In a series of Then and Now photos, it’s satisfying to look back nostalgically to see how far we have come. Bought in 2000, and in a completely natural area, we’ve striven to preserve the beauty of our 7 acres near the Sierra foothills of California, as we make a place for ourselves in this beautiful spot. The house was started in February 2004 and finished in December 2005, lived three months in a trailer here and the garden was started in earnest in 2006.
These photos show how civilized we’ve become after 6 years here at Rancho Relaxo. We wanted to carve out a bit of living space outdoors, keeping most of our view and garden natural. Being on a 15 degree grade meant we’d be terracing any level ground we wanted and the tractor was invaluable to grade both these areas.
We started the house in February 2005 after spending most of 2004 preparing the house pad. Sold the house down south in June, moved in August here to stay in our trailer until the house was finished. While we waited, we painted, tiled stain concrete floors and did the clean-up for which we were responsible. For the patios, this is what we did.
November 2005 The upper patio
Stamped Concrete Patio poured in 2005, our alternative to a deck, which was on our ‘wish-list’. Concrete looks great and is less maintenance than a deck would have been. Also fire safe.
2011
Patio in 2011 is now a place to relax with friends, barbeque and watch the mountain, talking over the day’s events, if any.
2006 The lower patio
Lower Patio in 2006, where the deer and the antelope (not shown) play.
2011
The lower patio in 2011, parallel and just below the upper patio extends space for big groups and is surrounded by low water plants. This patio allows me to still run around barefoot a bit.
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