New Shed - New Look

When we first moved on to the Ponderosa, the first thing we promised we would do was build a shed because it was the only thing the property lacked.  Our goal was to have it done within the first 12 months of moving in, however the placement of the shed was proving quite a challenge.  

Option 1 - Place it on the western side of the driveway meant paying a $3000 fee to local council to consider whether they would or would not grant resource consent for it.

Option 2 - Place it somewhere on the eastern side of the driveway meaning encroach into the paddock which will impact on the volume of pasture & hay we need for our beef.

Either way, I didn't want to chop any of the wonderful mature trees that adorned the driveway (much to my husbands disgust).  The trees where a big part of what drew me into loving this property.

After 12 months of debating, we opted for option 2.  Purchased the shed from a good friend of ours Kevin, put in the consent and waited for the council to say yay!!  

The plan was that my husband would build the shed with the help of my cousin Mike, who was an experienced builder.  Finally the council said yes, and the project began.  First my husband had to remove part of the fencing & 'trim' the trees to get the right vehicle access on site.  Then the foundations began.  I remember the trucks and trucks and trucks coming and going to backfill the pad. Once that was finished, the building began and the excitement of seeing the progress grew stronger and stronger.

Then my cousin announced he was moving to Australia to join his family which meant my husband was on his own - a scary challenge for him to know the only reassurance that he was doing it right, had to come from himself.  I ended up helping him during the build which was a challenge for myself, but after putting in the hard yards and reflecting back, we are more than happy with the finished product.  

Foundations before the backfill - view from the homestead

View from the driveway .. with the trees slightly trimmed than chopped completely

Foundations backfilled and level .. with the first posts in

My husband having fun digging the trench for the power

View of the shed from the homestead

First party in the new shed!!

I am so proud of my husband and what he achieved with this shed.  It wasn't easy for sure and took a lot longer than we anticipated.  There is still phase 2 - 5of this project to come, but for now council is happy and signed off the shed for us to enjoy the rewards.

Happy living people!!