Sand Plain Homestead
The homesite is a formal enclave within the surrounding pasture and prairie. Low walls accentuate the subtle topography of the gently rolling site.
The new homesite is a well-defined, cottage-like enclave within a casual, wild landscape of prairie and pasture. It is carefully placed to take advantage of long sunrise views to the east and stunning views of the southern forest lit by the setting sun. A pair of angular low walls segregates different spaces: the prairie and pasture to the east and south at the highest level; the pond and wetlands to the north at the lowest; and the home, lawn, play areas, and parking “plaza” in the middle. The walls accentuate very subtle existing topography, carving out an intimate space from the expansive surrounding landscape.
A large pasture area is located to the south of the homesite. This southern view is the most beautiful year-round view, with the rolling pasture sloping downward toward the forest edge. Allowing horses to occupy the foreground of this view will make it even more stunning. Horses will be able to access this pasture area in a corridor to the east of the house, which links this new pasture with the barns on other family parcels to the east.
The remainder of the site is restored to native prairie / savanna. This natural area encompasses the entire existing wetland system (thereby protecting it and augmenting it) and serves as a natural groundplane for the stately oaks on the western edge of the property.