When I first crossed the threshold of my future home in the northern Doon valley, I experienced a feeling of ambiguity. On one hand, I was charmed by the countrified ambience and lushly forested surrounds. After an interminable search for land on which to build, here was an attractive, ready-made home in a quiet village, its environment unsullied, its inhabitants uncorrupted by urbanity. A perfect setting for creative thought and activity. Yet I was not entirely satisfied. My ideal would h