As we patiently wait for final official permissions to proceed with the construction of Hazelnut Inn we are hard at work around the edges of the project. The septic field is now installed and the final grading of the backyard is complete. Just before quitting time today we began the planting of the seed for the 8,000 square foot backyard lawn. Very soon this area will be a lush green lawn. This will be the private area of Peter & Hailey’s residence. The picture below is taken from my studio’s windows where I will be able to watch my grandchildren play as I work. It is going to be wonderful having all my family so close!
The Legend...
Temperance Longbottom was a formidable woman!
According to local folklore, she was raised by her father, John Middling. Little is know of her mother, barring a story that she had disappeared into thin air leaving only an old shoe behind. By all accounts a happy child, Temperance showed an exceptional aptitude for both horticulture and cryptozoology. The North Star's garden still provides ample evidence of these twin passions.
Upon reaching her majority, Ms. Longbottom took her mother's maiden name and set off to make her fortune. Tales abound of her explorations and adventures. Eventually she became captain of a privateer ship, the Avellana. After a particularly daring adventure chasing down a small fleet of bloodthirsty pirates, Temperance found herself in possession of a rather large collection relics from the far corners of the earth. Apparently, Temperance claimed that much of this collection was magical in nature — though she claimed not to be able to use any of it herself. She was determined to return these curiosities to their proper homes and set out on a series of fantastical voyages to do just that. There are even tales of an ill-fated visit to the lost city of Atlantis! No one knows what happened to Temperance, or exactly how the stern of the Avellana became lodged in the side of her house — according to one story it literally flew (as if by magic) into the North Star's tower! However, the North Star and its grounds are littered with ancient statues and arcane paraphernalia — remnants of her collection.
Many long years later, our family acquired Temperance's ramshackle house and (after substantial renovations) opened it up as a guest house for travellers and passers-by.
The Truth...
The North Star Suite will be our first room to open for bookings and we can hardly wait!
When my dad, Peter's grampa, who was a carpenter for much of his working life, visits our projects he shakes his head and comments on how we tend to 'overbuild.' Because we often build with steel, our projects need to be engineered. The engineers always make sure they are plenty strong! But I hate failures and the way to avoid them is to 'over engineer.' We tend to overbuild in critical areas. Our structures need to survive being moved around our shop, loading with cranes, transport by land and sea (often many thousands of miles), and finally, installation on site. And all of this happens before our projects are even put into service! Then they have to perform as designed for years under heavy use. Decades of practical experience has taught us how to build to last and the Hazelnut Inn will definitely be build to last!
When it came time to design the ship's roof for the Hazelnut Inn we pulled out the stops. The design is complex with a variable pitch from front to back and along with a protruding ship's mast. The truss assembly was built as per the engineers instructions. The steel roof is made from 1/8" thick 10 gauge steel. It will have channel iron ribs welded on every sixteen inches. Then we'll waterproof it inside and out for good measure. It will get four inches of a closed cell spray foam inside as well for insulation. This roof won't leak. Ever. We guarantee it!
All of the physical progress we have made to date on the Hazelnut Inn project will soon be buried and out of sight. Engineered fill, pipes, conduits, catch basins, septic fields and on and on. All of this necessary work is almost complete. We, along with many sidewalk superintendents can hardly wait!
We have all been very busy digging, welding, sculpting and painting in preparation for the Hazelnut Inn's construction. Meanwhile, we have been getting more and more requests to book a stay!
It is still too early to start taking reservations -- We haven't even poured the footings yet! -- but (as you can see) Henry and I have been working hard to get our reservation system all sorted out.
In the mean time, if you would like some advance notice for booking, you are welcome to submit your name and email. Just let us know which suite you would like to stay in and we will send you an "early bird" email just before we are ready to take reservations.
