors can be put on the left hand side of the appendage or the entire space(the appendage corner) can be opened with bi folding doors giving an oudoors inside set up. We renovated our old house from scratch too and as and where (financially) possible its best to future proof things at this early stage so id retain the appendage but with a different us, i.e the entranceway to your patio..leaves you more walls for your kitchen too and more central. Sorry for the ramble, Im just passionate about interior space having done this myself for so long. Its a complicated thought process so I totally get it, but its fun too😊
Complicated and fun indeed! Thanks for commenting
We recently installed heat pump, raiised ceiling heights byy 1 foot. Makes huge difference, its a bungalow so mot alot of attic space anyway. As my sons are both 6ft 5in & 6in they have plenty space!!
The door in the planned bathroom, you can put glass in, extra natural light and.a view when you're lying in the bath!!!
Question 2. - I highly recommend you hir an architect. From our own experience we went ahead and made modifications to our home in Southern California. Later, we hired an architect and discovered we could have saved ourselves time and money had we hired her first. We ended up having to redo a couple of areas. However afterward we were extremely happy.
Last question- I would brick up the opening halfway up. Install a large window. Would give you more space for tables and lamps, and I would let you enjoy the scenery and light.
You did mention sockets a couple of times and you have also said that you want this to be your forever home. I have also noticed that the sockets that you have are relatively high on the walls. My suggestion comes from working in care homes and old people's homes. Put the new sockets also high on the walls, not just above the boards, because when you're older bending all that way down is no longer comfortable or even possible. For the bedroom the idea of making that 'bed wall' in front of the en suite is by far the best idea. Like you said, you can have storage behind it. The door in the bathroom: lock it and make it a feature! All the best with your questions and I hope you will find the ansesrs you are looking for in some of the many comments you will doubtless receive!
As a lover of natural light I would take that in to consideration when deciding on the appendages. I like the idea of connecting the big one to the kitchen. I would get rid of one of the appendages in the bedroom and also remove the outside door from the bathroom. You could also think about removing the fireplace and put in a small wood burner.
Exterior door in shower - can you build an outdoor shower and you can go from inside shower to exterior shower? Build privacy wall and be able to enjoy an outdoor shower. Showering outside with warm water is just so relaxing when weather appropriate.
If you really love the views from there maybe the master bedroom could be the kichen. As a family you'll all live in the kitchen most of the time. Bring the back wall right back for more space , incorporating the back appendage. The ensuite could be a mudroom/storage room.
Its such an exciting project to do together. Im sure whatever happens its gonna look fab!
Best wishes from Dublin ❤
Thanks for the suggestions!
I've lost track of which is which of the questions but.. floor level difference - I'd suggest going with a step (or two?). Interiors wise it looks good, and if you in older age can't manage 1-2 step then it's unlikely you can manage to live in a remote house (just being frank about it). I've not seen where the intended door between living room and bedroom would go, which end of the 1.5m corridor? You have so much on your plate, adjusting the floor level by digging out is going to take a lot of energy and time. Bed location - I'd do what Cori suggested, the false wall wouldn't need to be up to the ceiling, just probably to the upper level of the windows or so. Keep the external door in the en suite but you could (when budget allows) change to an opaque glass door to let more light in. Good luck!
Add steps to the bedroom; a lot less work and doesn’t mess with the headspace. IF ever wheelchair accessibility needed in future, you could add a ramp or lift over these steps. Remove appendage in living room and add large patio doors. The corner created in this space with the proposed kitchen extension would make a beautiful courtyard for patio table/grill etc. extend largest appendage in bedroom to create bright reading nook. Remove smallest appendage which creates wall for bed. Remove exterior door in ensuite; stones from original cottage must be local so could create stone facing to mask the bricked up wall on the exterior. Watching each video as you create your beautiful homestead and farm; congratulations on making your dream a reality.
Two steps would probably be the most cost effective. You could put your money somewhere else. The appendage by the kitchen addition could be a mud room. Or it would be beautiful to have cabinets and a wall of windows looking out. Or seating with a bench seat. Either way I would open up to the kitchen, living area. The appendage definitely a reading nook. Since you are an avid reader it would be worth it and you would use it. I like adding the wall in the bedroom. Take out the door and make a window with the bath tub in front of it. I know this is your forever home but, the costs for me would definitely impact my decision. Good luck!
I would keep 2/3 of the appendages (and possibly make them bigger to make them more useful space). Bedroom appendages - block up the one northern one as that would give you good room for the bed and the pathways to the en-suite and living room and then clear. The one at the bottom I would keep/ enlarge and make into a reading nook or window seat. Whatever you decide, using painters tape/ cardboard cut outs of your bed and side tables will give you a realistic idea of what these would look like in the room - before you start putting in false walls or blocking up the appendages.
Kitchen - I would keep as conservatory\ sunroom, extra dining area or boot room/ utility space.
Bathroom- Turn the door into a big window. Idea- a stain glass scene of simple rolling hills country like view, up to just so high for someone not to see in, and the rest of the way up be sky, to bring in more light. It can be hung in the window area later or attached to the frame later. Light, you want more light. I really like the closet wall that comes from the appendage that will be a patio bigger room area (wall facing the fireplace) and the bed in front of it. You will love coming into your room seeing your lovely bed and, you will have a bigger bathroom by adding the closet into the room hiding it behind the bed wall. You are so fun to watch. I wish you all the best.
Interesting suggestion - thanks!
In relation to Q4,why not make up a "template" of the proposed wall from a few sheets of OSB you can move it around to see how it works in various locations and reuse the OSB for other projects- no waste. Love the show, welcome to West Cork.
Love the idea with a window and a wall for the bed.
Greetings from South Australia. I love your channel.❤
Points to consider
1. Why were the bay windows built... probably for bringing in the light. Will removing them or replacing them with windows make the rooms too dark.
2. Are they, as others have commented, a problem ie will you lose heat in winter, be water-tight?
Will you actually be sitting still in your bedroom looking at the view, and would you see it from bed or chair level?
3. Steps are easier than changing floor levels, and ramps are easier to retrofit if you need them in your dotage.
4.Lounge bay window.. do a proper job..remove the current structure and rebuild it outward to create a conservatory from the left side of the bay opening and curved around to meet the corner of the kitchen wall. I can imagine a low wall with wide window sills for plant starts, a wall of double-glazed windows for light and views. And an open plan kitchen bench facing the windows where the wall is removed with all other kitchen necessities along the back wall.
5. Bedroom : I suggest don't block the flow from the entrance to the ensuite with the bed. Rather, modify the bigger bay window to be half the size. Build up to the height needed for bed headboard ( then bed has view of the fire) create a cosy window/ reading nook above the bed.
6. Considering farmlife and weather keep external bathroom entrance ..invaluable as a mudroom idea.
Thank you for the questions..they have certainly stimulated lots of ideas... have fun working things out. I will stay tuned 😊
I have a house built, originally, as a summer cottage. This means there was no central heating.
#1 Eventually, the floor space was dug out for heating vents, plumbing, and sewer pipes. Then the joists were put in at three feet above the final level of the floors. So, dig down, pour you concrete floor, run your utility lines, and raise the floor to whatever height you want. All your pipes etc will be under the floor. Make a crawl space for access.
#2 Have you considered the appendage off the kitchen widened into a kind of mud room. You'd actually be attaching it to the outside of the house and put in a door between the appendage and the kitchen. Put an outer door to the mud room to the outside. You could put in cupboards to store winter clothes, boots, coats etc. Maybe some hooks to hang jackets, hats, or a hanging drying rack for laundry.
#3 If you got rid of the far appendage in the bedroom and replace it with a big window, you could put the bed under the window. Make your other appendage (on the front) your window seat.
#4 Brick up the outer bathroom door. You can easily find enough stone on your property to use as a facade to match the rest of the stone work on the house. No one will ever know that bit of stone work isn't as thick as the rest of the cottage. (check out the RUclips channel The Indigo Escape to see their stonework facade on their new build).
1. put a couple of steps up to bedroom, 2. make it a thoroughfare to the next room, 3. extend appendage and make a sunroom with french doors, 4. remove one appendage for and relace with a window for a wall for the bed, 5. remove the door and replace with a window. Good luck and have a great week!
How about a full length window in bathroom, with maybe floor standing bath in front. Keeping the one part of wall by loo is a good idea, in case you're caught short when one is relaxing in the bath, but also that wall can be used, sink, shower, laundry basket or whatever. Good luck
Hi from Western Australia! Just watched your latest episode and in terms of the external door in your ensuite, wanted to suggest an opaque floor to ceiling window. This would allow privacy, bring in some muted natural light, and allow you to have a shower or bath in front of this space. It shouldn’t detract from the original stone front of the cottage if done tastefully. All the best with your renovation. We are enjoying every video 💗
Like you finally said planning for ancillisries. My ring main had 9 double sockets, ten downlighters, one interconnected smoke alarm, plus plumbing for 4 radiators all in three rooms.
Maybe these suggestions will help! Was going to suggest leveling the hall to the next room, and adding 2 steps up to the next room, lots best me to it!!. Regarding the MBR appendage, push it out ( toward the lake) , then take it down the side of the house PAST the funky door to the outside in the en suite. You now enter the ensuite from that door. Back in the bedroom, close off current door to the ensuite, giving you a large bed wall and more wall space in the ensuite.. Love you guys!!
Interesting suggestions - thank you!
Best bits of all your videos is the out takes . More of those please lol
I think for the bathroom door you could remove it for more room and in the opening use upper half for a fancy new window and on the exterior bottom half install sealed cedar wood horizontally (like shiplap?). Could then build a cute bench from that and do a clever planting scheme so it’s like a little hidden oasis. Orrrr, paint the wood to match exterior stone color. I love wood and stone combo, straight class!
My suggestion is to move the ensuite door all the way to the left side to make more room for the bed to sit against the wall at the back, you would then be facing the fireplace
The only thing that popped out at me, was on question 4, where to put the bed. Instead of building a false wall, the way Kavagn (sp?) mentioned, brick up the second appendage and just have a solid wall there. Then you can put the bed against that wall and have your view out the first appendage. That’ll give you the same problem that you have with the door in the bathroom though on the outside. I don’t know! Good luck figuring it out, lol.
#2 make it to an office or area where you can have breakfast it really super cute.
# 5 the bathroom door will be great if you had a pool that way you would have bathroom access.
But I do love all of your ideas.
Can’t wait to see the staring build.
You guys are so cute.
Door in bathroom, brick up the wall, and put a transom window centred..so you have natural light..light and privacy. I glad one in our master and it was so useful. It was a suggestion to recycle a window from elsewhere..it was genius when living in the house, and so many friends agreed.
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I like Cory's idea for the bedroom false wall better, with a wardrobe behind it. But still do the extension on the appendage with the double doors to boot! ❤
I know this is a week late but. Yes. Dig! And! Install electrical conduits in the subgrade to every location you may want and outlet or switch. Use a radius for the corners. Not 90 degrees. Dig a shallow cellar in the kitchen if possible.
I think that in order to answer the questions it would be beneficial to add the cardinal directions on your drawing. It is great to get other peoples views on the plans.
The appendages which face south I would keep for solar gain. Maybe the others could be lost but openings kept as glass panels in the stonework.
I think a few people have suggested swopping the MBR and Kitchen positions, could be a nice idea with the high ceiling and added rooms as pantry and mudroom.
However if kept as a MBR i would keep the exterior door with the thought of adding an outdoor hottub/sauna off your ensuite. We plan to do this with our bedroom sliding doors.
Re: Cardinal directions - good point.
Love the Hot tub / sauna off the en-suite idea!
Phase 2 which will be big kitchen / diner extension will be a new double height space, hopefully with some interesting wood on show. So we don't mind using the existing double height old animal barn for our MBR, as we aren't "giving up" this majestic grandeur for a mere bedroom. Will end up with it in both spaces.
Thanks for the suggestions!
I would dig down the 18 inches so you have a level floor with lots of headroom.
Take off the living room appendage and put in double glass doors to get a lot of light.
In the bedroom I would enlarge the back appendage to have the lake views.
I would take off the front appendage and put in a big window.
You could block up the en-suite door and extend the back appendage round to cover the outside door giving access to the en-suite that way and giving you a wall to put your bed against!
Between living room and bedroom you can make two steps, is very high end look to have different levels in your house…about the bed definitely the second option with the walking closet behind.For the kitchen definitely keep the “opening” as a part of the kitchen…