Natwerk Designs

Help building / designing dream house?

I want to build a three story "castle" like house, but on a modern home scale. I am planning on having about 4 acres of land to build on so a decent sized house. I already have my rough draft of my first floor, floor plan drawn out. I will take any ideas for room sizes, room locations, etc. I want the third story to have an observatory area extending through the roof, along with my master bedroom. The master bedroom will also have a balcony extending outside facing the front and rear of the estate. The second story is mainly guest beds and bathrooms, and such. The first floor will have a large kitchen, decent sized den a foot lower than the rest of first floor level, a library and a foyer. A decent sized basement for storage and laundry. Each corner of the house will have a hexagonal style tower design to bring out more of the castle like feel. This will also add a bit more room and aura for the dining room, library and guest rooms. I still plan on putting about another year or two into the basic plans before I start with the other things., and I am sure things will change. I do plan on using stone, adding a pond, having a circular driveway with an extended entrance driveway lined with trees (not sure on the trees, landscaping will come last). Maybe some stained glass here and there. As far as design programs, should I use AutoCAD? I am sure once I get my floor plans done, an actual architect will want to rearrange them a lot, but I want to get the basic design to my vision before he/she modifies it. I will take any opinions/ideas generously.

Public Comments

1. My recommendation is for you to make a list of items that you want and leave the design to the professionals. From what you described so far, your "dream" house sounds like you're taking ideas from different magazines and dumping into a pile.