Wednesday, April 21, 2010

How I Met My House

My husband and I waited a long time to buy our first (and last) home.  We both came from parents who lived in the same house forever...the family home.  We had childhood friends we grew up with and knew all of the neighbors well, some of which still live in our old neighborhoods.  Neither of us came from families that moved around.  We wanted that for our son.  We wanted to buy a home that we would live in forever, our son would grow up in, memories would be made in and grandchildren would visit us there. We wanted an old house with character but realized we couldn't afford that.  We couldn't afford the neighborhoods where the wonderful old homes were, we couldn't afford big renovations and we couldn't afford the upkeep. 

So, we decided we look at new developments, new construction.  We looked everywhere and finally settled on a nice development with nice houses.  These houses were generic new construction, open layout, no character.  I decided to take my pal, Jennie, to see the model home we were choosing.  She was polite and said it was nice.  As we drove away, we decided to just drive around to look at the area.  Jennie noticed a sign for a different development and said we should look.  I remember turning down the street and seeing THE HOUSE.  It was new construction but looked like a cottage.  She said we should go in and look at it. We walked up to the front porch (with a ceiling fan!) and then went inside.  It looked like the cutest cottage ever but it was big.  It had old brick floors, beadboard, fireplaces, french doors and it was 2500 square feet of brand new house.  There was no way we could afford that.  It was too perfect.  The look of an old house but the advantages of new construction.  I asked the price knowing it would be way too high...but it wasn't!  I couldn't believe it.  The next day, I brought my husband to look at it.    He loved it too.  We moved in Dec. of 2001.  I still love it.  We are changing a few things now, just cosmetic redecorating.  We are about to paint our shutters outside black and paint the columns all white...give it a little makeover.  I can't wait.  And guess what?  We have the great neighbors, my son has childhood friends he is growing up with and we're creating wonderful memories for him. 



17 comments:

  1. I'm writing my post right now. I am going to take some AM pics and then post. You moved in about the same time we did.

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  2. That is great that you found the perfect home for your family to stay and grow in and to create everlasting memories.

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  3. So cute. I love the cottage look of your home, especially in the snow. We never get snow where I live so to me it is so romantic.

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  4. Hi! I just found your blog and enjoyed reading all of your posts. You have such a cozy and inviting home - I love all your personal touches that represent your family and all of your great thrifty finds. Can't wait to follow along ~
    Sarah :)

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  5. I love it, Gina! Soo smart to be able to see past thee ole "this is a new house" stuff, kwim? I guess I'm saying, here in UT, there is NO variation, whatsoever. Everyone has the same style of house. Everyone has dry wall. Everyone has same same same. There is no classic style.

    Still envious of your porch :).

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  6. I grew up in the same house too, and loved it. I can't wait until I can finally settle down somewhere with my hubby too. Your house is adorable, and I love your porch.

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  7. How wonderful that you found a home. My husband and I were put almost that same position. His parents, and grandparents both built their own homes. I grew up in a 100 yr old home that my parents renovated. I wanted an old home with lots of character, he wanted to build on land his family was giving us, land his grandparents once farmed. We wanted it to be perminent, a home for life. So we compromised, it looks like and old home in architecture and I have tried to make it look older in style on the inside. We love our home as I am glad to see you do too.

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  8. I love your porch! What a great story!

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  9. What a wonderful story. We have moved a lot and owned many houses but my husband says this is the place we are staying...unless we find a small farm one day....lol.

    Becky K.

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  10. Your house is lovely. Sounds like you found the perfect place. We moved all the time since my dad was a builder. Never had the family home, so each place had to become special. Hugs, Marty

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  11. What a lovely story - I'm so glad you drove around and found the house that fulfilled all your requirements. I love seeing how you are making your house over with your own cottage style.

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  12. What a wonderful story! I grew up in the same house and aside from 4 years of college and 7 months in California, I've lived within 8 miles of my childhood home ever since!

    Kat :)

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  13. That is such a great story! I'm selfishly enjoying my own party way too much. Everyone's story makes me want to cry. Your home is darling and I'm so happy that you have the home that your kids can grow up in and your grandkids can visit someday.

    Thanks so much for linking to my party!

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  14. There's nothing like a great front porch is there?!
    -Sarah Marie aka Miss Mud
    http://MyMississippiMudPie.blogspot.com

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  15. Oh, your house is so lovely!

    And snow...I've never lived anywhere where it snowed.

    Then again, I never had to shovel it, either. : )

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  16. Love your cottage style home. I totally get loving an "old" style but with "new" construction. Looking forward to checking your blog out.

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  17. That house was your destiny. I loved your story.

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