and about those windows...

The northern windows are (roughed) in and, well, they don't work.  The biggest issue is that the framing between the upper plate glass and the lower awning windows is, when you're sitting down, right at eye level, so the view -- the whole point of that northern end -- is obstructed.  And since the northeastern corner will be our main hanging out and lounging area, this is a big issue.  It's totally our fault -- we rushed through the window-picking part of the process -- and now we have to figure out how to fix it.   Something else that bothers me (although I think it's less of an issue for Roberto) is the proportion of the lower windows;  they just don't fit in with the other windows in the barn, and I feel like it's important that there's a sense of continuity -- that they're in conversation with each other.

So, what are we going to do?  Well, our amazing contractor came up with a solution that not only solves the problem, but actually makes the space even better than it would have been if the windows had been what we had imagined.  This is going to cost us a bit more, but we think it will be well worth it.  What Sean suggested is extending the platform across the northern end so that the seating area is raised, which will take care of the view issue.  We'll also be taking the lower awning windows out and building a short wall in their place;  there will be less window, slightly less of a view, but I think it will be more in proportion now.  We love that the kitchen and adjacent lounging area will now be on the same level and also that having that northeastern part raised will break up some of the long, open space that makes up the eastern side of the barn.

Renée came over this afternoon and we did a little birdwatching -- the baby eagles were playing in the wind as it pummeled us from the north.  It was amazing to watch the weather.

The platform will extend all the way along the space above, which will tie it together so nicely.

There is so much light from those northern windows!  It was a rainy, gray day today -- the clouds were low in the sky -- but the barn was lit up beautifully.

Extending the platform also takes care of a couple of other problems:  the first is that the french doors that are going in where that old door (above) is will be now be on the same level as the bigger windows to the right.  The second is that when we want to access the kitchen -- either from the bedroom or the living areas, we won't have to walk down the steps, around the kitchen peninsulas and then back up again;  we don't mind walking up and down the steps (we can use all the exercise we can get!), but there is an awkwardness to the flow that will be gone, now :)

The view from the kitchen to the lounge-y area -- the wood stove will go between the two big windows... it's getting closer!