Cape Cod inspired Castor: home or retreat

Traditional Cape Cod houses inspired the creation of the Castor. Its shingle-clad exterior allows the home to fit discreetly into a wooded or beach-side setting, while its simple, compact, massed shape makes it inexpensive to build, and efficient to heat. The plan is equally appropriate for construction as a year-round dwelling or a vacation retreat.

Entering, you step directly into a large open space that stretches from the front all the way to the rear. A wide coat closet fits neatly into the back of the vestibule on the left, which is next to the stairs.

Natural light beams into the living room through multipaned windows on two sides, and this area is entirely open to the dining room, which in turn flows on to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, a large work island adds to the already generous counter and cupboard space, and a roomy pantry adds even more storage capacity. Laundry appliances are nearby in a pass-through utility room that leads out onto a side stoop. A broom closet with shelves and a convenient powder room are also tucked into this hallway.

The home office, off the kitchen at the rear, is in an ideal location for handling household accounts, or even running a small, office-based business. It could also be a study, housing books, files, and a family-shared computer.

Three bedrooms, a full bathroom and a loft are upstairs in the Castor. The loft could be outfitted as a study area or library. The owners’ suite has a surprisingly large walk-in closet and charming railed balcony that faces the front.

The bathroom has a double vanity, combination tub and shower, and ample towel storage. Secondary bedrooms also have large closets.

Visit AssociatedDesigns.com for more information or to search our home plans. A review plan of the Castor 30-450, including floor plans, elevations, section, and artist’s conception, can be purchased for $25. Our home plan catalog, featuring more than 550 home plans, costs $15. Both are available online, by mail or phone. Add $5 s/h. Associated Designs, 1100 Jacobs Drive, Eugene, OR 97402, (800) 634-0123.