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