[Illustration: A unique arrangement of the porch.]



OUTLOOK AND INLOOK

Though we should not pay too much premium for an east front, it is
always most salable, and the difference will come back if we should
dispose of the property later. Outlook and protection against being
shut in should be assured. Our own property may be "gilt edge," but if
the man across the way has backed up a barn or chicken yard in front of
us our joy in life will be considerably lessened. Our home is both to
look at and to look out from, and we do more of the latter than of the
former. There are only two ways to make sure of not being shut in,
unless the adjacent lots are already improved. These are to buy enough
ground to give space on either side, or to secure a corner. Sometimes
a corner at a higher price is the cheaper in the end.

Certainly it is advisable, even though our own house be not
high-priced, to discover if there is a building restriction to prevent
the erection of cheap structures near by. This is regulated usually by
a stipulation in the deeds from the original subdivider. Without this
guaranty even a high price for lots does not insure that some fellow
who has put most of his money into the ground may not put up a woodshed
next door and live in it until he can build a house. We shall not find
it amiss either, to know something of the character of the owners of
the adjoining property, for if they are real-estate men there is a
probability of their putting up houses built to sell. Non-resident
owner may be expected to allow their vacant lots to remain unkempt and
to object to all improvement assessments.