When we closed on the house a few weeks back, it was bittersweet. 2nd Man was excited, and of course I was as well, but I still had mixed feelings. Not that we did it of course, the fact that we are one step closer to the farm is definitely exciting. I guess for me, it's more that I spent my formative years moving around. Every time my Dad got a promotion (he was in sales) we moved. We never stayed anywhere more than a couple of years. I enjoyed it, it was always a new adventure and for me it was all I knew. I think I've moved fifteen times in my life?
But for the last 16 YEARS, I've been in one place...and I experienced something I never had before, I grew attached. It's the first place that ever felt like a true home to me, a home that I helped create.
So here are some photos that I took as we were leaving, details I liked, memories we had, and I thought I'd share...(warning, picture heavy post):
But for the last 16 YEARS, I've been in one place...and I experienced something I never had before, I grew attached. It's the first place that ever felt like a true home to me, a home that I helped create.
So here are some photos that I took as we were leaving, details I liked, memories we had, and I thought I'd share...(warning, picture heavy post):
We had the porch redone a few years back and added two more columns...they duplicated the details that were original to the house perfectly...
There are also three columns on each end of the porch that are original to the house...loved the details...
The brick columns on each side of the porch stairs have stood the test of time and welcomed countless people into the house...
Dentil molding details...
Porch lights that lit our way in the darkness...
Living room and dining room with built-ins that have held many memories, dinner parties, wonderful meals eaten, good times had by all...
The hallway, guest room, guest bath, hall closet. master bedroom...how many times have we walked this hall? Thousands...
Shower and soaking tub. Many relaxing baths in here after a long weekend at the farm...
And 2nd Man cooked the most amazing food here...
The hardwoods are not stained, they are 'red heart pine' and this is the natural color...no longer available all these years later...when the sun came in through the windows, it was always so warm and inviting...
Porch lights that lit our way in the darkness...
Living room and dining room with built-ins that have held many memories, dinner parties, wonderful meals eaten, good times had by all...
The hallway, guest room, guest bath, hall closet. master bedroom...how many times have we walked this hall? Thousands...
Can a sink be graceful? I always thought the master bath sink was...
The master bedroom kept us sleeping safely at night...
The kitchen...definitely the heart of the home...
And 2nd Man cooked the most amazing food here...
The pantry is empty now but wow, the food it held over the years...
The glass doorknobs, glistened like jewels on every door...
What is this? This is the corner in the hall where all three cats rubbed as they rounded the corner from room to room. Of course we had it cleaned and painted over but we had to have a photo...they put their own stamp on the house and that means something...
So, thank you house...thank you for being a home...thank you for sheltering us from heat and cold...from storms and even a few hurricanes...thank you for the memories...
When we closed on the house, of course we got to meet the new owners. They are very nice, a young couple with a 3 yr old daughter. They should be good stewards of the house that's stood for 95 years now and counting, yep it was built in 1920...
But now we have a new adventure awaiting us and we are going to have fun...the apartment will be a new experience living in the heart of downtown and this sale will allow us to make the farm dreams come true.
One step closer!
One step closer!
a LOVELY home, dear; and at almost 100, she does not show her age. I am wicked jealous of that kitchen counter space (I hardly have any).
ReplyDeletewonder what memories the 3 year old will have when she leaves it to go off on her own?
Thank you for that. yep, almost 100. Amazing to think all the changes that have happened around it. I hope the new family puts some great memories in there.
DeleteThat is a lovely home! I too left a 100 year old foursquare, and at times miss her warmth and the sense of history.
ReplyDeleteThere IS a warmth isn't there? When we had friends over they always said the house felt like a home, it was warm and inviting. She will be missed for sure.
Deletewhat a wonderful home. no wonder it sold so easily. i bet the new family will just love living there. i can see how it is hard to let it go but the farm is such a wonderful thing to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteThank you, we are blessed that it sold when it did. I think the economy here in Houston (large oil businesses here) is slowing down and that would affect home sales). Yes, I daydream about the farm and that makes things easy, ha. .Thanks!!
Delete1st Man,
ReplyDeleteA home that won't be forgotten!!! You have beautiful memories, and pictures to reflect on. Congratulations on the sale! Now it's time to start the next chapter in your lives.
I'm so happy for you both, enjoy living your dreams.
Your Friend,
Sandy
P.S. We are hoping to finally be able to hand the key to the Realtor this Saturday to the estate.
Thanks of that! Yep, new chapter, turn the page, right? Congrats on YOUR sale, I'm sure that's a relief (but bittersweet) for you. Big hugs to you!
DeleteI see why it's bittersweet. The home exudes warmth. All the best as you prepare for your eventual, final move.
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you so much for that. Much appreciated!
DeleteWhat an absolutely gorgeous house! I love all the old details. And the colors you chose are beautiful together. So many wonderful memories to cherish. It must have been very hard to leave such a lovely home - but, as you said, on to new adventures!
ReplyDelete1st Man - i truly understand your wistfulness at leaving such a beautiful home....and one that you were in for 16yrs. as each year passed, i am sure that your dreams and ideas got bigger because the home was so solid and was always there for you and 2nd Man. i am glad that a young family got your beautiful house and i am sure that their daughter will have 16yrs of a home of beautiful memories when she leaves.
ReplyDeletesending much love to you both! your friend,
kymber
(p.s. - need pics of the new apartment!!!! i mean it!!!! bahahhaah!)
Wow. The house was nothing like what I pictured. It is charming. Such a lot of nice features. I'm surprised it was on the market was long as it was. But you made the right decision and look forward to what awaits you in retirement.
ReplyDeleteWhat a moving tribute to a beautiful dwelling. Your photographs manage to capture the spirit and warmth of this home. You can almost feel the love, happiness and enjoyment this house brought. I don’t know if I could have ever left there … new adventures or not!
ReplyDeleteI so identify with the moving many times and the emotional attachment you make when you finally find yourself in one place for a good amount of time. The memories will always be yours to cherish.
The kitchen, oh, the kitchen! Serious envy here, 2nd Man … serious envy!
Wishing you much happiness in your new apartment and may the years fly quickly till you make your much anticipated move to that wonderful farm.
jaime
Lovely memories to hold forever.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful home. I know it was hard to leave, but as they say _the only constant in life is change_ Hope you enjoy the stop gap high rise living to the fullest, as you prepare for the big farm move in the not too distant future!
ReplyDeleteThat's one gorgeous home, I can see why you were a bit sad to leave it. My favorite style, is it in the Heights?
ReplyDeleteI love the " look" of american homes like yours
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful home! I would have left it with a heavy heart, too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful home. It is but a stepping stone to where you're supposed to be. You will make new memories in each place you live and will take those memories with you to your home on the farm.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! BEAUTIFUL house!!! Love how it is updated, but the historic integrity preserved.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous house!! I love it! I would have had a hard time leaving, too. :o)
ReplyDeleteNot only a house but a much loved home - I know how you feel. It took us a while to find THE house. We've been here a few years and the thought of ever leaving (which we have NO plans to do) makes me sad.
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to see an older house that has not been renovated to the inth degree. You are to be commended for that. Hope the new place gives you joy and comfort as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely little house :)
ReplyDelete