That place is just amazing! My friend moved back to San Antonio to be near his family and his autistic brother (with whom he does not have a close relationship but he will be his brothers caregiver someday). This might be a very nice outting for the two of them to share. My dear friend Kim would love this place. Her caregiver lives here but visits her family in San Antonio. I wonder if we can get Kim there for a vacation (and keep her healthy doing it, she has fragile health). She would flip for this place and it would be extra special to her that someone went out of their way to make such a lovely place for someone living with a disability. She cherishes those who care.

People nearby being present and visible at all hours is the best deterrent, IMO. My street has one of the lowest crime rates in town though neighboring streets are high. A few of us work outside often, openly interact, and anyone who who visits our atreet can see that we are observing. Instead of bars, which might make you feel like you're in prision, I'd consider adding Gates at access areas, if possible. Also consider motion-sensing lights outdooors, sited and aimed so they do not disturb you indoors at night. And a radio &/or lights on timers for when you are away. Regarding plantings, keep it low near entries. Door and window areas are best left exposed so sunc an come in and trusted neighbors can see who comes and goes. Know your neighbors, and agree to look out for one another. (That does not mean inviting everyone into your house, however. Perhaps just chat, offer plants, and attend neighborhood meetings, at first until you know your neighbors are worthy. Intruders can sometimes drop from an adjacent roof, so perhaps plan visibly spiky ornamental plantings below access risk areas? Just don't make it easy for them. (I can send Holly Tree and Rose Seed if they fit the space) I wouldn't spend too much just on security. If someone really wants to break in - they generally can, so maybe don't spend much more for security than you think you might lose, or pay for an insurance deductable. A Dog On Duty sign might help in the right spot (but try not to make it too ugly!)

janniemac, the white supports that you see are 4x4s, but they probably don't need to be that big. The ceiling joists run perpendicular to the 4x4 supports and the beadboard. The joists weren't in the right place for how far we wanted to hang the swing from the back of the porch, so the 4x4s are each lag bolted into two joists and the eye bolts for hanging the swing are in the center of the 4x4s. I think you could accomplish the same thing with 2x4s. Hope that helps!

Yes, having the screen inside made me pause, however, I did end up with the crank out. The screen rolls up and during the summer months, I pull it down. In the winter, I just leave it up. Love the clean look and being able to open even while raining. The crank out took up more glass space which I did not want to give up. This is a Marvin Ultimate Awning Window which replaced an old double hung over the sink.