21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rebuttal to "Beware of Mr. Poole", February 28, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: The Designs of William E. Poole: 70 Romantic House Plans in the Classic Tradition (House Beautiful) (Paperback)
I came upon the reviews for "The Designs of William E. Poole" when I was searching to see if perchance Mr. Poole had produced any new books since being named an official designer by Colonial Williamsburg. I couldn't let the "Beware of Mr. Poole" review go unchallenged, because it contains a number of inaccuracies. My husband and I have in the past worked with an architectural designer to enlarge and remodel our current home. In addition, we own property in Williamsburg, VA, in a newer planned community that requires us to build in selected historically accurate architectural styles (and which recommends Mr. Poole's home designs). As a result, I have studied a LOT of plans from a wide array of designers and architects. Mr. Poole is one of the best for homes in historic styles. I've seen some of his homes (from the outside) and they look even better in person than they do in the renderings in the book. It is NOT true that you must build Mr. Poole's homes exactly as they are shown. Mr. Poole -- like virtually every other architect whose plans are available in books -- permits you to modify the plans as you please (for your one home only) PROVIDED YOU BUY THE REPRODUCIBLE VELLUM PLANS. They are several hundred dollars more than a single set that can not be altered, but for that money you buy the right to alter the plans to suit you. Information on buying the plans is included in the back of the book and this policy is explained quite clearly there. You are NOT required to use Mr. Poole's firm to make the modifications, either -- you have the right to hire any architect or design firm you choose to have modify the plans. Regarding the "small, dark, rabbit warren" assertion the reviewer makes, I suppose you would have to say that if your idea of a good home design is one in which the living room, dining room, kitchen, and family room are all together in one huge wall-free space, Mr. Poole is not for you. However, in virtually all of his plans, kitchens are open to family rooms and dining rooms and living rooms open to each other, to the foyer, or to the family room. There are also plans where the living rooms and dining rooms are a bit more private, too. No matter how hard I look, I don't see a "warren." As a woman, I particularly appreciate Mr. Poole's attention to closet space and his generally large and wonderful utility rooms, most of which contain areas for drip-drying clothes and even for ironing.
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very unique!, November 23, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: The Designs of William E. Poole: 70 Romantic House Plans in the Classic Tradition (House Beautiful) (Paperback)
I came across this book at the library, where most home plan books are in black and white and boring. Poole's designs are traditional, yet unique and has a good variety! Plus, the color pictures and messages with each house make them much more realistic and vivid. This is the only color house plan book I've found that I love! If you're looking to build a house, at least check this book out at the library. You will want to buy it after you read it!
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16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A collection of traditional Southern flavored home plans, September 22, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: The Designs of William E. Poole: 70 Romantic House Plans in the Classic Tradition (House Beautiful) (Paperback)
The designs of William E. Poole is a compilation of Mr. Poole's designs ranging from small cottages to baronial estate homes. most include first floor master suites, gourmet kitchens and bonus rooms over the garage. Exterior detailing is exquisite and always true to the root style of the design. Interiors are designed for our modern lifestyles. If you are looking for traditional designs, particularly in a larger home; this collection is a must.
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