Longer Than A Weekend House

The seed for this family compound was the Goliad Weekend House that I designed for dear friends Bonnie and L.J. years ago. The family had grown over the years, grand kids arrived, and the family needed more space for themselves and for frequent guests. The new addition consisted of a fully outfitted kitchen, pantry, and a new master bedroom suite. In the existing house the former master bedroom became a family room, and the original tiny kitchen became a foyer. The new additions turn what was once a small weekend house into a rambling family compound that's nestled among the surrounding trees and opens to the land. The result is a home that invites everyone to stay for a while and savor their time there. The owners fondly call it the "Longer Than A Weekend" House.

This is the original ranch road from the main road to the house. The main gate is kept intentionally discreet.

Longer Than A Weekend House

The original house is on the extreme right. The additions use the same roof pitch and exterior materials to blend together the whole. The exterior is naturally weathered cypress lap boards. Zero maintenance.

Longer Than A Weekend House

The new kitchen has a cupola on the roof to allow natural light to bathe the space.

Longer Than A Weekend House

The entrance to the house has a human scale that is humble and inviting.

Longer Than A Weekend House

The gathering room features glass walls on three sides shaded by a wraparound porch.

Longer Than A Weekend House

There is a play of light and shadow throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky.

Longer Than A Weekend House

The view from the cooking station.

Longer Than A Weekend House

The roomy but cozy eat-in kitchen has views on both sides. The counter on the right opens to an outdoor kitchen on the back porch. There is so much natural light from the window walls and cupola above that the electric lights are not necessary during the day.

Longer Than A Weekend House

The view toward the back porch.

Longer Than A Weekend House

The outdoor kitchen was built from the left-over cabinets from the original kitchen. The new porch is an extension of the original wrap-around porch.

Longer Than A Weekend House

The master bedroom wing opens onto a covered porch that leads down to the pool.

Longer Than A Weekend House

All the wood used on the new additions is natural, unstained cypress to match the original house. It has weathered to a wonderful patina that now matches the patina of the original house.

Longer Than A Weekend House

Owners Bonnie and LJ on a morning stroll with their rescue horse Paco,

Longer Than A Weekend House

Master bedroom.

Longer Than A Weekend House

Master bedroom. The doorway to the right opens onto the master bath.

Longer Than A Weekend House

Doorway from bedroom leads to master bath area.

Longer Than A Weekend House

The shower and toilet have their own private area. All walls are stained and sealed bead board.

Longer Than A Weekend House

Sitting area of the master bedroom.

Longer Than A Weekend House

The new porch that wraps around the new kitchen and master suite is an extension of the wraparound porch of the original house (on the left).

Longer Than A Weekend House

All kinds of critters pass by the house during the day -- wild turkeys, bobcats, foxes, and Belted Galloway cows.

Longer Than A Weekend House

The horse barn with their beloved Paso Fino horses.

Longer Than A Weekend House

Crockett enjoys a morning swim.

Longer Than A Weekend House

The forms and massing of the new family compound are lively and a delight to the eye.

Longer Than A Weekend House

Bonnie prepares a salad in the kitchen while LJ grills chicken at the outdoor kitchen. The table is set nearby on the porch.

Longer Than A Weekend House

Certain details, like the 4x4 overhang supports and porch columns, exposed rafter tails, and window trim are consistent throughout from old to new buildings and tie it all together.

Longer Than A Weekend House

The swimming pool is built like a traditional round Mexican "Pila," which is an above-ground concrete water storage tank found on remote ranches in Mexico.

Longer Than A Weekend House

Beltie 99 stops by on her way to the creek at the bottom of the hill..

Longer Than A Weekend House

The owners and I have been talking about expanding the Goliad Weekend House for years, so it's been on my mind for a long time. One day while visiting for the weekend, I sat on the porch in a rocking chair, and I came up with a sketch for the new addition. This is that sketch.

Longer Than A Weekend House

This is a sketch of the rear of the house and addition.