instead purchase two smaller separate residences within our current school district (T/E). Was thinking something small but elegant like Romero's LVL or a Resolution: 4 Architecture 2 bar compact or perhaps a Glidehouse variant might be feasible if I can find (or convince a current resident to sub-divide) a small parcel.

Still in the early stages of thinking this through. Don't know if these designs are appropriate to Chester county weather (more snow and colder, perhaps, than these designs contemplated? hotter and more humid?). Don't know if given the small size, something courtyard-oriented might not make more sense.

Any thoughts on finding the lot first greatly appreciated. Any thoughts on reputable contractors to bring this small project in on time/on budget/on quality greatly appreciated. Any thoughts on other issues (zoning, time to permits, etc.) greatly appreciated.

Just browsing the different geographic forums and ran across your post and the following quote:

Still in the early stages of thinking this through. Don't know if these designs are appropriate to Chester county weather (more snow and colder, perhaps, than these designs contemplated? hotter and more humid?). Don't know if given the small size, something courtyard-oriented might not make more sense.

If you're considering a courtyard design I suggest you have a look at a great design by fellow livemoderner eamesdaedelus. It's called the [url href=http://www.livemodern.com/Members/eamesdaedelus/document.2004-11-03.3213106258/document_view]courtHOUSE[/url].

Coyote,

First, sorry about the divorce.

We might be able to help you with the next step. We own a 1953 California modern ranch home on two acres in Willistown Township that we're about to put on the market. The house is 1800 sq. ft. with 14 x 6 beams, open floor plan, walls of windows, and a great vibe.

If you want to build, you could tear it down and re-use the beams to fashion a really unique home.

We're going to put it on the market for $480,000. But if we could avoid listing it, it could go for less.

Let me know if you're interested.