There are a few things about this fireplace that I find very attractive.
One of those things is the stone backing of the fireplace.
So much work goes into building a nice fireplace and the surrounding mantelpiece, yet so often the fireplace box is built using new “firebrick”.
I admit that firebrick does a great job of holding up well under the harsh conditions of repeated hot fires, but unfortunately they look manufactured and out-of-place.
I find that looking at a fire more enjoyable with a natural or handmade material behind the flames.

Originally posted 2015-09-20 13:57:37.

We do have the ability to build in such way that it actually improves the landscape.

I am so thankful that vinyl siding was not an option for this builder.

Originally posted 2015-09-19 15:42:59.

Even the ruins of an abandoned and neglected handmade home is attractive.
This is not a toxic waste site.
No need to haul everything off to a landfill.
The remains can be enjoyed by all, or the materials reused.. and even at this stage, the house could be restored, and once again occupied.

Originally posted 2015-09-17 16:10:05.

Now isn’t this a fine place to come upon. 🙂

I’ve always found that a stone home with three windows across it’s front presents a formal, grand, impression. But a home with only two windows seems to be more like a cottage, more inviting, more intimate.

Originally posted 2015-09-12 14:39:03.

Now that is curious… the mason must have run low on rocks to use in this wall?

I’ve seen my share of new chimneys built with an occasional beer can installed, but this is my first full bottle of whiskey that I’ve seen prominently displayed.

Originally posted 2015-09-06 13:42:56.

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.

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.

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.

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.