A Farmhouse Designed with a Long, Unbroken Roof Line at the Back

We feel that the design for this farmhouse is one of the most satisfactory that we have ever done, not only because the building, simple as it is, is graceful in line and proportion, but because the interior is so arranged as to simplify the work of the household and to give a good deal of room within a comparatively small area.

The plan is definitely that of a farmhouse, and in this frank expression of its character and use lies the chief charm of the dwelling. The walls might be covered with either shingles or clapboards, according to the taste and means of the owner. If the beauty of the building were more to be considered than the expense of construction, we should recommend the use of rived cypress shingles, as these are not only very durable but have a most interesting surface. The only difficulty is that they cost about double the price of the ordinary shingles. As the construction of the house in front is such that a veranda would be rather a disfigurement than an improvement, we have supplied its place by a terrace covered with a pergola. The terrace would naturally be of cement or vitrified brick and the construction of the pergola should be rustic in character. One great advantage of such a pergola is that the vines that cover it afford sufficient shade in summer, while in winter there is nothing to interfere with the air and sunlight, which should be admitted as freely as possible to the house. We have allowed the roof to ci ime down in an unbroken sweep toward the back because of the beauty and unusualness of this long roof line as compared with the usual square form of a house with the lower roof of a porch or lean-to at the back. Furthermore, by this device there is considerable space for storage left over the kitchen and dining room. The entry opens into the living room at right angles with the entrance door and this opening might be curtained to avoid draughts.