"The party always ends up out here" says Brian, a Bethesda home owner. "I have friends who come over just to sit on the porch" says his wife Barbara. She laughs. "They use me for my porch!"It took a few years of on again off again discussions before Barb was able to convince Brian that it was time to start on the screened porch that she'd wanted for so long. He just wasn't excited about the idea. But once they decided this porch would include a wood-burning fireplace, he was on board.
As they talked with Tom Gilday about their wishes, Tom pointed out that what they really were describing was an "outdoor family room." And, as they worked through the design, the porch concept evolved into what has become a family gathering place.The dining room opens to the porch through a set of French doors. So it functions beautifully as a place to hang out after dinner. "It's a part of the house that just draws you into it" says Brian. When there is a fire going, Barb and Brian say it feels like sitting around the campfire. "Something about it makes everyone relax and open up. The conversation just flows."
Surprisingly, they use the porch more frequently during the autumn and spring. What do they like most about it? Brian answers: "It's great to come home and see Barb sitting out here reading, enjoying her favorite place. It's satisfying."
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