Giving new purpose

Long-time readers will know I like to repurpose scrap materials into something decorative or functional.

I particularly like salvaging pallet wood. It could be my Scottish heritage, but there is something about taking something others consider waste and turning it into something useful.

I’ve built several dozen planters, birdhouses, storage bins, and a bunch of other “one-of-a-kind” projects.

Today it was a custom-designed toolbox to hold my fencing gear fitted to the back of a quad, in preparation for making the annual pilgrimage around the perimeter of our pastures.

So, it tickled my heart a couple of weeks ago, when viewing a client’s rural workshop, to run across a kindred spirit.

This gentleman specialized in building raised garden beds made from spruce windboards rescued from abandoned corrals.

Not only were they functional and attractive but allowed backyard gardeners to raise their own food.

Now, how cool is that?

We see repurposed property in real estate too.

A century-old home close to downtown turned into a retail business or profes - sional office.

Hip roof barns converted to cold storage, classic car display space, or in some cases, even a home.

Farmhouses moved to the lake to serve as a family cabin.

Garages turned into artisan studio space for potters and painters.

Huts upgraded to “she sheds” or “man barns” in the backyard of a suburban home or moved into a scenic location in some pasture for a four-season family and friends wiener roast site.

This coming month we are assisting the Landrose Community Society in marketing the two-acre site originally set aside for the Landrose School, then serving since the mid-50s as a social centre for district activities.

It’s a beautiful, mature treed site overlooking the valley of Big Gully Creek, just a few minutes east of Lloydminster.

Better yet, all proceeds from the sale will be donated to Stars Air Ambulance in both provinces.

What a great re-purpose! Check out the details at www.landrosetender.ca

Vern McClelland is an associate broker with RE/MAX of Lloydminster and an active partner in his family’s livestock operation. Comments on this article are welcome either by emailing vernmcclelland@remax.net or calling 306-821-0611.