Casa Ti is a Casa for Me!

Okay after looking for what seems like forever, I think I have found a house plan compatible with our needs to start out with. I say start out with, because we have several outbuilding we will need, like an office for John and a Brewhaus/kitchen (more on this one later:). Since we want a smaller house and one built as "green" as possible, yet able to act as a homestead, I've had trouble finding a design that met our budget. I couldn't see hiring an arcitect to draw up a "formal" copy of my plans for a hefty price tag. So I was thrilled to run across Green Modern Kits last week. With a few modifications to the Casa Ti, we need to have the bathroom moved I think, and the addition of a pantry/laundry/mudroom, we will be in business. Um...now we just need to find the perfect piece of land to put it on. Better get back to "Homestead Shopping."

Seed FEST

Okay I'm SUPER excited about all of the amazing seeds that just came in the mail from Baker's Creek. 

We had several raised beds constructed this fall and are turning our current property into an urban homestead. Our oldest daughter will be doing a lot of work with me this spring. The garden will be a main component of our homeschooling. We've spent the fall learning to read and of course will continue this, but turn our focus over to math and science in the new year. I went a bit crazy buying, but hope to grow extra starts for friends and family. We will also likely have some for next year.

Flat Shoals Road Property

The asking price for this 7.34 acre plot was 107,000. It is very close to my parents (under 30 minutes) and we liked certain aspects of the property see below:

Pros:
--Good size plot which was layed out well with a cleared area that led down to a wooded ravine (which was supposed to have a creek at the bottom).
--A small one bedroom cabin already exists on the plot (the old residence of a single man who had lived there for 30 years, considered a "mad scientist" by his neighbors).
--There is also a smallish garage/storage shed also very solid and well built.
--The previous owner had built an underground "bomb shelter" which was really more of a potential root cellar. Also very solid and well built.

Cons:
--The deal breaker here is that the "creek" which is situated at the bottom of the ravine is actually a barely discernible trickle if not completely dry. The agent said it was a full blown creek last time he showed the property. Right.
--I felt a bit too close to neighbors since the property was on corner lot and easily viewed by folks across the street in the winter.
--Some of the land immediately adjacent had already been parceled out and would require a separate purchase.
--The agent made it sound like there was another offer pending and was indirectly trying to get us to make a decision within 72 hours. No thanks!