Proper planning and design of a 12-acre garden plot makes it possible to create a true country estate. This is a fairly spacious area, suitable for building a two-story house, a recreation area, and a children's playground. Hobby gardeners will also have ample space for flowerbeds and vegetable patches. The key is to consider the interests of all family members to ensure a comfortable stay for both adults and children.
Principles and features of territory planning
A well-designed project will allow every centimeter of land to be used rationally for living and working.
Before you begin landscaping your property, you should pay attention to the following factors:
- find out the condition of the soil and its type, which is important when creating a garden and vegetable garden, and when choosing a foundation;
- determine the terrain, what slopes, elevations, and depressions there are;
- how high is the groundwater;
- Are there any bodies of water, a river, a lake, or floods nearby?
- what is the illumination of the area, its shape, and the cardinal direction;
- availability of centralized water supply;
- Is there a forest or planting nearby, and how far is it?
After developing your plan yourself, it's a good idea to consult with a specialist to correct any deficiencies and avoid serious mistakes.
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When dividing the areas, it's important to consider the owners' hobbies. Gardeners who enjoy digging in the soil will need to dedicate most of the plot to a vegetable garden or orchard. A 12-acre (0.45-acre) summer cottage will provide ample space for comfortable living, working, and relaxing.
Main zones:
- The residential area where the house, kitchen, and veranda are planned to be built. It accounts for 10-15% of the total area.
- The vegetable garden and orchard will occupy 60-65% of the plot.
- 25% of the total area should be allocated for the recreation area.
- For outbuildings, 10-15% is sufficient.
Some are combined or arranged in such a way that it is convenient to move around and use them comfortably.
Usually they combine a garden and recreation areas. Beautiful flower beds Decorate the yard. Separate zones with garden paths, decorative fences, and flower beds.
Rules and regulations for the location of objects
When developing a plan, it is essential to adhere to the following rules:
- buildings must not disturb neighbors;
- If the site is located near a roadway, streets, buildings should not impede the movement of vehicles and people;
- Accommodation for the owners must be safe.
There are some rules that must be strictly followed:
- The distance from the house to the main fence is not less than 3 meters.
- An outdoor toilet must be installed no closer than 20 meters from a residential building and 12 meters from a guest house.
- The cesspool must be located 7 meters from all buildings.
- Animal sheds should not be installed near a drinking water source.
- A house can be built no closer than 7 meters from a neighboring one, provided that the cladding material or the building itself is fireproof.
- Near wooden houses, other buildings should be located at a distance of 15 m.
All this will ensure safe living for the owners of the site and their neighbors.
Planning
The location of each zone must be carefully considered, as the future comfort of the country house depends on it.
Residential sector
This is the main area. The house should be no more than three stories high and located no closer than 3-4 meters from the road. Its location in the foreground allows for privacy of the recreation area. If the property is located near a roadway, it's best to build the main building further away from it to avoid unnecessary noise and install a high fence.
When working on a house project, you need to consider:
- It is advisable to place the residential sector in the northern part of the site and on a hill, if available;
- It is better for the main windows to face east or west;
- It is convenient if the veranda is located on the south side of the house, so that there are no drafts in the cold season and overheating of the interior rooms in the hot season.
Climbing plants planted near the walls of the building will complement the decor.
A garage needs to be built nearby. There are the following options:
- extension, suitable for one- and two-story buildings;
- on the first floor;
- as an independent structure.
The choice depends on the preferences of the owners, so that it is convenient to use.
Recreation area
This part of the site is divided into areas for passive and active recreation:
The main element is alcoveIt comes in various shapes, sizes, and designs, including open and closed. The choice depends on the time of day the owners plan to use it and how many people it will accommodate. A grill or barbecue is usually placed nearby. There are also options for installing them within the gazebo itself. A tandoor has recently become a popular purchase, but it should be located outdoors and then stored under cover for the winter.
It is advisable to place flower beds, flower gardens, decorative ponds, fountains, and a swimming pool nearby.
In the depths of the garden you can install a hammock, put in elegant benches, or a swing bench.
For active recreation, there is a sports ground, tennis court, table, and basketball hoop.
Playground
Choosing a play area for children also has its own requirements:
- The side should not be windy to avoid drafts.
- The presence of trees is mandatory so that the child can be in the shade in hot sunny weather.
- The playground should be located close to the house, so that even when parents are indoors, the child will remain under supervision.
- It's ideal if the play area combines with a relaxation area. This will allow adults to relax comfortably while keeping an eye on the children playing.
- It is mandatory to comply with the age category and safety precautions.
- The design should be bright and colorful.
Therefore, it is necessary to install swings, a slide, and a sandbox in this area.
A good option is a sports complex, which includes a slide, wall bars, a climbing frame, and a playhouse. There are many varieties for both boys and girls, designed to suit the interests and ages of children.
Garden and vegetable garden
Experts advise locating this piece of land on the southern side of the site, where there are no tall trees creating shade and no tall buildings.
Before choosing a location for vegetable beds, you need to know the type of soil. If the soil is clayey, it is better to place them from north to south; if it is sandy, from east to west.
It's not recommended to plant trees closer than 2 meters near a fence. Otherwise, they will cast a shadow on the neighboring property. Fruit trees and shrubs should be planted on the east and southeast sides, and ornamental plants on the north side.
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Sheds, enclosures for poultry and animals, and small rooms for gardening equipment and tools are built on it.
Its location is at the far end of the yard:
- will be hidden from prying eyes;
- everything you need is at hand during work;
- the supposed disorder is not visible;
- far from children.
It is convenient to maintain cleanliness throughout the entire area.
Paths
This landscape element can be in the form of large, spacious roads or small, neat paths that separate zones from each other and ensure free movement between them.
They can be decorated with decorative fences, hedges, paved with garden tiles, decorative stone, or a combination of materials. Lanterns should definitely be installed along the paths. paths It is possible to create a beautiful designer drawing.
Lighting
Using decorative light sources, you can create any image and highlight the beauty of your garden's landscape design. It will be visually stunning both day and night. These lights are ideal for use near fountains, ponds, sculptures, and flowerbeds.
It is important to remember that lighting fixtures should be positioned so that they can see:
- residential building and all the paths;
- sharp turns;
- steps, stairs;
- well;
- various obstacles that are not visible in the dark.
Proper lighting will allow you to move around the area safely at night.
Figurines
Various sculptures made of plaster, concrete or stone will decorate landscape designThese could be fairytale characters, animals, birds, or insects. You can buy them in a store or make them yourself. A duck, a heron, or a frog could be placed near a pond. Animals would look beautiful in a flowerbed, and a fairytale character next to a bench.
The main thing is not to overdo it with quantity and colors. Otherwise, the interior will look tasteless and oversaturated. Everything should be harmonious.
Helpful Tips
When planning, you need to take into account the following nuances:
- Avoid overloading the interior with too many small details. This will create a feeling of clutter.
- Paths with smooth, curved lines will visually expand the space, while straight lines will make it appear smaller.
- Arched beds will make the garden aesthetically pleasing.
- If you plant aromatic herbs and flowers next to each other, the scents will intersect.
Don't take on everything at once, plan a budget, break the work into stages, and complete the tasks sequentially.
Design options
We present photo examples of completed design projects for a twelve-acre plot.
Designing your own home will allow you to take into account all your family's wishes and interests, but it wouldn't hurt to consult with a specialist in this area. A small flaw can become a major problem and ruin your future living experience. Be responsible; it's better to spend a little more and enjoy the comfort of your country home.

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12 acres is a lot, the workers won't read your writings,
Sergey
Hard workers are the ones who will read this section. Only slackers, alcoholics, and most government officials won't read it, but someone with 12 acres of well-maintained land—that's a true hard worker and breadwinner.
Eugene
Interesting. But how do you apply SNiP to your sketches?