We love visiting North Carolina, but we have a complaint. It’s too far from Texas. So we decided to bring North Carolina to Cedar Hill. Well at least this is our version of North Carolina. We are building a creekside deck in the woods.
It isn’t finished in these photos, but I couldn’t wait, I had to share it. The deck has a little walkway.
After you walk onto the deck the ground drops off abruptly and you find yourself 20 or so feet up above the creek. Admittedly not exciting to people who live with real mountains, but for those of us who live in Texas, this is big stuff.
And no I didn’t leave the orange electrical cord and the green plastic chair out there just to add ambiance to the photo, that really was there, ha ha.
While checking on the progress of the deck we realized that when in a sitting position, the view of the creek is seen below the railing. That is a problem since the contractor was going to use pickets like the ones on our back porch, shown below.
Those pickets would have somewhat obscured the view of the creek. Mr. CH was most unhappy about blocking the view. He suggested we use Plexiglas. I pictured the plexiglas years down the road, yellowed with lots of scratches. I said that wouldn’t work. We tossed around several ideas. We even discussed putting the pickets further apart, but didn’t want a safety issue. In the end, our clever contractor came up with the solution. He decided to use stock pen fencing. Although the wood pickets would have looked more elegant, we decided this fencing wire would provide a better view of the rocks and creek. And the animal fencing is in keeping with a casual Texas ranch. I’ll have pictures for you next time.
The deck is about 1/4 mile from the house, so no electricity here. But these guys weren’t put off, they just brought a generator to power their tools.
The back half of the deck is covered with a metal roof and the front half near the creek is uncovered.
We were so happy that the weather turned cooler, and the time on the deck was “brilliant” as the British say.
The views are of the creek, some large boulders and ferns.
Even during the severe drought, our little creek is still there, trickling along with its cool, spring water.
I don’t know if you can make it out, but the photo below shows some of the rock formation.
It’s so peaceful out here.
I can’t wait to get it all set up so I can share the deck with you. More to come.
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
September 8, 2011 at 12:01Anita, how wonderful. That does look just like NC. You will really enjoy sitting out there. Can’t wait to see it finished.
Garden Antqs Vintage says
September 8, 2011 at 12:13Anita, that’s going to be one awesome place to sit and relax! Maybe you’ll invite your new friend to see it *wink*
Penny @ The Comforts of Home/Flea Market Makeovers says
September 8, 2011 at 12:40It does look a lot like here in NC! Another rail solution, is to use cable wire strung horixontally. It almost disappears. I see that a lot around here in NC.
Anita @ Cedar Hill Ranch says
September 8, 2011 at 12:43A party on the deck would be perfect Theresa!! And yes Penny, I think I have seen those cables you are talking about. Oh well, ours will just look more “country.”
Comeca Jones says
September 8, 2011 at 12:48Grownup swingin…I love it!What a a great spot.
Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs says
September 8, 2011 at 13:05Oh my goodness so very gorgeous!!! I LOVE it so much!
Rebecca says
September 8, 2011 at 14:08NC or TN! We visit one spot there that is almost identical to your setting. This is very, very wonderful. So happy for you.
Lisa says
September 8, 2011 at 14:52It’s gorgeous! And just in time for the cooler weather! You and your family are going to enjoy this so much!
Cozy Little House says
September 8, 2011 at 16:41You lucky, lucky girl you! What a scenic spot.
Brenda
W. Latane Barton says
September 8, 2011 at 20:04Oh what a ‘get-away’, all nice and quiet and peaceful with ‘skeeters and gnats… just teasing. Can’t wait to see it all finished.
Honey at 2805 says
September 8, 2011 at 20:35This is wonderful. Can’t wait to see the results.
Hope you will link-up to Potpourri Friday. You’ve been featured and last week’s party was a success because of your participation!
Designs By Pinky says
September 8, 2011 at 20:59Oh Anita! We have the EXACT same setting on our property!!!! We could do this too! BUT, my hubby would never do it cause he gets eaten alive by mosquitos etc. in the summer just out on our deck. I feel so bad for him. The swing bed is going to be fantastic! I can’t wait to see it all done!!! XO, Pinky
Britt says
September 8, 2011 at 21:43That’s is beautiful! I LOVE the idea of a swinging bed!
– Britt
Maura @ Lilac Lane Cottage says
September 8, 2011 at 22:22Hi Anita!
What a wonderful peaceful place to sit and listen to the water and sounds of nature all around you. OH I’m excited for you…I can’t wait to see your hanging bed!! What a great place to lay and read a book on a nice cool fall or spring day. Thank you for linking up with my post…how thoughtful. I LOVE your ranch and most especially your porch. My hubby is still talking about making our screened in porch this fall but we’ll see how his arthritic hands are when the time comes. For now…I’ll just be excited to see your deck and bed by the creek. I hope your day has been a good one.
Maura 🙂
Gypsy Heart says
September 8, 2011 at 23:25How nice! I think you’ll really enjoy being out there…except during the heat. Can’t wait to see the bed!
Pat
Laura says
September 9, 2011 at 02:02This is just wonderful Anita!
I had my husband look at it as well-
he loved it.
Enjoyed visiting,
Laura
White Spray Paint
Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says
September 9, 2011 at 02:31Okay, I’m not envious! Really, I’m not! I’m going to just keep telling myself that! 🙂 I just love this idea! Perfect for that spot. One more wonderful spot to enjoy at your ranch. And, if you squint…you’re in North Carolina! Just magical, Anita! Can’t wait to see the bed!
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
September 9, 2011 at 02:50Anita, YOu brought a little slice of heaven to your earth! This project is brilliant. I can see so many wonderful days spent there making memories, picnics, sleepovers, reading, playing games, romantic dinners! I can’t wait to see your rustic styling of it!
BTW~ I just stopped by after reading your comment on my post about my twin friends. You are one of a kind and one of the loveliest bloggers I know!
xo Yvonne
Rebecca says
September 9, 2011 at 09:37I’m back! Just to say how nice to have you “drop in” to visit the scene in our garden. Come back anytime 🙂
Carrie Roer says
September 9, 2011 at 11:26Wow what a project! I love it!!
Sarah says
September 9, 2011 at 13:23Anita, how peaceful that all looks. I’m amazed at how green it is. Thanks for your note this morning. I’m relieved to know you are safe. ~ Sarah
Amanda Dale says
September 9, 2011 at 15:31Anita! When you said deck, I had no idea! This is fantastic! How lovely that it is just in time for the fall!
-Amanda
Betsy (BB) says
September 10, 2011 at 22:51Anita, This is lovely! It looks like North Carolina! I know you will enjoy it! I can’t wait to see it finished! How beautiful!
Melanie says
September 12, 2011 at 02:29What a gorgeous deck and spot to relax! As someone who lives in the suburbs and can only dream about a spot like that, I can say you are very lucky!
Beth says
October 26, 2016 at 07:00Can’t wait to see this new outdoor room dressed for living. It’s a beautiful spot, and I have to confess a bit of envy.
Barbara Ann Sandoval says
October 26, 2016 at 19:37This looks so much like the creekside deck on a house we rented in Helen GA last Dec. My husband and son fished off the deck. At night we walked down to a fire pit.
It was so relaxing. Nothing like it here where I live. Hoping to get back there in March.
Anita says
October 26, 2016 at 19:40It sounds amazing Barbara.