Construction

 Our contractors made an incredible bed frame and headboard for us out of the extra timbers in the house. These beams, dated to the 1920s when the house was built, made a perfect king size bed, and match the timers used as beams in the ceiling. 

The walls and ceiling are up and painted, washing machine and dryer is up and operational, and all that’s really left is the installation of the floors and the completion of the downstairs bathroom. Charlie and his team have done and incredible job, as shown by their outstanding work.

After a very patient year, the first of the plantings have arrived back at the house. Most of them spent the last year on other parts of the property, out of the way enough to avoid bulldozers and other equipment. Almost all survived the move, and although they’re looking a little scrawny, they should sleep … Continue reading »

The framing of the basement is almost done, as is the HVAC system, the latter being just in time for this winter’s early cold-snap. There’s also a raw but functional internal staircase from the ground floor into the basement that makes for an easy, warm entry into the basement.  The coming weeks should give us … Continue reading »

A massive storm descended on the house today, and with the roof only two-thirds shingled, it was an excellent test of the build. And no, it didn’t leak at all, even with a rainfall rate peaking at over 12 inches per hour. But we do need to get those gutters installed…

Despite an all out effort to save an enormous old beach plum, it didn’t make it through the Spring after being transplanted last Fall. It was my favorite tree on the property, and yielded lots of summer fruit. We have already planted lots of new beach plums on the property, but we may never have … Continue reading »

Getting a pool installed? The Pit – 22 feet down It’s big enough for a swimming pool, or a tennis court, but it’s really just a leaching field. Somewhat of a letdown to be sure. But as of today, it’s fully working. I can’t wait to have my yard back, even if it will look … Continue reading »

Although the construction is long from being done, we are back in the house. Today we got running water and minimal sceptic use, and electricity was already turned on. We’ve been waiting for this moment since the Fall, and welcome our first (brave) house guests this weekend. Construction will continue through the Summer, and my guess … Continue reading »

The Bump gets started The Bump in progress july 7, 2011 Construction on our new guest bedroom, which we have nicknamed “The Bump” has started. Once finished it will have an “eyebrow” roofline, and it’s own outside door. This will give us two guest rooms on the ground floor, and the ability to have more … Continue reading »

Watching the workers dig was fascinating. I was stunned at how fast they could get the bobcat under our house and maneuver it around. Note all the clay under the house in this video. As luck would have it, under our house was almost 100% clay, causing the project to be delayed by 5 months. … Continue reading »