Phil Godenschwager suggested a screen-in porch for the design of the Ridge Road house. I decided it would be a great idea (we loved one we had on West St in Amherst, MA and used it a lot in the 1980s). This would give us a covered porch area.
We could leave the deck on the south side uncovered, letting as much light into the south side of the house as possible- the dining room and living room wouldn't be as dark as it would be with a covered porch. Thank you for that suggestion Sara and I agree.
The screened-in porch could be off the dining room/kitchen on the east side of the house (with a little southern exposure), towards the back where the old fireplace living room/garage were.
We would get the best of both worlds...one uncovered deck for days of sitting and looking at the view, one screened-in covered porch for shady insect-free dining or sitting. We could have electricity out there for sitting in the evenings with a lamp on for reading.
I need Phil's help with the added roof line of the screened in porch (elevation) and what the siding/windows/screens would look like. I want it to blend in with the existing design of the house but also be one of the features that adds character. Something you look at and think, "I want to sit there!"
I love the thoughtfulness with which you address every aspect of the design for this house. The screened-in porch/open deck combo sounds perfect.