November 04, 2010

Cottage Dreams

 We went house hunting last night. Things are shaping up for us to buy a house in the next year. If we are disciplined. And a smidge lucky. One of the options we are looking at is a little house on a good lot that would require a major renovation.

This has sent me into a bit of a tailspin as I like to investigate every possible option before making a decision. I'm real spontaneous that way. I don't want to find something later that I liked better. Any of you suffer from that disorder? Thought so.

The 1st and 3rd pictures are what I'm leaning towards. My Sweet Hubby is head over heels for #2 which happens to be the house from The Stepmom.

These lower profile houses really appeal to me too on the right lot. Around here lot size is at a premium and to get the square footage we want will probably have to go much taller.

Whatever we end up with, something tells me it will be white or pale grey as those seem to be the house colors I am most drawn too.


My big hope is that just the right thing will come on the market that just needs cosmetic work and is the right size. I'm pretty sure Sweet Hubby's big hope is that we will have to remodel/build. Do you have any fabulous cottage inspiration that you think I would like? If so email me some pics at thecottagenest(at)gmail(dot)com.

39 comments:

  1. Jen,

    I love them all each and every one!
    I would live in any of them...

    xo,

    annie

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  2. Every home that you pictures are all quite lovely and charming... Anone would find contentment and happiness with any of them...

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  3. they are all beautiful, but the last one has my heart. plus it's not too big. as my kids grow and are close to leaving the nest, i have dreams of a smaller house to clean.

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  4. Geezzz!! Where do you live? (you don't need to answer that. I'm just saying...)

    I love all of these potentials. Definitly my sort of cottage dream - too.

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  5. Oh my....such lovely choices! They each hold that certain charm and I am sure that wherever you end up you will make the house into the perfect home for you!

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  6. Each one is gorgeous but #2 looks a bit scary in the photo!

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  7. What a cute cottage! And 'cottage' is the right word! Darling. :D

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  8. They are all precious and I would love to have any of them!

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  9. Wow - they're all gorgeous. I especially love the mood of the second photo -- misty weather with the falling leaves -- just lovely.

    And I am exactly the same way - I prefer to 'research' to death but that's what makes me feel good about a decision. No regrets. Hopefully. :-)

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  10. Love, love, love all of those! Old houses are the best!

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  11. http://www.rosschapin.com/index.html

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  12. http://www.rosschapin.com/index.html

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  13. I love every one of those houses, how could you ever pick? What a great dilemma to have, to have so many wonderful old homes to choose from. Here's hoping the right house, comes along at the right time and for exactly the right price!

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  14. hi jen,

    each house is sooooo charming and classic. the yellow bungalow with the white picket fence made my heart go ba-doomp!

    xo
    elyse

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  15. The mood of the second one is etherial and frightening at once. I love the porch and the trees. The others are nice too, especially the first and last ones. I live about an hour north of you. Would you mind sharing the location of the second house?

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  16. What beautiful cottages you have your eye on! I needed that cottage inspiration today - thanks!

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  17. Those are all such adorable houses! Oh, Jen, I sure do hope that you will have a sweet little cottage of your very own real soon.
    So excited for you!! :)
    Beth.

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  18. Maybe I'm adventurous or can just see the beauty underneath, but I'm all about #2.

    We just found our dream home, wishing you the best as you search for yours!

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  19. Oh Jen, I can't pick just one--I love them all but I think #1 appeals to me the most but I think it's the cute yard and topiaries.
    Amy

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  20. Oh Jen Jen!!! No 1, No 1!! And are you serious about the Stepmom house!? Do you know that is what I remember that movie for? The house! Do you know that movie is why all the woodwork in my house is white! What are the chances! if you get that one, I'm so moving in.

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  21. Well, after seeing what I saw of your neck o'the woods, I have a feeling anything you end up with will be plum perfect. Plus, your unruly gang will be under the roof, which would render pretty much anything perfect.

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  22. Is it ridiculous that I knew the Stepmom house immediately?! I love that house! But I do love all of the others, too-they're all so beautiful!

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  23. I love them all but I say #2 And put your stamp all over it!! I must re-watch the movie. I LOVE the house in Father of the Bride ( Steve Martin) version and Lucy and Ricky's country house... swoon!!

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  24. Wow...some BEAUTIFUL and wonderful choices...but will they STILL be available next year?
    I would hate to fall head over heels in love with a house NOW and find it sold later. (* crying)
    Just like an Antique.

    I lean towards the one your husband likes....it's very Victorian and INTERESTING looking, but if it would take a LOT of money and a LOT of work, you would have to factor all that in.

    I wish you the best in your choice.

    Rose

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  25. They're all great ones. I have to say, when I saw number two... and the car/SUV out front I thought hmmm I think that's from The Stepmom... and surprise! I was right. Still love that house though.

    Chris

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  26. I think they are all great! They each have their own wonderful character. Good luck on finding the home of your dreams! take care, Maryann.. I'm off to see that movie again just to look at the house...

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  27. Oh Jan! I love them all...it will be hard to decide. What you feel once you purchase is called Buyer's Remorse...it happens to most of us! Hugs- Diana

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  28. the house in the second pic. hands down! what a gorgeous home! it really has that character that is so appealing and in the summer months i would live on that porch! dreamy.

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  29. I'm loving the yellow with the green screen door...too cute. I truly can't wait to see where you end up. So fun!

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  30. I recognized the house from the movie "Stepmom". I like it too. But I think the picture of the last house I like the very best. So glad you have some wonderful choices. Enjoy the process!

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  31. All of them are charming! OMG, how are you going to choose? I prefer the ones with some land around them; I wouldn't want to be on the street. The sound of cars would somehow ruin the experience. You are one lucky lady to get to live in such a beautiful place. Happy Hunting!

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  32. I don't think you could go wrong with any of them! All gorgeous. Traci

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  33. I LOVE alll of them - but I must admit that Im with your hubby on loving number 2 - and may I just say, that those are beautiful spacious homes, and by NO means cottages ;) Well, in the British sense of the word anyway. :)

    You will find the right one and the right time - and we will all pray for the right budget to be provided to you.
    x

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  34. Ps - I think the thing that has me SO sold on number two is the wrap around porch and three swing. Sigh...

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  35. do you know why I am laughing out load right now??????
    3 of the 6 houses you showed I HAVE TOO! In my dream binder...that and the one from the front of cover of Cottage Living with the white house with black shutters in Serenbe...do you have that one?
    Seriously out of all the houses in all the magazines in all the blogs, we have that many in common? Wow.
    love it, hope you find just the right one, you will know it when peace sweeps over you in an indescribable way.
    ~Ada in Coastal Cali

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  36. How fun!! I love house hunting!!
    Have you ever looked at house plans from Cottage Living? I think you can still find them at MyHomeIdeas.com- it's the parent company for all of those publications. LOTS of really cute ideas. Country Living also recently featured their green home in their October issue, I believe? REALLY cute.

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  37. I love them all! My new dream/goal is to buy an older than we have now home in my dream neiborhood. If it happens, the house might be a bit scary and need work...the area is $$. Love reading your journey. Happy Thanksgiving.

    Londen

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  38. I just found your blog! I too am located in Zionsville, though not in the Village. I LOVE your taste in houses! We have an old farmhouse with front columns. I will be following along your blog anxious to see what type of house you choose!!

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