Blog - Page 108 of 123 - Handmade Houses with Noah Bradley

What is it?

Whenever I post this photo on the Handmade House facebook page it always draws a lot of comments. People love it.

And why is that?

It’s a modest home at best.

I would imagine that it could be built at a fraction of the cost of the average new home being built today.

Maybe half as much? or even less?

I’d say that 75% of the volume of this image is nature… land and trees… hey, if that’s all we have in life, peace and quiet, a few birds signing… it”s a good day.

The rest of the image is a house, a home that we could see ourselves building, and paying for, without the lifelong burden of a mortgage.

And what is it about the house that we see?

Mostly, a wonderful roof, a metal one, not asphalt that will wear out in twenty years or less, but a metal one that will let us know every time it rains.

And of course there is the porch.

Is it possible to spend too much or lives on a porch?

Has anyone ever regretted building a porch?

Yes, I can see why this image draws admiration.

I’m glad I’m not the only one to see it.

Originally posted 2016-09-11 11:59:54.

What is it?Noah Bradley2019-06-29T10:08:54+00:00

Summer is when a chimney needs attention

It’s a great time of year to have the chimney cleaned.
The chimney sweeps are easily available, and the fires will be lit again in a matter of a couple of months.
I never burn pine so I can generally get away with going a few years on my fireplace, but the wood stove flue… that gets my attention every year.

Originally posted 2016-08-23 13:02:29.

Summer is when a chimney needs attentionNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:08:53+00:00

Don’t forget water

There were no video games when I was child.

But there was a creek nearby where I spent countless hours.

I bet generations of children had played in that same creek before me… I wonder if any will ever again.

When it comes time to build that dream home of yours… look for land with water… it’s worth more than gold.

Originally posted 2016-08-22 10:57:29.

Don’t forget waterNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:08:52+00:00

Big trees and little cabins

There once was a time when trees were large,

and homes were small.

Originally posted 2016-08-20 15:57:04.

Big trees and little cabinsNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:08:51+00:00

The family home

Here we have the front porch of a fine old farmhouse.
You might recognize the gentleman here, being struck by a broom from his loving wife.
I’ve always admired Grandpa Walton.
He had plenty or reason to miserable, having had to work hard all his life, being penniless in his old age, having to live with one of his children, and having a wife that was constantly calling him an “old fool”.
But instead, he chose to always be the cheerful character of the family. He focused on how fortunate he was to live where he did, and to be surrounded with those who he cared so much for.
So, let us learn by his example.
Hug those in your life who are nearby, whether they want it or not.
And, find that special place in the country… it can be life changing.
If you’d like, occasionally, take a nip of the recipe.
For health reasons, of course.
And be ever so thankful, for the gal in your life with the broom.
Be extra thankful that it’s not a cast iron pan that she swings.

Originally posted 2016-08-20 15:07:49.

The family homeNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:08:50+00:00

Creating a window made of stone

Here’s “before and after” images of a stone arch that we made years ago.
It’s a simple process, you just create a form out of scrap lumber, and then you carefully, and patiently, shape each stone.
And then, once done, you have created something useful and attractive (that will last for centuries).

Originally posted 2016-08-19 12:45:02.

Creating a window made of stoneNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:08:49+00:00

Roof-lines

I do so admire the roof-lines of houses built in the past.

Originally posted 2016-08-18 17:03:16.

Roof-linesNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:08:48+00:00

A cabin with a screen porch

And, here is that little screen porch tucked away on the backside of this little cabin. A treasured room… and… by far the easiest and least expensive room of the home to build.

Originally posted 2016-06-17 13:05:36.

A cabin with a screen porchNoah Bradley2019-06-29T10:08:47+00:00