From the Ground Up!
Hello!!
Welcome to my blog, where I will share all things “Living Stone,” and some things not. This project is a true labor of love by me and my partner Django, and we are so pleased to take you along on the journey. Thank you for joining!
When we landed here in May 2018, we could not believe our luck!! It was SO magnificent- a little slice of heaven! Everywhere we turned we were astounded by the beauty we encountered (and still are, every day!!). A stream, a little waterfall, the forest…we were in paradise, our own little Garden of Eden. We knew that we wanted, needed, to create something special to share with others, but we didn’t know how that would manifest. Django began slowly and mindfully clearing the land- a little here, a little there, methodically and intuitively revealing its hidden secrets and highlighting its beauty.
Gradually, our plan became clear- we would start with an event space, a Pavilion to host gatherings and celebrations. But, not just your average Pavilion- this one would be one of a kind, a work of art.
Let’s talk a little bit about this Pavilion and event space, shall we? Each aspect of its construction and design has been carefully and painstakingly considered and executed by local craftsmen- like the timber frame by our friends at Hudson Valley Timberworks and Restoration, who crafted the structure using the “mortise and tenon method,” a precise woodworking technique in which the timbers lock into place without nails or screws.
Each beam has been hand burned using the “Shou Sugi-Ban Method,” an Ancient Japanese practice where the burning of the wood strengthens it, preserves it and protects it from the elements (and is also SO beautiful!).
Owner and Master stonemason Django and his apprentice Marsden have been hard at work creating the most gorgeous bluestone work!! Django has worked for over 2 decades designing and installing stonework for others, and is having the time of his life using his skills on his own property. A modest man, he says he can’t take all the credit for the work, that the property is telling him what to do. He’s just listening.
Every day we make progress, and get a little bit closer to completion! We can’t wait to share this magical space with YOU!! Thank you for reading. Stay tuned!
xo~Heather
