Page 23 - ArchDC_Spring 2020

Living room.

of treatment demanded its own building, so we now weather and the season. We have two Great Danes, and
have a five-by-fifteen-foot water treatment shed.” it’s their favorite place—they run through the woods
Building in the country, she added, is different and relax at the end of the day by the inside fireplace in
from building in the city. “I found it to be an enjoyable the winter, or outside fireplace most of the year.”
experience, but city people get accustomed to having As for the name of the gin and tonic deck, which
public water, power, and sewer [just] feet away in the is situated a few steps below the cabin, “we do like gin
street.” Even so, “while it may seem daunting to bring and tonics, but wine, beer, and coffee are all allowed
basic services to your property, we found the local on the deck,” Schmickel joked. “Early in the design
utility companies and contractors to be responsive and process, it was referred to as the gin and tonic deck,
knowledgeable.” because it seemed like it was going to be a great place
Now that the project is complete, she said, “John to relax at the end of the day. The name stuck, and it’s a
and I love our time at the cabin. As much as we love wonderful place to take in the river and valley below.”
Arlington, where we live, and Georgetown, where When you are at the cabin, she said, “you have to
I work, and Bethesda, where John works, it’s very look very hard to see signs of civilization, and it’s quite
relaxing to step away from the city for a few days. easy to imagine yourself in a much simpler time. That
The view is always wonderful and changing with the is our favorite thing about the project.”

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