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Gabled
Oaks Waterfall
This waterfall was built on a section of the estate where originally
there was an orchard of old fruit trees. Everything here was withered and dying as
the property had been abandoned to the elements for many years. The lower section of
land, towards the river, had a spring fed marsh area around which there was lush
vegetation. There were eight large oak trees situated throughout the site which
were so covered with vines that they had become naturally bonsai. Their
true beauty was only revealed when they had been cleaned of all of this vegetation.
Using the trees as focal points the driveway was designed to wind it's way around them and
finally arrive at the main residence. It passes under their branches, around
the man-made lakes, over a Japanese car bridge, and past a pond where swans
now make their home. The upper lake, shown here, is now stocked with large Japanese
Koi. The fish named Koi are called the butterflies of the water and will
come, to be hand fed at feeding time, much like a flock of pigeons.
These fish can attain a length of forty inches and live for sixty years or
more. |
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It may be difficult to believe that all
the plants and trees shown in these photographs are newly installed.
 One of
the first things we did as be began clearing the site, was to set up a nursery for
plants. It was to be a holding area for specimen trees
and to propagate ground cover. As time went by, and the the buildings
were completed, the trees and plants had become acclimated and the ground cover had
multiplied many times in size. Areas were carefully worked out so that the
planting would frame the waterfall and the lake in a natural manner.
Koi, shown here, are from my own pool garden. They
give every one who visits a feeling of pleasure as they swim in colorful circles like a
flock of birds. It is no wonder that, in Japan, they have been called the
butterflies of the water. Koi are also thought to bring good fortune and luck.
In ancient Japan only emperors were allowed to have Koi. The
emperor gave Koi as a special reward to the Samurai when they had provided a great service
to him.
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Guest cottage
The guest cottage is on the upper lake and has a great view of the big waterfall.
At the rear is a patio extending out over the water. From this vantage point you can
enter into the garden areas, walk on stone steps across the pond or relax and watch the
sunset with the sound of falling water as background music.
Although all these lakes were
constructed on the site during the execution of the project they have the ageless feeling
of always having been there. |
Guest
cottage
As you proceed down the road to the house there are many enticing pathways that
lead from the driveway towards the lake and guest cottage. From the vantage
point shown here you can walk up to the top of the waterfall. Or if you choose
it is but a short way to the island in the center of the lake. If you are into
meditation there is no more perfect setting than this.
The island is accessible from three sides. There is a foot
bridge, from the guest cottage or you can cross the lake on five stepping stones. |
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View from the
Car Bridge
This location on the car bridge gives an excellent view of the guest house patio and the
foot bridge to the island. The
copper lanterns on each post of the bridge were designed in keeping with the overall
theme. At night a drive to the main residence is like a journey through a world of
fantasy. |
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Almost all architects have to be satisfied with pigeons
to do there testing and decorating of newly installed light
fixtures. Here you can see our mascot hard at work. He works a twenty
four hour day for just a fish or two...
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Guest cottage
front
Located on the upper lake, this cottage was built to accommodate visitors for
short visits, or an extended stay.
At the end of day, the rear terrace affords an incredible view of the sun as it
sets behind the waterfall.
Work on this structure was started at an early stage. We began
construction on the cottage while the rest of the property was being cleared.
As it turned out, this proved to be an excellent training project for the
contractor and his men, to familiarize them with the detailing necessary to construct the
main residence. |
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The patio seats were cast in concrete on
the job. The seats line up with the planter tops and provide additional
places to sit when the patio is used to entertain. The copper cupola shown on the right
has a Koi for a weather vain. It had to be repaired once when a large
white crane used it for a perch.
photography by Don Roban
Guest Cottage interiors:
The brick of the fireplace and the wood detailing of the interior was a planned
extension of the main residence
There is little doubt that both the main house and the cottage were
designed by the same architect although each location has its' own feeling.
The guest cottage was made for a casual style of living. It is a place to spend
quiet moments with the sounds of nature and to relax.
Having stayed in the cottage during inspection trips, I can attest to the
fact that although this might be casual it is definitely far above motel standards.
Note that with this architecture many furniture styles can be used without
conflict. |
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The kitchen is open to the living and dining areas
and also in close proximity to the lake patio. From the dining table the
waterfall is clearly visible. Dining can be either in this intimate setting, or on the
terrace overlooking the waterfall.
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