Hi Andrew;

I am not an architect but I am experienced with ancient houses. I would enjoy helping you design a first period house. A number of people have built them, but I do not know of any "stock" plans to follow.

Other excellent books with great first period details are:
http://books.google.com/books?id=uKQgAAA...p;q&f=false

http://books.google.com/books?id=xW1NAAA...mes&f=false

Also the White Pine Series may provide some interesting details, including measured drawings!

http://books.google.com/books?id=EbMAAAA...p;q&f=false

If you are in an area with building codes than it will be tricky since stairways and window openings in these houses are nowhere close to code-compliant.

Are you talking about a first period house from New England or one from the south like Virginia?

Jim