To be able to take advantage of the spring and the gravity flow to the house site the house could not be much higher up than the old cabin. I am sure the original builders of that cabin chose that spot was for that reason. Running water is really important necessity and the well we dug had terrible water.
I also wanted to orient the house to take advantage of the sun's track in the winter and summer. Catching the winter sun through the windows for warmth at the same time avoiding the harsh summer sun for coolness. No electric makes every little detail important. Drainage from summer storms and prevailing winds were in the mix. All these things and a layout that would give us 360 degree views chose the exact spot for us.
I was now in my sixties and not as spry as I used to be. My wife needed to understand that this was not going to be an off the shelf build with store bought materials. We would need to make all the pieces. It was going to take a while. She had no idea.
So Ok, now some pics.
