Gated Community

As promised, Mr. Ho has completed re-building the gate to my front yard.  

Here's what it used to look like from the street:
The weathered look was nice, but the mailbox was tiny and didn't lock. 

Also, you'll notice, it was built to simply stand on the sidewalk and was very rickety.  There was even a little piece of wood shoved underneath one of the posts, to make it more stable.

When I returned home from church Sunday, the new gate was completed:

I'll have to say, I was a little surprised at the size.  It's much taller (by about a foot) than the old gate.  The posts are placed in cement in the ground, so it is very stable.  The wood is also much stronger, so it's pretty hefty.

A locking mailbox has been placed on the side, so there's a little more security there--although I miss the shelf above for small packages etc.

Here's what it used to look like from the inside of my yard:
I do miss the curved gate.  And the top seemed more sweeping with the old design.  But maybe I just have to get used to it.

To me, there's a little more of a "barn door" feel to the new one. 

One revision I would like to make;  The latch is only accessible from the inside.  So you have to reach around with your left hand from the sidewalk, to get into the gate.

I suspect most people won't figure out how to get in, so I'll either have to post a note, or put a new latch on both sides.  

Something else I like a LOT is that the new gate is much closer to the ground.  And the sides are almost flush with the yard.  Very good news for me.  Not such good news for the dogs.

You'll notice Abbey walking away, somewhat dejected, from the side of the gate where she used to stick her nose to get a better glimpse of life on the street.

So, I'm looking for latch ideas.  Got any suggestions?