Fierce winds forced us to go to the new house and pick up the broken tree aftermath laying in the yard today. We made two discoveries while we were there; one discovery was really cool and the other was really, really not cool.
The neat discovery was a small historical sign stating that the giant White Oak at the corner of the property is 235 years old. Wow! That tree has been there for a long time. That tree was the first thing I noticed when we went to see this house for a showing.
The not so cool discovery was that previous owners painted over wallpaper. Everywhere. Yuck! It's going to mean more work:-(
Today we also bought a lead tester kit to see where lead paint is on the interior. We knew we would find some, and it's mainly in the window grids and base molding. I went from room to room making plans in my head and trying to visualize how everything will look when it is finished.
I was really excited to go to the house today--more excited than I had ever been to go there. I was really happy until a friend dampened my spirits with "I don't envy you" with all the work we have ahead of us, and "It's going to take about 5 years to get this place finished." Not what I needed to hear today. We've barely begun, and it's so hard to try to stay positive. I'm trying. I just want everything to be done yesterday. I can see that this is going to be an exercise in teaching me patience, a virtue that I surely lack.
We're homeowners. Again!
Our 4 1/2 year journey has led us here to our new home. We're going to be so happy here! After some renovations we'll move in and begin the animal rescue work as soon as things are up and running. We've waited so long for this day!
We fell in love with the old world charm of this house. My favorite features are the front and back porches (I've wanted a porch my whole life, and now I have 2!), and architectural details like the marble threshold upstairs, original hardwood staircase, and archway leading to the dining room (or will it be a living room? Jeff and I are still hammering that one out;-) I think the staircase sold the house really. It's gorgeous. I also like the size of the master bathroom and kitchen.
Stats:
Folk Victorian, but built in 1920
1 1/2 acres approx (after the county re-drew a correct property line after an error was discovered)
4 car detached garage
4 bedrooms (one is more like a walk-in closet, but it could be a guest room, not sure yet)
2 bath
2019 sqft plus a full-length attic and a basement
Kitchen
Living Room
Dining Room
Mudroom
Pantry room
