Friday, January 24, 2014

Charm that's Bigger Than It Really Is in Lake Claire

On Tuesday morning the low winter sun lit the south side of McLendon and this little house caught my eye. Tax records say it's about 1,200 square feet, built in 1940. It's so good.


There are 1000's of great ways to detail this wall but a billion bad ways.

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The gable's peak is half hipped, clipped or jerkinhead: "a hipped part of a roof which is hipped only for a part of its height leaving a truncated gable."

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The bell-shaped window just touches the fascia.

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The returns are prominent but not too beefy. The white trim moves my eye all around. The tall chimney has a little hat. Neatly spaced  little boxwoods don't crowd the view or diminish the height. A leggy bush softens the corner but doesn't hide the foundation. the hydrangeas aren't yet overgrown. It would look so different without the window box. Smooth trim and glass, shingles on roof and walls, brick and screen, horizontals, verticals and diagonals, one complex curve.

Designers get these details right and can imagine successful variations.

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Guests know where to knock and sense the sheltering porch.

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The garbage cans are just a sign of life.

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Bravo. Let's come back in the spring.

7 comments:

  1. I love the windows. They have so much charm and character.

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  2. “…it's about 1,200 square feet, built in 1940. It's so good.” – This house is definitely for keeps. It has a beautiful structure, roof design, window and everything else. There’s no doubt that this is a nice place to raise a family. Thank you for sharing.

    Soo @ WilliRoofing.com

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  3. It looks amazing in the spring. A well-cared for home that we enjoy admiring as neighbors from across the street!

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  5. I found this article to be both informative and engaging. The topic is well-explained, and I appreciate the effort you've put into sharing your knowledge. Well done!

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  6. This post is a great resource for anyone looking to learn more. The clarity of your writing and the depth of your insights make it a valuable read. Thanks for sharing!

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