I will have lots of rocks. Probably not any as pretty as you and your grandmother found. But, I will be learning to build rock structures for my garden. :-)
We aren't looking to build. Just trying to find an old farmhouse someplace that we can afford. The mortgage people are limiting us to 5 acres unless we come up with a huge down payment so we're trying to keep it about there. Grading of the greenhouse space is a possibility though. The guy around here likes to do that sort of "guy things" to help me out. He'd like the idea of making it less dependant on a heater.
I am also hoping that I can get a large rainwater storage system set up. You know, what we used to call a cistern. LOL... now they're rainwater storage tanks. When I switched from tap water to rain water the change in my plants was phenomenal. I'd always let the tap water set for a few days to "get the chlorine out." But, that doesn't hold a candle to rainwater!
I am also hoping that I can get a large rainwater storage system set up. You know, what we used to call a cistern. LOL... now they’re rainwater storage tanks. When I switched from tap water to rain water the change in my plants was phenomenal. I’d always let the tap water set for a few days to “get the chlorine out.” But, that doesn’t hold a candle to rainwater! <<<
And if the tank is in the greenhouse, it is passive storage for heat.
There were some fancy homes built for solar homes, that had tall tanks for water/passive heat collectors.
They appeared to be about 24 inch diameter and looked like they were part of the support system, they could be, if used right.
But simple barrels or a cement tank in the greenhouse, if where the sun hits it right, will work.
Some grow a few fish in the water tanks for food and of course fish water is good for plants.
Or grow a pretty fish in them, that the pet stores will buy from you.......I did that with parrots, finches and parakeets for years.
In the old days, a lady used rain water to wash and rinse her hair in, none of that old well water.
LOL, which reminds me of the young Mexican girls, where I grew up, they used fresh, still steaming cow manure for a pack on their hair, thought it made it blacker and more glossy.
You will find that 5 acres is all you can take care of and more, with room for a goat on it.
Good luck on the search.