Now that the kit is out of the box, I've had some time to consider the original kit measurements and what I ultimately would like to do with the build.  I do love the kit photo, but I won't be building that one exactly.

Golden Gate View kit photo

The first thing I considered was the beautiful 1:14 scale Audi TT automobile I have from the Newport build.  It has been sitting on the bookshelf awhile now, waiting and waiting since the Newport belongs to someone else.

Not to mention the one bicycle I have left over since the other two live at Baxter Pointe Villa.

I don't see any other build in my future where the garage could be revisited so easily.  There is already roughly 4.5" of dead space under the first floor, so adding another 5" or so to the height wouldn't be an issue.  Additional stairs would also need to be constructed, but it's not out of the norm to see this sort of profile.  The garage door can either be flush with the house (third photo) or projected toward the front.  I'm more inclined toward the flush front garage since, in mini, a projected one might take over the house.

image from Clopay

In order to accommodate the Audi, or a larger 1:12 scale auto if I acquire one, in a flush front garage, I would need to add a little depth to the kit as well.

This is where I need to determine if I will also make the house a little wider to allow the additional kitchen and bathroom or if I will make it a lot deeper like a real life row house.  Here's a quarter scale example of a deeper row house with a side opening.

My original inspiration is similar to a row house in shape in the front, but it has an outcropping on the back left side.  If I add to the side, it would remain an open back dollhouse.

image from Old House Online

I won't be adding a roof like this one, either.  Here's an interesting row house with a wonderful rooftop garden (click the lower left photo to see additional views) - this was from The House that Jack Built.  Blondie located a photo of the barebones house in an old miniature magazine, but we've not been able to find out much about that house.  I don't know if I would go as far with the rooftop garden decorating, but it would be fun to have a little something up there.  It, too, is a side opening house.

I like the detailing on Majestic Mansions side openings.  They have a slight finished area on the front and back edges of the open side.  This completes the corners nicely, especially when viewed from the front.  So, my plan is to make a foam core mockup with a side opening to see which way I like it best.  :D

I'm also thinking of changing from a red brick build to a tan stone build.  I've always loved the way Cynthia made her Beacon Hill, and I think that sort of stone would work nicely on the Brownstone.

There's also the Franklin Mint Christmas Memories house.  I would have Bittersweet Chocolate and Warm White trim to accent the tan stone.  This would also mean considerably less egg carton cutting...still a lot, just in larger pieces.