NewlyWoodwards

an unconventional home

Pretty (deep down) houses

by

So, our house hunting plan has shifted a bit.

You may remember, we were looking for some land. Unfortunately, in the last few months, nothing right has really popped up. (And, sorry Emily. We’re not planning to leave the state. Although I would love to be your neighbor and I would totally take care of your garden, too.) We’d definitely still like to have some land. And, it’s definitely still on our radar.

But now, a few older homes have popped up on our path. Both of which are pretty much adorable and need a lot of TLC. (Kinda reminds me of another home I know.) So, looks like we are both on track for a multi-year detour. And, believe it or not, it feels right.

So, I couldn’t hold out on you any longer. Cause I know you love homes, too. (I totally swiped these photos from MLS, because I didn’t bring my camera to either house.) I hope you see the potential as we do.

So, here’s home #1:

(Love the front porch, the symmetry and the huge yard. And it apparently comes with a garbage can and overgrown bushes. Praise the Lord.)
(Original hardwoods with rug space in the middle, just like what would have been done in the early 20th century. Love the brick fireplace. A fireplace is in the house of my dreams. And, you cannot see the full extent of the crown moulding. But, trust me. It’s there and it’s gorgeous.)
(While clearly the kitchen needs gutted, it’s a good size and I actually think there’s room to adjust it a bit and create a half bathroom, which would be handy.)
(We would totally live in this home. It has a great corner lot and mature trees. It’s halfway between Ryan and I’s workplaces. The rooms are HUGE. I mean, enormous. Plus, original crown moulding downstairs, original hexagon tiles in the entryway and an abundance of character. The downside – it’s a pretty busy street (although no busier than our current home).)
Now, onto the second home:

(I love this bungalow style, and the fact that it has a huge porch and swing. *Swoon*)

(Why, hello there, beautiful wood floors and built-in bench. You are beautiful.)
(And, don’t you get me started on these Craftsman-style pillars.)

You know I love that woodwork, don’t you? The leaded windows? The front porch? Angels are singing, friends! Singing. This neighborhood is perfection. Tree-lined and near a good school. The kitchen is already gutted, which will make it really simple to redo. But, the yard is non-existent, and there is no room for anything beyond a one-car garage. Which means it isn’t perfect for us to live in. The doggies wouldn’t handle it well. But, it would be a great rental and an awesome project and investment.

So, both have character and an abundance of charm. Wouldn’t you agree? And, both need lots of work. So, the decision comes down to whether we want to move or fix up another rental.

I think we’ve made our decision, but I don’t want to jinx it. And we also know that if neither works out, something else will. We’ve bid on or looked at plenty of homes that didn’t work out, and they were all for a reason.

So, which of the two homes are you drawn to? 

I cannot wait to hear what you think.


Unless what you think is that we are totally nuts. And, then I don’t think we can really be friends. Sorry.

Comments

  1. I think you are completely insane, but I still want to be your friend! I don’t judge. 😀

    I really, really, REALLY love the second one, but the small lot wouldn’t be an option for us either.

  2. So which one of these houses will I be roofing and siding this summer w/ your wonderful husband. Oh and do you have any hot single friends…..Mr. Miller

  3. I love the style and look of bungalow homes!! The second one for sure. Can’t wait to hear soon!?

  5. I love number 2 for those built-ins and porch. Just think about spring/fall afternnons swinging away.

    But we have lived with no garage. We thought it was no big deal when we bought because we loved the character of the house…and honestly it was the reason we moved. We were so sick of scraping cars every.single.morning.

    But either house you choose will be perfect, and you will have such a chance to make it your own! Can’t wait to see your decision!

  9. I love the first one, it seems like a family home. It has more of a storybook potential happening.

  10. Oh my gosh, I am IN LOVE with house number two! Sincere, ever-lasting love. If you don’t buy it, can I? I seem to have a black thumb, so it would be perfect.

  11. #2!! (Am I the only one giggling at the phrase?)

    But seriously, your current home is coming along beautifully (so stay where you are) and the bungalow in option #2 (giggle, snort, number two) has SO MUCH potential that it’d be a fantastic investment opportunity.

    Just my two cents. (heh, “two”)

  12. I’m torn. They both remind me, in different ways, of my current house so I like certain aspects of each. But my recent (last year or so) obsession with all things Craftsman has me leaning more towards the second option. Good luck with whichever you choose!

  14. Wow, I love them! I would love to see you redo #1!!

  15. Oh, I love the second one. I am such a sucker for Craftsman Style. I can’t wait to see where this new path takes the two of you.

  17. Hey there pretty lady, I forgot to mention this morning that I am doing a give-away on my blog so stop by and leave a comment to enter to win! Hugs – Rach

  18. Wow, you have such beautiful homes in your area. We’ve been looking for a few months and we haven’t even found one that we just like!

    I really love them both, they are full of potential.

  19. I don’t know Kim, that’s a pretty sweet garbage can. It has me leaning towards # 1. But since built-ins are my drug of choice, I gotta say numero dos. Old bungy there’s got a lotta character.

  22. Um, both of them. I’m thinking number 1 just for the yard but a second rental property is always appealing!

    And ps, porch swings can be easily installed, I plan to do it at every house I ever own.

  23. Honestly I love them both, but I would go with house #2 as a rental or investment property if you have the chance to do that.

    Wow I’m a wee bit jealous (shhh don’t tell).

  24. The first one has so much character, but oh..that second one had me at porch swing! I am always drawn to homes with large front porches. So my vote is 2!

  26. Oh dear. I want to say #2 because I love me some craftsman woodwork. But then there’s the yard deal. And I’ve built a garage and its not really fun. But in the long run another rental is an awesome investment. So…I think I’m sticking with #2. Can’t wait to hear what you guys decide!!

  31. I am drawn to the bungalow with all it’s built-in glory!!! (Can you tell I live in a small house with no storage? hehe) However, I think it would look way better with the front porch opened up. Like knock down those little ‘walls’ and put up true railings that let some breeze through, or just leave them down altogether. That’s what I would do. (PS our porch plans may be a reality….if the city will grant us a variance!)