The Hickory (333-160) by Scott McAlexander on Creators.com

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The Hickory (333-160)

Bay windows abound in the 3207-square-foot Hickory (333-160), a ranch-style home designed to provide plenty of space for a large family. It has five possible bedrooms, four bathrooms and plenty of storage space.

A railed porch with decorative posts spans the front. Stone facing and varied rooflines add to the curb appeal. Inside, the arched, multi-paned window that fills the front-facing dormer suffuses the vaulted living room with natural illumination. Bay windows, shaded by the front porch, let in more soft light.

Directly in front of the entry, a stone archway leads to a long, richly windowed, informal family living area. One function flows naturally into another, from family room to nook to kitchen to utility room. Sliding glass doors open on a railed deck, accessible from the nook as well. A curved hearth wraps around the corner fireplace.

The kitchen has it all: an appliance center, huge walk-in pantry, trash compactor, raised dishwasher and combination work island/eating bar with built-in range top and grill. Through-the-wall bins deposit recyclables in the garage.

A comfortably large utility room is just a few steps away, hidden behind pocket doors. Amenities here include a toilet, deep sink, pull-down ironing board and space for a freezer. Basement stairs, along with a U-shaped shop and storage area, are found in the three-car garage.

Pull-down stairs provide access to still more storage space in the attic, over the garage. A long, covered R.V. parking area is just outside.

Well-isolated from the other bedrooms, the master suite is a sumptuous adult retreat. Luxuries included a bayed sitting area, private patio, sky-lit double vanity, walk-in closet and garden tub.

Secondary bedrooms are to the left of the entry. If the one nearest the front door is used as a home office, an exterior door could be added for direct entry from the porch. The guest suite has a sky-lit private bathroom; two basins; a linen closet with television on top; and a deep walk-in closet. Bedrooms 2 and 3 share another sky-lit bathroom.

The Hickory (333-160) is our plan of the week. For a limited time, we are offering up to 30 percent off construction plans for this design. Call us at 1-800-562-1151 or visit us online at www.ldiplans.com for details. A $25 study plan is also available, consisting of an artist's rendering, elevations, floor plans and a cross-section.

Order online or search hundreds of other designs including garages and multi-family, standard and luxury homes at www.ldiplans.com. Order this week to save up to 30 percent on construction plans using the discount code (CCN92), or send payment to Landmark Designs, Inc., P.O. Box 5625, Eugene, OR 97405. Remember to indicate "The Hickory" (333-160) and code.

To find out more about Scott McAlexander and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.