Lots of 60s colonials have brick fronts with minimal siding on sides.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
It sounds like OP is referring to the huge disparity found, once one settles into McLean as a resident: old knock down house, vs. new big house; and few in between. Hence the animosity within many neighborhoods (not that it would be admitted, of course).

This is it, exactly. The close in Virginia (and to an extent, MD) suburbs have been allowed to develop in a piecemail, aethetically unattractive manner that breeds resentment and contempt. You don't find the same level of animosity over housing in older well-established neighborhoods, nor in new cookie-cutter developments. It's the teardowns and infill that cause much of the problems around DC.

I dream of living in a place like Chevy Chase, where the houses are all old and beautiful, and the people all get along, secure in their knowledge that they all "belong" in such a refined and gracious setting, free of McMansions and vinyl siding.

And then reality intrudes:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/inside-the-great-chevy-chase-driveway-war/2015/06/08/e3979136-0ba2-11e5-a7ad-b430fc1d3f5c_story.html

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because people don't like the look of those houses. If one went up in my neighborhood of old homes I would not be happy. It would stand out like a sore thumb and I prefer for people to renovate the well built old houses.

OP here. interesting I would never have thought people actually hated new homes. Would the hardi plank variety appeal to you more? I honestly didn't think people get upset because I would think more new homes would enhance the neighborhood. On the other hand I don't really think that old homes are a negative, in fact I really think it's great to have multiple types of new homes and old homes next to each other. It's what makes this country great many different styles and people living side by side.

No, shitty looking neighborhoods are not what makes this country great. I live in an older neighborhood with 1/6 acre lots (50 x 150), most of which have capes, ranches, or small four squares. Now every new house is 35 feet high with a low-pitch roof, brick on the front and vinyl on the sides, built right out to the lot lines. I get that these houses are more expensive than the older ones, but they are also cheap. I don't care if you buy one and live in it, but if I haven't met you in person (and am only going off your choice in homes), I am going to think that you have bad taste and are lazy.

Anonymous wrote:They destroy the character of the neighborhood

The low income cheap home character

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
It sounds like OP is referring to the huge disparity found, once one settles into McLean as a resident: old knock down house, vs. new big house; and few in between. Hence the animosity within many neighborhoods (not that it would be admitted, of course).

This is it, exactly. The close in Virginia (and to an extent, MD) suburbs have been allowed to develop in a piecemail, aethetically unattractive manner that breeds resentment and contempt. You don't find the same level of animosity over housing in older well-established neighborhoods, nor in new cookie-cutter developments. It's the teardowns and infill that cause much of the problems around DC.

Lived in older DC neighborhood. Full of hostility over gentrification, with crime, rampant alcoholism/drug abuse, and terrible schools.

Lived in cookie-cutter, new subdivision. Everyone was the same, all about keeping up with the Jones and whose kid is the best athlete.

Live in close-in, neighborhood with teardowns. Lots of different types of houses, much more live-and-let-live vibe.

I will take my short commute, safe neighborhood and excellent public schools, thanks. If you don't like my house (no vinyl), that's your problem.

Anonymous wrote:It screams that you don't have enough money to brick the whole house. It looks so cheap and shoddy. It'd be better to vinyl the whole house.

i was going to day the same thing. overall i ma just not a fan or brick on big houses. I like small brick capes but i can't handle the look of brick on a big mcmansion.

OP, the whiners have to store their pots and pans in the oven. They are bitter that you don't. Please have some empathy.

Anonymous wrote:
It sounds like OP is referring to the huge disparity found, once one settles into McLean as a resident: old knock down house, vs. new big house; and few in between. Hence the animosity within many neighborhoods (not that it would be admitted, of course).

This is it, exactly. The close in Virginia (and to an extent, MD) suburbs have been allowed to develop in a piecemail, aethetically unattractive manner that breeds resentment and contempt. You don't find the same level of animosity over housing in older well-established neighborhoods, nor in new cookie-cutter developments. It's the teardowns and infill that cause much of the problems around DC.

Anonymous wrote:I'm confused on why everyone is talking about vinyl siding- the OP said her house is brick.

OP said her house is brick front with vinyl siding on the sides and back.

I'm confused on why everyone is talking about vinyl siding- the OP said her house is brick.

They destroy the character of the neighborhood

Anonymous wrote:It screams that you don't have enough money to brick the whole house. It looks so cheap and shoddy. It'd be better to vinyl the whole house.

+1

I grew up in Williamsburg, where most colonial style houses originated, and no one there would be caught dead building a house with brick only on the front. It might be the tackiest thing I've ever seen. And it looks horrendous when out of place next to older homes. Why would you want to have the most giant house on the block in a neighborhood of run down ranches is beyond me.

It screams that you don't have enough money to brick the whole house. It looks so cheap and shoddy. It'd be better to vinyl the whole house.

mullet house

Anonymous wrote:Hah I forgot more points, I have a front facing garage, open floor plan, 2 story foyer, the house is 6000sf inc basement, I am sure that will be more strikes.

So I'm guessing your house looks something like this: http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Chantilly-VA/house_type/68460620_zpid/30829_rid/4-_beds/38.914795,-77.489469,38.895859,-77.531354_rect/14_zm/1_fr/?view=map

In a neighborhood full of houses like it, on a lot that's balanced to the size of the house, it isn't my style but it's fine. If it's in a neighborhood filled with houses like this then it just looks monstrous, IMO. I'm 21:11, btw.

http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Mc-Lean-VA/house_type/51755739_zpid/46465_rid/4-_beds/0-800000_price/0-3033_mp/0-2500_size/38.927616,-77.161081,38.908684,-77.202966_rect/14_zm/1_fr/?view=map

http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Mc-Lean-VA/house_type/51754921_zpid/46465_rid/4-_beds/0-800000_price/0-3033_mp/0-2500_size/38.944824,-77.136941,38.906964,-77.220712_rect/13_zm/0_mmm/?view=map

http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Falls-Church-VA/house_type/51782299_zpid/4679_rid/4-_beds/0-800000_price/0-3033_mp/0-2500_size/38.955404,-77.003345,38.803865,-77.338428_rect/11_zm/0_mmm/?view=map