When most people set out to plan their dream home, there is one factor that takes priority. For some, this factor is setting, and month after month is spent searching for the perfect plot. Others prioritize maintenance, seeking a home that will be easy to take care of in the years ahead. For Stephen and Jane Handley, flexibility was paramount. The Darien, Connecticut, couple wanted to build a home that could accommodate many visitors but still feel intimate when just the two of them were around.

"We have eight grown children and 10 grandchildren," explains Jane. "We wanted a fun, enjoyable place that was good for us, but also for our family -- not so huge, but able to handle visitors."

Having lived in a standard saltbox-style home for many years, the Handleys were ready for a change. "We wanted something different than anything we'd ever had before," says Jane. "We were really attracted to the whole open feeling concept as opposed to lots of smaller rooms."

The idea of a timber-frame home evolved naturally after the Handleys selected the site for their house. Since they had vacationed at Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire, for many years, they were fairly familiar with the surrounding areas. In 1996, they purchased three acres of wooded land overlooking a lake in a recreation development in Grantham. It wasn't long before fellow residents recommended a builder, Jay Booker of New London. After meeting with Jay and seeing some of his framing work, the Handleys knew they'd found the right man-and the right style -- for their dream home.

"A post-and-beam home fit the setting," says Jane. "It just seemed appropriate. It was consistent with our lifestyle change and our desire for openness."

Finding a timber-frame producer was very simple, thanks to Jay Booker. The builder recommended Davis Frame of Claremont, a company he often worked with. The Handleys were impressed with the company's work and were eager for the project to begin. Jane and Stephen gathered their ideas and presented them to company president Jeff Davis. Utilizing computer- aided design software, Jeff helped the couple finalize a floor plan that was functional and aesthetically appealing.

Construction began in the spring of 1997. Since the home is built into a hillside, Stephen says they had to put quite a bit of fill in to incorporate the lower walk-out basement level. They also had to adhere to development restrictions regarding exterior stain and trim. Yet overall, the owners say the building process went very smoothly. They were able to move into the home in November of the same year.

The result of careful planning and fine craftsmanship is a 4,800-square- foot house that the Handleys are proud to call home. "The joinery is really nice," says Stephen. "It features interlocking wooden pegs that protrude out somewhat. The beams have chamfered edges that are repeated on the stair bannister, imparting a little more style. The Douglas fir frame is a warm honey color that has no noticeable checking."

The layout of the home is just as pleasing as the wood frame. The main level houses the great room, kitchen, dining room, entry, library area, laundry room, powder room, small office and the master suite. The upper level features two small bedrooms, a bath and Stephen's 14-by-28-foot office. One of the upper bedrooms has a ladder leading up to a loft that serves as a play area for visiting grandchildren. The walk-out basement level of the home is the only portion that does not have post-and-beam construction. It contains a bath, bedroom and a large recreation room complete with a piano and pool table. Additional living space is provided by an L-shaped deck, a smaller deck and a two-car garage.

The house has many noteworthy design elements, including 9-foot ceilings. "The ceilings are somewhat higher than normal, even on the lower level," says Stephen. "This makes the home feel very spacious. The beaming doesn't bring it all down this way. It's a great way to take advantage of the openness of this type of home."

The great room is another distinctive feature. Though it appears to have a large volume or space, it maintains and incredibly intimate flavor. "It's not a huge room by some standards," says Jane. "We wanted to make sure it wasn't too big, but that it could accommodate many people. It is spacious yet it has a real cozy feeling for two people to be rambling around. It really is the centerpiece of the home."

During the colder months, Jane and Stephen enjoy sitting in the great room and watching the snow come down. The fireplace takes center stage on chilly evenings. Crafted by local New Hampshire resident Walter Baker, the free-standing unit features South Bay quartz in a striking stacked design.

Several other features in the home add to its strong sense of character. Radiant floor heating on the main and lower levels provides a note of luxury. Rich cherry flooring and cabinets are a nice contrast to the Douglas fir frame.

Decorating the home was not as easy as Jane expected. "I thought I would have no trouble," says Jane. "I didn't realize how different the style of this home would be. It requires oversized furniture and a sense of scale and proportion. Things can get lost with such a high ceiling."

Darrin Brooks of Darien, Connecticut, helped Jane with much of the decorating. His talents led to a home that spills over with French country charm. Jane says the decor is "comfortable, kind of rustic, but a little dressier."

When visitors enter the home, they are generally surprised, according to the owners. "They look up and say 'Wow!' The chimney goes way up and the black chandelier makes for an interesting entrance," says Jane. "From the outside, it's not immediately recognizable that this is not a regular home inside. The outside is functional, so you really don't know until you walk in."

The exterior of the home features barn-style siding that is stained a light shade of taupe. Unfortunately, the semi-transparent stain that was originally applied didn't hold up to the weather in New Hampshire. The Handleys have since re-stained the home with a solid stain that should last for many years. The metal roof, however, has proven to be exceptionally durable. "The snow can slide right off," says Jane.

In spite of the snowy winters, the Handleys are thrilled with their location. "It's a very peaceful place to be," says Jane. "It's a rural area with a strong sense of community. The small lake in the development is ideal for ice-fishing and cross-country skiing in the winter, and canoeing and kayaking in the summer."

The couple is also delighted with their choice of construction. "Post-and-beam homes are very tightly put together. They are very well-insulated homes," says Jane.

Being so close to nature has inspired the couple to enjoy life's simpler moments. "It's so nice to be in a quiet place with no traffic lights and with good air quality," says Jane. "I never realized how nice it would be."