We live in a right to trespass state. Unless we post our land (only five acres), people can and do cross it, 4-wheel and snowmobile on it, hunt on it, etc. Posting is for each specific activity unless general "No trespassing" signs are posted. Posting must be every so many feet along all bounds, I don't know how many, to be enforceable.

If your property has long been open, then many people probably have made use of it over the years. Some may feel entitled to continue to do so, most will probably respond to being told, by sign and in person, that it is a private homesite now with bounds that must be respected.

It would probably help if you can enlist the owners of the winery to remind their patrons in some nice way, by sign or verbal reminder, to be respectful of the neighbors' property.

I agree with hadley that you should enlist the help of the people who own the winery. Hopefully as your home becomes more complete this will lessen. I hope they didn't damage any of your grapevines, that would be upsetting as well! I love your idea of the board with the nails. Post some signs and even consider a fence (I don't know how long that stretch is between you and the winery). I am so sorry this happened, it must be very frustrating to you and understandably so.

hadley, where in the world do you live that is a right to trespass state? I have never in my life heard of that and can't imagine it. I'm not doubting you, I am simply interested in hearing more about that.

leilani, your home is coming along beautifully! How's it going?

Amy

Our property eas a former biker bar, and later the local fishing spot/boat ramp. At first we let people continue coming on our property while we weren't living there, but we had lots of problems so posted No Trespassing signs. The signs were ripped down so we fenced the property. No problems since.

I would think that signs would work for most of your trespassers, but you might need a gate in your driveway to deter the joy riders.

Is there a defined path that they're using? I'm just thinking a simple 2x4 barricade with a "no trespassing" sign would help.

I see "land use fee" no trespassing signs more and more in Michigan. By posting the no trespassing sign referencing local law and a dollar amount, it appears that you have clear legal action in small claims court.

Barricades and signs might be enough to curb this behavior. If not, put up more signs and cameras and drag each one to small claims court if you have to. It won't take long.

Here is a link that might be useful: Link on land use

I agree, I would talk to the owners of the vineyard and ask for their help. If there is a clear path some folks just might not know. If so, maybe a gate across the path would help (even though I like your board and nails idea better!) Would it be possible to fence in your place? Maybe an electric fence and give them a little jolt, it would be cheaper. I would for sure put up the signs though and I would tow the car the next time they park there, after, you post no trespassing signs.

We have had problems with people but it seems like they are mostly teenagers. I think some people just do not care if they are on private property or not.

Good luck! Your house looks like it is really coming along!!!

Thanks everyone, for your suggestions. DH has already met the very nice owner of the winery, so maybe one day we can go over there to do some wine tasting and let him know what happened. Now that I look back on it, I don't think it was a big deal after all, but combined with all the other incidents that have been happening, I think I just had enough as of yesterday! :)

Reading back on other trespassing threads, I noticed that a lot of people seem to think that homes under construction are somewhat "public" property, so I guess I won't worry too much until we move in. Then the trespassing REALLY has to stop!

We will be putting a fence around our 2-acre homesite, but the vineyard must remain open and accessible for the farming crew (we have it contracted out to another local winery). But I could still have the board with nails laid out across the back of our driveway, because the farming trucks do stay off our homesite!

I'd like to consider putting a "Private Road - No Trespassing" sign at our main access road, but since there are 4 other property owners that share this road, we'd have to talk to them first. I'm pretty sure they all would feel the same way about trespassing, especially since 3 of them have homes there (2 under construction like ours).

amyks, no they did not damage any grapevines, but that sportscar could've easily lost control going so fast in the muddy terrain, so I'm thankful that didn't happen. Even worse, they could have not only wrecked the car but could have gotten injured in the process.

amyks and kelntx, our home is progressing very nicely, we've just finished Week 12 and the roof will be sheeted (sp?) this week. I really can't wait to see our roof go on, we selected our own blend of clay tiles from these tiny little samples, so I'm crossing my fingers that I like it as much when I see the whole roof with it!

OMG - I think I recognized your location just from the picture! If it's where I think, I grew up out there and miss the beautiful scenery... Are you building in the Tri-Valley area? (I won't get more specific to preserve your privacy)

...you have mail! :) -Leilani

I own scattered rural properties and this behavior is an ongoing problem. Most recently, some Mexicans building their fence on my property, then riding their horses on my lawn. I get criticized a lot on forums and locally for my approach. I confront the trespassers. The second confrontation, if necessary, I am armed but not brandishing the weapon nor any mention of using it. Third is action, rarely necessary. About 10 years ago, I removed a trespassing chain link fence with a bulldozer and graded the area down about 18 inches below the adjacent property. No more problem there. One fellow near here dug a ditch 5 feet deep (he owned a backhoe) where trespassers were continually entering his property. They had torn down barricades repeatedly. He did it while their vehicles were there. I do not know how they got their vehicles out, but they did not come back.

busdriver-no criticisms from me! The ditch 5' deep is hysterical. To the OP, your private property is never "public" property...during construction or otherwise. Other posters on this forum have stated that they do not have any issues with trespassers "visiting" their property while it is under construction; however, that does not make the behavior anything less than trespassing.

I think that your situation is somewhat unique. Your land is a vineyard that backs up to a property that welcomes guests. I'd post signs immediately, and I'd work with the winery owners so that they can post a sign, spread the word, etc about the adjoining land being private property. It probably wouldn't be good for their business if you were forced to constantly call the police to enforce your private property signs.

The property is gorgeous! Best of luck with the build.

bus_driver, I like your stories, especially the one about digging the 5' ditch while the trespassing vehicles were there...simply hilarious! :)

dixiedoodle, although I don't like the fact that people enter our property without permission, I guess I'm just trying to save myself a little headache because I know I can't stand guard 24/7 to prevent it from happening. So the next best thing is to try not to think about it, do the things I previously mentioned and perhaps consider taking up paintball (trespassing cars should be an easy target) as that's much more feasible (and fun!) for me than to take up bulldozing.

:),
Leilani

Put a gate on the access road with a chain lock for the whoever is renting.
Put up no trespassing signs.
You can use either key padlocks or combination locks.
You put as many locks as needed in series on the chain.
Each person can get access by opening their lock, without any consideration for the other locks.

I'd be worried about liability - if anyone gets hurt joyriding. And I'm shocked at what liability insurance is costing us - $14,000 for Cost of Construction and 2M/1M each occurance. Is this normal? Our builder has full liability for defects and his crew, but I'm shocked at this price. And we've gotten 2 quotes...

Be careful in what you do to retaliate- seeing as you are not living at your property yet, anyone whose car has been towed, paintballed or other will probably paintball your home, steal items and/or do worse damage. As far as the chain/lock over the drive and giving keys to the owners of allowed neighbors- don't!! I had a legal thing going on with a nasty neighbor going through my proiperty (he had easement access)- you can put up a gate, but it must be unlocked. At the time I was going through this mess, Federal Courts voted 3 to 1 that the person who is granted access has more rights than the owner. It was a sick ruling, as it makes the owner's rights worthless. I could not even put up a gate- that would 'impede' the neighbors rights, and 'cause him undo distress to have to get in and out of the car to open/close the gate'. Unbelievable, but the law is NOT on the side of the owner.

I've had the new neighbor park his vehicle on my lawn and walk through my back yard, while I'm there. Since I'm not friendly with him he finally got the message and stopped parking on my lawn. He use to have my lot for his personal park for many years. When we began building he did everything in his power to throw a wrench in our plans. I'd recommend you post signs and if you see any joy riders, try to get their license number and call the authorities. Looks like yall are making great progress on your house. I told you you'd most probably be finished before me. HA! We'll be in next fall which will be 5 years since first buying the land. Not bad. LOL

I suppose that many different definitions of "Bully" exist, as do the perceptions of what constitutes a bully. Repeat trespassers may well be bullies, and almost certainly are in some instances. Bullies fade in the face of strength and they thrive on weakness. I learned this in elementary school. A strong offense is required. I was the first grader who knew how to whip the eighth grade bullies.

Thanks for your replies, everyone! brutuses, I can't believe the nerve of some people...you poor thing, having a neighbor like that. In our case, it's the people that don't live in our community that show lack of respect. Anyway, I sure hope to be finished before you, but it's way too soon to tell right now. Things move fast until the framing is done, then "poof" everything will probably seem like it's at a standstill till sheetrock. I'd be delighted if we moved in the summer and simply ecstatic if it was as early as spring!

bus_driver, I do understand your point and agree that bullies will only push you as far as they think they can and get away with it. Once challenged, however, they seldom live up to their own expectations. I don't have a problem with confronting bullies, but at least in the case of the little white Lexus, that coward sped away at top speed before I even got a chance to talk to him!

to the person asking about "right to trespass", up until a couple years ago MS law read so that UNLESS you had up signs forbiding trespass, it was open to the public. now ALL land UNLESS posted otherwise is private property and you can have anyone arrested for trespass.

One Rottwieler or German Shepard loose with Invisible Fencing, will take care of your problems, PDQ.

Be careful in what you do to retaliate- seeing as you are not living at your property yet, anyone whose car has been towed, paintballed or other will probably paintball your home, steal items and/or do worse damage.

I have to agree, because one never knows what people will do, especially these days. Who knows if someone carries a gun in their car?

I went to visit our lot today, which is a 20-acre vineyard that backs up to a local winery. Our home is framed and in plain view from the winery behind us...yet, this group of people didn't hesitate to walk from the winery through our vineyard and onto our building site like it was public property.

So DH and I approached and asked if we could help them (they said "no") and then we told them this was our homesite and it's private property. Well, their reply was that they walk here all the time...go figure! Anyway, they turned around and started heading back to the winery.

I would have told them that I'd appreciate it if they found somewhere else to walk.

The plus side to these people walking on your property is that it may deter someone from vandalizing your property. Since you're not living there yet, it could be a good thing to have these extra eyes. Once you start asking people to stop cutting through, you run the risk of having them turn their head to someone vandalizing.

I like the fence idea, at least some sort of gate (in your driveway) going to the house. Even if it's 40 feet, this may stop cars from driving up. I would also consider allowing people to walk through, but might think to do some kind of fence along it. It doesn't have to be elaborate, a split rail would be enough to give people the message that this is your home and to please respect that.

I have to say that I might be one of the nosy ones walking up to look at your house depending on how close it is to the winery. I was at your web page, looks like it will be beautiful. I love the vanities you picked as well as the lighting. I started looking at your blog, the cabinet inspiration pics from 2006 make me drool!

I feel for you...a residential construction site seems to draw lots of attention. We have my in-laws living at the entrance to our private drive so we feel "semi-safe" about trespassers...but it seems everyone wants an un-guided tour! I guess I don't mind since we're not living there yet...but some promlematic issues come to mind. We just paid A LOT of money for concrete on our very long, wide driveway. We'd like it to still look new when we move in and finally get to use it. Also, as the plumbing and electrical is now installed...there are things of value in our home--why in the world would people think it's okay to go in without asking permission? If I saw someone at our house when it's supposed to be empty...I'd think they were causing trouble.

Please do whatever it takes to make sure your property stays private--some people are not only rude, by scary!

DH is there a lot and it seems that for the most part, the weather and rains we've had have pretty much taken care of these issues lately, thank goodness!

woodinvirginia, we definitely have the dogpower onsite, but we never leave them outside unattended. They do alert, though, because they're big enough see through the motorhome windshield, which has a view of the house and the road. Well, they do guard as long as they're not doing this:

roselvr, thanks for the compliments and I'm glad you enjoyed the blog pics! :)

A buddy of mine uses a sign that reads; trepassers will be shot, survivers will be shot again. He does not own a gun, but the sign does work.

Good fences make good neighbors.

Al

vineyard~ Just saw this thread, after after asking location on "progress" thread. You are near a winery. Gorgeous location!! :O)

I too was going to suggest a big dog, but it appears you just need to wake yours up! :o) LOL. Cute photo.

I'd be fencing my property (as you mentioned) and giving vineyard renter a key to a chain or gate across entry to the fields. I would NOT want speeding cars going near the crop, my house, or anything else!

I had a laugh at the 5 foot ditch. Some people are sure intolerant... LOL! :o) Just kidding.

vineyard~

I just checked out your blog. WOW!! Such fun to see your house moving along at a fast clip, and the gorgeous home it is becoming.

I think you and I are twins seperated at birth! I planned to order a Cluny, and wanted the burgundy one in the worst way. In the end we're going with Wolf because we may sell our house and aren't sure it will be our "forever" home. Wanted to go a bit more "neutral" and didn't want to sink that money into a stove a buyer might not appreciate!

I just started a thread today on decorating forum about my tiny powder room. I had chosen a vanity and was asking advice. Well, I called the vanity seller to ask about availability, etc. and they no longer sell it by itself, but think they have it in combo with a small linen cupboard (which I have no need for in that room). So I posted another vanity that I found online, and showed that to the decorating forum. Guess what? It's the one you have listed for bath #4!! LOL!

One of your fireplace surrounds ( I think it was a patio or something like that) looks very similar to the stone mantle I purchased for our great room.

I too have 16 inch beige travertine. Ours is chiseled edge.

Lots of similarities. I just had to laugh and thought "hey, great minds think alike". LOL!

Again, gorgeous home. You're moving along and I'm enjoying seeing the progress. Keep us updated! ;o)

I had to jump in here because we had some wire stolen a few weeks ago. Luckily the damage wasn't THAT extensive...it could have been much worst had the thief waited another couple of weeks when there was even MORE wire AND copper plumbing fixtures in the house.

But our house was pretty much wide open and backs a golf course where golfers and joggers often came in to take a peek. I didn't really mind that - as long as they don't vandalize or steal!!!

Well, since our incident, we locked it up as best as we could and put up no trespassing signs. The snowstorms I'm sure also helped (no golfers / much fewer joggers and passerbys). I also called the police who patroled the street more often and looked after our house. Fortunately, I know most of my neighbors so I called all of them and let them know what happened so they have definitely looked out for us and call if they see anything suspicious.

But just a couple of nights ago, my dh called me when he visited the house on his way home from work. It was evening and he said there was an ATV parked on our driveway - on our property by the garage. He was on his cell phone and said he would check it out and then call me. I was like, "Should I call the cops?" I was so worried things could have gotten dangerous. But he called back after a few minutes and said it was just a dad with a couple of his kids sledding on the golf course.

Our lot is the best access for the "best" sledding hill on the golf course so people are STILL cutting through it on the weekends to sled. It's a bit annoying since there's another empty lot just 2 houses away...but people are too lazy and have to use OUR lot. Whatever!

totallyblessed, it's so nice to finally come across someone who likes many of the same things I do! Gotta admit that I was set on a DF Wolf for a long time...until I discovered the Lacanche. I had liked the CornuFe briefly in between, then decided it was too small and I really, really wanted a burgundy range!

Don't you just LOVE that wood top and the painted sink on our vanity? Oh, and the cute li'l slide-out step stool, I thought that was brilliant!

I will keep updating our progress and please do the same! :)

Aloha,
Leilani

Some dogpower you have. That is too funny!!

Leilani~

Yes, that step stool is the best. What a clever thing, and I know my little ones would find it handy! :o)

You know, after I pushed send on that message, I realized I forgot another thing we chose the same. You showed a vanity that said powder room I think. It is really carved and a bit "old fashioned" looking to me.

I sent a photo of that very one to one of my GW friends a few months ago, telling her I really liked that vanity. I only had one bath to put it in, and that was my younger boys' bath. In the end, I decided it might not be "masculine" enough for 2 boys, so I'm having our cabinetmaker build one instead. But I'm still wishing I would have had another room to use that vanity in. It's gorgeous!

Make sure you order that one so I can see it in your space, since I didn't get to use it! Please?! :o) LOL!

Yep, you're gonna love that Cluny. Where did you order yours from? I was dealing with a supplier/importer up in WA state. The prices went up last January I believe. Oh, I love that range. Maybe someday we'll build our "forever" house, and then my kitchen will deserve a "showpiece" like that. It's just gorgeous. I'm excited for you!! ;o)