Your Home’s Entry-Are You Making a Good First Impression?
As you may know, our historic home was built in 1910, before Arizona became a state. Originally the plats of land were 20 acres and were marketed to build rural agricultural estate homes surrounded by citrus groves. Nearly all the large parcels have been subdivided as Phoenix has grown. We feel fortunate to still have 2 acres, which is rare in this urban environment.
Unfortunately, I do not have any pre-renovation pictures of our entrance. The driveway was dirt/stones with no gates.
During the holidays, we love to decorate the entrance to our home, because you cannot see the house from the street. Our goal is to make our entry welcoming and festive. The first impression we want to create is that all are welcomed here.
Irrigation Laterals
Our home sits 150 feet back from the street. Adjacent to the street are irrigation laterals, which supplies public water at an affordable cost to deep water our large, mature trees.
As you drive in, you cross what I call the “moat”. It is the main irrigation ditch that runs along the road. If you look to the left and right once you pull onto the “bridge”, you see this~~a river (the irrigation lateral). The main gates are inset to provide enough room for two vehicles pulling off the street (as our street is very busy).
This water source feeds into our private irrigation ditch, which parallels the main moat and our property line.
Twice a month in the summer and once a month in the winter, water is released into our private ditch. After opening hatches, the water is then funneled throughout the 2+ acres providing many gallons to the orchard and mature trees.
Original Stone Pillars
Large, original stone pillars act as sentries at the entrance of the driveway. Back in the day, we believe a heavy chain hung between the columns for security.
The hooks are now a great place to hang a holiday wreath.
The wrought iron fencing and gate design is to replicate the architectural arches throughout the house. Since we live on a busy street, the fence and gate keep the dogs safely inside the property and deters any criminals looking to cause mischief.
Our pre-lit wreaths change with the season and hang on the automatic gates.
We used tumbled pavers on the entrance bridge. Once you go through the gates, the driveway is a combination of paver edges and bands with packed decomposed granite in between. This stone/gravel look is more historically appropriate for our 112 year old home.
Arriving at the Front Door
The original front door and sidelights had security bars and gates on them, hiding the beautiful 4 foot wide raised panel door. To see the before and after of the front of the house, click here.
Here is the view from the front door to the street. Notice the archways in the architecture. You will see many of these details throughout the property.
We are getting the front door decorations up this week and if you recall my Christmas in July post (see it here), the theme of the wreaths will be blue velvet ribbon, oranges, artichokes and cinnamon sticks. Hoping to tie it all together with the living room mantel and staircase garlands (and share it with you next week).
First impressions are lasting. To me, having a welcoming entry is such an important element in your home. In spite of the size or location of your home, you can make the entrance attractive and unique. It doesn’t take a great deal of resources, just a little upkeep and attention to detail.
What do you love about the entrance to your home?
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Mary,
You certainly make a good first impression. I love your outdoor spaces and you’ve decorated them beautifully.
Rachel, thank you so much for your sweet comment.
Your home is a beautiful, peaceful place. I enjoy your sharing the history and all the projects you
do. How wonderful that you are the caretaker of this lovely property.
Blessings,
So pretty! What a lovely first impression. Hugs and blessings to you.
Renae, thank you. Coming from you that means alot!
So beautiful! One can feel the peacefulness of your stunning home and grounds…
I am fascinated by your irrigation ditch and all that it accomplishes; your orchard is so charming AND functional! I would love to hear the history, was it part of the original plan? Was there always an orchard or orchards, and what they grew…
You have taken such loving care of this beautiful property, thank you so much for sharing with us. It’s an added joy to see your holiday decorations, making for happy holidays❣
Sue, from what I understand the Hohokam Indians developed the flood irrigation system for their crops. Our area was platted in the 1890s and the irrigation lateral was added to bring water to this area. So our driveway is a bridge over the water way. The orchard was part of the original 20 acres and many of our trees (like the date palms) are from the early 1900s. Typically the orchards are citrus groves. We have various varieties of oranges, grapefruit, lemons, kumquats, tangerines and limes. I’ve added peaches, apples, apricots and plum. We have olive trees that line the street that are 125 years old. It’s truly magical and I hope this area stays preserved. With all the new development, most people don’t want to protect historical areas~only knock them down and build with more density. Thank you for your comments and questions.
Thank you Mary! So fascinating how long your irrigation system has been functioning and how clever the genetations before us were, how hard they worked…as do you!
That you have living trees from hundreds of years ago is just beyond wonderful. What a fascinating history, thank you so much for sharing with us. I learned so much.
I too am saddened when I see such wonderous historical places being torn down, but it makes my heart happy when I see an artical like you’ve shared. God Bless you and your family! Thanks again!
On my gosh, your entrance is beautiful!!
Debbie, thank you so much!
So amazing and unusual to have your own
Moat! Simply lovely warm and welcoming, and so much work!
If we were ever home, would put more effort into the holidays, and did for many years, now appreciate what you’ve done!
Bev, well lucky you that you are traveling alot. I hope to do more of that eventually, but do love being here too!
So beautiful! Your home and decorating are lovely, and I loved hearing about your moat! Can’t wait to see this year!
Barbara, we need to see when you can come and visit again!It would be fun to get all the PNW gals here.
Your home has an inviting and peaceful feel to it. This comes from your love of home.
Diana, yes, we do love it and it is a labor of love. Lots of maintenance but the joy it returns is worth it.
It is both Grand & Charming!! Beautiful! My husband, this Spring, made (6) French style “Beauclaire” Planter boxes w/finials going down our driveway…they hold “round boxwood” that we covered in twinkle lights…@ the driveway intersection we have a Nellie Stevens holly in twinkle lights…we’ve received nice compliments. franki
Franki, I love that style of planter and I can envision how gorgeous it must be!Boxwood with lights! Sounds completely gorgeous.
Everything is beautiful!
Susan, thank you!
I feel fortunate to have visited. It is as wonderful as the pictures portray.
Love your entry and home! Thanks for sharing Mary!
I like the red door but recently read that Yellow is now overtaking red as a door color; just a thought!