When I was able to meet them at the home, I was amazed. I lived in Florida for two decades but had never seen anything like this. The neighborhood felt like the set of "To Kill a Mockingbird," only the houses were bigger and more unusual.
The clients explained the history of this community. It was settled over a hundred years ago on the banks of a large lake by wealthy northerners who wanted a true get-away. At a time when home styles were quite restrictive, the secluded nature of this community gave the people freedom to build homes that were the most unusual experiments in progressive styles of the time. Then after the homes were built, time forgot this place. Many homes were not "modernized," leaving an eccentric collection of homes with ancient landscaping. Most of the streets were never paved. Many people have this idea of rigid old neighborhoods with perfectly manicured lawns, when they were not originally so prim and proper, and that loose atmosphere is still preserved in this village.
We discussed ideas for their huge boarding house. It is not a good candidate for preservation because it is such a hodge podge of additions. But it is so unique, it would not be right to revamp the home into a design that conforms to the rules of style. I suggested that we preserve the atmosphere in a free style way. We discussed what advantages they could use to make this a successful home and business. The primary advantage is the home being in such a unique historical community. This would appeal to those interested in Florida's rural history. Within walking distance is a large lake, one of the best for bass fishing. One of the owners happens to be an expert fishing guide and an excellent caterer. Can you imagine the opportunity to catch your own fish and have it prepared into a gourmet meal? The other owner knows many others in the bed and breakfast business in St. Augustine, a couple hours away. I suggested building a network with them to offer side trips for their guests. Many people come to St. Augustine to experience the history, and rural history of this home would be an interesting contrast. I also recommended that we find out all we can about the history of this house and use this as a theme for the design. One of the rooms was a dentist office, and I suggested decorating the room with antique dentist tools. We also agreed that the property needed to be landscaped in a very special way to reflect the privacy, nature, and history of this village, while providing comfortable outdoor spaces for their guests.
It took several days, but I measured this entire home, and produced a plan of the house as is. To add more detail to the plans, I took extensive photos of each room.
New Homes I have Designed
Remodeling Projects I have Designed.
My Procedures for Designing and Planning
Richard C. MacCrea
Home Planner
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P.O. Box 446, Murphy, North Carolina 28906-0446
(828) 837-5787
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The Mountain Home Show, P.O. Box 446, Murphy, North Carolina 28906-0446
The Mountain Home Show owes its success to the businesses that participate in the show. They arrange such wonderful exhibits. It is obvious that they take great pride in their work and our show.