Home Revealed - Literally

One of the things that drew us to the property were the trees that surround the house. Most of our lot is in the front of the house but it backs up to protected land which is a huge blessing . The wooded land is home to deer, hawks, beavers, snakes (which I do not welcome - good or bad - but as long as I don’t have to greet them I will let them live) and more. Being surrounded by nature is so calming. The shade from the trees can cool a home on a hot summer day. They create privacy a as well absorb sound.

BUT…can there be too many trees? Well, when your insurance company says they will discontinue coverage if you don’t eliminate some…yes.

We knew we wanted to clean up some of the overgrowth in the front yard. The lot is sloped and some of the large trees had grown at an angle towards the house. Not only was the home at risk but it felt dark and gloomy. It needed more sunlight.

BEFORE

Front -BEFORE

This photo was taken from the Real Estate listing. You can’t even see the house.

Front Walk - BEFOre

You can see some of the large trees that are too close to the house. Although many of them were healthy, we had to cut them down in order to be covered for insurance. It also blocked a lot of light that came into the house.

Side - BEFORE

It’s difficult to see the side of the house with this photo. Check out the AFTER picture.

Drive - BEFORE

You can see the density of the understory trees and shrubs.

Back yard view

This is our beautiful view. Not much will change here.

Deck view - BEFORE

Another beautiful view from the deck. We took a few trees that were close to the deck and house down to help bring light in.

AFTER

AFTER Front of House

This is from the same angle the BEFORE photo was taken. Yes, the leaves have fallen but you can see how the house is actually now more visible.

Side AFTER

This is amazing! You couldn’t even see the house before.

Front Walk AFTER

Driveway/Walk AFTER

You can see that we left lots of trees. Most of what was taken down was understory brush, dead/diseased or posed a risk to falling on the house.

Deck AFTER

We did take a few trees down in the back that that were too close or were keeping light from getting in the house. You can see that we still have a wonderful natural view.

We met with a Landscape Architect (he will be featured in future blog posts) who helped identify trees to take down. He explained that thinning out the wooded area in the front has many benefits. When you have over-grown areas, the plants and trees are fighting each other for sunlight and nutrients. This can cause disease, rot, poor airflow as well as homes for insects and rodents. Clearing out some of the trees will cut down on humidity and mosquitos. It will also allow the trees that are left to thrive and reduce future risk to the house.

I’m not going to lie…it was quite a shock seeing our home once the trees were removed. I love that you can actually see the home now, but it is a little bittersweet loosing so much green.

The seasons have changed since the before and after pictures were taken so it feels a bit barren. However, the light is amazing, and we have big plans to maintain a natural, organic feel to the landscape. It is a journey and one that will take some time but I believe it will be worth the wait in the end.

A New Home Journey

My husband and I sold our home in the spring of 2021. After almost 15 years, it was a bitter sweet decision as it was the longest home we had ever lived in. We built the large Craftsman style home (with a basement) with the idea that it would be our forever home. But life changes, opportunities arise and as our youngest child prepared to head to college, we felt it was the right choice. We had BIG ideas for downsizing.

Determining our next steps was a journey of it’s own. We found land and designed a home. But the Mister loves a Zillow search. I always refused his links because most of the homes he was looking at would not allow me to keep chickens and that was a deal breaker. Then one day he sent me a link that was incredibly intriguing. A home with mid-century features but built in 1992. Not only did it sit on a lot full of trees that backed up to protected land it was also a short walk to a cove on our local lake. Best of all, I can have my chickens. I was sold!

A SHOT OF THE STAIRS AT BAB’S COURT. THE PERFECT MESSAGE FOR THIS PROJECT.

There is quite a bit of work that needs to be done. The home has good bones but it needs some TLC. I love a good renovation and this will prove to be a fantastic project. Join me as I do my best to document my Bab’s Court make over.