Visible Fences, Hidden Meanings

We all know the saying... Good fences make good neighbors...

On the Bay, fences are rarely used.

Yesterday I took you for a lil' tour of mid-century modern. Unfortunately, these architectural gems are not as appreciated today as new homeowners raze and build three story monstrosities.

I just sit back, admire the original squat mod architecture (where it still exists) and tell myself that those tall glass houses will overheat the occupants or shatter with the first real storm.

Oh, and are there storms.
So doesn't it make sense to build for it? Low to the land, taking advantage of the breeze... but you've already read that post, now, haven't you?

Today I'll review newer architecture on XYZ Point, and show you the changing landscape...

For example,
I see this...


Change to this... now twenty feet to the right of the above picture...



Ah yes, vinyl houses rise out of farm fields... can someone please tell these guys about Smart Growth?



At least some people are incorporating their "new" structures into the original architecture, look closely:

This homeowner did NOT tear down the original cottage, and instead expanded and incorporated the original into the larger total structure.

Sure does fit a lot o' grandchildren...



Any-hoo, on my documentation of mid-century modern, it also compelled me to more closely inspect the overall architecture... and fences.

As a landowner I understand the value of a fence. It keeps livestock in, coyotes out, provides clear delineations between what is "yours" and "mine" so that there doesn't have to be the wondering and feuding that occur when there is that question.

However, as someone who adores Snufkin, the fence statement is all in how ya do it.

This fence says,
"Step through the exuberant garden and come in for a cup o' tea!"


This fence says, "Come in! Gather round, it's time for lunch after a long morning of sailing! Momma's just come in from pruning hydrengas for the table and made you grilled cheese and a glass o' cold milk!"



And this fence?
This fence, below, says...

"You're not invited and we sooooooooo don't want to know you. You thah, yes, you there on the road, keep along, hop now, move on!"



Well, guess what, Mr. Snotty Fence:
Here, as we tumble out and run wild like pirates on the Bay... we might not want to know you, either.

Let the good times roll!

 

Mid-century modern design, locally: Alan McCullough

Dear readers,

Because I could not bring you to the Bay (sorry, no room in the car with a handsome husband, two chilluns, two dogs, and a visiting German mother-in-law sandwiched in between the suitcases and fishing rods!), I have brought the Bay to you, and with it, mid-century modern architecture *and* older, traditional cottages and farmhouses.

As we look 'round the world for inspiration, sometimes we forget to look slowly, carefully, about ourselves and our own local environs.

Hence, I present an architect who had a great impact on a certain point in a certain area of the Chesapeake Bay: Alan McCullough.

Before I present his mid-century architecture, I'd like to start with two traditional types of design you will find in this area: the cottage, and the farmhouse.

In both you find passive solar concepts:

• a long, slanting front porch facing south for the cottage
  
• kitchen to the north, with a smaller, shaded porch and outbuildings
  
• carefully placed windows
• use of deciduous trees for shade
• casement windows and partitions
• AFFORDABLE construction

Here are some examples of these two types of architecture that prevailed locally in the 1800s-1940s:

And more:
(now remember, many of these pictures were taken as we were driving, and when the driver is from Hamburg, that is often quite fast, so hang on for the ride!)

In the 1940s, a group of friends bought lots for about $500 on the end of a certain point on a certain area of the Chesapeake Bay, and one of those friends was Mr. McCullough, who happily happened to be an architect.

Mr. McCullough deftly sketched elements that are still important in green building and modern design today:
- harnessing the breeze to cool
- stout chimneys for warmth
- overhangs
- breezeways -- note the openings between many elements of his design! - screens for privacy yet allow air circulation

...and more...

And with this, I present...

Mid-century modern on the Bay!

If you glance to your left, this is one of the few two-storied residences Mr. McCullough created.

Many of these buildings appear to be happily overtaken by camellia bushes
which are bursting into bloom right now...

Look closely at the details, always look for the chimney stack, the overhangs, the casement windows/screens, and the ever-present open breezeway, even if later owners closed it.

Look even more closely... yes, the chairs & tables folded away for the winter yet hold all the promise of another great summer ahead.

Are those real antlers in the hall?

Honeychile, this is Virginia, yes they are.

Below is my absolute, unabashed favorite.

One day this house will be mine.

Fortunately, all of the amazing detail of the mod screens, chimneys, open breezeway and entrance are lost on the internet because of the weathered woodland so you won't covet it... because it's mine, all mine!

...and more...

This home, desperately crying for someone to hack its camellias, upon closer inspection has a central stack and hexagon shape.

Why the heck are all these architectural structures of note trying to hide their figures? It's like voluptuous starlets that have been sold the waif look.

No need to hide, ladies, sashay down the carpet and celebrate yourself!

Can you imagine what this gal looks like on the inside? I bet it's mod... real mod.

Ok if you've made it this far, let me know if you want to see more.
I have several posts that could relate to this...

In the meantime...
Enjoy some more pictures.

I adore this fish...

Check out the wind vane...

This fish tried to eat my mother-in-law but I smacked it away. Hiiiii-ya! Take that.

Mother-in-law...

P.s. I have about 400 more pictures, all on architecture in the area, so if you want to see more just let me know.

>

"Dag that was a long walk!"

Oh giiiiiive me a hooooooome... where the buffalo roam...

Yes, maw, in the south there's buffalo *everywhere*..... really.

Oyster beds... another topic to write about...

This is what I look at when I fish. It's very, very quiet.

Yes, I took a picture of myself. Geek.

...And *this* is the hidden easter egg for Sally and Jane to see if they're reading.

Heh, heh...

J&S: Do you feel twelve again?

Every time I walk past here I crack up when I think about those bikini tops... Which could go into the third topic I'd like to write (and have plenty o' pictures for...) about: fences and their meanings.