Inheriting a piece of land should feel like a gift. But what happens when the plot is awkwardly shaped?
Whether it is a narrow strip behind a row of houses, a sliver left over from a boundary change, or a jagged wedge that doesn’t fit your plans, these bits of land can be a nightmare to sort out. Instead of feeling like an opportunity, they sit untouched, overgrown, and forgotten.
The problem is obviously their shape and size. Too small for a standard build, too irregular for easy gardening, too tucked away for easy access. You wonder if it’s even worth bothering with it at all. But, it turns out that with the right approach and mindset, you can make even an awkwardly shaped plot work for you.
Sell it
If your land feels like more hassle than it’s worth, selling it could free you from the responsibility while putting a little extra money in your pocket. Neighbouring homeowners are often the first people to approach. For them, an extra strip of garden might mean space for a shed, a play area, or simply a bigger lawn. When the land sits right next to theirs, it’s usually easier for them to make use of it than it would be for you.
Developers are another possibility. An oddly shaped plot might not suit your needs, but it could help complete a larger plan for a new housing estate. If a developer is already building nearby, they may be interested in buying your land to tidy up boundaries or expand their project.
And if neither of those options seems likely, there’s always the auction route. Auctions attract a wide range of buyers. Selling it at auction also saves you the stress of trying to market it yourself.
Turn it into a vegetable plot
If selling is not the right answer, why not turn your awkward plot into something that feeds you? Even a small piece of land can work beautifully as a vegetable garden.
You can also consider the addition of a greenhouse, which can help extend the growing season. This means you can get fresh crops even during the cooler months of the year. For a lot of hobby growers, this can be a game-changer, especially if you are considering relying on your own harvest to cut down grocery costs.
However, you want to remember that not everything thrives in a greenhouse. Some plants will wilt if conditions are too warm or humid, and some plants need the cold to thrive. So, make sure you fully understand what goes in and what doesn’t go inside the greenhouse.
This little plot could be your opportunity to grow carrots, beans, courgettes, salad leaves, cabbage, squashes, and even some berries to feed your family throughout the year.
Build a house on it
The idea of turning an awkwardly shaped plot into a home may seem like a mad concept, but there are ways to make it work. While you might assume the shape of the land rules out what the building needs to be, that’s not always the case. With the right design, even a wedge-shaped or narrow plot can become the foundation for a beautiful, functional home.
Architects and builders are used to working around unusual spaces. In fact, modern designs can also help your new home stand out, giving it character rather than compromise.
If you’re considering this route, it’s worth exploring specialist house plans designed with flexibility in mind. This could also become the start of an investment portfolio for your family’s future.
Give it back to nature
Leaving the space to nature can create a valuable habitat for vbirds, insects, and small mammals, especially if you plant native shrubs. Even a small patch can help support pollinators, which in turn benefits gardens in the wider area.
If you’d like to encourage wildlife, think about adding simple features such as a bug hotel, a small pond, and even bird boxes. Over time, the land will take on a life of its own, becoming a little sanctuary right on your doorstep. This also requires far less effort than trying to force the space into a controlled structure.
Make it an outdoor escape
If you’d prefer something more personal, why not turn the land into a retreat for your family? With a few fences for privacy and safety, you could create a little haven that’s just for you.
It can be your very own mini park. You can add a picnic area with a table and benches, or you can choose to bring a slide and a seesaw for the kids. While you’re here, why not consider a small wooden cabin?
Spending time outdoors has true health benefits, so creating your little haven of peace can truly make a difference.
Rent it out
Renting your land could be a great way of creating value. In fact, there may be a lot of people in your community who would love the opportunity. Oddly shaped plots can be perfect for small-scale activities, such as children’s birthday parties, outdoor yoga sessions, or even dog training classes.
Renting your plot of land helps you earn a little money from a space that would otherwise be left unused. It also offers local people an affordable alternative to hiring more venues that may be more expensive and less suited for their parties. You may even find groups who want regular access, which could be a stream of regular income.
Explore eco-energy options
If your plot gets plenty of direct sunlight, you could install solar panels. Even on a small scale, they can power your household or feed back into the grid.
In areas with strong winds, a small turbine may be a good idea too. It’s not suitable for every location, of course, but renewable energy companies sometimes lease land from private owners if the spot is right for them. So, your awkward piece of land could actually be very profitable and useful, and even earn a passive source of income.
It is worth exploring eco-energy options, as many of these structures thrive on isolated plots of land.
In conclusion, your awkwardly shaped plot of land may not be a curse after all. There’s a lot of value in it, depending on where your priorities lie.
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