House Plans For Rear View Lots

House Plans for Rear View Lots: Maximizing Scenic Views and Privacy

Rear view lots, also known as reverse frontage or back-in lots, offer unique opportunities for homeowners seeking privacy and captivating views. These lots are characterized by their street access at the rear of the property, allowing the house to face a scenic backdrop like a lake, forest, or golf course. Designing a home for a rear view lot requires careful planning to maximize the potential of the location while addressing specific challenges.

Key Considerations for Rear View Lots

Several factors influence the design and layout of houses on rear view lots. Careful consideration of these aspects ensures a functional and aesthetically pleasing home that complements its unique setting.

View Orientation:

The primary focus should be on maximizing the view. This involves strategically placing large windows, balconies, or patios facing the desired vista. Consider the sun's path to avoid glare and overheating while still capturing the best views. *

Privacy:

While emphasizing the rear view, privacy from neighbors and the street remains important. Landscaping, fences, and strategic window placement can help create a secluded atmosphere. *

Driveway and Garage Placement:

Given the rear street access, the driveway and garage become prominent features. Careful planning is essential to minimize their visual impact and ensure they don't obstruct the view from the house. *

Outdoor Living Space:

Rear view lots often offer ample space for outdoor living. Designing a patio, deck, or outdoor kitchen that integrates seamlessly with the interior living areas expands the home's usable space and enhances the enjoyment of the view. *

Natural Light:

Maximize natural light penetration within the home by incorporating skylights, clerestory windows, and open floor plans that allow light to flow freely.

Popular House Plan Styles for Rear View Lots

Certain architectural styles lend themselves particularly well to rear view lots, allowing for optimal view utilization and integration with the surrounding landscape.

Ranch Style:

Single-story ranch homes with open floor plans and expansive windows along the back wall are ideal for capturing panoramic views. Their low profile also minimizes visual obstruction of the scenery. *

Walkout Basement Homes:

These designs utilize the sloping terrain often found on rear view lots to incorporate a walkout basement. This lower level can house additional living space, bedrooms, or recreational areas with direct access to the backyard and the view beyond. *

Contemporary and Modern Designs:

With their emphasis on clean lines, large windows, and open floor plans, contemporary and modern styles seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor living spaces, maximizing the connection with the natural surroundings. *

Two-Story Designs with Balconies:

Two-story homes offer the advantage of elevated views. Incorporating balconies or decks on the upper level provides private spaces for enjoying the scenery.

Addressing Challenges of Rear View Lots

While rear view lots offer unique advantages, they also present certain challenges that require careful consideration during the design process.

Street Noise:

Being located closer to the street activity at the back of the house can potentially increase noise levels. Consider soundproofing measures, such as double-pane windows and strategic landscaping, to mitigate this issue. *

Driveway Length:

Depending on the lot depth, the driveway may be longer than on a traditional lot. This increases construction costs and requires careful planning to ensure it doesn't dominate the landscape. *

Limited Front Yard Space:

The front yard on a rear view lot is often smaller than on a traditional lot, potentially impacting curb appeal. Creative landscaping and thoughtful design can enhance the front yard's aesthetic appeal. *

Privacy from Neighbors:

While offering privacy from the street, rear view lots sometimes present challenges in maintaining privacy from neighboring properties. Strategically placed fences, hedges, and trees can create natural barriers.

Landscaping for Rear View Lots

Landscaping plays a vital role in enhancing the beauty and functionality of rear view lots. It helps frame the view, enhances privacy, and softens the visual impact of the driveway and garage.

Layered Planting:

Create a layered planting scheme using trees, shrubs, and groundcovers of varying heights to create depth and visual interest while maintaining clear sightlines to the main view. *

Screening Plants:

Strategically placed evergreen trees and shrubs can effectively screen the house from neighbors and the street while adding to the overall landscaping aesthetic. *

Outdoor Lighting:

Well-designed outdoor lighting enhances the beauty of the landscape and improves safety and security, particularly along the driveway and pathways. *

Hardscaping Features:

Incorporating patios, decks, walkways, and retaining walls not only enhances the functionality of the outdoor space but also adds visual appeal and defines different areas within the landscape.

Working with Professionals

Building a home on a rear view lot requires expertise and careful planning. Collaborating with experienced professionals ensures the project’s success.

Architects:

Architects specializing in rear view lot designs can create custom plans that maximize the view potential and address the specific challenges of the site. *

Landscape Designers:

Landscape designers possess the knowledge and skills to create a cohesive and functional outdoor space that complements the house and enhances the natural beauty of the lot. *

Builders:

Experienced builders understand the logistical considerations of building on a rear view lot, ensuring the project is completed efficiently and to the highest standards.