Years in the Making

Years in the Making

 
 
 
 
 
 
A ‘cairn,’ derived from a Scottish Gaelic term, is a man-made pile of carefully balanced stones. Cairns have been, and are still used for a broad variety of purposes, from prehistoric times to the present. In modern times, they have been used most often as landmarks and trail markers, popular with hikers, climbers, hunters, and explorers.
 
My husband and I have studied cairns over our years of traveling. As avid hikers and my husband as a seasoned climber, cairns often hold deep meaning. Each one reminds us of a place we have visited, and each has left its mark on us. In certain places throughout our home, we have placed cairns comprised of rocks collected during our travels, to admire as keepsakes of our adventures. Now we are looking to make our mark on our land in Middletown. As we undertake the exciting, new project of building a second home – our “Tree Fort” – on our property, we are incorporating cairns to commemorate this new endeavor.
 
It’s been truly amazing to watch these ‘life-size’ cairns go up around the construction site of our new home. A full circle moment, the cairns on our new property are made from rocks and boulders that have existed here for many years before our lifetime and will remain here long after. A beautiful form of natural sculpture, these cairns will also act as a habitat for wildlife, insects, amphibians, and the like, as this landscape changes and evolves over the years to come.
 
I am excited to document more of the process of constructing this new home, as well as to share my insight behind it. Taking inspiration from the land we are so fortunate to live on, my husband and I are constructing this home to be “net zero” energy, eco-conscious, and sustainable. Be sure to check back to this blog to follow along the journey of this new build.
Libby Kirwin

About the Author

Libby Kirwin is a Newport native and seasoned real estate professional with over 30 years of experience spanning residential, commercial, and design consulting. After launching Libby Kirwin Real Estate in 2008, she has guided hundreds of clients through buying, selling, renovating, and investing, while also spearheading notable design projects like The Fire House Inn and The Carey School Condos. With a background that includes international yacht sales and entrepreneurial ventures, Libby brings creativity, global perspective, and a passion for aesthetics to her work. Dedicated to her community and service, she joined the Potter League for Animals board in 2023. Libby continues to live her motto of “loving where you live,” sharing her expertise and lifestyle insights through her blog, Living With Libby.

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