Background

August 2009 -

• Chris and I (Julie) have had some discussions about building an environmentally friendly and self sustaining home.
• We began to look for a nice 10 acre property in Northern VA.
• We found a very charming 30 acre property with a lot of junk on it.
• We were perplexed by the concrete cylinders all over the property. We think more than 20 thousand of them.
• The existing house is framed and roofed, but no siding of any type. The house is so full of junk we can not even get into it.

September 2009-

• We put in an offer.
• Our great realtor got an estimate to haul away the junk and unfinished house/ $75,000 Yikes.
• Our offer was rejected.
• We decided one day we want chickens.
• We consulted both of our parents for advice. One set said 'no way' the other said 'go for it or you'll regret it' So I guess we have to make the final decision.

October 2009-

• After several re-offers, we finally agreed on a price.
• We had perc testing done and have at least 3 sites where homes could be built.
• We found a headstone from the 1800's laying among the junk.  ??
• Our fab realtor had a construction guy verify that the house foundation was sound and only needs a bit of tuck pointing.
• We walked the property with our friend who is a professional forester and got some great ideas for the property. We saw loads of dear evidence.
• After finding 30 shower doors, Chris thinks it would be a good idea to build a greenhouse out of shower doors. hmmmmm
• We are both finding it hard to sleep and the first things we discuss in the morning are always about the property. Where to put the chickens, the garden, the guest cabin. How to lay out the house.

November 2009-

• We removed all contingencies on the contract and settled on Nov 23 as our closing date.
• We purchased a used Ford 6410 tractor with a bucket, bush hog, auger and blade. Neither of us has ever driven a tractor before.
• Nov. 23 we closed. The seller (age 87) did not like the idea of the wire transfer and wanted to see the money.
• After closing we felt a little daunted and overwhelmed at the magnitude of the project we are taking on.

We agreed on the name Watermark Woods for our property. We all love the water and the stream on the property was a big selling point for us. A watermark on paper is a faint impression which is how we hope our carbon footprint appears on this earth.