Modern Farmhouses Are Not Your Parents’ ‘McMansions’: How Much House

ACROSS AMERICA — Modern farmhouses aren’t short on opulent details, but they’re more understated than in the often ostentatious “McMansions” where millennials and others buying homes today often grew up.

Blending practicality with modern conveniences, modern farmhouses are found in fancy developments and affordable neighborhoods. HGTV “Fixer Upper” hosts Chip and Joanna Gaines helped popularize the trend a decade ago.

Now, modern farmhouse home interiors and furnishing lines can be found almost everywhere housewares are sold, from Target to Pottery Barn.

“The Modern Farmhouse Is Today’s McMansion. And It’s Here to Stay,” a headline in The New York Times declared last week. “Love it or hate it,” the story said, “the modern farmhouse is the millennial answer to the baby boomer McMansion.”

Deryl Patterson, the president of Housing Design Matters, told The Times that modern farmhouse design accounts for a quarter of the company’s work with builders.

White board and batten vertical siding, large black frame windows, gables, metal roofs, covered front porches and shutters all are trademarks of the modern farmhouse design. Modern farmhouse often incorporate reclaimed wood and feature other rustic elements, but enough contemporary touches for ease of living. Copper, brass, iron, stainless steel, brushed nickel and tin are common. Have you seen “live, laugh, love” painted or stenciled on the bulkhead? That’s straight out of the HGTV modern farmhouse decorating guide.

There are detractors, including the members of a private Facebook Group known as The People Against Modern Farmhouse, described as “a snarky home decor group for all those against HGTV live laugh love conformity.”

This week in How Much House, we feature modern farmhouses in Connecticut, Georgia, and Virginia.

Connecticut | $1,795,000

207 Kenmont Road, Kent
Listed by: William J. Melnick | Elyse Harney Real Estate
Square feet: 3,200
Acreage: 7 acres
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4 (3 full)
Year built: 2022

This modern take on a rustic farmhouse sits on a seven-acre private lot, is custom-built and ready to move in. It has a charming L-shaped front porch and a screened side porch off the dining room.

Inside, double doors open to a light-filled living room with an alcove and wood-burning fireplace. Sliding darn doors open to the dining room, which opens to the side porch and a chef’s kitchen that boasts a Carrera marble countertops, a wood-topped island, a utility sink and a pantry/laundry room.

The second floor features an oversized primary suite with a luxuriously appointed ensuite bath, two additional bedrooms and a full bath. Peek inside for more photos.

Georgia | $799,000

2042 Georgia Highway 178, Lyons
Listed by: Saralee Brown | Brown Realty Co.
Square feet: 2,950
Acreage: 24.09 acres
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3 (2 full)
Year built: 2014

Elements that separate this country farmhouse from one that could have been built a century ago include a seamless gunite swimming pool, an outdoor kitchen and a basketball court.

The foyer leads to a large den and then to an open kitchen and dining area with concrete counters and stunning brick floors.

On the other side of the den is the luxurious primary suite, which features a double vanity, soaking tube, tiled shower and large closet with a laundry hookup. Up the beautiful wooden staircase are two more bedrooms, a hall bath and an upstairs laundry room.

The home has a 40-year screwless standing seam metal roof, spray foam insulation, a 30-foot-by-40-foot metal shop and a deep well drilled two years ago. Peek inside for more photos.

Virginia | $1,049,975

4700 Clear Bank Circle, Moseley
Listed by: Kyle Yeatman | Centerpointe
Square feet: 4,707
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 5 (4 full)
Year built: 2023

A full country front porch and timeless front door set the stage for the spectacular interior featuring hardwood floors, elevated ceilings and high-quality trim.

The family room with a cozy gas fireplace opens to the kitchen and dining area, making the area for entertaining incredibly spacious. The chef’s kitchen boasts granite counters, a walk-in pantry and a butler’s pantry. A guest suite with access to a full bath completes the first floor.

The primary suite on the second floor is a private retreat with a spa-like ensuite bath with separate vanities and a walk-in closet. There are three more bedrooms on the second floor, and a loft and laundry. The walk-up attic has more storage space.

The basement is unfinished but could be used for a rec room. It also has a full bathroom and provides access to a two-car garage. Peek inside for more photos.

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