Ivy, VA

Framing!

We are off to a great start and step 3 is Framing. I am amazed at how fast this step is going. We are using micro-lam to span the 20 foot face of the room to preserve the view. The beams will be wrapped between 10-12 inches and we are still deciding on the roof and ceiling materials.

Here is another photo of the open front where the micro-lam is spanning 20 feet!

Here is a link to Part 1 and Part 2:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/649222/Step-1-and-2

Stay tuned for more photos!!!

We have started a new project (building an outdoor room), using a local builder, and just like with building a home in Charlottesville, there are many steps....

Part 1 is a plan. I started by looking at many of the homes in our market, taking photos, selecting materials and even drawing up the plans myself.

Well we are off to the races and the progress is going along nicely.

THE DECK PRIOR TO STARTING

Part 2 is "Demolition" you see our old deck was made of pressure treated material and stained several times. Now it looked ok, but I was tired of the work and since we decided to add an outdoor room. Now was the time for a change.

So demotition begins:

THE FIRST BOARDS ARE REMOVED...

THE BUILDER HAS THE PLAN!!! (and a watchful eye)

This step really only took a couple of hours and the deck was removed and we had a clean slate. Now the real work begins, we start to work on the structure....

Stay Tuned!!!

Today my family and I took a hike at Ivy Creek Natural Area. Located minutes from downtown Charlottesville, this wondurful area boosts over 6 miles of walking trails.

We took off early with water and "bug spray". This is in the woods and there are bugs!

But there is a lot more than bugs, we saw rabbits and signs of other animals too!

Then we saw a Giant Mushroom!!! No sign of anyone living under it!!!

The trails are well marked and weave near the local reservoir. Trails are marked by color (we did the RED TRAIL) and the hiking perfect for a family quick trip! This trail is the center of all the other trails and is about a mile and a half.

There is a fine creek that runs near the center of the area and a perfect place to take a little break.

I hope you get a chance to visit Ivy Creek Natural Area, it is worth the trip!

I live in an area called Ivy Virginia and around us are large estates and farms. Finding a place to walk or hike is not always obvious when you drive around our area.

Hidden off of Owensville Road, just down the street from Meriwether Lewis School is the Blue Ridge Swim Club. If you live near here, you know the area. You may not know there are trails from the neighboring communities,

Here is a map of the trails:

It is such a beautiful area to take your kids out for a hike!

I hope you enjoy it!

Charles McDonald
Associate BROKER, RE/MAX Assured Properties
Licensed to sell Real Estate in Virginia

"Your Outstanding RE/MAX Agent in Charlottesville Virginia"

My neighbor has been a big infuence on us as far as landscaping. Our flower beds and gardens are no where nearly as nice as theirs but we have caught the landscape bug in Charlottesville.

Here are a couple more photos of my neighbors estate:

Notice how the red covers the other side of the driveway and the dogwood in the distance...

This is a reverse shot of the drivway. Notice the pavillion (for the pool) in the distance. Sitting unter there with a cool drink in the hot summer is fantastic. There is always a slight breeze and if now we just turn on the fan.

I hope you enjoyed this little tour.