The White Mountains

Why would we relocate to the very rural region commonly known as the White Mountains? If you have to ask, you’ve likely never been there. The area boasts 48 4,000-foot peaks and is home to Mount Washington—the highest mountain in the Northeast. It’s an ice climber’s/mountaineer’s/cross-country skier’s paradise. (And that’s just ONE season.)

Come in the spring to watch mountain springs transform into cascading waterfalls; in the summer to see mountains bloom with sunshine yellow and fire red wildflowers; and in autumn to celebrate apples and pumpkins under a canopy of vibrant yellow, red and gold.


After spending many a winter ice climbing, mountaineering and cross-country skiing in the White Mountain area, my soon-to-be husband and I fantasized of a home in this region—where the great outdoors began in our backyard. Where a wood-burning stove warmed our home and hearts. Where a cozy cottage, aglow with love, welcomed us home from our outdoor adventures.

We came to a point when we knew we needed to stop dreaming and start living. Or start living our dream—however you’d like to look at it.

**This is the view from our "back door." (In quotes because, well, we have no back door yet!)

Benvenuto!

Welcome family, friends and fellow homebuilders! This blog is going to document the process of building our very first home. I hope to teach you the many benefits—and challenges—of building small, building green and building on a budget.

I would be lying if I said the process wasn’t discouraging—especially for a young couple building within our financial means. That is part of the reason I haven’t blogged about our experiences until now. I wasn’t lazy. I was just unenthusiastic.

But with the positive events that occurred over Labor Day weekend—we signed a contract with a builder and have a proposed end date in sight—I have a much improved outlook on our project. And a desire to help educate others who want to build green.

I welcome your questions, as I’ve undoubtedly shared the same concerns, and I can’t wait to pass on all we have learned to you. For those who feel a project such as this is too daunting—I’m here to give you hope that it’s not.

Believe in your home. Believe in yourself. And, along the way, follow us on our journey home!