Designing a rural home
WHILE some are escaping to urban areas to take up residence, there are those considering to escape to the countryside.
Many families or individuals may choose to move away from the city to a more slow paced rural life and creating an ideal rural home is a must.
So whether you’re dreaming about a little house by the river, or a cottage surrounded by pine trees or a farmhouse surrounded by green pasture, understanding the necessities to make it true can help with the process.
According to an article on https:// www.homely.com.au/, there are various necessities when looking for or designing a rural residence.
“One of the luxuries of living in the country is that you have a lot more space to work with and you can create a home with ample room for each member of the family,” the article read.
“Splurge on spaciousness with designs that include a large open kitchen and living space, high ceilings, sweeping staircases, swimming pools, tennis courts, roomy bedrooms, and other indoor extras city slickers can only dream of.”
Consider adding items that would make life enjoyable everyday and make the home more convenient such as a wide entry foyer, fireplaces in living areas.
Maybe a kitchen island bench with soft close storage, a ducted vacuuming system, a butler’s pantry where appliances can be tucked neatly out of sight when not in use, and a hotel style master bedroom with ensuite.
“A highlight of many rural homes is a full length wrap around veranda in the front of the home from which you can sit back and enjoy the serenity and surrounding views.
“Many modern homes feature an alfresco area which can be easily accessed from the kitchen and living areas.
“This outdoor extension of the home can be used as an outdoor dining area, an alfresco living area, barbecue space or all of the above, and is usually designed and decorated as beautifully as the rest of the home.”
The article stated this large alfresco space is an ideal area for entertaining guests during the warmer seasons, or to relax and enjoy summer nights and surrounds after a long day.
“Many people who live in rural areas are keenly aware of their impact on the environment and choose to incorporate sustainable features and eco-friendly products into the design of their homes.
“Most modern eco–friendly products, such as solar panels, grey water systems and water efficient appliances, are installed to effortlessly and comfortably integrate with the home’s design and functionality.”
Rural countryside homes are naturally located in beautiful surroundings and the design of the home should encourage you to enjoy this effortlessly.
“Features like large windows and sliding bi-fold or French doors in areas such as the living room and main bedrooms, or a balcony on a second storey, invite the natural light and the outside in, and enable you to appreciate the garden view without leaving the comfort of your home.”
DIRECTLY north of Manhattan as the crow flies - and a relatively short two-hour drive - Dutchess County in upstate New York serves as an idyllic country retreat from the hectic pace of city life, particularly for those lucky enough to escape its grasp any given weekend.
And for interior designer Vicky Charles, cofounder of the New York City–based design firm Charles & Co., the region, where she keeps a second home, has become her preferred home base.
So it was somewhat fortuitous that one of her latest projects was a nearby retreat for another busy urban family.
"In hindsight, I'd never take a job where the project is next to my own weekend house," she laughs, "because you end up working every weekend!"
As it happens, her client's property is just 15 minutes from her own, but, truth be told, there was no designer more qualified for the job.
"The brief really was to create the feeling of a lodge," she said of the 20,000-squarefoot, five-bedroom, four-bathroom Adirondack great camp–style home with sweeping views toward the Connecticut countryside.
"It's somewhere they can entertain, and where their three teenagers can feel a sense of privacy and never have to leave the compound—and that's exactly how I set the house up."
In contrast to the family's more contemporary full-time residence, Charles took her design cues from nature and the changing colors that she's happily experienced for years.
"I really understood the lifestyle, the landscape, and the seasons," she explains.
"Upstate New York really shows off colors, especially in the fall—it's really amazing."
See how this comfortable country lodge combines an appreciation for the great outdoors with all the trappings of a fivestar resort.
Advertising Features Editor:
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