Archive for the '4-Season Vacation House Plans' Category
By Richard Martin - BC Distributor
Ski season is all but upon us and we are still basking in the afterglow of an amazing Canadian Olympic year. Imagine my excitement when the Whistler Parks Twitter page loaded a picture of fresh snow on August 31! Bittersweet thoughts of the end of summer but the promise of winter fun to come!
Weather cams are a great way to find out what is happening on your favourite ski hill. If you are not familiar with this site, it is a great resource for ski resorts all over the world.
OnTheSnow.ca provides ski and snow reports to over 2,000 ski resorts around the globe. Just choose a region to find snow conditions, weather, and live ski cams for skiers and snowboarders.
Now that we have you are thinking of fun in the snow and après-ski leisiure, imagine it in your own chalet! DrummondHousePlan’s new Mountain and Ski Chalet Design Collection is inspired by alpine slopes, breathtaking views and rustic mountain feeling. All of our designs can be customized or we can create a unique design just for you.
Enjoy the ski season ahead of you and keep you eye out for a place to perch your own mountain lookout!
Read the rest of this entry (No Comments »)By Vivian Martin
www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 3935-V1
This diminutive Cape Cod cottage with side entry garage would be equally charming as a vacation property or on a small city lot.
The open concept main floor allows for hearth views from virtually every living area thanks to a three-sided fireplace. The impression of space is further enhanced by 9’ ceilings and generous placement of windows and garden doors.
Upstairs , a master suite includes walk-in closet and master bath with separate soaker tub and generous shower. Two secondary bedrooms share a bathroom complete with convenient laundry.
For more details on this plan, click here…
Looking for other plans for getaway cottages? Check our Cottages and Waterfront Design or Create a “New House Plans – Latest Trends” Alert to receive all of the latest designs direct to you by email.
By Vivian Martin
Summer time and the living is easy! We hope you are all enjoying the lazy days of summer. Perhaps you are looking at finally building a getaway property or a dream 4-season vacation home or cottage for your active retirement. This collection is for you!
DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 3914-V1 from Vacation & Cottage Collection
Drummond House Plans delivers some of the most casual and relaxing plans ever! This collection of affordable all-season hideways and recreational cottages has many appealing features – windows, solariums, decks and porches bring in natural light while capturing the beauty of the natural setting. Some plans feature rich stone and wood exterior treatments as well as outdoor living spaces. Drummond House Plans vacation designs are available in a large range of styles, such as Country, Hillside, Rustic, Florida, Contemporary, and much more.
You may also choose among various budget options from affordable house plans to luxurious beachfront designs.
The time is right to imagine yourself in one of these delightful homes. And remember, they are all fully customizable to ensure that your home is uniquely your own!
By Vivian Martin
www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 2945A
A fabulous family retreat with 1468 sq. ft., three bedrooms and two baths. Folks can gather in the family room, and flow into the dining/kitchen area, or spill onto the breezy outdoor gazebo. A main-floor bedroom rests prettily near a full bath. Upstairs two large secondary bedrooms (one with sitting area) share a creatively contoured full bath, and mezzanine.
If this cottage seems hauntingly familiar, it is because it is one of our most popular cottage models!
More more information on this model, click here…
While you are there, make sure you look at the related models!
By Vivian Martin
www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan #2939
Here is one of the most sought-after models by owners of view lots. Ample windows and careful design ensure panoramic views from the kitchen, dining room and master bedroom. Each of these beautiful spaces offers something distinctive. The open kitchen includes a large central island. The living/dining room area shares a fireplace and abundant windows. The master bedroom includes a large walk-in closet and discreet access to the full bathroom.
The mezzanine boasts a guest room to house friends and guests, a cozy sitting area, and private bathroom.
Outside, a large covered balcony ensures as much comfort, enjoyment and sweeping views as the interior. An unfinished daylight basement can be finished to your needs. This is truly a home to celebrate the view from every level!
For more information on this and related plans, read on…
By Vivian Martin
www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 3949-V1
This bright and cheery bungalow is surprisingly feature-rich, given its economical size. Ideal as a first home, a down-sizer for baby boomers, or a vacation property, this little charmer fits many of life’s circumstances!
The entry area welcomes visitors with a front porch, promises of conversation on the deck and covered entryway. A double garage allows for ample parking and storage and easy access for getting groceries to the kitchen.
With 9’ ceilings, an open concept living area, and abundant windows, size does not seem to matter in this cozy home. The living room is oriented to enjoy the back yard thanks to ample windows and direct access to a covered deck. The dining area transitions easily to a sunroom whose doors open forward and back to allow an easy outdoor extension of living space.
Included on the main floor is a master suite including a bank of closets and private bathroom with double vanity and an oversize shower. A second bedroom at the front of the house has a bathroom conveniently located for access from the bedroom as well as for guests. If desired, the front bedroom could be repurposed as an office. Additional bedrooms can be added to the unfinished basement during construction or as the need arises. Options abound!
For full plan details, click here…
By Vivian Martin
As we continue our father-inspired topics this week, we visit one of Dad’s favourite back yard features - the hot tub. It does not seem to matter whether we are vibrant zoomers, broken boomers, or young and fit – hot tubs are a luxury that more and more households are opting to include in homes for reasons of comfort, therapy and recreation. As home designers, we know that these units may be placed in various locations from the master bath to indoor/outdoor rooms that spotlight the hot tub as a social centre or hub of backyard recreation.
Julie Ann-Amos of Hot Tubs ‘N Home Spas.com, provides an excellent article on the history and health benefits of hot tubs.
For many years, hot tubs and home spas were the exclusive luxuries of the wealthy. They were expensive to buy, expensive to operate and not very reliable. With the onset of better manufacturing and better materials, and lower prices, however, the popularity of hot tubs and home spas began to soar.
Spas Throughout History
History gives us many examples of spas being used as integral parts of life for many civilizations. The Romans are perhaps the most famous for their bathhouses, which became centers of social life and a common daily activity for the elite classes. Other cultures made use of spa-like hot baths as well, including the ancient peoples of China and Japan.
What did these civilizations know that others didn’t? Setting aside technological differences, some of the earliest spa enthusiasts appreciated the health benefits of using hot water to relax the body, open the pores of the skin, and generally promote better health. Cleanliness was considered healthful and a sign of prosperity – after all, you had to be pretty well off to afford the bath facilities themselves and to have the leisure time to partake of their benefits.
The full article continues here…
Plus, For other information on hot tubs, follow our Twitter posts of today’s date.
By Vivian Martin
www.DrummondHousePlans.com - model # 3923-V1
This rustic-looking chalet derives its charm from the use of stone, wood and timber accents in the exterior finish. This, plus a roofline reminiscent of a mountainous horizon make this an ideal vacation property or scenic estate house.
In addition to the handsome exterior, one is pleasantly surprised to discover an interior that is very efficient and extremely liveable. The enclosed foyer can be accessed through either the main entrance or the garage. Beyond the foyer, the living room provides many visual treats – a cathedral ceiling, a partial view of the mezzanine railing on the second floor, and finally, one is drawn to a generous hearth where all may gather. The great room adjoins another social hub, a great sized kitchen, complete with island for work or visiting. An informal dining area with banquette seating has ample room for eight and is placed to take advantage of the many windows. Both areas share easy access to a huge deck. On the main floor, one also finds the convenient master suite, including walk-in closet and master bath which is able to accommodate a soaker tub, separate shower, and double vanity.
Upstairs, one finds two generous bedrooms, a full bathroom and computer or reading nook on the mezzanine.
An unfinished basement, bonus storage space above the garage, and double garage ensure ample space for all of your recreational equipment and family storage.
For more information on this plan, visit #3923-V1.
This plan is a modified version of one of our very popular model series, expanded from plan # 3923 but not as large as plan number # 3925.
The Drummond Vacation & Cottage Collection includes some of the most casual and relaxing 4-season vacation home plans, ever! This affordable collection works well as all-season hideways, week-end getaways, recreational cottages and beautiful homes.
By Vivian Martin
www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan #3900
This tempting little four-season hideaway includes 840 sq.ft. on the main floor and an undeveloped walkout basement awaiting your inspiration.
Designed for a sloping lot, the 9 ft. ceilings and abundant windows provide a bright and cheery space. Entertain in the open floor plan, stargaze from the exterior wraparound porch, or lounge on the generous covered octagon deck.
For more information on this plan, visit #3900.
This model has been extremely popular since its launch. To allow for more living space, we have added related Model #3930 which is a larger version with developed basement and Model #3930-V1 includes a dual level garage.
The Drummond Vacation & Cottage Collection includes some of the most casual and relaxing 4-season vacation home plans, ever! This affordable collection works well as all-season hideways, week-end getaways, recreational cottages and beautiful homes.
By Vivian Martin
The May long weekend is upon us and the promise of spring is all around. The long weekend can be relaxing, productive or both! Just in case you are wondering what to do with your first long weekend, we have compiled our “top 10″ list of activities:
1. Open the cottage.We have recently blogged on this topic. It is time to bring your recreation property out of hibernation to allow for maximum enjoyment for the rest of the summer.
2. Plant a veggie garden. The May long weekend is traditionally a safe time to plant all of your vegetables. The risk of frost is virtually past. If you are a novice to the art of planting veggies, fear not! Growing veggies, is fun and the product is rewarding. If you don’t have a family member or neighbour with a green thumb, the Internet is a great place to become an armchair market gardener. Great reference sites include:
3. Garden Centre Tours – Once you know what you are planting (or even if you do not!) a trip to your local garden centres is in order. Just remember that potted plants are fragile and need to be pampered until you get them in the ground. Allowing them to dry out, even once, will affect the health of the plants. Because of this, resist the urge to over-purchase. You can always do a trip back to pick up more.
4. Road trip! – This is a great time to be a local tourist. Pay a visit to your local tourism centre and get a local attractions guide. You can do several day trips or a weekend excursion which ties into the next item…
5. Camping – The May long-weekend is often the first major camping weekend. Campsites are normally at a premium so you are best to book a site before leaving to avoid disappointment. Critical grocery items? Graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate. Camping is just not the same without S’Mores!
6. Build a deck – Summer living often involves a lot of outdoor living and great decks help with staycations – vacations in your own back yard! If you are very visual, try an online tool like the one at TimberTech to help you get a better idea of what your deck will look like. And don’t forget your building permit!
7. Time for a new BBQ? If your old BBQ just doesn’t cut it anymore, it may be time to look for a new one. What better way to kick off the vacation season than grilling something special! If you are not sure which BBQ is best for you, this article may be helpful.
8. Build a shed. Many home improvement stores include shed kits which can be quickly and easily assembled. If you are looking for something a bit more substantial, check out the DrummondHousePlans shed and storage collection. As always, make sure you have a building permit if one is required.
9. Shakeout cruise! The May long weekend is often the first outing in the family pleasure craft. It is important to note that all Canadian boaters operating a powered watercraft for recreational reasons in Canada need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or they risk a $250 fine. If you haven’t already written your exam, you can actually do so online.
10. Property hunting. On the May long weekend, realtors notice a marked spike in the number of clients who search for “that perfect place” for either their next home or vacation getaway. Most places look attractive at this time of year. Remember the property selection mantra… “location, location, location.” And when you have the perfect location, let the friendly staff of DrummondHousePlans help in the selection or customization for your perfect space.
Enjoy your weekend everyone, and be sure to play safe and stay safe!
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