ᐅ Boundary Line Construction – Concealing an Unattractive Rear House Wall

Created on: 17 Aug 2020 20:32
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moHouse
Hello everyone,

We currently have an option on a plot of land that is quite ideal for us. Well located, very friendly neighbors. The price is below the standard land value.
The plot is about 730 m² (7,850 sq ft), which is a very nice size for us, and it has a good shape. Sizes like this and prices below the standard land value are hardly available in this area anymore.

Now for the downside:
The plot is bordered on two sides by direct neighboring buildings from an old farmhouse.

Overgrown garden with brick wall, colorful metal fences, and blue sky


Abandoned brick wall with grass area in front, climbing plants on the right side, and blue sky.


The lower part is about 2.50 m (8 feet) high. The higher part is 5 m (16 feet) high.
The higher part is at the eastern edge of the plot, the lower part at the northern edge.

Now the question for you: what can be done here to at least somewhat improve the view?

The owner of the farm is apparently very easy-going. This means we can probably do whatever we want, as long as it doesn’t cost her anything
(unfortunately, demolition is not included).
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SteLa33
20 Aug 2020 13:57
What happened to the other plot of land you were considering?
I can’t really convince myself that these walls would look nice even with ivy or espalier fruit trees :-(
However, most affordable plots seem to have one issue or another, I know that all too well.
I would invest in having them plastered, if the neighbor agrees, and also add some greenery.
lastdrop20 Aug 2020 14:11
Joedreck schrieb:

I don’t really understand why this is seen as a disadvantage? Yes, you might feel a bit “walled in,” but on the other hand, you don’t have neighbors who can annoy you from there. Also, depending on local regulations, you might not need a fence.

I would also recommend using a climbing plant. I think Virginia creeper looks nice.

I feel the same way. At least then I’m sure that nobody can see me.

For visual appeal, you could also add a trellis in front...
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Pierre
20 Aug 2020 14:20
Wild hops grow very quickly but also cause many problems
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Joedreck
20 Aug 2020 14:26
Pierre schrieb:

Wild hops grow very quickly but also cause many problems
Definitely avoid hops. You’ll never get rid of them!
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T_im_Norden
20 Aug 2020 14:31
Judging by the picture, there were other buildings there before, right next to each other.

If those are reinforcements, it could mean that the wall would no longer stand without them.
moHouse20 Aug 2020 15:47
T_im_Norden schrieb:

From the looks of the picture, there used to be other buildings there, side by side.

If those are reinforcements, it could mean the wall won’t hold without them.


Yep, you were right about the reinforcements. They probably have to stay.
But I don’t see it as the biggest problem. Since the wall will be covered anyway, it won’t be visible anymore.
SteLa33 schrieb:

What happened with the other plot you were considering?
Honestly, I can’t really sugarcoat those walls with ivy, espalier fruit trees, or anything else :-/
However, most affordable plots tend to have more or less significant drawbacks, I know that all too well.
I would invest in plastering if the neighbor agrees and also add some greenery.


The other plot is still in the running. It’s just taking longer due to the owner’s personal circumstances.
It also has 2-3 drawbacks that will limit us quite a bit because of the zoning regulations / building permit.

Yeah, there’s not much to say for those walls in their current condition.
But once properly greened, it will look good. The plot itself is quite a decent size, so there is an 8 meter (26 feet) distance to the tall wall. To the lower buildings behind, there are many meters of distance, so they won’t be a problem anymore.

Another advantage: behind the lower buildings, there’s a nature reserve with horse pastures. So from the upper floor, you have a great view.

If you’re lucky enough to find a vacant lot in this area being sold at a reasonable (not cheap!) price, you will have neighbors all around. There’s no way to get a wide open view.

As I said: the tall wall will be about 8 meters (26 feet) away from the gable side of the house. Normally, after 6 meters (20 feet), there’s already a neighbor. But those usually have a pitched roof and don’t look as bulky. They do have windows, though, so there’s a chance of curious glances.

Sure... if we could design our own plot, we’d pick a neighboring plot with a direct view of the nature reserve. But we’re at least 10 years too late for that. And meanwhile, market prices have tripled.
(Have I mentioned before that I’m really tired of hearing the phrase, “Oh, interest rates are so low right now. You just have to take advantage of that”?)
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