Right before I was diagnosed another of my favorite houses came up for sale. We called and it was out of our budget. It turns out that it has almost three acres of land and is larger than it looks from the road. The home is an historic 1880's colonial complete with cottage gardens and authentic well out front. I always thought it looked like the kind of house a writer would live in...romantic that I am. Not that a writer couldn't also live in an industrial loft...or a rustic cabin...or some other such place. I know a novel can be written anywhere...but ambience doesn't hurt either -- I'm easily inspired by my surroundings.
Anyway, Sunday Michael and I were out & about and drove past the place...it is surprisingly still on the market and they were having an open house. I say surprisingly because even in this economy I thought it would already have been sold. Turns out not only is it still up for sale, but they have dropped the price considerably...as in we could theoretically afford it now.
Yes, I am crazy. Yes, I know this is not the time to even think about this for soooo many reasons they are beyond counting. This is absolutely not practical on several levels. But I am still going to think about it. I may even do it!
A person with cancer wouldn't do this. And that is precisely why I want to do it. I can't explain it any better than that.
We went inside and fell in love. Wide plank oak floors, a sun room, a view of the gorgeous back yard, a small dilapidated barn...
Okay, it is on a very busy county road and the front of the house is quite close to the street...you hear the sound of cars whooshing by while you are in the kitchen. But the kitchen has the cutest window over the sink and more cabinets than I have now.
Yes, it's old and not as easy maintenance as our home now...but it has been very well cared for...there's also a rolling hill in the back yard that the kids could sled down come winter. It's surrounded by protected woods. It has a fenced in garden just screaming for herbs and vegetables. And I just know that in one of those upstairs rooms I could finish my novel.
Speaking of which -- tho I haven't posted some of the excerpts, there are several that prominently feature the homes that my characters live in. Homes are like characters in and of themselves. This house is a place I could see myself in. Don't get me wrong, I like my present house well enough, but I have never loved it. Yet I always thought I would live in a home that I was crazy about...that I truly adored.
I would totally love this house. I already do.
So, we'll see...if it doesn't happen I will chalk it up as not meant to be. But here are some pix in the meantime:
7 comments:
Wow - go for it. This is a sign that it has to be yours.
Oh, it looks gorgeous! In fact, it looks very *you* Kayleigh.
I love looking at houses, and have always thought I should have been an estate agent (realtor?) because I am always checking the property market even though we're not moving anywhere.
I think you'd be crazy to consider buying it now, the timing is terrible. But, somehow I know what you mean about it making you want it more. Just take care K, you're more important than a house, lovely as it is. x
Oh wow - it gorgeous! You are going to beat this cancer - that's the message you are sending yourself by doing this. It's a very strong message! I say, good for you. I'll be sending you all the positive energy you can handle! :)
Teri
Thanks everyone!
Yes, it really and truly is crazy...at first Mike thought I was just caught up in the moment. But I made him call the bank today...I've been cleaning like there's no tomorrow too.
The bank says they will loan us the money, we got pre-approved. I'm not totally surprised, we've got good credit. We are very frugal people by nature and don't have too much over the top debt. Still, this would eat up our buffer and make us tighten our belts.
Jane, I may need to repeat your buy nothing challenge for a LONG time, lol!
We'll see...I'm trying not to get too hopped up.
NotSupermum you are right, people are way more important than houses and I have to make sure my kids don't suffer for any of my longings. Oh, but it does look "like me" doesen't it, lol -- my mom said the same thing!
Teri, you said it exactly, it's like a show of faith that I'll beat this. Even if I change my mind the mere fact that this idea was on the table feels kinda good.
Anyway, I'll keep you all posted. Thanks again :D
Oh, how wonderful! I hope that everything works out for you. I do think that looking towards something with a hopeful attitude - being able to dream about and plan for the future - can really have a big impact. That's very exciting.
Thanks Kari -- what you said is sooo true...I think looking towards a positive future can make a huge impact. In fact, my mother got her college degree while going thru chemo. At the time I thought she was nuts, but now I sort of get it.
The realtor is coming tomorrow night to tell us what our house is worth. If all goes well we will officially make an offer and take the next step.
I can't believe I'm doing this!!!!
Kayleigh, I love it! Go for it! This is my dream house too. I had a house like this in Pennsylvania, with all that land. If you get this house, I'll be very happy for you!
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