Life in New England during the winter was hard. Many of the homes there were literally built around a fireplace to keep all the heat generated and stored within it’s masonry in the home.
Here’s a great illustration on the importance our ancestors placed on a stone chimney when building their homes.
We gained a heat pump, but lost so much.
Originally posted 2015-08-24 13:17:34.
Although a fireplace like this one from an English castle would not be practical in today’s home… still… it is worth pondering. What is it about this room that is so visually striking and how can that be adapted to your dream home?
The benefits of having a large fireplace…
1) No need to cut your firewood up into tiny, easy-to-handle pieces.
2) No need to cut your meat up into individual servings before cooking… just cook the whole pig!
3) Imagine the heat this fireplace would give off when fully stoked!
4) Plenty of room for you and your friends to stand around the fire.
Whose got the marshmallows?
Originally posted 2015-08-24 13:05:24.
You know… it’s a funny thing… but when I look at this photo of a back porch my eye is drawn to the well-used screen door. I can hear the spring on that door as it stretches when the door is opened, and I hear the door slam shut as the children come in and out of the house.
I can also hear the mother of the house scolding those children to not let the door slam. lol
But, I bet that same mother, years later, misses hearing that sound of summer. 🙁
Originally posted 2015-08-23 13:55:55.
Summer is quickly coming to an end.
Some youth have already started back to school.
The weather is supposed to be nice this weekend.
Make sure and spend some quite time on your porch!
Originally posted 2015-08-22 13:39:57.
Have you ever wondered what heaven looks like?
Well, here’s a peek… a perfect little mill. Don’t you think?
(I wish I knew the identity of the artist)
Originally posted 2015-08-22 13:28:55.
Here is the rebuilt kitchen fireplace in the historic Noah Parsons House located in Massachusetts.
The mantle piece adds a nice decorative touch, don’t you think? The left side is plenty big enough to have a fire to keep the room warm, and, with the aid of the forged swing arm above it, to cook the family’s meals . And then, once enough coals are built up in the fire they can then be moved under the beehive oven where fresh breads or a pies can then be baked.
Other rooms in the house are certainly “fancier” than this kitchen, designed to impress guests and maintain civility within the family… but I can guarantee you that standing in front of this fireplace is where everyone wanted to be. It is certainly where you would find this old boy.
This fireplace is also a great example of designing and building a new home that is classic in appeal. They look good when finished, but they improve in appearance as they age. A homeowner who builds a fireplace like this today will be admired for generations to come.
Originally posted 2015-08-22 13:17:19.
When I look at this photo I first notice the wood cook-stove and admire it for having the ability to be free from the power company and my imagination runs wild with how good the food must taste that is cooked on top and within it’s wood fired oven.
And then I can’t help but notice the early form of kitchen cabinetry with a bowl used for a sink, how quaint. No clogged drains, just pitch the used water out the open widow when done.
It’s then that I start looking at all the equipment that fills this photo and I am filled with dread as I see the workload that was once placed upon the lady of the house. I think the life of a full time, stay at home mom is tough today, but it must have been overwhelming then. And keep in mind, this was the good life for many at the time.
Originally posted 2015-08-18 14:09:11.
Which do you prefer?
The traditional method of gathering stone found on the property and laid in a horizontal pattern?
Or, the more modern use of stones gathered from rivers and stream beds and applied in a random pattern?
For me the answer is obvious. The field stone chimney will stand strong for millennia without the aid of cement. But remove the cement from the river rock chimney and you’d have a pile of bowling ball shaped stones spread out across your yard.
Originally posted 2015-08-17 16:33:46.
Here’s a nice look for those seeking to build a cottage near the beach. The exposed framed walls are built using new lumber, that is then backed with siding, and to finish it is all then painted.
A layer of insulated panels is next applied to the exterior and then finished siding is applied.
Likely a bit more expensive than standard construction, but the finished result has so much more character don’t you think?
Originally posted 2015-08-17 12:43:17.
We’ve lost a treasured feature in the homes being built today… the attic.
Roof trusses have made our homes cheaper and faster to build. I question their durability and longevity but one thing can’t be debated we have lost a tremendous amount of usable space within our homes…. a treasured space.
Originally posted 2015-08-16 22:43:12.
