It’s been a long December and there’s reason to believe- maybe this year will be better than the last… (Counting Crows 1996)
The Ark has been the subject of this blog most recently, so perhaps a brief recap will honor those who made it a reality.
This awkward structure, classified as a workshop, sat at the back corner of three neglected acres 1/4 mile off the road.
I bought it in October 2020 and moved in to the studio apartment on top.
Most of the first winter was spent designing the space, and then finding contractors to plumb and wire it.
In February, I found a great plumber who liked what we were doing. Josh built a plumbing wall and we dug a ditch.
The weather turned warm in March and Josh was able to start framing in earnest.
By May, the weather was gorgeous, and Josh built me this edgy Frank Lloyd Wright-ish look wall to replace the garage door.
It was starting to look more like a house. Just without windows…
Now for the large half-round and transom. This staging will support the roof and deck above as he cuts the existing structural framing.
It wasn’t until this wall was built that I could visualize how all of my plans and sketches would actually look.
The mudroom needs a door, so here comes the header.
With all the walls in place, the joists and flooring above can be added, and we now have a ladder to get up there.
With plywood flooring down, I could walk around. I was so excited to finally wash that lone window…
When Josh went home to work on his own various projects, Bella decides to climb the stairs to have a look around.
I joyfully began to plan my kitchen, pantry, and cabinetry.
By the end of August we are ready for the AC guys to do their thing.
September was a break-through month in every sense of the word. One would think I had never seen sunlight.
And then, just like that, I had a utility room and a half-bath with a beautiful view.
And you know this sweet son of mine didn’t stop there…
Months of hard work were coming to fruition in a few days. I was so happy my face hurt from smiling.
I still don’t know how he managed to install the bedroom window without me noticing.
As the sun set on this amazingly eventful day, he’s still working on the windows with a headlamp!
Remember the mudroom? It’s about to get its door.
This is when I learned of his ability to write in Arabic.
Insulation was scheduled for the next day. They proceeded to fill my house with myriad bales of the stuff.
As they worked filling every crevice, sound was muffled and I had the sensation of being in a cave.
Meanwhile, Josh built a frame and installed this wonderful front door I found on Craigslist a year ago.
We weren’t quite ready to call for the insulation inspection, as we still had these three amigos to install on the mezzanine.
Pictures of all of our progress were in order. This is how we do aerial photography in Pikeville, NC.
We took a break from the house for a while, but that pile of sheetrock was not going to hang itself, so I subbed it out.
Josh buttoned up the siding and trimmed the windows, then fashioned the shop lights from the ceiling into a “stadium” motif.
Remember, we only had one outlet and one light switch to work with, so this was a creative way to deal with lighting.
I was blessed again when God sent me Sam and Jeffrey. They worked such long hours in the chilly nights and dim light.
When I felt it was never going to be finished, they were done.
Now it’s my turn to prime and paint all of those beautiful new walls and ceilings.
After nearly a week of priming, I would have taken any color, but I chose these three to mix and match.
Because of all the natural light, and east-to-west exposure, the subtlety of these colors was perfect, especially the golds.
As soon as I had finished painting, Josh began flooring the bathrooms and utility room with all my repurposed tile.
The budget for my tiny kitchen was tinier, but builder’s grade oak was fine since I was going to paint them anyway.
I never would have imagined the effort required to install my butcher block countertops, but Josh did it with style.
The thrill of getting the power and water on was second only to the joy I felt when all of the windows were installed.
Even with that unfinished wall, you know I took a bath.
I couldn’t wait for these last two lights to be hung so I could take some nighttime photos.
I kept busy for a couple of months with my homesteading projects and then it was time to cover up my prison cell concrete.
This solid hardwood flooring is just another fantastic Facebook Marketplace find. I think I paid $1500.
I had just enough to cover the kitchen, living room, and bedroom in one unbroken piece- about 600 square feet.
In early July, we begin to tie some loose ends, beginning with the shower wall in the master bath.
Roughly 18 months after building that first plumbing wall, I can begin to move downstairs into my new abode.
Leaving the tree tops for the ground floor took some getting used to, but I don’t miss all the stairs.
Meanwhile, Josh tackles the pantry- final framing, wiring, and drywall.
When I have primed and painted the walls, he begins to tile the polygonal floor with another one of my finds.
These brackets will hold the crowning glory of my new pantry-
– a gleaming slab of granite that came through one of his remodels-a perfect fit!
Who needs shelves? Give me some cinderblocks and I’ll make my own…
Shutters provide a finishing touch on any house- on this one it was transformational.
I’m embarrassed to admit that I have been protecting my butcher block counters with puppy pads for 8 months!
In early November I decided to tackle them. It took about a week, but I was very pleased with the outcome.
Between coats, I was able to repaint the base cabinets.
We ended the year with flooring on the mezzanine, which opens up another level of living space.
Another Marketplace find- this sectional fits so well in this cozy area. I am very blessed.
There’s still lots to do, and we continue our work.
However, the season of Not All Who Launder Are Washed is ending and a new one begins.
(This blog will be accessible until 2/5/2023 and then it will be deleted.)
If you wish to follow the Ark Project in the form of an occasional personal newsletter, please reply with your email address.
It has been our sincere pleasure to share this journey with you and we appreciate your comments and feedback.
Be strong in the Lord and never give up hope. Hard times are coming but our Redemption draws near. Keep your eyes on the Prize.
God’s shalom. Love and hugs. MH
What an adventure!! Proud of you. Love the home 🏡… wishing you all the good things ♥️♥️
It came out so beautiful enjoy every inch of it. Keep in touch!!!
gillda1958@yahoo.com
Marie, what an amazing journey building your new home from much nothing. Your home is beautiful and I am so excited for you. The Lord has certainly blessed you in many way. I have been in awe of your spiritual growth along the way. May Gods continue to protect and bless you along your journey. We need a girls weekend to come visit you. Wishing you the Happiest New Year ever.
THIS is the post I’ve been waiting for — a photo-filled update on your renovation. You transformed it from a big box into a beautiful, cozy home.
Great Job my friend.
How wonderful to see it in all its glory! You all did an amazing job with a pretty much nothing! I may just have to visit one day! Love you sister!
Amazing transformation! I clicked the link for notifications with my email address.
Marie, what an amazing journey building your new home from much nothing. Your home is beautiful and I am so excited for you. The Lord has certainly blessed you in many way. I have been in awe of your spiritual growth along the way. May Gods continue to protect and bless you along your journey. We need a girls weekend to come visit you. Wishing you the Happiest New Year ever.
Simply spectacular 🙂
You have carved out a new life and life more abundantly.
The Lord truly is in this place. I am sure everyone’s lives who had a hand in this project were impacted for the Lord. And many blessings will return to you.
Thank you for all the travel experiences you shared with us. It has been quite a journey!
Love and shalom, wendy
Wow!! It’s beautiful! Thank God for all the blessings and the creativity. The hard work really shows. Prayers and peace in your home.
What a wonderful transformation. You have great vision my friend and I expect a beautiful future for you in your new home!