Duck Crossing is a mini compound built over time for our family in Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, SC. We began with the small one story guest cottage, added the carriage house for our daughters and then, as we determined we needed one gathering space for friends and family, the main house. The challenge was to build a light and bright home that would take full advantage of the lake and preserve views and have enough room for everyone to congregate. We decided to build an upside down/reverse floorplan home, where the main living areas are on the 2nd floor. We built one great room, encompassing kitchen, dining, living, deck and design studio - added tons of windows and an open staircase, vaulted the ceilings, painted everything white and did whatever else we could to make the small space feel open and welcoming - we think we accomplished this, and then some. The kitchen appliances are behind doors, the island is great for serving and gathering, the tv is hidden - all attention is to the view. When everyone needs their separate space, there are 2 bedrooms below and then additional sleeping, bathing and eating spaces in the cottage and carriage house - it is all just perfect!