Our next big project
Since we built our Southern Utah home about six years ago, we’ve had the luxury of being at the end of the street and on a corner lot, giving us plenty of space and a lot of privacy. But more recently, they’ve started building up the area.
They extended the road and are putting these new houses right on top of each other. So when we got the opportunity to purchase the lot next door to us, we decided to jump on it. Now that leaves us the question of what to do with that property.
The possibilities
- To xeriscape the property, maybe put in a small vegetable garden, and some overflow parking.
- To put in a pickleball court and xeriscape the front portion and maybe include a butterfly garden.
- To combine the new property with our existing one and build a small casita, where our guests could stay. Perhaps we could also make use of it by including a small studio or shop.
- To build a small home and rent it out to hopefully help the property pay for itself.
Decision made!
We decided on a pickleball court and xeriscaping. It was one of the less expensive and lower maintenance options and one that we could enjoy on a regular basis.
Progress updates
The first step is the concrete pad and the poles for the fencing:
And next the fencing and lights:
That’s where we are right now. The concrete needs to cure for another couple of weeks before we move on to the next step. Stay tuned for future updates.
Your turn
- Has your neighborhood changed since you moved in?
- Do you have any fun projects in progress?
- What else is on your mind? Anything at all; I just love hearing from you.
Our neighborhood doesn’t change much. Between us and all my in laws we own pretty much all the land on our road so if something is going to change we have a good heads up on it.
That’s nice, Joanne. It can be disheartening to have the area change so much from what drew you to it in the first place. I still love our house and our neighbors, but the views are becoming few and far between. Plus it must be nice to be surrounded by family.
That’s wonderful you could buy the lot next to you. At our last house, we were the last house before some common area. That was really nice as was the trail directly behind us. There was also a very old fenced in cemetery (they were the quietest neighbors). We were one of the last to build in the neighborhood in which we live now. It’s a very quiet one…while technically not a 55+ neighborhood, I’d say that most of the people are at least a decade older than that! We are embarking on a kitchen reno. The guy came today to do the template for the counter tops. We are just doing the demo, and when I say we I mean my sons and son-in-love!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
It sounds like you are in a peaceful, stable neighborhood, Marsha. When we first built our house, we were told we were one of the last lots being built on, but that changed quickly! Good luck on your kitchen reno. It can be tough to go through, but I’m sure it will be worth it in the end.
Wow that’s a big extra space – and some breathing room for you guys. I was looking at how red your soil is – ours is very grey and sandy. Fun idea with the pickleball court – you’re going to be popular with the neighbours – you can rent out sessions!
Yes, Leanne, we live in the land of red dirt. It’s very fine and ends up everywhere. But it sure makes for pretty views. We’re excited about the pickleball court and have already met some new neighbors because of it.
Exciting stuff! I can’t wait to put my mad skills to work when the pickleball court is finished! 🤣😉
We really like our neighbors and our street, but some streets nearby have definitely gone down hill. It’s disheartening because our house has been paid off for a long time and we have no desire to sell and move. And who’s to say a new neighborhood would be better? For now we will stay put.
I can imagine together we will be unbeatable, Cindy…as long as we don’t let anyone else play! 😂
They say change is the only constant. I guess that applies to neighborhoods too. Having good neighbors is definitely something to celebrate. We like ours a lot too.
Our neighborhood hasn’t changed much. We do have little shops a half mile up the road and they change periodically. Thank goodness, our view of the mountains remains a constant.
You are getting this pickleball court in just at the perfect time to enjoy playing in the cooler fall weather. Should be perfect for being on the court. Our Octobers can be pretty windy which wouldn’t lend themselves to much pickleball but November can be really nice. Hope you all get so much good use out it.
Thanks Leslie. We are looking forward to putting the court to good use…and to some cooler weather. The temps have dropped a little this week, so that’s a good sign. It’s nice that you have a consistent view of the mountains. Enjoy it!
That’s all looking great Christie! A project is always needed after a big holiday and you’ve done well.
I do love a good project, Debbie, and with any luck this one should give us hours of joy in the future.