"Self-sufficiency does not mean 'going back' to the acceptance of a lower standard of living. On the contrary, it is the striving for a higher standard of living, for food that is organically grown and good, for the good life in pleasant surroundings... and for the satisfaction that comes from doing difficult and intricate jobs well and successfully." John Seymour ~ Self Sufficiency 2003

Tuesday 13 November 2012

Our front entrance

I reckon it's time to give you a peek of what has kept us busy over the past 4 months.  So, over the next couple of weeks I'm going to give you a tour.  Starting from the outside...

...during the building of Phase 2 our front entrance underwent a make-over - and one, which I feel, makes it an entrance fitting of a farm house :)
BEFORE :
Previously we had narrow, unfriendly steps up
to the front door / patio
The previous builder had created very narrow steps to the front patio which were a  constant source of irritation to me, as they seemed to magnify the tall, narrowness of Phase 1 of the house - giving it the appearance of a house from a horror movie.  All it needed was dark, threatening skies and wind tossed trees to complete the setting. I couldn't wait to correct them.
The size of the future steps
A quick word with the builder, and the guys climbed into the job.
Scallywag approves :)
It wasn't a quick fix - it took them two entire days - marking out, adding foundation, knocking down and building up again where necessary.
Busy, busy, busy
But, by the end of the day, the improvement was clearly visible.
Much better :)
Another day was spent on plastering the steps with a coloured high lime plaster, and, after a bit of decorative work on my part, this is the end result...
AFTER :
Wider, and a more balanced, welcoming appearance
to the front of the house.  A couple of pot plants,
a rock with a face (which we schlepped with us
from Hout Bay) a bit of planting and a world
 difference - Welcome :)
... now I'm sure you'll feel more welcome and eager to visit :)

28 comments:

  1. The new steps make a world of difference, as does the addition to the building. It is much more than a simple cottage now. Can't wait to see more.

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    1. Joyful - They do, don't they :)

      Patience - all will be revealed... LOL

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  2. It's amazing what a small change will do. It looks great--and I'm sure it's MUCH safer not having them so narrow.

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    1. Sue - Cosmetic changes - always make one feel better :) Yup, you got that right - last Christmas DD fell down the steps and sprained her ankle. Now, hopefully, that wont happen again...

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  3. Funny, I never thought about the steps before from a "Welcome to my home" point of view but you're right...It's like a new smile. Plus the color "pops" the roof! Very nice!

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    1. tami - We also like the "matching" appearance of the roof and the steps. And once the house is painted by RMan and myself (groan - we have so many walls to plaster paint onto!) it will look even better :)

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  4. What a difference! Your farm house looks wonderful and I look forward to seeing more photos.

    FlowerLady

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  5. Oh, much more charming than the previous. And the flanking planters really emphasize the welcome. Very nice job, there. Like Flowerlady, I'm looking forward to more pics.

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    1. Kris - Thank you :) So many pots and pot plants from our town house - I've got to use them somewhere. Those contain plants of the ficus genus - and I don't want to be planting them in the ground - their roots are terribly invasive...

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  6. oh i love the new steps! very inviting indeed! and i can't wait to see more!!!!

    your friend,
    kymber

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    1. Thanks kymber :)

      Hang on - all will be revealed...

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  7. It really is looking so nice. It is really becoming your "home".

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    1. Jane - Feels like absolutely ages in the making...

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    1. GG - I thought so too, and am so glad I took pics so that I could share the transformation :)

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  9. Much better Dani. I know it doesn't seem like it to you, but for us, its amazing how quickly everything is coming together. Its really starting to look wonderful - and like a home! Congrats on all the hard work
    Sandy

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    1. Sandy - Nope - feels like a lifetime since we started Phase 2. Thanks :)

      And as for chivying the builders - project managing is for the birds! But I had an end goal in site, and that kept me going LOL

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  10. Looking pretty fine Dani. Sometimes I feel like I'm copying you guys, but I'm not. I just put up some new steps myself. Although mine are only 3 feet wide, just needed something different before someone actually got killed with the old setup, or something.

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    1. FCH - Thanks :) LOL - you're not copying - t'is in the nature of building. And entrance steps are vitally important - the give the first impression and they need to be safe and secure in all weather. Care to share a peek of yours? :)

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  11. Your home looks wonderful and very inviting. The new steps really made a difference. I look forward to seeing the next phase of your project. Congratulations!

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    1. MsBelinda - Thank you :) Yeah, I'm happy with the way they turned out, and anything would be an improvement on our old entrance...!

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  12. What a wonderful change and welcoming area at your farm. Lovely and inviting .. and practical. I'll be right over :)

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    1. Mrs Mac - The bed is freshly made and waiting... :)

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  13. Much better, looks quite lovely now.

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    1. DFw - Thanks - not quite the eyesore it was... LOL

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Thank you for taking the time to comment - it makes my day and removes the "loneliness' of sitting at my screen blogging supposedly to myself ;) I try and reply as quickly as possible so please forgive me if sometimes my response is delayed.