Thursday, August 16, 2012

How About Goats On The Roof...?

Once in a while, what starts out as a joke becomes a really good idea!

Such was the case here. This idea has been used in Europe and other places for many, many years. It may have started as a joke, but it turned into a very good thing both for the owners and the tourists!

Old Country Market has a family of goats that live on the roof




The original market was created by Kristian Graaten. Kris and his wife, Solveig, emigrated with their children to Vancouver Island from Norway in the 1950s. Kris, who grew up in the small community of Lillehammer, was inspired to include a sod roof in his design of the market. Many Norwegian homes and farm structures are built directly into the hillside with the sod roof becoming an extension of the hillside. With the help of sons, Svein and Andy, and son-in-law Larry, Kris unwittingly began to build what would become perhaps the most famous sod-roof building in all of Canada.

On the weekend of the Coombs Fall Fair, the grass was getting rather long. Legend has it that, after a few glasses of wine, Larry suggested that they 'borrow' some goats to ‘mow’ the grass and perhaps provide some entertainment for passing cars.

Needless to say, the goats became permanent tenants of the Coombs market that weekend and have been there for more than thirty years. Each spring, a family of goats make their home on the roof, entertaining both locals and visitors from all over the world.

See what a blessing it may be having a few cute little farm animals around? Not only are they cutesy and a tourist draw, but once in a while they can actually come in handy for mowing the roof (or yard)!

Coffee in the kitchen this morning. I have a few white meat peaches to nibble on!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

For those who live in areas with hills (I don't - a telephone book gains you a view), going partial underground makes a lot of sense. Keeps you insulated from cold in winter, hot in summer. And sited correctly - its difficult to know someone lives there.

Mike Oehler wrote a pretty neat book called THE 50$ AND UP UNDERGROUND HOUSE - it is well worth looking up for advice on underground housing.

Goats on the roof - sure, no problem. They are entertaining to look at, one of my coworkers used to own a few of them, their antics will make you lol.

Momlady said...

We have two "country" stands/stores in the area that are called "Goats on the Roof" and there are. Kids love to feed them with the pulley system and they are generally great entertainment.

linda m said...

My son, who lives in northern GA took us to a Goats-on-the-Roof country market once when we were visiting. It is so much fun, especially when the owners let you feed the goats. And they keep your grass "mowed". haha

JO said...

Sounds like a fun place to visit.
And I see GA has them too. GA is a lot closer.

Coffee in the kitchen it is. Looks like rain here.

2 Tramps said...

We have been there before during camping trips on Vancouver Island. Very neat!

HermitJim said...

Hey Anon 5:44...
Cody Lundin built and lives in an underground house. Makes a lot of sense as far as protecting yourself from extreme weather and helping to regulate inside temps in Summer and Winter!

I've read the book you mention and can agree it is full of usable info!

Thanks for coming over today!


Hey Momlady...
I think it's a great idea, myself! Fun, also!

Thanks for dropping by today!


Hey Linda...
Sounds like a unique place to go and spend some time!

Makes for a good picture opportunity as well!

Thanks for coming over this morning!


Hey JoJo...
Add the place in GA to your travel list, sweetie!

Maybe you could get one for the trailer!

Thanks for the visit today!


Hey 2 Tramps...
You wouldn't happen to have some pictures, would you? Sure would like to see them!

Plenty of fun places to visit if you know where to look!

I really appreciate your visit this morning!

Sixbears said...

I love clever and fun things with buildings. That's another good one.

HermitJim said...

Hey Sixbears...
You just never know what some creative folks will come up with!

Just gotta love it!

Thanks, my friend, for coming by today!

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