Tudor Revival or ?

Question

Our house is having an identity crisis. It has some Tudor aspects such as the faux half timbered exterior. But the hipped gables are throwing me off. And there is no stone or ornate chimney stacks. And the front door...ugh.

The home was built in the early 1980's so it is certainly not true to the period but is seems to not really know what it wants to be when it grows up.

Right now we are focusing on upgrades inside the home but I want to begin planning some landscaping for next season. The area to the left of the front door will become a sitting area. The library windows look out on that area. The garage door needs help, I really don't like front facing garages but there is no other option on this property unless I can talk my husband into building a separate garage and reclaiming this for additional square footage. (Not likely as it would require significant sitework)

Any style ideas or suggestions? (Sorry for the not so great pics. Some were from the real estate listing and some were taken by us more recently.)

Douglas Hunt · Answer

I can see why you don't want that tree right in front of your library windows, but it seems that with that slope you're going to face significant challenges getting a level seating area there, and the resulting hardscape will probably significantly shape what you do with the landscaping.

Paradise Designs Inc. · Answer

Hi Debra, I agree with Douglas regarding the tree in front of your library window. It would be better if that tree(or some other tree) was planted away from the window in the lawn area to give depth to the front lawn and landscape and still give you something lovely to look at out those windows without blocking the view. That being said, it is always a good idea to spend a little money on a cohesive design plan even if you plan on doing it yourself or phasing the work as budget allows. The front yard could benefit from a plan that would give more dimensionality rather the flat expanse of lawn. It would be nice to create a clear path to the entry (one that doesn't just right angle off the driveway and garage). It would be lovely to reinforce the elements of the exterior architecture by using brick in the hardscape elements (maybe add brick to driveway and walkway, pilasters for lights etc...) and perhaps even building an entry structure that uses timbers. All of this could be addressed in an overall plan. Agree that the slope can make for more complicated and pricier construction. As far as your garage door goes, I would find something that echoes the style of the architecture. Something that grounds the vertical timbers above. Possibly create a square pattern on the garage door like you have under the window to right. Good luck.

Kathleen Concannon · Answer

Get rid of the tree and let some light in and plant a large accent plant under the window. Windows are there to let the light in during the day and add a shade if the sun is too much. All in all I like the look of your home.

Debra at Eve Isle Studios · Answer

Thanks for the input. We do plan to move the tree this winter. There are shrubs behind it already so that part won't be difficult. We will also be revamping the garden beds soon then adding plants in the spring. Thank you all so much for your advice.

Jennifer · Answer

2 cents - Paint/Stain. :) It is pretty much Tudor style (loooove the 80's ;) ) you could play that off and go dark on the woodwork (Black Bean - Benjamin Moore color). Or a warm not quite black ( black may be too much contrast) that would play off the warmth of the brick. Paint the garage door, front door the same color as the wood trim. This would camouflage said eyesores. You can then play with pops of color and your eye will then travel to the features that have the color (bright wreaths, bright pillows on sitting area, etc...). Having the trim so light now, draws your eye to those places. If you decide to play the Tudor up, you could go with more English type gardens (go tiered) down the hill. That would allow different 'entertaining' places/walking/reading places (think estate grounds in merry olde England):) . Side note: view color choices outside, or if you choose colors indoors for exterior, go two shades darker than you want, because your colors will look LOTS lighter outdoors, and view them at a vertical angle against the house. Good luck!! You have a lovely house!!

Patricia Brining · Answer

I would look online to see all of the different garage doors! There are some gorgeous wood look products that would set off your home! I would plant more colored flowers to pull the orange and burgundy tones from the home! Have fun!

Debra at Eve Isle Studios · Answer

Thank you @Jennifer. I have thought about darkening the trim. So many projects, so little time. And tiered gardens are most definitely on the wish list.
@Patricia Brining, Thank you. We have so many things that we need to do. A new garage door is definitely on the list at some point. Until then I think we will have to paint and dress up the one we have.

Katherine Floritto · Answer

@Debra ... You've already nixed the idea, but I'd really like to see the garage become part of the house, with some design work done at the front and a separate garage. If there's room, a breezeway connecting the house with the garage would be nice and could work in well with the Tudor aspect of the house, using mullioned windows across the front and back. However, that does require room - at least an additional 12', not including the width/depth of the garage. We had a similar breezeway to the one I've described on our family home (the one I grew up in) and they, along with the other mullioned windows across the front of the house, made it the Fairy Castle to the 'rubberneckers' who came out to drive by and take pictures of it on a Sunday afternoon.

I wonder what the architect who drew the plans for your home was thinking as he put it all together? You're right about the roofline, etc. It looks like a home that wanted to grow up and *be* Somebody - but couldn't quite make up its mind what to be. Having said that, it's still a lovely home.

Oh..I should have added that on our garage, the doors were on the side, not the front and a long, curved driveway led to it from the street. That also gave the opportunity for wonderful, uninterrupted landscaping across the front of the house and the breezeway. But all that takes room - something that many homes in today's world just don't have enough of,

Whatever you decide, I wish you well with it - you have an excellent home to work with and I know you're going to have FUN!! :)

Bella B · Answer

Remove the faux half-timbers and you've got a French farm house. Repaint in something neutral and then redecorate to your heart's content as well as your budget's. I would definitely resign the lawn features. Consider a deck or two jutting out over the slopes.

Susan · Answer

I don't know if you like the Craftsman Style, but it could easily be restyled into a Craftsman home. I with everyone on the tree as well.

Jeanette Spink · Answer

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