Don't Build Too Tall

The illustration above, from the 1900 book, The Farmstead, was drawn to illustrate a common mistake in country building design. A home, barn or outbuilding that’s too tall always looks awkward in the countryside, particularly when set in an open, treeless field. Study the prettiest country places that you know, and you’ll see that they tend to spread wide and hug the land.

One-floor porches, extending ells and low outbuildings, surrounding a two or three floor house will improve the appearance of your country place. Low extensions will weave your design into the landscape and make your place seem like it belongs on its land.