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?
If you enjoy this post, please share on Pinterest.
