O.K.
Thought about the choices, surprisingly the additional square footage did not make a difference. I would buy the Fieldstone for the flexibility of the spaces on the Main floor. I don’t like shared entrances so both homes flunked that category. I like the bedroom dimensions better in the Fieldstone…I think Bedroom 2 in the Stillmeadow suffered because the Master closet was enlarged. Although the functional space of the Fieldstone breakfast area was questionable I felt the overall layout of the main living spaces was better than in the Stillmeadow.
So, now my only question is who will take home the prize…John and his choice of the Stillmeadow or Matthew and the Fieldstone. I like good, friendly competition.

Fieldstone – master bedroom closet access is awkward, the building perimeter is complicated with many step backs along the right-side wall, the basement has potential if you forgo the tandem garage for a single garage and living space because the furnace and water heater are well located, I like the open feel of the kitchen, I do not like the winding staircase and I think the location of the powder room is too public.
Stillmeadow – no redundant living spaces, basement potential thwarted by location of furnace and water heater, bedrooms good, stairs good, powder room location too public, I do not like the enclosed kitchen, I do not like the double doors leading to the den but den itself is fine and optional could accommodate a guest.
With a little renovation, both could work but I chose the StillMeadow and would relocate the furnace and water heater in favour of expanding the downstairs living space.

I came up with approximately one point more for Stillwater. I say approximate because I had a little trouble on the Living question. They both have that good living space at the back, centered on a fireplace; but the Fieldstone’s living space (in my mind it would be on the right side so that the dining table is closest to the kitchen) is not centered on anything. The window is too small to be adequate for centering. But as a den, this window looks just fine. I thought that Stillwater did a nice job of addressing that awkward front corner of the plan. This would be a great place to do that reading away from the TV. The dining space might look too large, but it’s not so large that a person couldn’t furnish it well.

I think the Stillwater’s master bedroom layout is much better than Fieldstone’s. The closet and ensuite are nearer to one another. The entry isn’t hampered by the closet’s doorway being right there. And the bathroom seems like a good size to me.

It’s too bad about the closet in the right front bedroom of the Stillwater. I’d put it on the staircase wall, beside the door, even though that’s not perfect, it would allow more usability next to the window. Right now it’s labelled “niche” but putting any furniture there renders the windowseat useless.

Just an announcement to all the Slow Homers who are siding with John about the Still Meadow, he will be hosting a big and opulent dinner party in his oversized dining space next week. Please dress in appropriate attire.

I can hardly wait! (I’m expecting some excellent Slow Food too.)

I’m so glad to see this side of John and Matthew. I say we should all have cocktails in the Master bathroom at Matthew’s place then walk next door to John’s house and have a feast in the grand dining room!

Sorry did not post this sooner. I have had this post and comment open for hours. Life got in the way!

I like the Fieldstone.

Working down to up. Like the overhang and the eye would catch the stair going UP not the beginning. I can see a family of 4 getting in at once and having elbow room. Here we can put a bench near the stair and closet and that corner near the a table to put keys or whatnot. I can see shoes lining one side of the closet with ease. This space seems to have a less cramped back entry. The recreation room, even with angle, has no other doors to gobble up precious space.

The second floor is a good place to compare. The family rooms are so similar I did not feel one way or the other. The kitchen. I admit it has less counterspace than the stillmeadow BUT the distance between the double galley walls can handle two cooks at once, unlike the other plan. As a family home I felt that was necessary. The space for the breakfast stools is better here. There is no obstruction or tight space in the “passing lane”. The informal eating area is poor. It is really small. We would have to put the table on the wall and benches or at least one would be good. The living space is flexible and no strange corner like in the other plan’s Den. The space is generous. I can see a dining table there but not the need to have a large one since it is a combined space. If they want a Den instead of living then add some furniture divider like a bookcase and throw the desk near the window.

Upstairs in the master. I like when the door is open you cannot see the toilet, still do not like the door and angles right in there. Bed 2 you do have a closet near the door but the other plan… I just did not like how that was on one side of the window. Felt odd.

So there you are. Wonder what you had to say John and Matthew and BradW… Molly I bet you agree with my choice. :)

Further, the exterior, as per the illustration, is SO hideous that I would most likely never even walk in the front door to see what the place looked like.

For me the Fieldstone is easily the more comfortable of the two floor plans. I like the separation of the informal family areas and the formal dining and living room. Compared to the Still Meadow where the spaces seem oddly proportioned with a long hallway. I also prefer the second level of the Fieldstone. The front bedrooms are better proportioned in relation to the closets. I only regret the design of the Ensuite for the Master bedroom. The placement of the door to the Ensuite in the middle of the wall is unfortunate, but in the Still Meadow Plan there are two badly placed doors. I think in the Still Water if there was only the one door into the walk in closet and than a door from there into the Ensuite it would have been much better.

And Matthew, by what standard is 11×16 too big for a dining room? Let’s say the table is 3×6 that leaves 4 on either side and 5 at each end. That sounds about right to me – you must be spending too much time looking at 800 sqft condo plans!

M.A.M
You read my mind in soooo many ways. WOW…you really walked through the plans like a potential homeowner. Nice!

As for dinner at John’s house…I want SLOW roasted chicken with glass of SLOE gin!

Had a day early st. pat’s dinner party at my place tonight. I guess I missed the party here :)

Sloe Gin and Champagne? That exterior yells give me another PINT!

Mid America Mom