So much can happen on an exterior...trim, exposed rafters, doors, windows, siding, stone, brick, stucco, roofing, gutters and downspouts....hire an architect or a design/build firm to help answer these questions prior to building....like hiring an interior designer for help with furniture, these professionals will help decide the style of the exterior of the house and how that style interacts with the function of the house.

I think that it is a myth that sand helps with drainage. You should look to regrade your yard to allow run off and see where the gutters and leaders are moving the water to. You might have to reroute the run-off. Maybe a berm will help if you are getting water from other yards. If all else fails you could change the lawn area where the water collect to a planting area for plants that like a lot of water. There are articles on the web that address this issue (and at least one says to add sand to a compost, but I am sure I've seen advice to the contrary.) Here are two: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/fix-wet-areas-lawn-25112.html and http://www.ehow.com/how_5586270_fix-soggy-lawn.html Good luck!

softyjain, If the windows need to be replaced I recommend looking at fixed steel to maintain the narrow profile of the windows and small window lites. Using fixed instead of operating will be a cost savings if you don't need to open them. Another option for hanging from the ceiling is a decorative light or chandelier. That way you still have light into your ceiling at night. We offer Renaissance solid bronze windows that don't require any finish or finish maintenance. Architects designers love the rose bronze color, which closely matches copper gutters. http://www.houzz.com/projects/152134/Renaissance-Solid-Bronze-Windows---Doors-by-Progressive-Solutions You may also be interested in this ideabook- http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18543834/thumbs/Bronze--Copper---Steel-Window-Ideas

Is this wall above ground or in a basement? Water penetration isn't good so you need to find an inspector (home insp or mold insp) who can examine your roof, gutters, siding and who has an "thermal imaging camera". Lesley is on the mark about mold which needs moisture to grow. So, have a pro get up on your roof especially in the area near the water stains. Another tip, get it done before winter and bank on tearing out that wall to treat the wood studs with bleach to kill anything.