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Highland Valley Farm
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Finishing what was started

1/3/2017

15 Comments

 
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In the summer of 1976, a local contractor completed a small concrete basement for us on rural land we had purchased near Bayfield, Wisconsin.  Janet, and I with our first son, then five years old, arrived the following spring to live in a tent, while building the 16' x 24' "core" of what would become our house: a kitchen, small living room, and two loft bedrooms over that tiny basement.  The original intent was that this structure would eventually be our "honey shop" for the processing and sale of products from our future apiary enterprise.  

We soon came to realize, however, that we were not yet in a position to afford the larger house we planned; while at the same time, the cost of the "shop" had been paid entirely from savings.  Raising children and the capital needs of establishing a farm business would prioritize our resources for the next three decades. During those early years we would make do with a smaller space and an outhouse.  Barn-sash windows and varnished sub-floors would suffice, as needed machinery was acquired, additional farm buildings constructed, and berry fields planted.   Over time, to accommodate our growing family, additions were made: a proper bathroom, a third bedroom, a pantry, and expanded living space--but many of the improvements languished in varying stages of completion.   Still later, some original features of the house began to show wear or were in need of re-purposing.

Finally, now that our children are grown and the farm is complete, we are able to return our attention to finishing the house. Our son Jon, now an accomplished carpenter, helped to enlarge the master bedroom, remodel the bath making it handicap accessible, finish floors with tile or native oak hardwood, replace the barn-sash with energy efficient windows, and install substantial new cupboards and cabinets in the kitchen.  Outside, gutters and down spouts were added and the entire building was re-stained.  Late this fall we began the final project that will complete our home: a large open porch across the front of the original "core"--an outdoor space for Kennedy style rockers, a patio table and chairs, and a "bench railing" to provide informal seating for a gathering of the entire family or a party of friends.

Forty years in the making and very near to completion.  Recently in my reading I came across a quotation that gives expression to my sense of fulfillment.  In a meditation he recorded at Cadiz in 1587, Sir Francis Drake mused, ​“There must be a beginning of any significant endeavor, but the continuing unto the end until it is thoroughly finished yields the true attainment.”

15 Comments
Loft Boarding link
3/5/2024 08:51:25 pm

Inspiring blog! Your commitment to finishing projects resonates. In the UK, how do you envision loft boarding contributing to completing spaces like the one you beautifully transformed? Could it be the key to both aesthetics and practicality? Excited to delve into the potential of loft boarding for seamless project completion in the UK market!

Reply
Resin Driveways Stoke-On-Trent link
9/1/2024 12:23:58 am

This is helpful and interesting! The story of gradually building and improving your home over decades is both inspiring and heartwarming, showing how dedication and patience can lead to a truly fulfilling and personalized living space.

Reply
Resin Driveways Norwich link
9/1/2024 12:26:50 am

I appreciate the connection to Sir Francis Drake's quote—it perfectly captures the sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing a long-term project through to completion, making your home a testament to perseverance and hard work.

Reply
Resin Driveways Birmingham link
11/12/2024 05:05:49 am

"What a wonderful reflection! The quote from Sir Francis Drake perfectly captures the satisfaction that comes from seeing a long-term project finally completed. A testament to patience and hard work over decades."


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12/27/2024 07:15:03 am

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12/27/2024 07:15:32 am

I appreciate the insight into your building journey! For professional driveway services, check out our website.

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12/27/2024 07:54:48 am

Thank you for sharing this interesting story! If you need any driveway services, feel free to visit our site.

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12/27/2024 07:55:16 am

I appreciate the insight into your journey! For professional driveway services, don’t hesitate to check out our website.

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1/21/2025 04:34:22 am

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1/21/2025 04:34:46 am

I appreciate you sharing your story about balancing priorities. For professional driveway services, don't hesitate to check out our website.

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1/23/2025 05:38:48 am

Thank you for sharing this wonderful story! If you happen to need driveway services, feel free to visit our site.

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1/23/2025 05:39:07 am

What an inspiring journey! If you're ever in need of driveway services, don’t hesitate to check out our website.

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3/21/2025 09:26:19 pm

Thank you for sharing this wonderful story! If you happen to need driveway services, feel free to visit our site.

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4/15/2025 08:05:02 pm

Thank you for sharing this inspiring story of building from the ground up! If you happen to need driveway services, feel free to visit our site.

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Resin Patio link
4/17/2025 07:56:53 am

Thank you for sharing your journey—it’s inspiring to see priorities in action. If you happen to need driveway services, feel free to visit our site.

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    Rick Dale

    Founder
    ​ of Highland Valley Farm

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