There are but few persons who are in a position to locate their proposed
home just where they would most desire it. But, fortunately, most any
building site is capable of being made to look well, it the style of
architecture selected harmonizes with the surroundings.
It is of the first importance that the location be a healthy one. Better
rent all your life than ignore that. Avoid the neighborhood of swamps and
stagnant water, or where the cellar, (if you have one) to your house,
from the nature of the location, will be damp. Large bodies of water,
or running water is never unhealthy; but on the contrary, it is in many
ways conducive to health. Some very uninviting, rugged and neglected
spots, can, with but little expense and an appropriate building, be made
exceedingly beautiful.
One of the prettiest school-houses I ever saw was built on a lot given
by a farmer for a district school. It did look as if the piece of ground
was worthless for any purpose; it was rocky, overgrown with briers and
bushes, and a tiny stream ran across the lot, jumping from rock to
rock, alongside of which, on a level spot but little larger than room
for a building, a house with steep roof and turret was built, and the
adjacent hillside made a splendid study and playground for the scholars.
When completed the building and grounds was a model of what a country
school-house should be.
While an elevation is at all times desirable, a hill is not. The exposure
to the storms in winter, and the tiresome walk in summer, is to be
avoided. A few native trees, if on the ground to furnish shade, are
desirable. The water supply, too, is to be considered. Most architects
say a Southern exposure is the best, but this depends on your location.
For Southern homes the East is preferable.