Something about living in a hole is against our human nature.

In addition to what a normal wall takes to build wall rated for sound is typically double rocked with brackets with rubber feet screwed into studs that attach to horizontal track for the drywall, sound dampening insulation, any electrical will need to be reworked into boxes that extend that far, then sound caulk all the way around the edges of the wall and electrical boxes.

bah - I just hang 1/4" rock right over the existing.

As @Dawn Anastasi says, you need to turn over a lot of rocks to find a good lender.

On both accounts....rocking it out in RE and the 3-day drive up the PCH.

Doubters kick rocks, here comes Hattie! 

It's in my nature! 

Naturally this question gets their attention and we can begin to open the door of enlightenment.

The only thing about natural stone tile is that you have to seal it with a stone sealer before you grout it.

Try this... build a much larger column base at the same height as the bottom of the stone, maybe tapered (bigger at the bottom) and made from a similar stone, with a much larger column (easily built onto the existing post) resting on top.Find a NATURAL, neutral-colored, plain stone or slate, and tile the raised concrete stoop.Paint the entry door a deep, very rich color that complements the brick.Then, the gable on the right with round-butt shingles (I think) needs a lighter color, maybe even a bit bright to complement both the brick and the entry door, since it extends over the stoop.Finally, taller greenery under the stone with a lower front level of varying texture and color (especially around the entry) will result in the stone being much less prominent.