IMPROVEMENTS

When we found this property, there were many issues that might scare the average folk away. First, the land was extremely dense with live and dead pine, gum, and oak trees. We observed lots of erosion and wet areas that made driving the property a nightmare, specifically at the entrances. There was unstable structures that needed to be removed immediately, as well as a collapsed fencing that needed to be replaced for safety purposes. All of this would also need to be repaired/replaced without any electric or water access.

Regardless, we saw the potential when we walked the land. The land had such a relaxing, soothing, and almost therapeutic aura about itself. After searching what seemed like hundreds of properties (probably two dozen), we knew this was the one. As a result, we decided to take the leap and start the long list of improvements. Our improvement list includes selective tree removal (about 100), land contouring, adding an enlarged driveway, redirecting wet lands, pond cleaning, installing lots and lots of fencing, adding electric polls, adding water wells, and adding security cameras to the property. 

Before we look anywhere else, let's start with the path to DKV Legacy. This is the starting point to it all. I don't know how to explain the feeling I got seeing this for the very first time. I felt like I was in a jungle and I was going down a winding path that would eventually open up to an amazing paradise... Maybe that is not what it is yet, but someday. Here is a video of Angel and me walking down our newly bulldozed path to DKV Legacy for the very first time.

We were so excited to finally start our improvement list. It's a three hour drive (each way) to our new property, and we were doing the drive two-to-three times per week. Unfortunately, after only a few weeks in, Angel completely ruptured his Achilles tendon and partially tore his tibial tendon. As a result, our improvements came to a complete halt. Since Angel will be recovering for many months, we had to put our trust into others, to help with the improvements.

First, we had to remove all existing structures. Not only were they inhabitable, they were extremely unstable and a safety hazard. In the third photo below, I am standing where the structure once was.

So far, we have removed approximately 100 pine trees. Angel and I are a bit tree obsessed, so there are still many, many trees umbrellaing the property. We simply wanted to property to consist of oak trees only. We still have a handful of gum trees and extra large pine trees that we left standing because of their location, but 99% of the property is now covered by young oaks up to grand-daddy oaks.

We installed an extra large driveway on the far left of the property, near the pond. Originally, we were going to build a log home on the property, so we needed a large driveway for the materials. Now that plans have changed, it allows us a more convenient access point to the kennel, since the original small driveway is on the far right of the property.

Next, we had several loads of stone scraps delivered to help provide traction in the driveways. Originally, our driveways held a lot of water and it was easy to get stuck after a healthy rain, so the stone helped to provide the strength and traction we needed, at a reduced cost. Since the stone scraps were larger than originally anticipated, we will be added gravel on top of the stone, to help provide a smoother finish that will be easier to drive on.

The past few weeks, our fence has began being installed. Since the property was so dense with trees, we had to have the entire perimeter of the property bulldozed, to allow for the fence to be installed. This was probably the most exciting event so far, because having a secure fence in place, means we are closer to being able to bring our Rottweilers home.

We have water!!! Well, kind of. We don't have electric yet, so we don't have water yet. But, at least we know it works. Now, time to buy lots and lots of PVC and do lots and lots of digging. Geesh!

Continue to follow us along this journey, and watch our land transform before your eyes. We will continue to add new photos and videos each week as we continue to improve our DKV Legacy. Do you have any tips or ideas? Please share! We are new to this and are very open to hearing feedback.

This is our first time prepping raw land. The electric company recommended we do "above ground" wiring like all the other houses on the road, since that was the economical choice. However, we learned that the electric company could access our land when needed, to maintain the lines. This had us thinking... What if someone comes when we are not home? What if someone forgets to close or lock the gate? What if one of our Rottweilers run into the road? So, we decided to go against their recommendation, and instead, had all electrical wires installed underground! It might have turned into a much larger job than originally anticipated, but it was definitely worth it for our Rottweilers and the peace of mind!

Check out the trenching machine in action... 400 feet of wire buried... CHECK!

Next, we had all the poles installed. We decided to add a security light pole by the pond and Rottweiler barn. Then last, the electric company installed our electric pole along the road, at the end of our driveway.

What a busy week. We had people here digging trenches, laying wires, digging post holes, erecting two electric poles, connecting power... and then there was light! Slowly but surely, we are still moving forward.