Well, it’s been some time since we last updated our blog, but the fall has been busy! When we left off, the berm had just been moved into place by Robbie Dean. Loads and loads and LOADS of dirt, sand and gravel sit atop chunks of the old foundation, placed at the base for added stability. After that, it was shaped to form a sloping ‘mesa’ upon which our cottage sits, ten feet wide along the top (for gardens and a walking path) and finished off in a large layer of shot rock to protect against incoming waves.
Front slope of berm
This will all be levelled and tamped with a pea-gravel path and plantings along the foundation walls and top of the rock edge
The berm stretches from one back corner of the house and all the way around the front, almost to the other back corner. The land at the back of the house has been built up 3-4 feet. The plan is to redo gardens around the entire perimeter, dressing up the foundation and creating a garden/seating area on the berm itself. We were able to save and temporarily transplant some of our shrubs and flowers but next spring we have a big project ahead of us (anyone who saw our gardens before realizes what an undertaking that is…) but we are EXCITED for the opportunity to create beautiful new spaces :)!
Let’s think of this as a blank canvas 😉
The house received a bit of a facelift as well. We kept the original vinyl siding but dressed it up with some ‘stone’ to match the berm (replaceable if the wind and waves overtake us, although if it happens at our new height, I suggest we all run for higher ground!)
Meanwhile, inside, there is a new, large dry cellar with a gravel floor, all spray foam insulated, with three large sump pits (total pumping capacity 600gal/min). Ground water has always been an issue close to the river, but with the engineered soil-pack, the new elevation and a moisture mitigation strategy, we hope/expect to stay dry (spring and Mother Nature will tell the tale 😉).
Finally, after removing the former deck, a new one had to be built. And it is solid. Under the skilled hands of Joe Bonnell, a 2-level, 2000 square foot wraparound deck with a verandah is taking shape. The centrepiece is a thirty foot tree rising through the deck floor; no doubt the stress of it all has been hard on the old beauty, but, fingers crossed, she will survive. We hope this great living space becomes a draw for friends and family to enjoy music and movie nights and the East Coast Lifestyle.
Back of house (stairs & ramp access to road)
Main deck & tree (upper & lower level)
Beginnings of the eventual verandah
This has been a huge undertaking (and we are not done yet) but we appreciate the thought and hard work that Chris Ferguson and the JoAt crew have undertaken to make High Water Cottage safe.
As we wind down and head into the winter months, we will keep you updated with stories from life on the river’s edge. For now, happy fall and stay warm (and dry!). 🍁
High Water Cottage 