How to turn a plot of 6 acres into a cozy nest
Imagine how you wake up, and from the wide open window it smells pleasantly of freshness. Birds chirp in the garden. The trees quietly whisper among themselves, like good old neighbors. And the soul is so cozy and calm that you never want to leave this small oasis of happiness, 6 acres in size.
If we recall the times of the Soviet Union, then a plot of 6 acres was allocated on preferential terms to representatives of the dacha cooperative. People of that era approached the land from a more practical point of view: they made gardens, planted crops. There was no question of houses or pavilions.
In the 21st century, priorities have changed. Rest is preferred. Despite the size of the plot, people tend to use the land to the maximum. They build houses, build gardens, plant vegetable gardens, create recreation areas.
Where does landscaping begin?
First of all, draw a detailed site plan on a paper sheet or in a special computer program. With the help of the drawn diagram, you will have a clear idea of what and where will be located.
As you plan, keep the following points in mind:
- sides of the horizon;
- The form of the site;
- Construction requirements and norms;
- Location of communications on the site and near it: sewer pipes, water supply;
- Irregularities in the ground.
- The area of the house and buildings for household needs.
In order to avoid problems with neighbors and government services, it is necessary to plan the territory in such a way as not to violate the SNiP standards:
- Buildings with a wooden roof should be located at a distance of 8 m from each other.
- The minimum distance between wooden houses is 10 m.
- It is forbidden to locate the toilet closer than 15 m from the country house.
- The smallest distance from the house to the bath is 8 m, and to the shed - 12 m.
- If your layout includes a well, then dig it 20 meters from the toilet.
- A residential building is being built from the fence of neighbors at a distance of 3 m, a garage - 1 m, a barn - 4 m.
- Large trees should be 4 m away from the neighboring fence, low ones - 2 m, shrubs - 1 m.
Division of land into zones
A plot of 6 acres is important so that it looks beautiful from any side and that not a single piece of land “walks”.
Depending on the preferences of the owners, the layout may be different. But in 90% of cases, the territory plan is drawn up taking into account the following zones:
- Bathhouse, barn, toilet, gazebos;
- Garage or parking place;
- Recreation area;
- Playground for children;
- Garden Garden;
- Flower beds.
Planning does not need to include all of these elements. Determine for yourself a list of the necessary components of your site, think about their placement.
Location of the house
The plan of the territory is drawn up based on the location of the country house.
A residential building is built on the highest point of the site in such a way that the living rooms are insolated for at least two hours a day.
Do not forget about the distance of 3 meters from the neighbor's fence. If the width of the land allows, then move the house a little further to the side. Thus, you will save usable space on which you can plan a lawn, garden or playground.
Garage placement
Considering that people come to the dacha in their own car, a garage is a must. Your vehicle will be protected from theft and bad weather.
At the same time, it should be planned so that the room has two parking spaces in case guests arrive.
If funds do not allow building a garage, then build a canopy from a metal frame and polycarbonate.
As examples from life show, a garage or a canopy should be made on the side of a residential building, and not inside the yard. Otherwise, you will lose a lot of space needed for the passage of the car.
Bath, barn, toilet
The location of the barn and other structures should be carefully planned. Choose a place to build so that the buildings do not obscure the garden.
The toilet is best located behind the shed. In this case, it will not interfere and spoil the landscape design of the courtyard. If you are a rare guest in the country, give preference to a dry closet. It does not spread an unpleasant smell and takes up little space.
Placement of buildings depending on the shape of the site
It is often impossible to draw up a plan for a land plot due to its shape:
- Rectangular. This is the best option and there should not be any difficulties with zoning. The country house is being built approximately in the middle. In the corner there is a place for a barn, a bathhouse, and a garden is made nearby. On the reverse side of the territory organize a recreation area.
- Stretched. The location of a residential building is best planned on the short side of the fence. Along it, you can also plant a garden, a vegetable garden and build a barn, a bathhouse.
- L-shaped. The protruding plot is given over to a recreation area, and a residential building is being erected nearby. Outbuildings are given a place on the opposite side.
Sometimes people seek to save space for a garden bed, garden plot or recreation area. In this case, you should draw up a plan for one building with several floors. For the shed, the summer kitchen, the first floor is allotted, and for the living rooms - the second.
Rest corner
The area where you are going to relax with your family or friends should be planned so that the beautiful landscape design is in full view. As they say, both the body and the eye are pleasant.
For a quiet family vacation, a gazebo is installed in the depths of the garden. Nearby make a small pond or fountain.
For noisy parties, find a place near the house. It will be more convenient for you to serve food and drinks to your guests.
When choosing a place for a barbecue, consider the direction of the wind so that smoke and ash do not fly towards the neighboring area.
Playground
If you have children, this area should definitely be included in the plan. A place for children's games is allocated in the center of the site opposite the window of a residential building, so that it is possible to watch the kids.
Garden plot and vegetable garden
Without a garden and garden beds, a dacha is not a dacha. So that every summer you get a rich harvest, place a garden in the southern part of the land. In a lowland or near groundwater, it is better not to break the bed, otherwise you risk flooding it during the seasonal rains.
The bed will not spoil if you enclose it with plastic bottles, slate, brick, stone and other improvised materials.
Vertical beds look spectacular. They also save space.
You should not break a garden if it is located in the southern part of the territory. Otherwise it will create a shadow. Distribute garden trees better randomly on free plots of land. Due to this, your oasis will look romantic.
For an area of 600 square meters, it is practical to use columnar varieties. They grow well and require little space.
Paths, flower beds, fence
When drawing up a plan of the territory, do not forget about such details as the fence of the summer cottage, paths and flower beds.
Landscape design is unthinkable without beautiful flowers. They are pleasing to the eye and uplifting. Flower beds are made mainly between the facade of the house and the fence on the border with the street. When designing them, do not use strict geometric shapes. This will visually reduce the area.
Sow free spaces with lawn grass and plant ornamental plants around. Such landscape design will expand the space.
When arranging the territory, move away from straight lines. Straight paths bring objects closer, and the area looks too small due to this. Therefore, make them arched, winding.
You can not ignore the fence. To keep the area from appearing constricted, soften the contours with climbing vegetation or opt for a hedge.
Planning and landscaping a garden plot of 6 acres is not an easy task. But a rational approach to business, the correct zoning of the territory and the measure in everything will allow you to create a cozy nest.