Designing your dream play house

[Mr. Truelove]

I was at work today thinking about the courtyard idea for a home.

I guess my vision of it, if this is the same as the others, was to have a relatively square house with a open center courtyard. This courtyard would be open above, but with some sort of a canopy that let some natural light in. Then I started thinking about water run-off and possibility of moisture and shade combining to form a mold or moss problem. Any thoughts on the matter?

[FlyBiNiter]

I've already done it.. it's being built right now, actually.. LOL

We bought a dumpy little two story house, on some acreage, with about 1500 sq ft, and added on, making it a 4000 sq ft house. We have a large family room, 1200 sq ft, which has a bar/rec area, and also has a large area that will be dedicated to a home theater system, with comfortable furniture from which to watch movies, and, if desired, reenact them. The house features 3 large decks. One of those adjoins our approximately 800 sq ft Master suite, and the hot tub is going in that deck, allowing for easy access... The Master suite has a large jetted tub for two, and a shower that will comfortably accomodate 4 people, more if we get REAL cozy. The shower has a steamer, multiple shower heads, a hand held shower, a rain head, and body sprays. Yum. It also has a bench for sitting on, laying on, or just for support if I have to bend over to...ummm.. retrieve the soap....We are surrounded by trees, so it is very private, and very quiet, and we also have tons of parking. I think we can accomodate a party pretty nicely. Oh.. and the two kitchens will come in handy for breakfast too... heheh

[TeamSoBe]

It needs to have multiple California king platform beds with Tempurpedia mattresses. And curtains. Everything else is optional.

[Alura]

Mr. Truelove wrote:

I was at work today thinking about the courtyard idea for a home.

This is a common style used in building Spanish colonial homes in New Mexico. It's a wonderful idea and makes a large, energy efficient structure when built of three-foot-thick adobe walls. It's been my dream ever since I was a student at UNM in Albuquerque and fell in love with the buildings in Old Town and the valley.

It would be two large squares, one inside the other. The two boxes would be connected with huge logs (called "vigas") which would hold up the three-foot-thick adobe roof. I'd have turrets on each corner with a spa atop one.

The rooms would all be accessible from the courtyard which would contain the swimming pool and an area for outdoor barbeque. It would be great if it could be built straddling a mountain stream and incorporate it with the pool. Cold, but vigorating!

I think a four-car garage/automotive workshop would be nice and a stable for the horses. Ever had a nude lady sit on your lap while riding at a nice trot?


Mr. Alura

[Chicup]

Originally Posted by Alura

Ever had a nude lady sit on your lap while riding at a nice trot?
Mr. Alura

As a former equestrian I'd hope that lady was less than 110 lbs or it might be a bit ummm uncomfortable.

As for the play house, we are looking for/building a new home in the next couple of years, our current home is awful for playing, so this has been a topic of discussion for us.

The only 'must' for me is a private hot tub and back yard, the rest can be negotiable. As much as I'd like and indoor/outdoor pool, we are in a cold climate so use/expense isn't that great a ratio.

[Alura]

Chicup suggested:

As a former equestrian I'd hope that lady was less than 110 lbs or it might be a bit ummm uncomfortable

Interesting thought, Chicup. Actually, she was probably 105, not an unusual size for a barrel racer. She was also an accomplished horsewoman. Maybe that made a difference... I don't remember the experience as being uncomfortable...

Youth, on both our parts, may have also been involved. I doubt I could do it now.

Mr. Alura

[discoandvyper]

The house we are up to buy if all works out would be perfect. It's a six bedroom two story with finished basement. There's parking for nine cars if you get them all in there right, six more comfortably.

If we get that house, when the kids move out there'll be another (albeit small) swing club to go to.

[PrairieFire]

Have you ever seen the Playlands at Mcdonald's? I think a Swingers place with an adult size playland. Big Ball Pit, jungle rope wrist restraint ladders, greased down slide, A glass ball up 10 feet, for "viewing." And of course, a Bar if you can make it to the top.

[Mr.T]

Originally Posted by PrairieFire

Have you ever seen the Playlands at Mcdonald's? I think a Swingers place with an adult size playland. Big Ball Pit, jungle rope wrist restraint ladders, greased down slide, A glass ball up 10 feet, for "viewing." And of course, a Bar if you can make it to the top.

Now that's an awsome idea!!
(Mind if use that a one of my Win the lottery" dreams?)

[Mr.T]

I've noticed that a lot of "dream playhouses" are also the dreamers homes.No problem there.I just think of a playhouse as a separate structure.

My example.

A small warehouse.10,000 square feet of WIDE OPEN SPACE!The walls lined with toys and shelves of oils,lubes and appropriate food items.(whipped cream,etc.)Swings,shackles and the like for the more adventurous types.A few booths for private play.Even a couple of areas equipped with cameras and video equipment(in case you want a momento of your playdate).And in the middle of it all,a LARGE hot tub.

Of course,showers would be included for before and/or after play.

That's what I call a playhouse