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Thursday, April 2, 2015

House-buying saga: Done deal

After an arduous house search, we found the perfect house for us, which proves that things really do have a way of working out the way they should. We had a couple of disappointments, but now we're actually glad the other deals fell through, because this is a much nicer house in a much better location for us. 

Since our house had sold very quickly, we were afraid we'd have to rent an apartment for a while, but the owners of the new house graciously agreed to lease it to us till we closed...which was yesterday. We've been stalled for a while, unable to start making the interior our own, but we can finally begin decorating...getting rid of all the "house flip decor" by painting the interior, changing out all the light fixtures, and generally returning it to something more akin to its mid-century roots. Of course, I'll post pictures when we're done, but here are a few photos of the exterior from the real estate listing:










For now, let me say the house has everything we wanted and more than we ever hoped for...built in 1964, a great exterior, tons of glass, beamed ceilings, gorgeous interior shutters (like we had in the house my parents built in 1957), an atrium, a sunroom, literally walls of storage and built-ins, and a huge back yard with lots of room for the boys to play and for us to build Nest II (already working on the plans). With a little tweaking, we'll have it exactly right. And, of course, we're in love with the landscaping (although the small tree in front of those beautiful ceiling-to-floor windows may have to go)! The first two photos of the yard were taken last October, and it should be looking like this again in a matter of weeks. I'm beyond thrilled!!!

26 comments:

  1. It's absolutely stunning!! I'm so thrilled for you! And it looks huge. How exciting!!

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    1. Thanks, Carmel! The main reason we sold our previous house was that it was just too small for the boys to have space to play, both inside and out. This house is a little over twice as big, and the yard is literally 10 times larger, at least. The boys are having a ball outside.

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  2. what a lovely looking place....cant wait to see what you do with it too :)

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    1. Thanks, Ray! We're already well under way. I'm going out in a few minutes to get 3 more sample cans of paint. It's a muddy gold right now, but we'll soon have it painted white with just the faintest undertone of cream.

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  3. Awesome house...soon to be home! It's beautiful and I agree, the little tree blocking the tall windows needs t go.

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    1. Thanks so much! And, yes, it won't be long till we've turned it into home. My daughter and SIL are just about to order their living room and dining room furniture and rugs. As soon as we get the new paint on the walls, we will start hanging pictures. I'm still trying to talk my daughter into cutting that little tree!!! :)

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  4. Fantastic house Dana. Congrats that it is all yours now. Look forward to seeing your nest plans.

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    1. Thanks, Pam. I've just about finished drawing the plans for the new nest, and I'm going to start buying things for it soon!

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  5. I am so delighted for all of you! Beautiful house, and I can't wait to see how Nest II develops!

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    1. Thanks, Jacqueline! We're really excited about the house and the upcoming build. Right now I'm trying to decide if I want to attach Nest II to the side of the garage, which would give me a brick wall in my living room. I'm leaning that direction.

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  6. What a beautiful front yard, those mature trees are absolutely gorgeous! Can't wait to see all the before & after pics!!!

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    1. Thanks, Chip/Kevin! The front yard was a big selling point for me. The previous owners (before the two sisters who flipped the house) were avid gardeners and had put a great deal of time and money into some beautiful landscaping. It will be such a wonderful base on which to build. The front flowerbed is full of mature oakleaf hydrangeas, native grasses, huecheras and some things I haven't identified yet. Both trees in the front are live oaks, probably planted in 1964 when the house was built. In the back, we have a huge willow, what we think may be a pomegranate and two more I need to identify. The side yard has two beautiful Bradford pear trees. We moved in just at the right time to see them in full white bloom.

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  7. Beautiful house, Dana! Congrats on it finally belonging to your family! Can't wait to start seeing your 'mods' to make it your own. :)

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    1. Thanks, Lee Ann! We're so happy that it's officially ours now and we can start putting our personal touches everywhere.

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  8. I am in love with the trees! I'm so glad that it worked out like it did, Dana. I'm really looking forward to following along with your progress. Dying to see the new furniture!

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    1. Thanks, Tina! I love the trees too. I'll be posting before and after shots as we make changes, for sure.

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  9. Well Dana it's definitely got a gorgeous garden and I'm sure that's just for starters x

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    1. I'm ecstatic over the flowers. My daughter and I just ordered dahlias and cannas for the back yard. Heucheras are next. I'm so excited!

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  10. What a lovely setting and the house looks pretty spectacular. Can't wait to see the interior. I love the idea of a brick wall in nest2. Congratulations! Keep the updates coming.

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    1. Thanks, Jamie! I'm sure I'll post more pictures than anyone wants to see. I'm a little compulsive that way. ;)

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  11. WOW, WOW, WOW!! how wonderful for you all xxxxx

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  12. Congratulations! So happy for you and your family Dana!! It looks like a fabulous home. Can't wait to see inside. Hope you are all well. Lots of love, Donna

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    1. Thanks, Donna! We're slowly making it our own, and then I promise before and after interior shots. I miss your posts, by the way, but I know you must be busy too!

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  13. Congratulations!! So happy to hear that things happened smoothly - it was meant to be.

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    1. Thanks! I really do believe that this is the house we were supposed to have! Things fell into place so easily.

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