Life has an interesting way of changing our plans, even the really good plans we make for all the right reasons. When we sold our stone house almost two years ago it was with the intention to live near my shop and closer to my husband’s work and simplify our lives.
We rented a loft apartment above another local business with the intention of living there for several years. We found that we enjoyed living in the loft and were very dissapointed when the business owners decided to use the apartment for their office space and storage, forcing us to find another place to live much sooner than we had planned.
But, we knew we liked loft living and we now owned two historic buildings downtown. So we talked with our contractor and architect about creating our own loft apartment for our family above my shop Whimsy & Blue. We had just finished the demo of the second floor in preparation to start building our dream loft apartment when construction costs skyrocketed. At the time it was a huge disappointment to see all our hard work, preparations, and plans stall out right at the exciting part.
To say that we were discouraged is an understatement. But I kept reminding myself to trust the process. I didn’t know what the future would bring, but I held tight to the belief that good things were coming. My husband and I made the best of our situation and kept saving up for the future, not knowing if we would eventually build our loft apartment or find another home for our family.
When my dear friend and realtor Emily Bailey of Danberry Realtors called and said, “I know we said ‘No more old houses’ when we sold your castle, BUT there is a house that I think is perfect for you! Everything has been done to it. And it looks like you!” I was intrigued! And then she said the most amazing words….
“Do you know the house with the blue doors?”
Ummmm, did I ?!?! It was the house that made me gasp the first time we drove past it years ago. The Victorian architecture was stunning! The porch was incredible! AND THE FRONT DOORS WERE THE PERFECT SHADE OF BLUE!!! The first time we drove past it my husband had turned the car around even before I could say anything because he knew my old house loving heart needed a second look. It was the house that I would go out of my way to drive slowly past so I could stare at it lovingly. It was dreamy!
But it was also old. Even older than the stone house we had renovated and sold. And we had experienced the stress of unexpected issues and extra costs involved with fixing up our last old house. With our three young kiddos and busy lifestyles, my husband and I were hesitant to head back into the daunting work of an old house restoration. But as my realtor friend described everything that had been updated in the Victorian house, my heart felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe this time it could be different? All the important updates were completed. The sellers had poured their hearts and souls into the restoration, and it was beautifully done. As we wrapped up our conversation I told her, “You know how they say that everything happens for a reason? Wouldn’t it be amazing if this house was the reason?!?”
Friends, welcome to our reason….
We officially bought this gorgeous Victorian house today, and we’ll move in before the holidays! We are so excited to raise our family in this beautiful home! The previous owners did an incredible job on the house, and we are forever grateful to them for all of their hard work. To be able to move into such a beautiful home and enjoy this time with our family is such a gift. We are so happy, and we can’t wait to share this new adventure with you! Victorian houses have always had a special place in my heart, and this one is a dream come true!
With Love,
Sandy
PS Be sure to follow along on our adventure on Instagram, Facebook, and sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a post! I’m not sure how often I’ll be posting, but I’m excited to get back into blogging again. I’ve missed you, friends. It’s good to be back!
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