Interesting you say that. I designed my house on pads like those. Applied for the building permit, electrical permit, and plumbing permit. They didn't know what to think of me when I showed up. Done deal. Zero mortgage here.
I married an artist as well. Actually had her own business going for a while full time in pottery, then when back to work. Excellent scientist as well, BS degree at Kentucky, then a masters at Virginia Tech. Very good musician with a grand piano in the living room (too large for me), numerous fiddles, etc.
She's pretty too!