January 21, 2010

House #1


Of the two houses we saw on Saturday, this one is Sweet Hubby's favorite. I can see the attraction. It certainly has charm. And a great location.


I'd almost buy it just for the swing.


And the downstairs is lovely. Mostly. Look at this wonderful entry with a parlor, study and dining room off of it. 

 
Wonderful details, woodwork and good bones. Good potential.

 
I loved this little side porch. It wasn't heated but I would love this space for several months of the year. 

 
Then there was this weird added on family room with a loft and odd textured walls and weird little greenhouse area. The owner's wife was an artist so this had a practical purpose for them. Not so much for us. On the plus side, the room had a Cracker Barrel sized fireplace.

 
Love old floors. 

 
The kitchen was workable. It was a decent size and had a nice little walk in pantry. And a weird balcony that looks down from the second floor. Speaking of the 2nd floor...and the 3rd floor...not gonna happen. Such a strange layout of tiny rooms that just wouldn't work for our family. And this house needs work. What exactly was the obsession with emerald green carpet? Not just the pretty kind of work though. I'm all for that, but things like a roof and paint job and remodeling to make it livable for us. This house is already at the top of our price range so it's not going to work for us but it sure was fun to look at.

I'll be back tomorrow with the rest of our tour.

29 comments:

  1. Look at that dentil moulding in the dining room and the charming shutters on the windows by the front door! I'm a sucker for a wall mounted faucet too! And I can see why you would be drawn to it, it's simply charming from the outside!

    But I'm with you, if you can't make it work for you and your family, move on and find one that will. Like you said though, it's so much fun to visit!

    Kat :)

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  2. It does look nice mostly, but if it needs more work than prettying up then I think you're right.

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  3. The dilemma of trying to find the charm of an old world cottage with the conveniences and layout of a modern day home. Maybe a compromise or two;-)

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  4. I love the wallpaper in the entryway, but I know what you mean about too much work, you don't want to overwhelm yourself.

    LeAnn

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  5. I can't wait to see the next house! I love your tours. You should just ask to see every house in the village just to take pics and give us mini tours = )

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  6. The home tours are going to be FUN! But I know it might be frustrating for you. Finding the house that is just right is not easy - and you have to keep reminding yourself that there is no perfect home. Trust me. I know. I built my "dream home". You learn very quickly that each house has it's own strengths and weaknesses.

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  7. That side porch. That porch swing. That greenhouse! sniff sniff.

    Moment of silence for House Number One.

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  8. Such a charming home. Love the porch swing, little side porch, foyer and all that fabulous trim work! You don't find grand homes like that anymore. Thanks for sharing your home tours Jen ♥

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  9. Thanks for the tour, it's fun to house hunt. Can't wait to see the next house,
    xo,
    LuLu

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  10. I was waiting to see the homes you looked at! This one is sweet but sounds like it's not "the one" for you. Such curb appeal though!
    ~Michelle

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  11. Oh, I am so excited that you are showing pictures of the houses you are looking at! I just love old houses! Can't wait to see more. I hope you can find your dream home soon. Sooooo excited for you!! :) Beth.

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  12. Hi Jen :)

    I looked at that swing and said the same exact words LOL Gosh, what a pretty home! I understand about the top of your price range and it needing work. We faced the same thing with a house down the street. I can't wait to see all you're looking at.

    The last house was really cool, but all the work was already done... what's the fun in that?? ;)

    rue

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  13. What a fun house! Now I really can't wait to see house #2 !!

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  14. What a cute house! The porch swing is to die for. Looking forward to house #2.

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  15. When we purchased our 1920's house the couple had lived here for 48 years they were the second owner. They worked really hard to update to I think a 70's look. Ugggh~
    They had emerald green carpeting in the living room, dining room, family room. I told my husband he had to look at the bones of the house~ When we moved in the carpet was immediately ripped out~
    Bristol

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  16. That was a fun tour! I can't wait to see more! I have never seen shutters inside, quite like those by the front door. I love the wallpaper in the front hall.
    -Trish

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  17. The gingerbread details on the eaves remind me of the home my parents just bought in Ohio...Cute details

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  18. Welcome to the crazy world of buying a vintage house...you'll find yours; don't worry.

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  19. I'm so excited for this adventure of yours! Can't wait to see more houses. :)

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  20. Anticipation is half the fun! Thanks for taking us along on your journey.

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  21. new to your blog -- I am too looking for a house/ cottage/ farm house -- still looking... thta's how I found you and I'll be back ---

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  22. Its cute for sure, but yesterday's house was much nicer I think.

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  23. It's adorable, love the molding features...but but does spound like it needs alot of work.
    Looking forward to the next post.

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  24. That is too bad because the downstairs entry and the outside is so beautiful!

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  25. what wonderful curb appeal..its precious!
    bummer on the upstairs
    i love the tour sweet jen

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  26. Welcome to old home living! One thing that looks like you realized quite quickly on your #1 house is that people renovate the oddest ways, could be the money they have at the time, or that they want more light for their studio, ect..AND the other thing is most of the homes built at the turn of the century had teeny tiny bedrooms and closets. Their kitchens werent for entertaining or have any kind of fancy Island, ect. Utilitarian usually was the call of the day with exception being good moulding, floors and a nice porch for those days when you could enjoy it.
    You will find the right one that will work for you, they will allllll need some kind of renovation to fit your taste.
    Remember all the "dogs" you dated before you found mr wonderful????
    this is so exciting for you and your cute little family. I LOVE HOUSEHUNTING!!!
    keep us posted, girlfriend.
    xxoo

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  27. it definately has character. i would buy it for the porch and swing. loved the shutters around the front door. wouldn't be a fan of small rooms. i bet it's fun shopping around though. thanks for taking us with you!!

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  28. Jen,

    This is a lovely house from the outside without a doubt. I really liked the house inside that you showed us but not the family room. I love old house charm but don't want that much work either, & climbing three flights everyday...not good. But very pretty. Keep hunting..you'll find the perfect house for you all.

    Kindredly, Lynne Laura

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