10.23.2014

Who Wants S'mores?! - Our Latest Project

The day we found this piece of property I spotted the PERFECT spot for an outdoor project we've been dreaming about for years. A flat, grassy knoll perched just high enough to enjoy a panoramic view of the entire property. Although we have what seems to be an eternal list of to-do's for the farmhouse interior, we decided to jump right in and start this project first so that we could enjoy this beautiful fall season to the fullest. To say we're thrilled with how it turned out would be an understatement! It's definitely one of the coolest spaces we've ever created and we're already having a blast hosting our family and friends.


S'MORE PLEASE!

Before you see the finished project, I wanted to show you a little of the build process. This was definitely a labor of love, but SO worth it! Brett is a ROCKSTAR and we completed this entire project ourselves in about three weeks. (Mostly comprised of late afternoons and a few weekend days.) The project was inspired by a popular pin on Pinterest and we added a few customizations to fulfill our vision for the space, as well.


First things first, we had to decide how big we wanted to build this thing and plot out where we were going to place the posts. We initially struggled with the post hole digger, but I'll let you guess who won that fight. (Hint: The support posts are now set nearly 4 ft. in the ground - with concrete. They aren't going anywhere.) ;)


The Perfect Spot








One afternoon I thought I caught Brett in a death trap as he was placing the top beams with the tractor bucket. Alas, the beams are secure and Brett survived. Thank goodness.






Brett completed the fire pit and then we had to figure out a plan for seating. We knew we wanted several swings because they represent everything we had in mind for the space. They're peaceful and southern and just plain awesome. I don't know anyone who doesn't enjoy some good porch swingin'. However, the frame of the structure was so large that we didn't think the swings would be close enough to enjoy an intimate fire. Our dilemma: porch swings are expensive we hadn't budgeted for additional seating. Brett is incredibly talented, but we were worried that if we attempted to build all the swings ourselves it would take us so long to complete the project that we wouldn't get to enjoy it very long this season. Thanks to some great referrals, we found someone local who built us SIX 6-ft porch swings and we spent less than half of what we budgeted! (HAPPY DANCE!) Brett then built six additional adirondack style chairs to surround the fire pit that turned out beautifully.








The last addition we made to complete the project was an area that would serve dual purposes: firewood storage and a table top. Brett crafted a bar style ledge that is the perfect height for dining and serving. We're planning on installing some exterior outlets on the back so we can easily use crock pots, carafes and other party essentials out there, too.






We still need to stain and seal the structure but it's completely functional right now and we couldn't be happier! This is our little piece of farm heaven.










Happy Camper!


Soooo....... WHO WANTS S'MORES???!!!



xo-Lauren


**We are so excited to partner with Remodelaholic to offer a detailed tutorial on this project! Click HERE to check it out!**





**UPDATE**
Here is an updated photo of this area after we completed staining it! 




22 comments :

  1. This project is totally awesome!! Love the structure; very unique, the swings, the beautiful chairs, the fire pit....all of it! Well done!! What a lovely way to spend a cool fall evening, I'm certain your family and friends will share many wonderful fun memories here.
    I found your blog through Rhoda's "Southern Hospitality" Friday Feature this morning and was intrigued enough to want to see how you started your project. WOW, that's quite a story!
    Congratulations on what you've accomplished in and around your lovely home, it's truly beautiful and I'm so happy for you!
    You and your husband seem to have what I fear is almost extinct, the pioneer spirit that made this country. You've have certainly overcome adversity, moved forward from it and are living your dreams, how wonderful!!
    I'd love to follow along to watch your dreams becoming reality as you continue on your journey.
    The best of luck to you in your continuing saga!
    PS I love the photos of your little man, he is so adorable!!

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    1. Thank you so very much! I'm so glad you found your way here! I've always felt like my husband and I were Old Souls.. We're makers at heart. Even when we lost our first historic home in a tornado and built new - we still couldn't help but look for projects. It's just who we are and what we love. We are so passionate about restoration and old homes. We feel like honored to be able to live in the home we do and bring it back to its best form. And I always feel like having a "collected" home full of vintage treasures is like looking forward through a window to the past. I wish more people could give the love to places like this and make them the best they can be! We're so happy to be here. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind words!

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  2. Wow! I love it! Your little boy is adorable too! I nice open-air place to enjoy family and friend time with a great bonfire! I bet you also enjoy star gazing!

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    1. Hi, Sandy! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment! This is one of our very favorite spots on the farm. :)

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