Efficient farm on 12 acres: planning a plot wisely

  • Jul 31, 2021

If you become the owner of 12 acres, then the paramount question becomes how to plan the territory so that you do not have to rebuild everything in the future. First of all, a place is allocated on the site for a residential building and plantings, but in addition to this, it is worthwhile to provide places for recreation and household needs. We will tell you about the basic rules for planning a summer cottage, taking into account the type of terrain, the climate, the crops planned for planting and the special preferences of the owner.

Country cottage area. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com
Country cottage area. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com
Country cottage area. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com

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We take into account the main parameters

The placement of objects on the site should be convenient for use, take into account the peculiarities of the territory and the adjacent infrastructure.

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The main parameters affecting the order of arrangement of objects on the site:

  • The quality of the soil affects the choice of foundation material for houses and other outbuildings.
  • Features of the landscape - on the site there may be different levels of height, unevenness.
  • Lighting and location of the cardinal points.
  • Type and layout of the water supply system.
  • The proximity of groundwater.
  • The presence of nearby forest and water bodies.

Basic rules for zoning a summer cottage

Having decided on the main parameters, you can start drawing up a plan of the territory.

Country cottage area. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com
Country cottage area. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com

Typical guidelines for planning zones:

  • Up to 10% of the territory is allocated for the residential zone and a place is allocated in it for a house and an open summer kitchen.
  • From 15 to 60% of the plot is allocated for a vegetable garden, combined with a garden, depending on needs.
  • The recreation area can occupy up to 25% of the site and include a gazebo, a children's area and a place for a barbecue.
  • Outbuildings should occupy up to 10% of the territory.

Living area planning guidelines

When planning residential areas, the following parameters are taken into account:

  • A residential building should not have more than three floors.
  • The cottage is placed at a distance of at least 4 m from the road, in the highest part of the site and preferably on the north side.
  • Windows should face east or west.
  • The veranda is planned on the south side of the house.
  • The walls outside can be decorated by planting climbing ornamental plants around the perimeter.
  • If the house has several floors, then the first floor can be equipped as a garage, and for small sizes at home, attach a room to the main building or allocate a nearby parking lot or a separate boxing.

Features of planning a place for landing

When choosing a place for a vegetable garden and garden trees, adhere to the following recommendations:

  • For most garden crops, good illumination is important, so for the garden, select the southern side of the site without shade from trees, fences or buildings.
  • Be sure to consider the composition of the soil when choosing a planting site.
  • In unstable climates, plan a location for greenhouses and warm beds right away.
  • For fruit trees and shrubs, choose the eastern or southeastern part of the area.

The recreation area is an important part of the site

It is advisable to plan places for recreation outside the visibility zone from the side of the street.

Rest zone. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com
Rest zone. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com

A recreation area can include the following elements:

  • Alcove located, as a rule, next to the barbecue area and away from the main residential building.
  • Fireplace (brazier, barbecue) are often combined with an area for food processing, food preparation and drinks.
  • Benches, hammocks placed in the shade of trees.
  • Flowerbeds, flower beds and artificial reservoirs can be located in different parts of the recreation area.
  • Playground.

We allocate a place for a playground

The playground should be clearly visible from the side of the house and be located as far as possible from the barbecue area.

Additional requirements for the children's area:

  • The place must be protected from drafts.
  • Choose the most shaded areas of the plot, next to trees or bushes.
  • Place a sandbox on the site, as well as a swing and a slide.
  • Use bright colors when decorating.
  • A good addition will be a children's sports complex.

Economic zone

For safety and ease of use, outbuildings should be located at a distance from the house, recreation area and children's games and be located closer to the vegetable garden area.

There are other important elements on the site, which are also better to think about when planning. For example, mark on the plan the location for the garden lights and the shape and location of the garden paths so that you have easy access to all buildings and garden beds. Taking into account our recommendations, you can effectively use your 12 acres for a comfortable stay and garden work.

Do you know how to plan your plot of land?

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