A real boathouse
I suppose you could call this a “boathouse”.
A boat is certainly designed to keep the water out so why not make use of a boat to protect yourself from water coming from above?
Originally posted 2015-08-28 18:05:37.
What makes this stone house so special?
I really like this stone farmhouse.
Isn’t she beautiful?
I like all stone houses, at least any built prior to the 1900’s, and many of them afterwards. But for some reason, I find this one pleases my eye more than most… and I have to ask myself why is that? (which is a good habit for everyone to develop) It’s not the color of the windows, it’s not the level of quality in the stonework. Nor is the location, which is very nice. And thankfully there is a nice roof on the house and not an asphalt shingle distraction.
So, what is it about this place?
I think what makes her special is that she is small… and tall.
Most older stone homes have three windows across the front, they are longer, and the result is more of a farmhouse look… or even that of a fortress. By shortening this house by a third the builder has created an impression of a stone cottage.
It appears that an addition has been created off of the one end of this house… which gives the house the same square footage as her larger sisters… Well done! and a tip of the hat to this builder!
Originally posted 2015-08-28 17:53:30.
A thatched roof
I do love a thatched roof… there is something about a roof that is all natural that I find very comforting.
Originally posted 2015-08-28 17:38:34.
A stone staircase
Just going down to the basement dear.
Here we have a three-fold knock out combination… the beauty of natural stone, the added elegance of a curved stairway, and as a finishing touch… all that wonderful natural light pouring in from the staircase window.
Of course today our building codes would demand a handrail on that staircase. I wonder what the kings of old would have said to the local building inspector upon being given an inspection failure slip? lol
I don’t know if I will ever achieve a staircase like this for myself, but I do my best when designing or building a home to make sure that a window finds it’s way into the staircase.
Originally posted 2015-08-27 14:02:41.
The beauty of a cruck frame
Cruck frames, common in England, make use of naturally curved timbers.
A cruck frame is incredibly strong, and visually striking.
Originally posted 2015-08-26 12:21:01.
A New England timber frame diagram
Here’s a diagram of an early New England home… I love it. Who wouldn’t feel at home is such a place!
You can tell it’s a New England home because…
1) I’ve never seen a diagram of southern timber frame home… sad isn’t it? What’s up with that?
2) The horizontal members between the rafters, known as “purlins”, were not used in the Mid-Atlantic and further south… roof systems were rafters only.
3) The roof sheathing, those boards between the roof rafters and the shingles, would run horizontally not vertically.
4) The corner angle bracing in this diagram goes up to the top plate. Here in Virginia and the surrounding states it goes down to the sill timber.
Clearly both methods are attractive, and both have held up homes for centuries… so the difference is more about “regional flavor” rather than right or wrong.
Originally posted 2015-08-25 17:58:10.
Stone endures
Here we have two fine homes…
The first, with white trim work, is the oldest home in Washington DC.
The second is the oldest home in the state of Georgia.
A stone home just can’t be topped can it?
Originally posted 2015-08-25 15:46:46.
What is your legacy?
Many cities have stone buildings built prior to 1920’s and this is what the team of men and animals would have looked like that helped build them.
My great grandfather was one of the masons who helped build the Old City Hall in Richmond, Virginia. I never met the man but I can’t help think of him whenever I drive past his legacy.
One of the greatest gifts that comes with making something durable, handmade, and attractive is that a legacy is created. By building a nice cabin, or a stone wall, or putting together a patchwork quilt we have left something for future generations to enjoy, and to remember us by.
Originally posted 2015-08-25 13:25:56.
A central chimney
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.
A castle fireplace
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.