What is a Lean-To, Anyways?

For the past year or so, Greg has mentioned how nice it would be to have a "Lean-To" off of the Hut.  I have vehemently refused to allow him to build a Lean-To.  We never had the conversation regarding specifically what a Lean-To was, but here are a couple varieties of what I picture when someone talks about a Lean or a Lean-To:

"Mountain Man needs quick shelter!"
"Build lean-to out of branches I gather!"

OR

"Hoarders called and wanted me on their show, so I duct-taped some tin together to make a shelter for my fast-food wrapper collection!"

Right.  Sorry, hon.  Not happening.

Much to my dismay, one glorious summer afternoon I returned home only to find Greg building a lean-to off the Hut.

Many words were exchanged and we were not on speaking terms for about 37 seconds. We got over it pretty quickly and it was then that he explained his plans for this so-called Lean-To.

After much discussion, it hit me; "Ohhhh.  You mean a porch!"  Lean-To, Porch, whatever you consider it, we have one now!  Sure, it may have been a slight distraction to starting projects on the main house, but now that it is finished I really like it!

Greg also opted to add skylights to the porch roof to let some light in. You'd never know it, but the skylights are actually leftover patio door panels that would have otherwise been thrown away:

Adding lights underneath the overhang:

Greg also built a deck to finish it off.  He likes to brag that it's 5-square feet larger than my parents deck.  We win!  If we decide in the future that we'd rather have something other than a deck underneath the porch (ie. paver stone, etc.), the deck boards can be used as stringers on a full-size deck. In the end, the biggest expense was the use of Greg's time!  Most of the materials used can be re-used in the future should we decide to do so.

Here is an interesting vantage point of the finished product.  It's a great addition to our little home and I love that we can enjoy it day or night!