It is, afterall, my true love. Some people can contentedly spend a lifetime in an apartment, on a boat, or touring the country in an RV... While the latter two lifestyles have a certain appeal and a definite coolness factor, they don't begin to inspire the daydreams or excitement in me of having a house. It is something I have hungered for always, and a love affair that began in childhood.
I was born at and lived in the same house until I was 16, so I grew up with a strong sense of connection to it. It was such a huge part of my identity that at times I didn't know where the house left off and I began. When that house was sold, my sense of loss was immediate and profound. Although I have lived in other homes since then, I haven't felt that sense of rootedness or the joy and awe that this is mine, my home!, again until now.
Before moving into our home a year and a half ago, R and I lived in a condo. I tackled more than a few home improvement projects and had fun living there, but the lack of space and constant noise from inconsiderate neighbors began to really grate on each of us.
A real estate website junkie, I was ever on the lookout for the perfect house. So many times I came across properties and grew excited at the possibilities, envisioning a future, but the stars were never aligned. Finally, everything came together.
Here is a description of our "fixer upper", which I've taken from the Realtor's website:
"$30K Price Reduction!!! Diamond in the rough! This is a FIXER and has been rental for years. Newer hot water heater, newer forced heater, newer dual pane windows. Property being sold "AS IS". No termite or Repairs will be done. Huge lot size (11,700 sq.ft.) and room to add on and enjoy view. Attached two car garage and updated large concrete/brick driveway. This is not a distress sale, just a motivated out of state seller. Listing Agent has recent home inspection and Termite report on file for interested buyer to review. Buyer is encouraged to get their own inspections. Home has good bones just needs some cosmetic and TLC."
As you can see from the picture, the house looked pretty good from the outside. You can't see the garage door, however, which was made of wood, painted an icky shade of blue, and falling apart! Replacing that was one of the first improvements we made. Because I had worked in "Millworks" at the Home Depot, I had my heart set on a Martin garage door (top of the line in quality and safety features), so that's what we got- a basic Martin door with an ultra-quiet belt drive opener. I love it!
Here's an early picture of the kitchen, and yes, it was just as bad (if not worse!) in person:
