Submitted by Ana White on Wed, 2011-06-15 12:35
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Momplex Stats
Money Spent So Far:
$0 Plus Property
Time Spent So Far:
Planning Stage - No Construction Time Spent Yet We have property!
I am so excited to share with you that after much searching, miles of hiking numerous undeveloped parcels, lots of pros and cons lists, a few arguments, even a maybe-we-should-have-bought-the-other-lot moment, that we have found a home for the Momplex.
Finding just the right piece of property for the Momplex was supposed to be an easy task. We were after all hoping to buy the lot next door to our house.
The adjoining lot checked off quite nicely:
Flat - Easier to build on, remove snow, and more practical for elderly people (not that mom is anywhere near that stage now, but we hope she lives in the Momplex for at least a few decades)
Nearby - we live next door to my husband's Aunt and Uncle, and it's been a wonderful experience for our entire family. When Grace was a newborn, Aunt Sherry would come over and watch her for fifteen minutes while I took a shower. Of course, we borrow eggs and flour from each other, and go for walks together. We'd love to have two more family members next door.
Close to Power - Where we live in Alaska, you have to pay for your own power poles, and that ads up quickly. At $2500 a pole, it's in your best interest to be close to existing power.
Seemed just perfect!
But when we called on the lot, everything fell through. The asking price was nearly four times what our identical lot cost, just ten years ago. Nearly twice our budget for land. We were willing to pay more to have Mom next door, but we just could not justify paying that much.
I felt discouraged, frustrated, and at one point, just wanted to give up. We looked at quite a few parcels around town, but we really wanted Mom close by, and couldn't find the "right" piece of property.
Then one day, the Ram took us for a ATV ride about a mile from our house, and showed us this.
A LOT of Trees.
Lots and lots of trees.
And more trees. Literally, a lot, full of trees. Or just a lot of trees, as in lots and lots of trees. However you want to think of it.
Now don't get me wrong, I love trees. Trees = lumber = furniture. Especially beautiful birch trees.
Did you know that Hardwood comes from trees with leaves and Softwood comes from trees with pine needles? The things we learn from our preschoolers.
According to Grace, this is where the 2x4s come from.
But it wasn't the beautiful trees, or even the wildflowers
Although like most any woman, I can be persuaded with pretty flowers
Especially coming from her.
But nope, it was the chainsaw that sold me.
This very chainsaw. The Ram cut down a few trees and guess what was hiding behind all those trees?
The Alaska Range.
Although the lot we choose is about a mile from our home, and sits on top of a hill, and is a couple of poles from power, we knew this was the one. Because more than anything, I want the Moms to have a home they love.
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Beautiful, beautiful view,
Beautiful, beautiful view, love that you are doing this project for your moms.
Good job!
THAT is a view! Mom's will love it!
Beautiful
If you ever need another "mom" say when they take vacation, you can call me I'll be there in a flash!
What lucky ladies to be able to open their eyes to this pure, raw, untouched beauty each morning.
Wishing all of you the best as you move into the next chapter of this journey.
Gorgous!!
That's so neat about the different types of woods from trees. Grace is one smart cookie! And what a view!! Simply Gorgous!!
Let Me Know
Let me know if the moms want a neighbor! Would LOVE to wake up to that view. Absolutely breathtaking! I'm sure the view will keep you inspired as the Momplex progresses. :)
Beautiful
Would love a view like that!!! Your moms are lucky to have you!
Wow!
Oh my! What lucky ladies. Love, love the mountains.
goosebumps!
I seriously got goosebumps when I scrolled down and saw the view. Amazing.
So we feel a little like we
So we feel a little like we went to the car dealer looking for a used wagon in good condition, and came home with a sports car . . . because this lot has many very impractical aspects. But at the end of the day, we thought our Mom's should more than anything, love their home.
So if you see the mountains in the background of patio furniture photos, you know we are borrowing Mom's view. Thank you so much everyone, we feel very fortunate that Alaska is so beautiful, and we were able to find a lot within our budget that showcases this beauty.
Can't wait to show you the rest of the view!
oh my
that is an amazing view! The moms are going to love it!!! All this talk about trees has me hearing Clint Eastwood singing "I Talk to the Trees" Anyways your experience is another example of sometimes adversity or trouble comes our way in order to give us something better than we ever thought possible!!! Seriously wish that was my view!
Lovely Ana! I'm sure they
Lovely Ana! I'm sure they will GREATLY appreciate all of your efforts.
Will you be milling the trees for lumber?
Holy balls that is amazing! A
Holy balls that is amazing! A mile isn't too far though, would've been nice to have them next door but then the project goes slower because your house is right there. So now when you guys go out to work you will actually be working.
Beautiful view, cant wait for you guys to get started, a lot of red tape to go through first though - and drawing.
Very nice!
Being from AK I thinks it's important to know just how dense the trees are. Cutting a few down and using them like I know you will shouldn't worry any one. Its almost claustrophobic how many trees!
Love...
"Although the lot we choose is about a mile from our home, and sits on top of a hill, and is a couple of poles from power, we knew this was the one. Because more than anything, I want the Moms to have a home they love."
Love is...the best gift we can give to anyone---and hardest to give to family.
Can I be their neighbor?
What a gorgeous view...can I be their neighbor?
WOW. Alaska looks very beautiful.
Ana, well done on choosing your site. A very beautiful site at that. Maybe you can build another house on that site too, for yourselves. Alaska looks amazing, I really dont know much about Alaska, but it is lovely hearing you talk about it. The scenery is such a contast to very green Ireland. Alaska looks so clean and crisp. Where we have green, you have snow. And our mountains are so small in comparison. Maybe sometime the 3 of you will will visit Ireland, bring a raincoat, it rains ALOT !!
The view is so gorgeous!
The view is so gorgeous! What an amazing thing you are doing for your mothers!
Goosebumps
Amazing. Amazing. What a lucky couple of moms.
looks mighty enticing. This
looks mighty enticing. This is quite an amazing feet you are taking on. I wish you the best and congratulations. Lucky moms for you. I wish one day we can do this too. I have a whole "compound" plan in the back on my head. One day?
I really want to visit Alaska
I really want to visit Alaska now!!! That is an amazing view. WOW!!! Are you and your hubby really building a house? Did I read that right?? That is amazing, you are amazing, and I love this blog. Thank you so much for your designs and hard work. I'm able to build great pieces of furniture that I love. Thank you!!! I really can't wait to see this house you are working on. Good luck!!!!
Lovely, but....
While reading this post I was touched by your kindness, then SO envious of that view, but being a Texan, I couldn't help but hyperventilate at the sight of all of those bluebonnets plucked from the earth! We're brainwashed at a young age never to pick bluebonnets here. Blame my irrational reaction on crazy Texan traditions. :-) It is such a wonderful thing that you are doing for your moms; best of luck along your journey!
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