Building Rockwood

As the snow blankets the mountains Rockwood is reaching completion.  No detail has been overlooked.  This home is ready to be wrapped up for you for the holidays and comes completely furnished.  Everything you see in this amazing home would all be yours – we'll just put a bow on it for you!  This is a true turn-key home, just bring yourself. You'll be drawn to the great room with the enormous windows bringing the mountains right in.  The floor to ceiling fireplace will make you want to curl up and enjoy the view.  The gourmet kitchen has everything you need including service for 12 - ready for your memories to be made. The master suite features a tub to soak away the day or the multi-jet shower to wash away all the stress of the outside world. You'll wake each day to the breathtaking views of the White Mountain National Forest. With 2 more bedrooms upstairs with their own private baths everyone will have their own space to have some quiet downtime should they want. You'll find something for everyone with a media room on the upper level and a home theater room on the lower level.  There are puzzles, games and books to enjoy.  Not to mention foosball table for the competitive side. You can hear the laughter and joy of making memories together! The bunkroom on the lower level has its own private bath too! With so much space, there is a cozy nook for all. Check out our gallery of photos! [gallery size="full" columns="2" ids="4575,4585,4579,4588,4578,4582,4576,4577,4574,4581,4580,4573,4586"] This home will be featured as a vacation rental on homeaway.com as well. This is an opportunity for you to enjoy the luxury of staying in this amazing custom built timber frame home. We are sure that if you do, you will fall in love with it as we have and want to call it home.

We are up to mid-May now and not only are spring flowers popping and leaves budding but babies are about.  I have lived in New England my whole life.  Most of it right in this area. And getting to see wild animals still is exciting for me.  I wish I could tell you to look at these amazing picture I got. But nope, I was so excited to see the momma bear with her 3 cubs that my camera wasn't even pointed in the right direction. I did manage to get a couple where you can make out that they are actually bears.  They ran off into the woods quickly, as they should. I also got to see a beautiful Jake (male turkey) in full strut trying to charm the ladies. He didn't appreciate his picture taken either.  And with all the conservation land within Ledgewood, the animals know where is and isn't safe. In fact, Andy Smith (the owner of Peabody & Smith) lives here and has yet to see the bears as he has a dog and the bears just know… [caption id="attachment_4457" align="alignleft" width="640"] A blurry photo of the Jake, or male turkey, caught in Ledgewood[/caption] Rockwood has steady progress coming along.  The rock work on the front porch is starting to take place now that it's warm enough.  The green pieces from the last blog will be added into the columns to complete them and bring the color together. [caption id="attachment_4459" align="alignnone" width="640"] The rocks on the front columns are almost complete[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4460" align="alignleft" width="640"] A view of some of the rock "tiling" on the inside of the home, too.[/caption] The tile floor is complete in the master bath.  And I love that they have completed the tile under where the vanity will go.  So if at some point it needs to be changed out the flooring will accommodate it. The upstairs bedrooms are also pulling together.  Even with all of the wood the rooms are so bright.   [caption id="attachment_4462" align="alignnone" width="640"] In the master bath, we've got more shiplap and a beautiful mosaic tile[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4463" align="alignnone" width="640"] Shiplap siding was used in multiple rooms, but with all the natural light, it still maintains a coziness[/caption]   And although the snow is gone it is hanging tough on Cannon Mountain.  I went by the location of the ice castle in Lincoln NH and they still have Ice piles left over from the Ice Castle this winter.   It's been a bit of wet spring so I would have thought the rain would have sped this up. [caption id="attachment_4456" align="alignleft" width="640"] Stubborn snow on Cannon Mountain[/caption]

May day.  And it's so nice to have spring upon us.  This was from May 1st. And I for one am loving that the air is warmer, we see new signs of spring.  I love this time of year with all the different hues of green.  The varying stages of leaves popping out.  Which also means that sugar season is over.  (When the sap flows for the liquid gold of maple syrup).  The canopy seems to become one lush blanket over the mountains. Inside, Rockwood is coming together nicely. The wall of windows is beautifully accented with the rocks.  With the side walls also highlighted with rocks.  I think this has come out beautifully.  You will see the green boards are for the front columns which you will get a great look at in the next blog.  It will be a beautiful combination of the green accents and stones. The kitchen is coming together too.  The granite counter tops are in and have been kept protected through the construction process.  Two ovens.  What cook (I'm a huge foodie so I am in love love love with this kitchen) wouldn't want two ovens?  The oversized stainless steel sink will make cleaning up a breeze.  Plenty of room for those large pots. Outside they are pulling together the large piece of landscaping.  Moving the rocks about to make them fit naturally into the property.  Making just enough lawn to enjoy but not to spend the entire weekend having to mow it. I would be content if summer lasted 9 months and winter just 3.  Summer in New Hampshire is just wonderful.  I just wish there weren't black flies… [caption id="attachment_4434" align="aligncenter" width="3264"] Unveiling the granite countertops that have been lovingly protected throughout the build process[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4435" align="aligncenter" width="3264"] A chef's dream: double ovens![/caption] [caption id="attachment_4436" align="aligncenter" width="3264"] Spring had sprung in New Hampshire with the mountain tops covered in a layer of trees[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4437" align="aligncenter" width="3264"] A great wall covered in natural rock--and you wonder how this home got it's name![/caption] [caption id="attachment_4438" align="aligncenter" width="3264"] The builders did an excellent job bringing natural light into this home and large windows to enjoy the surrounding views[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4439" align="aligncenter" width="3264"] A sneak peek of the green boards that will eventually be placed on the front columns for protection during the building process.[/caption]

Just 10 days later from the last blog post when I visited the home site…and the stones are in place for the fireplace.  Just waiting on the mantle. This feature certainly makes the great room feel great.  And it will be a real wood fireplace.  You'll get that snap and crackle of a real fire.  But you know what?  The builder has added this truly brilliant feature.  If you have ever started a fire before you know that sometimes it can be a challenge if the wood isn't quite dry enough or you don't have enough kindling.  Well, there is actually a gas starter for the fireplace. So all you have to do is get your wood all set with your kindling and your logs ready.  You turn on the gas and light it.  It will ignite your wood and once it's going you can turn off the gas.  So no huffing and puffing to fan the flames and get your fire to take off.  In no time you will have a lovely glowing fire to curl up next to and watch the flames dance your cares away in your great room. [caption id="attachment_4384" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Fieldstone fireplace taking shape[/caption] The stonework on the wall of windows as I call it, is taking shape nicely. I wish that you could see this in person to see just how pretty it is. Once the stone work is complete this great room will be the room in the house that everyone is going to gravitate to.  It is certainly the focal point and where I gravitate to even in the construction phase. [caption id="attachment_4385" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Mountain Views will await you in this home![/caption] The exterior is coming along nicely. With each and every cedar shingle being hand dipped it takes time for them to be done correctly.  As they are done they are added to the exterior.  The team that is working on this project are so professional.  It's truly been a pleasure getting to know each of them a little bit at a time. [gallery size="large" ids="4387,4386,4388"]

There is nothing like the first day in spring – a day when the snow was gone and it was warm enough for flip flops again. And on this day, it was early April.  There was still ice on the ponds but it was warm.  A warm breeze and I could wear my flip flops. And just as the seasons have changed, Rockwood is making lovely strides towards completion. The fireplace is nearing completion.  The stone carrying through to the second level.  And the stone work opposite the fireplace is starting to take shape.   The combination of the stone, the timber peg, the wood the grandness of the room adds to the grandness of the view and they feel like the flow. The custom cabinets are in place in the kitchen.  There will be a custom island with one of a kind maple counter as well.  Without a single light on, this home is so bright and open.  What you can't see in the picture are the granite counter tops.  They are being protected throughout the rest of the building process. Upstairs the walls are being finished.  Each bedroom is a slightly different color of paint.  And the bonus room has been sheet rocked, showers are getting tiled.  With each step I can see a home where so many happy memories will take place.  It seems like there is a place for every one of all ages in this home to have a special nook. On this particular day I could see sitting on the deck and listening to the sounds of the song birds that seem just as happy as I am that the snow is gone.  Feeling the warm breeze on my face and just enjoying that first warm day of spring.  How would you enjoy that first warm day of spring? [gallery size="large" columns="4" ids="4361,4360,4359,4358,4356,4355,4354,4351,4353,4357,4352,4350"]

Oh this day was just truly one of those spring days.  This was late March when I took these photos and there was a storm coming in late that day that was to coat us in a blanket of ice.  These blue sky days just beg you to stop and take a picture everywhere so you can share this brief moment of time.  It had been a few weeks since I had been to Rockwood and I knew things were really starting to shape up and wanted to get photos with the crisp white sugar snow that we had gotten a few days prior with the crisp blue sky. I live in Littleton,  NH just a few towns away (only about 20 minutes drive). On this day, I loaded up my dog Lucy (a 10 year old Newfoundland and St. Bernard rescue who just loves to go for a ride) and headed out to go capture the progress.  As I drove down Main Street in Littleton, I had to smile to myself. The sun was shining and it had warmed up to 27 from the brisk 6 it was when I first woke up.  There were plow truck drivers grabbing a bite to eat together at the Littleton Diner fueling themselves to prepare for what would be very long nights ahead for them.  Couples were walking hand in hand window shopping, I just love Littleton's Main Street. It may not be very long but it is filled with something for everyone. I decided I need to take the long way and just enjoy this Sunday morning. I looked out over the fields and saw the trails of animals that had wandered through. The progress of some camps that are being torn down to make way for something new. The white capped mountains. The hub bub in Bethlehem, NH as people go about their days. I think one of my favorite views along the way to Rockwood is just before the entrance to Ledgewood – and it's the Ammonoosuc River. I've attempted to capture this view before without success. The view is truly just the quintessential small river with the White Mountain National Forest as a back drop.  The rocks are capped with snow and a thin shell of ice has formed along the edges.  It is truly one of the prettiest views along Route 302.  Someday I will get the picture that I feel does it justice. As you can see the exterior has a bit more progress with the hand dipped cedar shakes, but inside is where there is some real progress. The cabinets are in and the walls are covered with whitewashed boards. The ceiling is finished waiting for fixtures. The room was washed with so much light it was hard to capture a picture showing how bright it was. This is going to be a kitchen and dining room that will beg to be filled with great food and lots of laughter. The living room walls are prepped and waiting for the mason's touch. The fireplace is starting to take shape. The upstairs bedrooms have made nice progress too, with white washed boards and tile showers. [caption id="attachment_4323" align="aligncenter" width="640"] In a white-washed, wood paneled room, everything looks nice and bright![/caption]   [caption id="attachment_4324" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The rooms are finally starting to look like actual rooms![/caption]   [caption id="attachment_4325" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The upstairs area is getting put together nicely![/caption] [caption id="attachment_4327" align="aligncenter" width="576"] The masons are getting ready to work![/caption]   [caption id="attachment_4328" align="aligncenter" width="576"] A sampling of the title patterns that will be featured throughout the home.[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_4329" align="aligncenter" width="576"] The tile in one of the bathroom showers is nearly finished![/caption] Until next time, enjoy!

When I took these photos, it was Mid-February 2017. And now there has been great progress.  One of the focal points of the home is finally starting to take shape - the fireplace.  This will be a stone fireplace that will go through the center of the home. [caption id="attachment_4313" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Stone or rock fireplaces can give your home an amazing look that makes you feel like you're in a lodge with friends, gathered around the fire, singing songs and drinking hot cocoa.[/caption]   Rooms are framed in to give more of a defined look.  But I will confess something - I am not good with heights.  I mean my toes curl and my belly flips when I watch someone else do something high up. So I haven't ventured into the bedroom to the right when you go up the stairs.  Although I have been assured that it's perfectly safe and I won't fall.  I hear that little voice in my head go "NOPE NOT HAPPENING".  I listen to that voice. It usually serves me quite well.  However, you can see the framing is in place and it's taking shape nicely. [caption id="attachment_4311" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The upstairs is coming together![/caption] The exterior has more of the hand dipped cedar shakes.  By taking the time to hand dip each one they can vary the colors by the length of time they are in the stain.  Which gives it this wonderful depth and appearance that it's always been here and has weathered this way.  They are utilizing the bunk room  downstairs to  let them dry and of course taking great care to protect the floors. [caption id="attachment_4309" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Shingles need to be pre-stained before application to prevent cupping/cracking after weathering. And dipping them is the best process.[/caption] It was a stormy day and the tops of the mountains are hidden. But it's still magnificent to be here in Ledgewood in Bethlehem and Carroll, NH. [caption id="attachment_4310" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Cannon Mountain is out there somewhere![/caption]

Even on a gray day, this is still a beautiful location.  The snowcapped mountains are there… they are just well - getting snowcapped.  As much as I am not a fan of the cold, I do love the peacefulness of a fresh snowfall.  Did you know that sound carries completely differently after a new dusting?  The small little air pockets created by the fresh fallen snow helps absorb the sounds.  So that hush -  that is the "sound" of the snow.  I love that fresh blanket of white, crisp snow, especially when the sun is shinning the next day. It can make it look like a field is kissed with diamonds.   It's the beginning of February in these pictures.  Although the progress isn't the leaps and bounds from the first few months of construction there has been some significant changes since my last update. (Building a home is a long process. If you want to catch yourself up, check out some of our previous installments of "Building Rockwood".) The electrical is roughed in.  The plumping is roughed in.  And the insulation is in.  There is a combination of sprayed foam insulation and fiberglass.  And with every step in the process there is great care taken to protect the timber frames from the spray foam. On the exterior the hand dipped cedar shakes and vertical pine boards that have also been individually stained.  I just love how this looks.  The depth and character makes it feel like the home has been here forever. Once all the grass and wildflowers come in this will truly look as if its part of the natural scenery.  And I for one am ready for warm weather and flowers blooming! [caption id="attachment_4228" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The hand-stained cedar shakes and vertical pine boards make this home both cozy and stunning[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_4226" align="aligncenter" width="640"] A different point of view from inside the home, looking onto snowcapped mountains[/caption]  

It's kind of like the magic of TV. Building a home is a labor of love. Sometimes it feels like nothing is happening or it is taking forever for the next step.  There is a lot of coordination of contractors. "This" one has to be done before "That". In these photos, this was the beginning of January – and it was cold. The wind was biting. I was thankful the roof was on and it's all framed in, windows and doors (except the front one).  I was thankful they had space heaters going.  And the electrician and plumbers were also grateful.  (They too were pretty skilled at staying out of the pictures.) It is so exciting to see the plans come to life and to see the textures and colors come to life. Whomever gets to call this home will have a home that has been loved long before it was imagined. And the attention to detail lets you see in this process makes that shine through.  With the carefully chosen colors and contrasts. This home will be a show piece. With the framing in place the rooms are beginning to feel like rooms. The view is going to give you a front row seat to watch the storms blow through the valley. I can just see curling up with a cup of hot cocoa, a snuggly blanket and a crackling fire watching the snow fall. And in the summer watching Mother Nature's sunlight show the mountains in all their glory. Although I have a feeling one of the best places in the summer will be the screened room that is off the pantry.  The perfect place to enjoy all the beauty.  Bug free. The only upside of below zero is no mosquitos - well for me anyways. For the snow lovers, they see snow-making possibilities. I see crackling fires and hot cocoa and staying there till the air doesn't hurt my face.   [gallery columns="2" link="none" size="large" ids="4215,4210,4214,4211"]      

The weather this past fall was out of this world - little to no rain & unseasonably warm.  It was a wonderful foliage season, and  builders loved the extended warm days.  It made getting everything up and ready to close in much easier before cold temps and snow fall. Some of the progress made this fall: Hand dipped cedar siding. Each piece was hand dipped to give great depth and make the home even more visually appealing in terms of adding texture to the home.  The hand dipping will help the home seem as if it has always been here at Ledgewood in Twin Mountain/Carroll, New Hampshire. The roof timbers are in place now and you can clearly tell this is going to be an amazing home. There has been much progress through the winter on this home and there is much more to see.  It's been an honor to watch the art of this come together.  And with anything great, you can't rush it. [caption id="attachment_4188" align="aligncenter" width="640"] An insider's look from a builders perspective of the second floor - tremendous views abound![/caption]   [caption id="attachment_4189" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The timber frame home coming together.[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_4190" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Hand Dipped Cedar Siding[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_4191" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The view from the first floor[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_4192" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Hard at work on a beautiful fall day[/caption]