How to Plan Your New Home for the Sunset

Determine the precise, westward-facing direction you would like your house to face. Go stand at the home site in the late afternoon and get a feel for which position feels best. Keep in mind that you may want the side of the house facing the sunset slightly off center to the path of the sun, to prohibit over-glaring light from entering the living space.

Choose which rooms you want to be able to see the sunset from. Consider where you typically "hang out" in the late afternoons or early evenings, such as the kitchen, the dining room or the living room, and plan to aim those rooms towards the sun. Locate rooms where darkness is necessary, such as TV rooms or storage areas, on the side of the house that receives minimal sunlight.

Plan for higher ceilings in the rooms that will see the sunset. Higher ceilings will allow for taller windows from which to see more of the sky. Higher ceilings are especially helpful in tall or stacked homes where long walls with wide windows are not possible.

Research different options for picture windows for the sunset-facing rooms. Multi-paned picture windows will break up the view while single-pane picture windows have a more cinematic effect. Large garden windows, long bay windows or windows lined up on a semi-circular wall will make the sunset feel like it is encompassing the house.

Plan for light filtering window shades that block the heat or light of the sun, when necessary, while still allowing you to see the full view of the sunset. Possibilities include adjustable self-shading windows, roll-down sun shades and sheer curtains.

Design a patio or veranda accessible from one or more of the sunset-facing rooms. The room should open up to the patio or veranda, making it easy to step outside to enjoy the sunset on warm spring or summer evenings. In warm climates or geographies with minimal shade trees, consider a covered patio. Use an open, arbor covering to prevent the covering from blocking too much of the sky.

Place trees, shrubs and other vegetation strategically, where they will receive adequate light without blocking the view. If necessary, establish trees in the periphery of the sunset-facing windows to help shade harsh sunlight or block wind. Landscaping strategies for the house depend largely on place and climate. Consult your local extension office or landscape designer for further questions.

Build a fence, if a fence is necessary, that will not obstruct the horizon. The closer the fence is to the house, the more likely it is to obstruct the sunset. Options for open fences through which the sunset can be seen include post and rail ranch-style fences, palisade fences and cast iron fences. If privacy is an issue, build a privacy fence with an open, lattice top through which the horizon is exposed, or use an open fence with a few privacy shrubs.