May 4, 2009

A New Beginning

Welcome to 5 Acres & A Dream. I don't really have time in my life to start a new blog, but I had a request for some photos, and so decided to create a tiny little space on the internet for this adventure. I may not post very often, but this is where I will share this part of my life.

Those of you who know me, know that owning a few acres and a home has been a dream of Dan's and mine for years. We've had a number of ups and downs in trying to find the right place, so for everything to come together at such a time as this, is truly a blessing.

For the curious, here are a few pix. I took only one of them and none of them are the very good. But they'll an idea of what we've gotten ourselves in to.

This farmhouse bungalow was built sometime in the 1920s. It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a pantry off the kitchen, a study, a sun room off the living room, and a back porch laundry/mud room.


These realty photos are a little clearer, but also a little off-center.

Part of the home has vinyl siding, but the owner passed away before he could finish the entire house. The remainder of that siding is lying in the carport, but Dan isn't sure if he wants to finish putting it up or paint the house to restore it to a more original look.

I love the screened-in front porch, but it does face the west, which means a hot afternoon sun. This has me thinking, "deciduous shade tree in the southwest corner of the front yard."

This is the view from the top of the back steps. If you look carefully, you can see two barn red outbuildings. The one in back was a chicken coop at one time. The one in front (with the overhang type carport) has two rooms. The floor of the one out of view is covered with chunks of coal.

Here is a glimpse of the pasture to the north of the home. Unfortunately, none of it is fenced.

These two grandfatherly oaks are lovely, but perhaps too aged to have much life left in them. We need to research caring for elderly trees.
Last but not least is an old aerial parcel photo. True to form, nature is rapidly trying to reclaim all of the cleared parts, as the place has been vacant for several years. This piece of ground is relatively quite level, which is fortunate considering we are in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

It's been years since the house had a good cleaning, so we have a lot of work to get it ready to move in to. After that ........ we have big dreams............

12 comments:

Alice said...

I have just caught up on blog reading and am thrilled for you! I just love an older house too!

I know I would live in a fantasy world for a while after moving in just imagining the previous residents and their habits, especially the first owners and how proud they must have been.

I imagine the screened porch with the large overhang will protect that side of the house some from the western sun in the afternoon. My aunt had a similar house when I was growing up. We used the porch swing a lot!

Trapunto said...

Hooray! The house looks like a sweetie, and that is a beautiful piece of land. I will enjoy this blog.

J Smith said...

Hello, I just thought this was as good as place as any to leave this post. After reading EVERY post on your blog it has pushed me to pursue my own homestead that I have been dreaming of for years. I too aspire to be more self sufficient and be a good steward to my little slice of Earth. This week I purchased 10 acres in the Ozarks of MO with the intent of building a cabin and moving my family there full time in the near future(after winter of course). I enjoy reading about your progress and look forward to much more reading in the future.

Leigh said...

J Smith, wow, you read every post? I'm truly amazed, and honored. Congratulations on your 10 acres! That's a great location and you have great plans.

J Smith said...

Yes, Reading all of your post in chronological order was very informative and your writing skills painted a great picture of what homesteading is really about while being very informative. It is very inspiring. I have read many blogs and I personally have found yours to be the most informative from your post as well as your followers participation.

Leigh said...

I have to say, you've just made my day. My year! LOL. I hope you're planning to blog about your journey toward self sufficiency. There are a lot of folks out there who would like to do the same thing, or are trying to do it. I think sharing our individual stories is the best way to encourage and inform one another.

Lisa said...

Sigh! What a wonderful home! Exactly what I would love to have...

Lisa
The Way Grandmama Does It

Unknown said...

Hi Leigh, im commenting on your first post to prove that i am starting at the beginning and making my way through. Im loving the journey. Greeting from Oz (Melbourne, Australia). I will buy the book but just like i always read the book before i watch the movie, im reading the blog before the book. I want to know you as you are living my dream.

Leigh said...

Lynda, hello and welcome! I have to say that reading through my entire blog seems amazingly ambitious, especially since I'm going on 5 years worth of posts! You'll find that although similar in topic material, the blog and the book are arranged differently because I figured books and blogs are read differently. I sincerely hope you enjoy your reading!

Stacy said...

Hi!I just heard about your blog on the Homestead Honey Hour. You're living the lifestyle I've always wanted. May not ever happen on five acres for me since I'm in my fifties and my dh is more of a city boy. We live in a small city on a large lot so I at least get to garden and have my half dozen hens....and can...and continue to dream. I intend to read your blog from beginning to end looks lovely!

Leigh said...

Hi Stacy, welcome! Oh yes, you can do quite a bit with a nice size lot. Thank you for taking the time to comment. :)

Leah said...

Hi Leigh! I am rereading your blog start to finish for the second time as me and a few friends get ready to start the next chapter in our lives as self-sufficient farm owners. I think your blog is an amazing resource and I plan on buying the book to help us along! Thanks for all your hard work to put this together to help us all out on our journeys!!