Dropping by to introduce myself....

[FutureBumpkin]

...and look for reassurance that I'm not losing my mind.

What started out a year ago as a simple exercise in securing a piece of land to eventually retire to in 15-20 years has turned into an actual purchase and the desire to get to it in 15-20 days!  I don't know if I'm already getting old and crotchety at the age of 47, or if my growing distaste for "life as we know it" is actually pure, unadulterated SANITY.  But, this isn't a therapy session, so let's get to it:

I have just purchased an acre of land in far western NC, just about 3 minutes from the TN border.  It's about 200 yards off Apalachia Lake at about 1500 feet elevation.  No neighbors - yet - just six other acre size empty parcels, and a 50 acre vacant parcel behind me.  Other than that, lots of USFS land.  I'm far more adventurous than the hubby; he didn't want to go the large-acreage, totally off the grid route.  This is our compromise, and it is absolutely gorgeous.

This forum has been a wealth of ideas and information, which has only served to make me even more uncertain about exactly how to go about crafting my new life, other than simplify my life dramatically and start LIVING instead of working. I have a nest egg that would last me a short amount of time if I chose to maintain my current lifestyle - which I have no desire to do, but which should serve me adequately enough to check-out of the rat race and live simply.

I have no construction experience, but I'm a gardener/camper/backpacker who's not afraid to sweat, get dirty, and work to the point of exhaustion.  I suppose that's better than being a lazy master carpenter?

So I'm excited to find a place for guidance, advice, and reassurance as I begin this journey of 1,000 decisions.  Maybe I'll just start with some pix and topos, and let the chiming in begin, i.e. "you don't even want to THINK about earth sheltered in that kind of soil,  that state will NEVER let you get away with such and such type of construction, that climate is ideal for this or that type of structure, etc."  Heck, I don't know.  Just taking babysteps right now.  Do be gentle.






Topo lines are 4' elevation changes. Red line is the (unimproved gravel) road.

[alex trent]

That is one beauty full spot and view.

What is the scale on the map?  I assume the lake i on the left side of what you posted?

You have road access, which is a big thing...how unimproved is it.  can you get trucks up to delover stuff or will you have to haul in yourself on trailer or in PU.

[JRR]

That is pretty country... image obviously taken before the leaves started "turning".

I live in GA/TN ... and I have gone thru a number of earth sheltered plans.  They kinda make sense (for me) in a colder climate .. or in a drier climate.  But in the Southeast, we have lots of moisture and plenty of bugs and creepy, crawly kritters ..... so that my house planning now always has me wanting to get far up off the ground.   I would suggest you get a tent and spend a few days (more than a few) living at your new site to see how close to ole terra firma you really want to be.  August would be good month.

[FutureBumpkin]

Thanks for checking in Gringo and JRR.  I've posted another pic that will give you a better idea of the size of the lot I'm dealing with and location of the lake.  The orientation is correct, so South is the bottom of the pic.  The topography scale was 1:1,000;  4' elevation rise per line.  Within 10 miles of the lot it is gravel roads, and the last 1/2 mile is a pretty bumpy in-need-of-grading and fresh gravel stretch, but certainly passable. 

I've drawn a box where I imagine the best home site to be:  maximizes east-west axis facing nearly true solar south; follows grade to minimize excavation.  My first though was earth-sheltered to take advantage of the slope, but now I'm feeling the slope is maybe too much and I'd be faced with the need for hellaciously reinforced walls.  I do like the idea of blending in to the landscape and being as unobtrusive as possible, but I'm not against going above ground.

My thoughts on going above ground are that some cost savings could be achieved by minimizing slab work, which leaves you up on piers and the whole underside of the structure basically exposed.  While I realize NC isn't cold by some standards, there is snow and several months of temps that hover near freezing.  I hate to compromize energy efficiency, but the best design for the site might just call for it.

I have read so many great posts pointing out all the things the owner doesn't see (or doesn't want to see and acknowledge), and I'm ready for the full brunt of your knowledgeable inputs.    I'm sure there are fabulous options that haven't even occured to me yet.

So I guess my question to the forum is this:  If this were YOUR piece of property, what would YOU do with it?

[waggin]

Every site has its compromises, and I find that it takes me a lot of time on site to weigh all factors against each other.  Another thing to do is to clear some of the underbrush, so you can have clear sight lines within the property for planning things like driveway, parking, outbuildings, etc.  As someone who likes privacy, I always consider what might happen on neighboring lots.  Might it be developed in any way?  Could it be logged even if it's not buildable?  Could you end up with a barn and manure smell right next to your cabin?  In your drawing, you are siting the cabin close to a property border, and my personal inclination is to avoid that unless absolutely necessary.  If enough other factors make it the best spot, it may be the best spot though.  If you have the luxury of time, wander it in different seasons, weather, and even time of day.  Looks like a pretty view.  Good luck!

[yankeeredneck]

If I remember right, footers in NC have be 18 inches (in Watagua county). Depending on the county, you shouldn't have much issue building on the land. You have a beautiful spot. Can't wait to see the build. And......welcome to the forum!

[alex trent]

Good advice to walk it a lot. Be good in the winter with less foliage.

I changed my site three or four times before I built.

I too am not a big fan of building on the perimeter as never know who does what there...but sometimes got to make compromises.  Mine is great site, but is a bit close to overlooking the front border...hope for the best when someone finally builds there.

Have fun scoping it all out.

[Erin]

If this were YOUR piece of property, what would YOU do with it?

Cut down a bunch of those trees so I could see!! 



Seriously, I'd suggest doing nothing with it for at least six months.  Just get a feel for it.  How does the sun travel during different seasons?  Where would you put any outbuildings?  Where would the access road go?  That sort of thing. 
Give yourself time to see how things would fit together most effectively.