Sunday, August 5, 2018

Something New on the Home Front

Hi Guys, I'm going to preface this post by saying it probably needs to head up a blog category entitled ..."Say What?". Because some, if not most of you will be wondering if we've lost our ever lovin' marbles, so to speak. Let me explain.



All photos are from the online listing.
(newly renovated kitchen at the soon-to-be new house)
shucks, I gave the secret away!





We bought our current house sort of spur of the moment 4 years ago, after a major downsize from our bigger house. After selling tons of stuff (furniture, antiques, vintage junk) We packed everything up and loaded it into storage units. We were in a lovely lease house for 10 months but we really didn't have any direction for what to do next, other than we had needed to unload our big house and be free of all the maintenance. We decided we needed to start looking for someplace close to my husband's work and since I'd been sick for several years, close to our hospital. We had several storage units so that effected our decision for a basement. I love this house. I've called it my cottage because it's cute and efficient and I love the style. The one drawback are the steep stairs to our walk-out lower level. The problem is we don't use the basement much except for company, or the great covered patio downstairs or new deck. It's wasted space for us. The only reason we go down there is to take care of our little kitty/adoptee that was my mother-in-law's. It's a space that's the size of a small house that's used only by a cat...


(photos and furniture are befores from the online listing)



We started thinking about housing options and priorities last year. We realized we needed more space on our main level, but still need some storage space. That's hard to find around here, especially in new homes, because builders are moving out to the open spaces that are further out in suburban small towns close by. The lots are small and so they build up and down, not out. To build our house with more space on the main level we'd have to spend 2/3 more than this. not something we want to do. We've looked at condos but there again, they are either small or have stairs. So we started looking at older homes, closer in town that were "ranch style" or "split level"; more "Mid-Century" that had undergone renovations. I just wasn't up to a total gutting of kitchen and baths.


(other side of kitchen and view into hearth room)




Since Christmas this last year I've been having problems with my heart, autoimmune illness, and then an emergency vascular surgery. After all that trauma, I didn't even want to think about buying another house. But my husband started feeling like it was time to start looking, and he was on a mission. I wanted to bury my head in the ground and be left alone to have a long relaxing recovery. He was online everyday, checking out new listings, and I found myself going along. All the while I was sort of dragging my feet, because I could feel it coming and I knew the work that it would be.


(back of the new house showing large sun room and covered porch)



We looked at quite a few houses online, then a bunch in person. Just when I wanted to forget the whole pesky idea, my hubby found one that he felt had everything we wanted. Except it has a large yard, which I just didn't want him to have to worry about or pay for maintenance. 


(one side of the sun room addition)



So fast forward, we've put a contract on a house that is older in an older neighborhood in the process of being bought up and given total house renovations.Things aren't finalized, we still have the inspection, but I think it's pretty solid at this stage. It's the same size as our current house, but most of the space is upstairs on the main level, with a basement (easy, non steep stairs) for my husband's hang out. It has room for a family living area down there plus a bedroom and bath, and office area. The main level is great with a total renovation of the kitchen, a large hearth room, mudroom and laundry, formal living room and formal dining room, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a sun room addition that is pretty wonderful. I just never thought I could get that much space in a house on one level. We are going to have to do some painting (some woodwork and walls) and new hardwoods in the living room, formal dining, and carpet in the upstairs bedrooms. There's work, but it's doable for us, since the ceilings are not high in the main part of the house. 

(other side of sun room)



On the surface this move looks kind of random, but in reality it makes a lot of sense for us. I just wanted to share this with everyone, because it's part of my life and will be part of my blogging life, too. And I wanted to share my thoughts so you wouldn't be thinking we'd gone off the deep end of crazy. There actually is a plan and reason. OK, maybe just a bit of crazy in there too. 

I'm going to need to take things slow, and we don't have to put this house on the market until we're ready. It will probably take till November to get moved in, which puts a real damper on my Fall Decor Fun, but that will be good for the long run. I can guarantee that there will be some Fall vignettes and pumpkins thrown in somewhere during all this. 


(view of wonderful covered patio area)




I hope you'll come with me as we do some remodeling, choose some new carpet and hardwoods, pick paint colors and find some new French Farmhouse Lighting. We're also planning a front porch remodel that will happen later. I'll share that view of the house then, because right now the 60's have called and want their front porch back. The house has great bones, and a lot of space. I'm excited, but a little cautious, as I need to be taking small steps during this whole process. 

I've really prayed that I can move on from this period in my life that has been so scary with my health. I've found out so many new things that have been working against me for my whole life. New lifestyle, new diet, new meds, new way of thinking... I'm hoping this move will signal a new chapter. Thankyou everyone, who comes to visit and has been with me for years. It was 9 years this last June. I love and appreciate each and every one of you. There have been times recently that I didn't know if I'd be able to continue blogging, but it looks like I may be around for a little bit longer!


xoxo,
joining in here:

Sundays at Home at Little Farmstead
Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings
Inspiration Monday at Refresh Restyle
The Scoop at Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Inspiration Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
Style Showcase at Savvy Southern Style
Share Your Cup at Mrs. Olson's
Thursday Favorite Things at Follow the Yellow Brick Home


33 comments:

  1. Oh how wonderfully exciting for you and I would imagine a bit overwhelming (change is always difficult for me - even wanted change). Looking forward to reading how you make this new house into your warm and inviting home. Congratulations!

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  2. Wow!! I am so happy for you and your husband. I love your new home. Our home is build on one level. I love the space. We have lived in our home for 50 years and remodeled five times. Best of luck on your new journey. I will be checking on your progress when you post.
    Joyously,
    Betty

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  3. Oh my, this gives me the fright or flight feeling. It's smart, the house looks terrific, but it still gives me that feeling (we need to think about and consider downsizing options at some point). I will be watching with utmost attention. Congratulations to you and your husband, Debra! I would think getting to that contract was probably the hardest part. Checking of the list of things you want to do to it, I hope, will be fun.

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  4. I am so excited for you!! This will give you something good to look forward to after all your health scares. Please keep us informed of your progress....blessings Rebecca Francis

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  5. This sounds perfect for you, I am so excited to see how you transform it to suit your needs.

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  6. This sounds like a really good move for you. The kitchen is gorgeous. I would spend all my time in there. Just take it easy with the move. Moving can be stressful but the end result will be so worth it.

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  7. Oh my! Your new home looks wonderful...and I can totally understand why you are moving. Being mostly on one level without steep stairs is so great! On to another adventure...xoxo

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  8. Your new house looks comfortable and inviting. I would love sitting on the porch in a rocker. I'm looking forward to seeing how you make it your own. We are selling our house and buying one with two master bedrooms downstairs so my newly widowed father-in-law can live with us. We're hoping for a porch like yours to enjoy with him.

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  9. Oh, Debra, a sunporch! For all your sunporch things. Plus, connected to a covered patio. Yes, this will be a good house for you. 🤞Fingers crossed all goes well.

    Judith

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  10. So so happy for you. We downsized 11 years ago when my hubby was declared brain dead but woke up, had a lot of therapy and is pretty good now at age 79. I really love our little house built in 1897. We did a lot 11 years ago but now it needs a refresh. I am in between farmhouse and french country after being primitive for years. Pace yourself and enjoy the new journey. I can already tell you will love this house. Blessings to you.

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    1. Boy! You have been through hard times ! Let’s all enjoy the ride ! Happy decorating ! Farmhouse wins my vote ! I was primitive too years ago !

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  11. I am excited for you Debra. This is going to be a better change for you in the long run. Since you do not have to put up your current home right away that will give you time to pack and do things slowly. I know it will be beautiful. I never thought I could embrace living small but I love it. I do not like the steps going to our finished basement but they are not too bad. I love the one level living up stairs of this house. I rarely go downstairs unless to do laundry or watch occasional TV at night otherwise I am on the first floor. I cannot wait to see what you do with the new place. Congrats.
    Kris

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  12. Beautiful New Home And a NEW start for you as well ! Been through hell too with my health !NO FUN ! Hang on !Take it slow! And for yo Debra,DONT overdue it !pace yourself! Enjoy the ride ! Life goes by with a blink of an eye !

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  13. Okay, I admit I am surprised...…...but, it makes perfect sense!! One floor living...perfect!!! Love the new digs, esp. the sun room and outdoor space. Congrats, just take it easy and get lotsa help......xoxoxo

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  14. Have enjoyed your blog for years. Looking forward to this new phase of your life. Praying all will go well.

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  15. Debra, This looks like the perfect house to begin this next chapter of your life! Kudos to your hubby for being diligent to find this beautiful home! Relax and enjoy the process. Zenda

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  16. What a wonderful welcoming home. I think you'll be very happy there. It just looks so warm and loving, and the sun room is gorgeous! I think I'd have to be dragged out of there! It's just the beginning of a new happy, healthy chapter in your life. Enjoy! Susan xoxo

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  17. Wonderful, exciting news! I'm thrilled for you, Debra. It looks like the spaces both inside and out are perfect for you.

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  18. Debra,
    The new house is LOVELY! I love the back covered patio, and the kitchen, and the sunroom addition, and the layout. The way it sets on the lot is beautiful. Congrats and enjoy the process, having compassion on yourselves as you go. What a blessing!

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  19. I love the new kitchen, and the outdoor spaces look fabulous, too. Good luck and don't drive yourselves crazy and take the remodel slowly. You don't need to be breathing any crazy fumes or construction dust! Looks Great!

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  20. Debra- you have always been so spiritually guided. Your new home looks lovely, and I can see all of your lovely things in it.

    Laura

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  21. Oh how wonderful for you Debra! I'm excited for you. I've been a follower since the beginning I think. You'll have such fun and give you an added bonus for your life. Continuing to pray for you.

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  22. Oh I'm so excited for you both! From what I can see the home is so adorably pretty! I love your relationship with God that inspires and encourages me! The kitchen is anazing...wishing you much luck during this process.

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  23. Debra, I am excited for you! It looks like a beautiful home, and it will be perfect after you add your touches. Take it slow and don't overdo. We have been thinking that we will downsize in 5 years or so.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  24. This is the first time I've visited your blog and I love your warm writing style. I'm so sorry to hear of your health problems, and I hope things get better soon for you. Being sick is indeed no fun. The "cottage" is absolutely beautiful by the way. The size is just perfect.

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  25. Several of my friends have begun having scary health issues. Diet and lifestyle play a bigger role than we ever imagined. Take care of yourself. It seems that your hubby's persistence has paid off and although it may seem challenging now, just take it one step at a time and all will be fine.

    Big Texas Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  26. It's so cute and sunroom again! How fun. I hope that you will really start to feel like your old self again and find blessings in this darling house.

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  27. It's beautiful...congratulations!!! So excited for you Debra!
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  28. We are all so glad you WILL be around A LOT longer Debra! This is so exciting, and I know the wheels are turning in your head with ideas. Praying for your health and that you have energy and that this is an easy move! It is going to be beautiful! Love so many features!

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  29. Debra, congratulations and how exciting! Your new house is gorgeous! I love the setting and that sunroom..and that ceiling. You are going to have so much fun making this your own. :)

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  30. What a wonderful new home you are moving into. Just take things slow and easy. God is with you every step of the way. He is your strength when you are weak. I look forward to reading about your turning this house into your home sweet home.

    FlowerLady

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  31. Congrats!!!! The house looks amazing!....Looking forward to your new adventure!

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  32. Another Texas hug! I TRULY understand about the 1 floor living. We only have 5 steps, but occasionally they have been 5 more than one or the other of us could handle! We will stay in our house because most of the rooms are on the upper level, and we can do what we want there.
    Blessings to you as you make this move!
    J
    PS: I think I have been around since you started your blog.....you have taught me a LOT!

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