- I didn't mean big as in mansion... A lot of the old-time places in Dixie were built big like barns. Exposed rafters, no attics. Few interior walls. Most of the modern McMansions down here are absolutely unlivable without AC.

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Ah, ok. Thanks for clarifying OH. I thought you meant the large plantation houses. I've never been to the south, so when you say "old-time places," I think of the O'Hara plantation from Gone With the Wind, big old house with giant pillars in front (that just screams "mansion" to me). Forgive me for assuming, don't mean to stereotype. As for myself, I'm not planning on anything larger than 600-1,000 sq. ft., just a small cottage works for me. 'course, my woodworking shop might be a little bigger. That is, if I can get some decent land before SHTF.

Definitely plan on having exposed rafters and lots of open space though.