Original oil painting by: Grandfather’s wife
Grandfather would like, first off, to do his best to convince young people that they can put their life, fortune and sacred honor into their life-long homestead. It’s a state of mind which was the norm as the settlers expanded West in the 19th century and can be reclaimed today. Some evidence is presented here.
“Authorities” might tell you that one cannot plan and build a house without “credentials” and that an “expert architect” and fancy plans are required. More evidence here, to the contrary:
Architectural drawing (LOL) of Grandfather’s house floor plan.
A fragment of the wiring list.
In earlier writings, Grandfather has emphasized the importance of of keeping all entrances on grade, so he wouldn’t be “run out” of the house when he aged and could no longer navigate stairways.
The rear entrance and lower level entrances are on natural grade, but note the lengths Grandfather had to go to get the center-front entrance steps-free.
The front entrance.
Another view of the front entrance.
House front.
The back of the house.
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About the Author: RD Blakeslee is an octogenarian in West Virginia who built his net worth by only investing in that which can be enjoyed during acquisition and throughout life, as opposed to papers in a drawer, like stocks and bonds. You can read more about him here.
Photos: Courtesy of the Blakeslee Family
You have a beautiful house! You’re also absolutely correct, a person with a little ingenuity and the willingness to learn can do anything they’d like, including designing and building a house.
I hope you’re safe and well!
Hi Jason – Yes, we are safe and well Our family has practiced a reasonable level of prepping for years, starting with our location.
Tatjiana and I have been completely isolated for seven weeks and can remain so for the rest of our lives, if neccessary.
Good post RD. Like the photos.
Did something similar with our 2nd, and current, home. Everything we need is ground floor, and the front/garage entrance doors are barely off grade. Carrying groceries/etc in from the garage is a mere few feet to the kitchen.
Your drawing reminds me of our 1st house build…..we literally cut a paper grocery sack open and spread it out to draw the plans on, not willing to go purchase large drafting paper…ahahaaaa.
I’d taken a couple of courses in mechanical drawing as part of my college work later (one reason we built the 1st house was to become ‘official’ Tennessee residents and qualify for in-state tuition), and the next plan looked a bit more professional….except I never did bother drawing out the 2nd floor (we have a similar steep pitch roof with a couple rooms/bath up in the roof area), figuring I’d simply lay it our and build it as it hit me. The 1st floor was were all the good stuff was happening.
There is such a HUGE satisfaction for building your own house….in our case, from timber logged off our place…that I wish everyone could experience it. And while we had a small mortgage ($10k) on the first house (paid off in a few years), the equity from that first build allowed us to build the current house for cash, so we haven’t had a house mortgage since 1981. Just AMAZING the stuff one can do in life if you’re not beholden to a bank every month for interest on a loan they created out of thin air.
Andy, I think your way of going is commendable. We can only hope that some of the preppers we hear about are also building sound estates.
Daddy!
xxx
kitten!
XXX
I see you’ve got quite a fan club there, Dave! 😍
Well, I’m trying for 12 disciples, to be in good company.
At the rate I’m going, I should get there when I’m 134.
Now there’s a goal to subscribe too!
Grandfather, you have a wonderful place! Both my adult son and I have dreams of building our own homes to our tastes in the future. i need to get my butt in gear though. Once my ally, time has become a turncoat. lol
i am not giving up on that dream though.
I am within a few years of having this place free and clear, so that may entice me to stay put. Time will tell.
I am glad that you all are safe and well. Take care and keep on coming back sir.
Thanks for sharing, David.
Best of luck, whatever your future holds.