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| The above three photos were taken a few years ago. [I wanted to get some fog and mist ideas for painting.] It is looking across the back end of the field over to the regional park that is on the other side of the street. The spot was quiet and peaceful - a home for wildlife. |
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| Then two years ago, this monstrous house was started [7 bedrooms, 7-car garage]. I have planted a line of trees along the back of the property so I don't have to see it. It really does not suit the property and the area. And my landlady asked me to add that the lights are all on all night - she sees it as she has large windows facing that direction. |
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| It is described as being a "French chateau". |
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| And there are more of these huge houses being built. I have, for a long time, wanted to say something about all the crazy building that has been going on in and around Vancouver. It started in Vancouver in the mid-1980's, and the result is that the city is now a prohibitively expensive place as a place in which to live. The city and surrounding area have become a haven for speculative real estate. Now the "plague" has moved out to the Fraser Valley. The region has become, not a place for homes, but purely an investment, with most houses and condominiums selling for millions, and standing empty. Needless to say, this has driven many people into homelessness, and others to leave the Vancouver area and even the province to find places where they can find affordable homes in which to live. I have had two friends move this year to Vancouver Island to find affordable housing and liveable communities, and I am considering doing so as well. It hurts me to see what was once a naturally beautiful agricultural area turned into ugly investments. There was a very good documentary produced this year entitled "Vancouver: No Fixed Address". It describes well the history of the real estate "feeding frenzy", and what is happening in the area now. As to the title of the post ... I do not understand why the place is so huge. How much room do people need? Environmentally, it is a washout. Why do not more architects and builders construct homes that suit the area and environment? I think more about my queries and gripes to come ... And if any one of you have some good ideas about what I can do about this, please write! Thank you! |
What a monstrosity! So sorry for your view that was so lovely before. Is there nobody living there? I have no idea what to do about it, this is big money, I suspect.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you've lost your lovely field!! It seems people with money can often be talked into anything - having just returned from Anna Maria Island (and the city of Anna Maria on the north side), I have seen how old style Florida cottages (one story, sometimes two) are being bought for millions (if near the beach), torn down, and then a McMansion is built in it's place so everyone behind that little seaside cottage now gets to look at the McMansion because it blocks the view of the sea...humans are funny creatures and having a whole lot of money does not mean one has a whole lot of common sense - or even common decency for their fellow neighbors :( I know all who treasure space and nature hate this stuff but there doesn't seem to be a way to stop it.
ReplyDeleteYour view was so beautiful and serene! I can't imagine wanting to live in a "mansion" with more room than you need. I prefer small and cozy.
ReplyDeleteIt's happening in Australia too. Fortunately I don't live on the beach side of the city so there isn't quite the same thing happening locally but in the beach suburbs it is the same with huge mansions that stop the view for everyone. Even the local councils allow multistorey buildings on the foreshore so nobody gets a sea view unless you can afford it. "Why is commonsense so uncommon"? It is also a matter of respect for others and preserving what we have for future generations. The multistorey buildings will remain for a very long time or at least until another developer comes along with even more money. Don't get me started!!!
ReplyDeleteIt began to change with the commodification of people, wherein good old-fashioned human values were found not to be cost effective. Christmas, for example, has all but been PC'd out of Britain.
ReplyDeleteThere are picturesque seaside villages here about, which stand empty in the winter as their owners return to the cities and their 'first' homes.
There is no escaping the downwards spiral. Here they offer a 'sweetener' of building a marina in the harbour, in exchange for building high rise intensive housing of holiday apartments.
Dear Friend I certainly understand your feelings. The longer I live the more of a minimalist I become. You certainly have my sympathy in losing your quiet lovely countryside. Take care and God Bless - may you find another peaceful spot to live. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame! We see some of that here in Maine but not enough to spoil our views in general. I do like how Rhonda said, "having a whole lot of money does not mean one has a whole lot of common sense - or even common decency" that was spot on. You were smart to plant a tree line to help correct the view and in about 10 years you should be liking what you see much better. It's too bad you didn't have a heads-up on this 5 years ago because your trees would be established and well on their way. I hope you at least get some good neighbors.
ReplyDeletethat is an ugly house :/ to each their own but its still ugly :p
ReplyDeleteVery sad to see such a big and ugly house built on your beautiful view. Your misty photos are really lovely.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from the Bavarian Forest! Don't let destroy your inner art-view!
ReplyDeleteDori
Your right about the ugly investments,,,that people think they are doing something good,, and they are just ruining things for the rest of us!
ReplyDeleteSo take that magic paint brush,, and go paint a beautiful mural on their stuff!
love
tweedles