Monday, December 19, 2011

A Peek At What's To Come

New Home
So I'm happy to say that we've found a new place to live - well at least for the next 18 months. It didn't take us very long, which is nice considering several folks have warned us of how difficult it can be to find decent housing in Burlington, Vermont this time of year. Like other college towns, most rental units in Burlington come onto the market during the summer months when the vast majority of students are looking for housing. In our case, we were lucky that the present occupants of our future home had to break their lease. When we entered the front doors, Marc and I looked at each other and we both knew instantly that we were destined to live here.

I have to give Marc all of the credit for finding this gem. It was by far the best place we'd seen on Craigslist. Interestingly, it is located in a cohousing development in Burlington. What is 'cohousing' you might ask? Well, you can learn more about it here. I will admit that the concept of cohousing is something new to me. (In my mind, I was picturing a 60's style commune.) But the more I read about it, the more confident I am that it will be a very good fit for us. I'm looking forward to living and on occasion breaking bread with other families who share similar values and interests.

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This particular co-housing development is situated on 4 acres, was built using green materials and designed for energy efficiency. There are also solar panels on the roof of this unit. According to the property manager, the owner intended to spend the rest of her life here and as such made extensive upgrades to the interior and exterior of the home. Sadly, she had to relocate a couple of years ago. (We assume the reason was health-related.) She was an avid gardener and had installed four large raised beds in the back and two rain barrels on the side of the house. There's also a small composter. Around the unit she planted strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, blackberries and several fruit trees.

The exterior space could be considered tiny in comparison the the half-acre we currently have, but this just means that I'll have to be much more creative in utilizing the limited space available for growing food. I'm actually looking forward to the challenge as I've long had an interest in urban vegetable gardens. Besides, the way I see it, urban farms may one day be the norm and and not the novel.

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I'm looking forward to planting in these beds this upcoming spring. From what we've been told, they've remained unused for the past couple of years. I'm sure the owner will appreciate the fact that they're being put to good use again. (Maybe I'll have the property manager send her some pictures this summer.) I will try to grow more vegetables in pots as well, although up until now, I haven't had much success with this. The development also has a small common garden but space appears to be extremely limited. There are several community gardens nearby so I'm hoping to get a plot elsewhere.

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My favorite feature of this home is most definitely the glass conservatory. Since it's an addition to the home, it's also heated. The room has a sink, work surface, adjustable shelves and a drain built into the floor for easy cleanup. It also has a fan and remote controlled shades installed in the event it gets too hot during the daytime. I can't wait to start sowing seeds in there. I'm certain my citrus plants will appreciate the space has well.

In addition to all of these things, the unit also has one of the most beautiful kitchens I've ever been in. As you can imagine, I'm feeling much better about the move (which is in three weeks) now that we've secured a place to live. I'm just happy that I'll be gardening again next year!

29 comments:

  1. ...and I know we'll be glad to keep reading about it! Good luck in your new home and with your new garden!

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  2. Wow, what a great find.I love the living concept.

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  3. Dreams do come true, and happily ever after does exist! An earned blessing, how wonderful for you all! Way to go! Peace

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  4. I am so happy for all of you! This place seems PERFECT for you...and yes, I bet the owner will be SO happy you appreciate and are utilizing her raised beds. I'm excited for you!

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  5. lovely place glad to see you found something with a garden

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  6. I was waiting for you to say "just kidding".... WOW what a beautiful place and will be a fantastic fit for your family! I can't wait to see this next phase of your life unfold, nice job Marc on finding such a wonderful place!

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  7. Congratulations on finding such a great place! I hope it works out well for you all, Thomas.

    Merry Christmas!

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  8. I think that you will be surprised at how much you can grow in those beds! Your new place is just great! You will be able to cook up a storm in that kitchen!

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  9. Wow, Thomas!! It looks absolutely beautiful! You won't miss a beat on the gardening season.

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  10. It looks the the future. Stunning find - clever Marc. You must definitely send photos to the owner - I'm sure she will be happy to know that her vision is shared by someone with your passion.

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  11. Great house!!! Can't wait to see what all you grow there.

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  12. Thomas it looks wonderful. Give square foot gardening a think. You can grow more than you think in that space.

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  13. What a beautiful place. I can't wait to see what you do with the gardens!!!

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  14. What a perfect fit for you and your family! I'm envious of that room...just look at all those grow shelves. Heck, you can have an indoor garden all winter! Great find, Marc!

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  15. Wow! This looks like a wonderful find. So filled with hope and possibilities.

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  16. Before we bought this house we were on the waiting list for two of the cohousing complexes in Cambridge. I love the idea of cohousing. I think a lot of people have trouble with modern society and how disconnected they are with the people around them.

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  17. What a great find. I too am envious of your glass conservatory. Your citrus plants will be very happy in their new home. Good luck and all the best.

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  18. We live in cohousing in Maine - love it most of the time. Our backyard looks similar with raised beds. A neighbor grows tomatoes in the winter in his glass greenhouse - your seeds will love it! And if you can get space at the community gardens, they are awesome spaces in Burlington.

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  19. WOW! Awesome!!! Can't wait to see the progress next Spring! See, those beds were waiting for you...it was meant to be..

    Good luck and keep sharing!!

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  20. I am a long time reader but I never commented before. I was very sad that you were moving because I know how difficult it is to part with a garden, but I am so glad you found this wonderful new place for the next few years. It seems to be custom made for you. Can't wait to see what you will be growing come spring.

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  21. This site is so interesting. Whole stuff is so informative. Pictures of your garden are so beautiful and nice to share them.

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  22. Thomas, how wonderful is that!! Things seem to work out, don't they?
    Merry Christmas, to you, Marc and Jonathan! May blessings continue to flow and find well-being for us all in 2012. Enjoy the move.

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  23. Happy Holidays! I'll look forward to following your new garden :)

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  24. Wonderful! I'd take this as another good sign that you are on the right path :-) Congratulations!

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  25. What a wonderful spot for the three of you! I'm so happy you have found such a great spot and can have a garden so close at hand, and a conservatory! That is a gardener's dream!

    :)

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  26. I love it! You are so fortunate to have found such a great place - actually it seems like perhaps it was waiting for you. :D

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  27. I think all of my comments did not go through just a minute ago.....so I will again say I am sorry that we are losing you to VT, but wow- what a wonderful place to be losing you to! Burlington has so much to offer, best of luck getting settled and finding that community garden plot....or perhaps a work-share CSA would be up your alley as well.

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  28. Wow! How did this post escape me? I can hardly imagine a better fit for you and Marc. Congratulations.

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  29. Gosh I haven't been able to keep up with much blog reading the past month, so I'm surprised to read this. Good luck with your move north! My step son is a student at Norwich (in Northfield). The "he" part of us once lived in in VT as well.

    Best wishes! The place looks great and cohousing may well be right up your alley.

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