Papa’s Rock Terrace
I know I’ve shown off Papa’s rock terrace before in this post (beware of sideways pictures again), but I don’t think I’ve ever shared the story behind it. It was amazing, really, and probably the most needed improvement Big Creek ever had, and one of the most beautiful examples of stone masonry anywhere.
Before the Rock Terrace
The back door actually opens to the North side of the house. Back in the day, when Papa and Madre did some remodeling, that side was just a bare spot of ground that sloped downhill, causing mudslides when it rained.
No grass would grow there because of all the shade and heavy foot traffic to and from the shops.
During the Construction
Papa decided he was sick of slipping and sliding to his shop every day, and he also knew that Madre loved to plant flowers and have a beautiful landscape. He was always doing things to improve the house for Madre, even though she would have happily lived here with him it its original state. He decided to put his stone masonry skills to work, and began construction on the rock terrace one summer. He couldn’t possibly complete it all in one go, and it actually took a couple of years to get the whole thing completed. The tenant of the old cabin was (and still is) an artisan like Papa, and he constructed a beautiful copper fountain as a gift to Madre. Papa incorporated the fountain into his amazing rock work.
The Rock Terrace
Here’s a little peek of what the rock terrace looks like today. We haven’t completed all of our planting yet, but you can click that link in the first paragraph to see how it looked last year, all flowered up and mulched.
It’s absolutely beautiful. Not only that, but Papa made sure to memorialize his hard work, and dedicated the whole project to his parents. He inset this gorgeous plaque, which is probably my favorite feature.
Madre still works her tail off making this beautiful every year after the winter has taken its toll on the landscape. Coach is now her partner, and he has helped keep it gorgeous by blowing off leaves, helping plant, and patching places that have come loose or crumbled. This handmade rock terrace is one of Papa’s greatest achievements in my book, although the list of his creative achievements is longer than both of my arms put together.
We’re so blessed that God lets us borrow this little piece of land to call home, and beyond blessed to have had Papa to make it the beautiful sanctuary that it is. Thank You, Lord.
X,O,X,O, Martie
This post is linked up with Over The Moon, Merry Monday, Wonderful Wednesday, While I’m Waiting, Thursday Favorite Things, and FoodieFriDIY!
April 27, 2016 @ 11:04 am
Oh, I miss him.
April 27, 2016 @ 3:44 pm
Me too! Come home this weekend…he’s all over this place! 🙂
April 27, 2016 @ 3:32 pm
So beautiful!
April 27, 2016 @ 3:44 pm
Thank you! 🙂
April 27, 2016 @ 4:09 pm
I just adore that Terrance!
April 27, 2016 @ 7:09 pm
Me too! ?
April 27, 2016 @ 9:34 pm
I love working with slate. There is just something calming about it. Thanks for sharing at #WondetfulWednesday.
April 28, 2016 @ 6:05 am
It is definitely hard work, but the results are worth it!
April 28, 2016 @ 7:39 pm
This gets prettier every time I visit. Thank you so much for linking at #ThursdayFavoriteThings! I look forward to seeing what you share every week. Please come back for #OverTheMoon on Sunday night. Don’t forget to comment your link #’s so I can be sure to visit and get a chance to be featured!
Pinned and shared.
April 29, 2016 @ 1:27 pm
Martie you are right, we are very blessed to live in such a beautiful setting! That terrace is a testament to his wonderful creativity and it continues to be a gift to his family daily. It is amazing how we continue to have things that remind of us our family after they are gone, again, a gift from God. Thanks for sharing it with everyone and y’all enjoy that beautiful land to the fullest!
April 29, 2016 @ 2:20 pm
Thank you, Kristie! Blessings abound! And yes, the memories are treasures. 🙂
May 2, 2016 @ 12:04 pm
You are really making that home yours! Bravo. Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon!
May 2, 2016 @ 5:06 pm
Thank you! 🙂
May 15, 2016 @ 4:29 am
What a beautiful spot, and I love the family connections! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday! 🙂
May 15, 2016 @ 12:37 pm
Thank you! I love it so much. ❤️