One-story house
The past couple of days Andy and I have been talking about the idea of leaving our house a one story and bumping back instead of going up.
I have always preferred two story houses but the more I think about it, the more I am drawn to keeping it as is.
The list is long, with the cost being at the top. We could save so much money if we keep it one story.
Not to mention it would be a LOT easier than taking the roof off and living here thru all that.
Plus I want a pool. And hardwoods thru-out.
To build the house as our plans stand would require sacrifices. Like carpet in bedrooms, etc.
So speak up blogland- do you have a one-story house? Do you love it or hate it?
About The Author
elisa
Related Posts
New Year, new beach house kitchen
We started the New Year with a proposal and then once everyone cleared out we…
Susan | 19th Jul 13
I love the idea! Of course, being ancient like we are, we prefer not to deal with stairs. Now look out over that huge back yard and imagine the pool. And really nice landscaping. Perfect solution!!
Angie U | 19th Jul 13
The house we most recently purchased is mostly one story – it’s 50+ years old and has been added on and stretched. There’s a big room over the garage and full bathroom- We love love love one story living1
CJ | 19th Jul 13
Have had both, would never go back to 2-story. Love the picture of the one-story.
Lisa Reed | 20th Jul 13
Nothing but love for my ranch. A basement kid and teen hangout area suits us perfectly now and a ranch will serve my husband and I much better in the future when the kids are grown and we are just plain old and tired! Actually, we’re pretty old and tired now so I guess it is perfect for 40 year olds too!! My advice is wide hallways. They make our home seem bigger and more luxurious. We have a pool too and the whole back of the house opening to it is really nice.
Kathy | 20th Jul 13
One story… ours eats up our tiny lot, but it is super convenient. After a recent week in a three story beach house, I was reminded how tiresome stairs are! 🙂
Hannah | 20th Jul 13
I have a two story and love two story houses the best, however I don’t know if i would build another two story at my age. If I was to build again and planned on staying in that house for the rest of my life I doubt I’d want to climb up and down stairs like I do now. I watch my mom try to maneuver my house and it’s hard for her.
My house isn’t huge but it’s not tiny either, yet it feels much smaller than it is because it is split between three levels.
Tiffany | 20th Jul 13
I love that house, in fact back before pinterest I saved that same picture when we remodeled the house before this one. It makes sense to keep it one story….It will still be beautiful, it will still be HOME! Plus there are lots of awesome floor plan styles for ranches with pools. Go for it:)
Tiffany
Jenny | 20th Jul 13
We have a one storey and love it.
It is easier to cool and heat and I love all of us being on one floor.
Leann | 20th Jul 13
We are planning our future addition and has decided to stay with one level. Cost was driving force, but also the thoughts of when we are older.
Sarah | 21st Jul 13
I have always loved 2 stories… until I lived in my ranch. I have been here nearly 12 years and still love it more and more each day. It feels cozy to have everybody together on one floor (when they aren’t in the basement). What a cute picture! I am sure whatever you choose will be the best for your family!! Maybe you can do a wing with a 2 story!
Jules M | 21st Jul 13
I loved the design that you had shared with us. It is a tough decision to make. Right now, I would go with 2 story. I like the idea of being able to go upstairs to get away from eachother rather than just going down the hall. There is just something about the stairs that adds a level of privacy. I think whatever choice you make, you will know that it is the right one for YOUR FAMILY. Do what you think is best.
Ella | 22nd Jul 13
While we currently live in a 2 story home (& have most of my life), I luv…luv…luv a single floor living spaces. So much easier to keep tabs on everyone & their comings & goings. Also, for me it seems more relaxed, connected & honestly a bit more luxe just due to the built in ease. I still dream about thelovely ranch I nearly bought well over a decade ago. When we move from this house, it will be to a single floor design. I don’t want to move again after that, until it’s time for my kids to take care of me/us.
Meghan | 22nd Jul 13
We have a 1950’s ranch 3 beds/ 2 baths that has a porch addition as well as a formal dining room. I do not like it because I feel we don’t have enough privacy when people are over. The kids have free roam of the house. One positive though is that it is easier to heat/cool. Good luck
Aimee | 22nd Jul 13
Go for the ranch – especially if it means your family can have a pool. A pool is a great investment in family time. We have a large family and our pool has been the best decision we ever made. My husband and I decided we would buy pizza and soda all summer long for our kids and their friends. You know your kids are safe and having great fun. The pool also provides a great setting for many fun parties, as well as some really great date nights! 😉 Totally worth it.
Jen B | 23rd Jul 13
I’ve never lived in a 1 story but my mom has for the last 25+ years and she wouldn’t have it any other way. I love your inspiration picture, with your well-chosen architectural details I’m sure your 1 story home would be a stunner. Whereas you’ll have a fully finished space in the basement, having a 1 story home seems like a great solution to be able to get your wish list items ~ maybe it will even be more energy efficient 🙂 I hope you start construction soon–so we can live vicariously through your progress!
Gina | 23rd Jul 13
No advice, but I can see why you are leaning toward the one story. I can’t imagine you will regret it. 🙂 Especially when you are swimming in your pool!! 😉
Sara | 25th Jul 13
We have a two story house and I love it but…somedays I wish it was a little smaller. It would be less to clean, the property taxes would be less, the electricity would be less, etc. If it were me I would go with the ranch and spend the extra money on a pool and have the house exactly like you want it and not have to sacrifice things like carpet in the bedrooms. We can afford what we built so it’s not a money drain but..when I write out the check for taxes I can’t help but think we could be using that money to go on more vacations. 🙂
GAYLE | 25th Jul 13
I love the ease of a one story and I love the pic you posted. Do the one that will make life more simple for you and the family. You will make it a home in every way.
Colleen | 26th Jul 13
First of all…this is my first “blog” comment ever. I feel so hip. I saw the two story farmhouse plan and it is beautiful BEAUTIFUL. But, there is something about a sprawling ranch, it just gives a sense of space. If it allows you to do the yard like you want to right now…then bonus. But, ONLY if it’s what you want.
Bottom line, whatever you choose to do it will be beautiful and you will love it. On the other hand, whatever you end up doing you will always wonder, “hmmm, what if I had done this instead?” It’s human nature.
Just get ON IT…I want to see the finished product! 🙂
Great seeing you the other day!