Why We Love the New River House Plan

Why We Love It

The home pulls you outdoors. In this instance, that's to the marsh setting of the 2019 Idea House, but it could easily be to your own backyard. Historical Concepts founder Jim Strickland says, "The water was a big design element. We wanted people to see it as soon as they entered the front door." To accomplish this, the four-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath home sprawls out so each of the main rooms (including every bedroom) faces that view. The dining room, kitchen, and living room connect to one another. "It feels so good because the plan is very balanced," says Strickland.

Wow Factor

This house is classic and familiar with a lighthearted, old Southern spirit that's inspired by the Victorian vernacular of nearby Fernandina Beach, Florida. At first glance, it appears to be a traditional Greek Revival home, but Historical Concepts designed the house to seem like it has evolved over time and added a few playful nods like the ornamental star motif on the porch railings and other millwork. "We pretended that a previous homeowner got creative and connected an old outbuilding to the house via a porch," explains project architect Clay Rokicki.

Buy the Plan

• Purchase this house plan, or consider hundreds more at houseplans.southernliving.com.
• Plan Designer: Historical Concepts
• Plan Name: Crane Island River House
• Size: 4,540 sq. ft.
• Plan Number: SL-2010

Perfect Setting

Only about 30 miles northeast of Jacksonville, Crane Island feels like a different world. "It's all about peacefulness and serenity," says John Hillman, vice president of sales and marketing at Crane Island. The ancient live oak canopy is essential to that feeling. To maintain it, the team followed a low impact development pattern: Only 90 of the 185 acres will ever be developed, and the 113 lots were carefully drawn around the biggest trees. craneisland.com