Great Room

WASHINGTON COUNTY - News that a Washington County farmhouse is the grand prize in a charity raffle ignited a media frenzy and calls from would-be buyers all over the world. But until a couple of days ago, Maryland had not approved the raffle, leaving San Mar Children's Home organizers and the ever-increasing orders for tickets in a sort of legal limbo. Late this past week, San Mar got the news it needed: The raffle has been approved, Executive Director Bruce Anderson said he was told in a phone call from the state inspector.

WASHINGTON COUNTY ? News that a Washington County farmhouse is the grand prize in a charity raffle ignited a media frenzy and calls from would-be buyers all over the world. But until a couple of days ago, Maryland had not approved the raffle, leaving San Mar Children's Home organizers and the ever-increasing orders for tickets in a sort of legal limbo. Late this past week, San Mar got the news it needed: The raffle has been approved, Executive Director Bruce Anderson said he was told in a phone call from the state inspector.

HANCOCK - The Hancock Arts Council thinks Hancock's got talent. So on Sunday at 4 p.m., the inauguration of the new Performing Arts Center will be held in the auditorium of the Hancock Town Hall and Community Center, 126 W. High St., and all with talent are so notified. "We've been getting requests from people in the community for plays and concerts, and even a group from Berkeley Springs, W.Va.," said Sinclair Hamilton, a councilman and member of the arts council. Members of the arts council have worked hard to restore the old stage, which dates from a time when the building served as the town's elementary school before it relocated to its newer facility in 1977.

Ryan Homes has scheduled its annual "Fun in the Sun" Summer Party at Villages at Washington Trail on Saturday, July 21, from noon to 3 p.m. Members of the company's production and mortgage teams will be available to help visitors better understand the home construction and financing aspects of home buying. In addition, Ryan Homes is offering 50 percent off all options, unlimited. This promotion will end July 31. The Villages at Washington Trail is a unique community. Set within the historic Washington Heritage Trail, this community is filled with natural beauty and enchanting details.

MERCERSBURG, Pa. - Look out from the model home at Oliver Homes' new Winter Greenes community, and you'll see either the ski slopes of Whitetail Resort or wooded, rolling Pennsylvania hills. "You'll always have a great view from every window here," said Oliver Homes President Taylor Oliver. The new development is north of Clear Spring, Md. and a short distance southeast of Mercersburg. The recently built two-story model home sits on one of 23 lots rising off Blairs Valley Road.

Q: We can have either a living room and a dining room, or we can have a dining room and a family room. My husband votes for the latter - no "formal" living room, just a big playroom, I guess you could call it. We will be moving next year when our youngest goes to college. Will it hurt our resale value when we show the house? A: That's then - now is when you need a room where your family can really enjoy living together, no matter what you decide to call it: family room or great room.

WAYNESBORO, Pa. - Ryan Homes' Spring Run community, located east of Waynesboro near the intersection of Gehr and Stottlemeyer Roads, is about 30 minutes from Frederick and Hagerstown. It's nestled in rolling hills with expansive vistas and offers homes on 1/3 acre sites. Minutes away, homeowners will find shopping, restaurants, and recreational opportunities such as the Chambersburg Mall, Michaux State Park, and the Appalachian Trail. Upon entering the community, visitors and homeowners make their way down a tree-lined boulevard framed by white fencing and a walking path.

Q: We have bought a house that is still under construction (should be completed by early summer), so now is the time to make important decisions, like whether or not to pay extra to have "beams" across the great room ceiling, or whether to choose hardwood (also extra) or go with ceramic tile. We're going a bit crazy just picking out little things like bathroom faucets and cabinet styles for the kitchen. Help us decide about the beams and floors - this house is costing a good deal more than we'd expected already.

WAYNESBORO, Pa. - A private paved road entrance takes visitors to this week's beautiful HomeSource Feature Home in Woodcrest outside Waynesboro. Built in 2002, the custom stone and stucco French Country home sits atop a mountain on 3.9 wooded acres, offering westerly views of more than 30 miles and glorious sunsets. The open three-four bedroom floor plan includes three-and-a-half baths, 9- and 10-foot ceilings (some trayed) with plaster over drywall. Numerous arches, a custom wrought iron open staircase, Brazilian rosewood floors and many other extras add to the uniqueness of this home, which includes more than 4,000 feet of finished space.