The American country house plan is a fairly modern term used to express a variety of different elemental structural or design themes which give rise to the feel of years gone by. The charm of a country home can be as simple as a summer cottage or as formal and elegant as a multi-story, columned estate. A smaller American country house plan can feature a stucco exterior with stone and shingles to create the cozy warmth of a cottage. Add a series of hip roofs, a central fireplace and brick facade to lend an English elegance to the home. A glass or screened in sun room would be an impressive addition. For the larger American country house plan, some inclusions to be considered are a walkout basement foundation, open living spaces with the main entry giving way directly into the great room, or a secluded master suite with a terrace and a spa. Matchstick details and horizontal siding give a more sophisticated country flavor and don't forget to add a fireplace to the great room.
You can also add a country flavor to a ranch house with just a few well placed details such as dormer windows, a tray ceiling, central fireplace and enclosed sun room. The feel of a country manor estate can be captured with a drive court leading to private parking in a multi-car garage and separate guest house. Internal elements such as angled walls and sculptured ceilings can also add to the impression of an affluent country barron's home.
