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Emmet' and Velma Lawson
Harold, Kentucky 41635
606-478-2516 606-478-4O4O
We planned for ten years to build the ultimate living place,
one that would endure for a lifetime, virtually maintenance-
free, requiring only seasonal landscaping chores and simplified
housecleaning, a carefree place in which to live, raise a family,
entertain, work, and play; a place to enjoy -- not a place that
would burden a person with constant repairs and upkeep; a
place with day-to-day living expenses comparable to those of
the average home.
The correct site had to be located prior to detailed planning.
It had to meet certain geographic requirements. The type of
terrain, the size, and privacy were important. The estate had to
blend into the surroundings and not be pretentious. It had to be
out of the way of present and future development and the main
flow of traffic, but within reasonable distance of the major
throughways of eastern Kentucky.
Eventually an ideal place was found, a place where we could
implement the plans and ideas we envisioned. With a rough
draft of what the estate was to include, we sought architects,
engineers, and other professionals who could work with us to
design buildings and landscaping that would incorporate our
ideas and work harmoniously with the site. A preliminary plan
was drafted; the reshaping of the landscape began. Though the
site was excavated in 6"-12" compaction lifts, it was also core
drilled and monitored for settling, then left to rest for seven
years. During that time, we perfected the plan, isolating and
detailing every aspect, from overall intent to the structures,
landscaping, the kind of nails that would be used in the siding,
to the type of soil for specific outdoor areas. We researched
materials, design, soil, plants, shrubbery, drainage, electrical,
heating and cooling, and everything else we could foresee.
We were finally ready for construction.
The landscape architect, building architect, stonemason, heat-
ing and air conditioning specialists, electricians, and other
experts in their trades were all chosen because they were the
best we found in their respective fields. Some met the chal-
lenges and standards we set, some were replaced. Akers &
Akers of Dana, Kentucky, served as builders in charge of the
project from the beginning. Through their adherence to detail,
their ability to construct, and the demands for excellence they
placed upon themselves and the subcontractors working under
their supervision, they allowed us to accomplish our dream.
The seven years of relentless, exhaustive drive -- planning,
researching, designing, and preparing the site -- and the three
and a half years of construction were quite happy and reward-
ing for us. They almost compare to the decade plus that we
have enjoyed living here.
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