home

For two and a half years, we rented this cute little home. We were thankful to find a place that allowed pets, had a (teeny-weeny) fenced back yard, a shower in the bedroom (awkward yet convenient) and cheap rent.

Eventually, the novelties wore off. We longed for a big back yard, privacy from annoying neighbor kids that pressed their noses against our door, a full bathroom and a place to call our own. I longed to paint walls, work on a big garden, and have room for messy projects without asking the overlord – I mean landlord. We looked for a long time and were willing to wait for the "right" house.

Our criteria:

- Bigger house with room to grow. We weren't looking for a "starter house." We're thinking ahead to someday when we might want to have kids, or at least larger pets.

- Old, circa 1920-1940. They just don't make 'em like they used to.

- Big yard and space from neighbors

- Close to family

View from the backyard. Way before we got our hands on it!

Despite the "inordinately steep" driveway (inspector's words) we truly fell in love with this house. It was everything we wanted and more. With 5 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, absurdly large closets and hardwood floors throughout, we never dreamed of such an awesome house to call home.

Side view before we moved in

Front view before we moved in

Appalling seashell border.

That all being said, this awesome old house also came with someone else's sticky walls, stained carpeting, overgrown landscaping and appalling wallpaper borders. But it's come a long way already.


A few things we did right away:
- Tore out ALL of the carpeting. The hardwood is certainly not perfect, but we think it's beautiful.
- Cleaned 
- Refinished the living room and dining room ceilings. Worst. job. ever.
- Painted laundry room, living room and dining room

Other things came later and are in process that are really helping to make the house feel like it's "ours." It's so exciting to watch the progression. I hope to inspire others as we move along in our journey!

Appalling wildlife border & curtains.

Me painstakingly digging up the ceiling to fix.

Front sunroom "before"

Front sunroom hardwood reveal!

Dave working on the ridiculous "safety railings" we had to put up everywhere for our FHA loan.

Original staircase before

Staircase after re-staining tread and painting risers!

Ahhh.

Home Sweet Home!

Can't wait to see what this all looks like in the next few years? Me either. :)