II.
The first thing to be decided is where the cottage shall be placed. For a castle in Spain, any picturesque spot would do, nor need we choose it until our castle is quite complete. But for a real house, one that will keep out the cold and keep in the heat, one that will be comfortable to live in and presumably beautiful to look at, one that is subject to many practical as well as artistic conditions, we will proceed to select the prettiest piece of ground in the healthiest neighborhood we can find.
Healthy—of course. Better not build at all than make our house the abiding-place of malaria. So we will carefully avoid marshy or ill-drained ground. Sandy or gravelly soil is good. Clay is bad. A side-hill has many advantages and affords opportunity for something picturesque. We need not fear it, for a broad trench dug deep as our cellar, and running obliquely back of the house, will leave us high and dry. If we are sensible rather than ambitious, we will not choose the summit of a hill. Sooner be a little lower down on the slope, securing shelter from the wind and a readier water supply. The question of site is an important one, and much depends on a wise selection. Even a small lot offers some choice, and a few feet in either direction may avoid damp cellars and future fevers.
But if we have a wider choice, let us exercise it well, and secure a position where we can study nature in her varying moods and enjoy her beauty. Let us be surrounded by meadows and flowers and trees. Trees by all means. Not too near, or we may shut out sunlight and secure dampness instead; but trees are good neighbors, and we owe them grateful shade in summer and shelter from winter storms. A stately oak and a few graceful maples, or perhaps some faithful evergreens, will take away the barren and forlorn appearance a house often presents when standing quite alone. A little terracing and grading, besides helping to shed the surface water, often give the building the appearance of being well and firmly placed.
Care will of course be taken to see that an abundant supply of pure water is obtainable; to decide its quality a few preliminary borings should be made.
Having roughly chosen the position and driven a stake in the site, we must decide in which direction our house shall face. The living rooms should look to the south or south-east, as they will be cooler in summer, receiving the southern breezes, and warmer in winter—and always cheerful. Next to a southern exposure an eastern one is best. We must consider how the grounds shall be laid out, the approaches to the house, position of the public road, and proximity of objectionable neighbors. Our friend Mr. Architect will want to know all this and more too. He will ask you from what directions come the prevailing winds, what is the character of the scenery, and whether there is any choice of prospect, or our pet view will stand in danger of being wasted on blank walls, or visible only from the kitchen. Then, after telling him how much we wish to spend, he will be in a condition intelligently to go to work and plan the house. A thorough understanding between architect and client is most desirable.