architect design™: Good fences make good neighbors

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Good fences make good neighbors

According to Robert Frost's 1914 poem 'Mending wall', "Good fences make good neighbors"; so I wonder what he would think of these neighbors in Georgetown who share a front porch? While walking around this weekend I noticed these adjoining townhouses with side entrances sharing a beautiful iron gate and front door canopy. I think the change in door heights helps them feel private but what do you think about this setup? Could you share a front porch with your neighbor?

14 comments:

Things That Inspire said...: If the relationship is good, it would be fine...but it might get tricky when one of the houses is sold!

In our old house, we had a small side yard shared between our house and the neighbor. When a new neighbor moved in, they asked if we could build a fence (we each paid 50-50) and it made for better neighbors - so I agree with Robert Frost's sentiments!

- Holly; September 3, 2013 at 1:25 PM
Karena said...: Stefan I certainly love the curvy iron with quatrefoil designed gate!
I might have a hard time because I am particular about the flowers and trellises around my door!

xoxo
Karena
Feature: Entrepreneur Sigal Sasson; September 3, 2013 at 3:16 PM
home before dark said...: This is a most tender topic. My neighbor torn down (without talking to me) a jointly owned fence and incorporated my 80' long stone wall into her garden. Only after her old dog died and the new dog was a "jumper" into my garden, did she relent and build a fence (partially on my property)—knowing that I wanted the fence more than her being compliant. What a mess!!!!!!; September 3, 2013 at 3:59 PM
Mark D. Ruffner said...: There are sooo many reasons I would not want this setup, and it would be a constant test of restraint and diplomacy. Wouldn't it be interesting to know what an expert practitioner of Feng Shui would advise?; September 3, 2013 at 6:40 PM
Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...: Its beautiful but I bet they don't even make eye contact much less speak to one another. It is Georgetown after all. :); September 3, 2013 at 8:34 PM
The Devoted Classicist said...: I might be persuaded if the porch roof was replaced by a greenhouse/conservatory-like link with one good shared door facing the street.; September 4, 2013 at 12:10 AM
Anyes K. Busby - Studio Vignette Fine Art said...: Hello Stefan,
I could never buy a house with this set up. I'm too teritorial and too particular about things. But even if one has the personnality and the best intentions of making it work, I think it's asking for trouble. I agree with Frost's saying and I love the gate.

It took me a while to drop in because I knew that your blog would be very adictive and I barely have time for another addiction, but what the heck. Love it!
Anyes
xx; September 4, 2013 at 7:21 AM
Jeff D said...: I wonder, perhaps, the households are or were related somehow: parents and offspring, two sisters, brothers, etc. Who knows? It's fun to imagine anyway.; September 4, 2013 at 1:01 PM
Thombeau said...: One of our neighbors is like family, another neighbor is an insane bitch from Hell. So there you have it.

I did once live in a six-flat where we were all good friends. It was terrific and made for some fantastic house parties! But I digress.; September 5, 2013 at 2:25 AM
Deana Sidney said...: Maybe they're related somehow? It is very strange, isn't it? I've lived in townhouses and never liked sharing walls let alone doors. Would be fun to discover the story.; September 5, 2013 at 11:37 AM
ArchitectDesign™ said...: Georgetown is such a quirky neighborhood -especially when you look more closely at how the townhouses have developed over time. I actually think this is brilliant for getting light into the houses because instead of a 4' wide side entry they probably have 8' here. Having to share it is a small concession to get that much more light and air outside of your windows in my opinion. Side entries are rare but really help the floorplans on these tight lots.
They call it a village for a reason -everyone is so friendly (seriously!). If they're not family I'm sure they have at least become good friends sharing doors such as this.; September 5, 2013 at 11:40 AM
Renée Finberg said...: i do LOVE fences and walls!!!
oxo; September 8, 2013 at 6:52 AM
designchic said...: What a gorgeous fence, but you got to really like your neighbor...think I may be too particular about what I like...; September 8, 2013 at 7:50 AM
Windlost said...: A great fence but I've never seen such an arrangement!! Though I'd accept it just to live in Georgetown. hehe. :)

xo Terri; September 8, 2013 at 2:24 PM