[iramiller]

In all this discussion of the art of design in old houses I am surprised to see no one has mentioned “A Pattern Language” [1] yet. This is truly a must read book for anyone considering the design and building of their own house.

Interesting topics such as the design of a front door viewed from a street have stuck with me and is something I reflect on when walking through an old neighborhood. Infallibly the most appealing houses match up well to the principals outlined in the book.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Pattern_Language

[pjmorris]

The article's author mentions Alexanders 'Timeless Way of Building', the first book in the series of which 'A Pattern Language' is a part. I agree, it's a wonderful book.

[madhadron]

I'll just toss in that his latest work, 'The Nature of Order' is really worth reading as well. Oh, and the book 'How Buildings Learn' is almost compulsory in this space as well.