You may have noticed I’ve been away from the blog for awhile. I’ve been on writing hiatus while we’ve been focusing on some personal business.
For months – heck, for nearly a year I’ve been blogging about “our new house,” and the process of designing and decorating it while construction has been ongoing. I’ve spent the better part of the past year on these three activities, actually.
Well, there has been a change of plans. I’m not going to divulge the details (no one has time to read a post that long, anyway), but suffice it to say that we backed out of that deal about a week ago. By the time we knew for sure it was over, we were ready to move on. Is it painful to know you will never live in the house you customized specifically for your family? Of course. But we’re way deep into the stages of grieving at this point. I can’t remember what they are exactly, but we’re somewhere between acceptance and laughter. Pretty sure I made up the latter.
Getting over the loss of “our new house” has been a little easier because we’ve actually found another house. Our offer was accepted this past week, and today’s inspection turned up nothing deal-breaking – so I felt that it was safe to announce at this point. And be excited about. YAY!!!
This one could be called “our old house” – it was built around 1870/1880 (no more new construction for me for awhile, thank you). It’s actually the kind of home I’ve always wanted – old and full of character and original detail, but new-feeling and well-maintained. Being an American history and art/architecture aficionado, it’s right up my alley. A textbook Colonial Revival in a wonderful, quiet neighborhood that is within easy walking distance to family, the local elementary school, the T (subway/trolley for you non-locals) – even Starbucks!
Sorry – no reveals on the interior until after we close and move into the house. I’m really excited to start thinking about decorating, especially because the architectural style of the house is much better suited to my personal interior decorating style (that is, what I like to live with). I like things a bit more traditional than what you can really do in a new construction spec home. And I like that in an older home, it’s almost better when things are a bit imperfect. It looks more interesting and authentic, just like the house itself.
So that’s the update! Not what you were expecting, huh? But believe me when I say we are feeling VERY good about where this journey has led us and can’t wait to start the next phase of life in our new home, sometime this summer (for real this time).
Kelly, this new house is fantastic! I know how hard that must have been after investing so much time and love into what you were doing. I’m sure after you move into this new home you will find yourself how lucky you are that this all happened. There are no accidents.
Thanks, Teresa! I totally agree – everything happens for a reason. I am happy to have had the experience with new construction starting with a ‘blank slate,’ and am now much better equipped to advise clients in the same situation. So it wasn’t all for naught. And we’ll end up with a great house, ourselves, so it’s all good!
Kelly – I’m so annoyed and delighted for you. I really think old homes have so much to offer and just feel better. (I am totally biased.) I’m excited for you and think you’ll be very happy.
Thanks, Maura for your annoyance and delight! OK, that sounded a bit strange; that’s what I get for trying to be too cute. 🙂 I agree with you 100% on older homes. My husband favors new construction, and although the ‘blank slate’ was appealing to me then, this new/old place feels like home, and I know we’ll be so happy living there.
This was a real shocker!!! I never expected this news… especially after all your hard work on the other place. But….. I have to admit THIS IS EXCITING!!! The “new” house is gorgeous. I mean absolutely GORGEOUS! It seems more like your style and I can only imagine all the ideas swirling around in your design head. I’m super excited for you and this turn of events. I agree with others… things happen for a reason and it will all be for the best, although I’m sure it’s been stressful for you. Congrats, Kelly!
P.S. The new place looks like it could be in a movie! Amazing!
Thanks so much, Stacey! I know you, especially, share my love of a great period house (and being a steward of its soul!). It is exciting, and absolutely more like my style. I’m a big history nerd :).