Renovations.....and finally making some decisions

I'm a procrastinator. Let's just get that out of the way. Especially if I know something is not going to be pleasant. I'll put difficult shit off forevah.....gynocologist appts, DMV visits, cleaning my closet, etc. I can't be alone here. On the flip side, when I want something, I want it NOW.

Well for a couple of years, Mr. B and I have wanted to build a "pool house" out by our pool. Our house sits up on top of a crest in Birmingham with fabulous views of the city and surrounding suburbs. We built the house on two lots and because there was so much rock to deal with, we chose to put the swimming pool next to the house instead of behind it. It saved a lot of money in excavation work (no dynamite blasting is permitted) and also provided tremendous views from the pool. In the past seven years we've been both happy it's beside the house because of the views and the breeze we get there and disapointed because of the inconvenience of not being close to all of the amenities of the house, i.e., kitchen, bathroom, etc.

So a couple of years ago we decided to bite the bullet and build a structure that would allow us to really enjoy being out there but I've been putting off getting it done. Didn't want to deal with it and wasn't exactly sure what we wanted. We did know we wanted a couple of things.

1. Someplace to get out of the sun. Alabama is H.O.T. and even though you're at the pool and want some sun, there also needed to be a place to retreat and get out of the heat but still enjoy being poolside.

2. A kitchen. It's too far away from the house to enjoy eating out there. All of that transporting of food and utensils really is a buzzkill. Plus, it was just plain too hot. (Refer to problem #1!)

3. The ability to make full use of the beautiful views. In the past seven years, the "hillside junk" as I call it has grown to a point that it's starting to impede the views. I want it GONE!

So I finally got around to hiring an architect and today he presented me with some kick-ass plans!

Here is a view from the far end of the pool looking back at the house. This picture was taken about a year after we moved in and the landscaping is much more mature now, but it gives you an idea of what we're talking about. The landscaping between the upper garage and the pool will be removed to make room for the pool house.

(click on any of the pictures to enlarge)

This is the current view coming out the back door into the walkway leading to the pool. The garage is the wall to the right.

This is the view from the garage. The pool is on the other side of that hedge. Everything except the large tree on the far left will be gone.

This is the proposed view coming from the back of the house. Nice, eh!! It still gives the pool plenty of privacy but takes care of all of our issues.

This is the driveway leading to the upper garage with the pool to your right. Once again, that entire hedgerow and fence will be removed.

This will be the new view coming up the driveway.

This is the view we are trying to take advantage of. After that hedge/fence row is a huge dropoff. We're going to clear out that area and install an infinity edge hot tub which should be a beautiful place to enjoy a glass of wine (or two!)

That area right there will all be gone!

This is the "bird's eye view" Initially the architect wanted to remove one of Mr. B's upper garage bays. He said that he thought since we didn't have any children that we couldn't possibly need seven garage bays. Ummm....not so fast Mr. Architect. Don't mess with Mr. B's garages. It's the only area of the house that he gets to decorate and call his own! Man loves him some cars and motorcycle and that's where I send him when I need some alone time!

So we'll be keeping all of the existing garage space. Mr. Architect will have to re-think that area!

Anyway, I'm really excited about this. I'm done procrastinating and now I want this finished! Yesterday.

I'll keep you posted.