caliwag

This "hewn" look is exactly what we wanted, but it would have cost far more than we were willing to spend. Also, based on my experience with trades since then, I doubt we'd have been able to find people capable of doing the perfect work required - even people who were referred to us as perfectionists let us down with the quality of their work.

That's interesting Jack...admittedly the house I referred to is in Richmond, West London. though much of it was by an Oxford builder. It came in at over £3000/m2, several years ago. Though the client did refer to it as Queen Anne front (a well proportioned Georgian Facade, a cheaper side and rear...very true of the originals)

Really enjoy reading your blog. My property is based on the west coast of Scotland and is just over 4 acres, its got a large wetland and pond area, x3 springs, cliffs, slopes, meadow / grassland areas, much more but very very diverse in its appearance and aspect with stunning south, south west coastal view with muliple islands disappearing into the horizon that is a quintessential west coast view,  sweeping hill farm land to the north with mountians in the distance and wild rugged shorelines and cliffs to the west, the east is local close by heather filled hill farm land. The main house is very traditional two up two down with wood panelling, about 100 years or more old. most folk would pull it down and build new but that is not an option as there is no budget. There is also a cottage  that would have been a “but and ben”but has now got an upstairs (1.5 floors)  and another even older building that would more have resembled a black house but is now a glorified shed with the original stone walls merging into more modern vertical cladding. This cluster of building in its stunning setting is quite remarkable and still unspoilt in my eyes. I have planted 2500-3000 trees already and a few thousand bulbs and plants but mostly in a background setting, nothing to bold until i can understand the bigger picture (broad strokes on a semi clear canvas) 

Some tracks are already emerging to desired locations, and through slowly understanding the needs and desires of people i am developing other ways through the property that will one day create a web of tracks that will lead an inquisitive  visitor through all the different aspects and environments that i am creating. Through planting i can enhance or hide many areas and create habitats for an abundance of wildlife that also plays a huge role in peoples interaction with there meanderings through the property, already areas that were once silent mono culture environments are now teaming with insects, birds and mammals and its impossible to not be aware of them as you move around. The property is open to our guests and visiting friends and i have the full intention of it being open to the public in the coming years when its a more safe environment with a clear defined way around. I have spent a lifetime working in public spaces, predominantly in the wild environments and am keen to put my understandings into this “oasis” that i am trying to create. I am only five years into the project and at a budding 46 i hope to have a good run at fulfilling some of my dreams and aspirations. Your blogs provoke me to think a lot and reiterate how little i know about architecture, and how much of a challenge it is going to be to get the most out of any given environment and how to link all these different aspects together. From the basic needs of food production to the abstract art of creating a space that provokes thought..... and not forgetting my familly including a little tot of a girl and a 2.5 year of boy...... i got a lot to learn and at some point i will need to start filling in the details....... thanks again for your blogs, they are challenging my understandings of a given space at a given time and how they interact with there  neighbours. Most challenging is when it comes to buildings of multi use and there smooth interaction with the natural environment both formal and managed wild.... 

Regards colin

@Cpd

 

Colin.

 

Sorry to be persnickety as it looks like an interesting comment.

Any chance of separating it into paragraphs for readibility?

Edited November 4, 2017 by Ferdinand

@FerdinandNo chance, i am as dyslexic as it comes and just typing this much takes me an hour or two...... sorry but i really would not know where a parade goes in a paragraph or what is more or less readable 

 

Edited November 4, 2017 by Cpd

2 minutes ago, Cpd said:

@FerdinandNo chance, i am as dyslexic as it comes and just typing this much takes me an hour or two...... sorry. 

 

Fair enough. Thanks for the quick reply.

 

Edited November 4, 2017 by Ferdinand

All really fascinating.. To my mind you're going at it the absolutely right way: live in it for a while and see what your collective feelings are. I guess it's not for everyone, especially with Swambo pressures....Haha...'desire lines'...as you'll know, the watchword of landscape architects and designers. Must say it sounds superb...I do miss west of Scotland where I used to regularly carry out land surveys for a medium sized builder. I hope Mrs CPD is of a like mind re taking it slowly. and you did well by saving the 100 year old spot...you'll end up with a more valuable place, and full of character. Glad you liked the blog, I'm afraid it was another case of a picture/drawing saves etc etc. Good luck.