What is a Craftsman house plan?

A Craftsman house plan is a residential design rooted in the Arts and Crafts movement — characterized by a wide covered front porch with tapered columns on stone or brick bases, exposed rafter tails and knee braces, natural exterior materials (stone, cedar, brick), and interior built-ins that replace furniture. The style emphasizes honest structural elements that are also decorative.

What is the difference between Craftsman and Farmhouse style?

Craftsman and Farmhouse overlap considerably but differ in their exterior vocabulary. Craftsman emphasizes the covered porch, exposed structural details (rafter tails, knee braces), and natural material honesty — particularly stone, brick, and cedar. Farmhouse emphasizes board-and-batten siding, metal roofing, large windows, and a simpler silhouette. Modern Farmhouse has become cleaner and more contemporary; Craftsman retains its original handcrafted detailing.

Are Craftsman plans good for mountain lots?

Yes — mountain Craftsman is one of the most successful regional hybrids in residential design. The exposed timber and stone details are native to mountain building traditions, the steep rooflines shed snow and frame gable-end views, and the natural material palette belongs on a wooded or rocky site. We have mountain Craftsman plans designed specifically for sloped lots with walkout basements — the collection's strongest offering in this category.