Stats

Wow... I have had 140 page views in the US (although 138 of them could very well be me, 1 could be my husband, and 1 could be my mother)...and one from India, and one from the Ukraine.  Craziness that someone so far away could stumble on this : )

We may have a house (finally!).  Inspections, financing, contracts and insurance are almost completely wrapped up - we will see what happens...

It is in solid shape, but I have big plans for it!  A new newel post, banister, and railings for the steps;  a pretty blue/grey/white/lavender/teal paint scheme throughout;  wainscoting under the stairs and in the dining room, and an updated upstairs bathroom....   it should be fun.  : )   I've found a few companies that sell pretty stair & wainscoting kits, which should be fun. 

Jess

Putting in an offer...

So after lots of discussion, we are going to take a chance on city living next to the beautiful Tower Grove Park and put in an offer on the lovely foursquare we saw back in January.  My fingers are crossed!!!

A foreclosed mystery

I went to see a lovely foreclosure today - beautiful, 10 ft ceilings, three stories with a finished attic, and a pretty back yard on a quiet street.  At first I didn't think much of the sooty residue on the floors - probably the evidence of too many people with snowy, muddy shoes.  The black spatters on the wall where a puzzle, though - what did the previous owners do in these rooms?  The blown-out chunks of radiator cinched it.  I don't know what has to happen in a steam or hot water system to cause 5 inch cracks and holes the size of your hand in a cast iron radiator tube, but I doubt it was pretty.   And I doubt that it is the only thing that went wrong.  Back to searching...  I hope someone who knows something about radiators (and, it turns out, asbestos) takes the house and shows it some love.  It has the most beautiful bones. 

Jess

House hunting...continued

We toured a lovely home last week - a two-story dutch colonial in Glendale.  Built in the 1920's on 1/3 of an acre, with a wood-burning fireplace, french doors, hardwood floors and 9 foot ceilings.  A partially finished basement, and a large patio & shed in the backyard. 

Fast forward to the seller's disclosure:  knob & tube wiring (seriously?  the house has the original 1920's wiring?)  and termites. 

No, thank you.  As pretty as it is, we have to pass.


I have been thinking at lot about colors and design for the new place (where ever it is).  After enojoying our two cranberry courdoroy loveseats for a few years, I'm thinking about retiring them to a cozy den and looking at something more muted for the new living room.  Maybe something like this, with silvery blue wall?

Jess

Wanted: One perfect home for two

We have the specifics narrowed down - almost. 

I am looking for a two story, pre-1920's home with a fireplace, crown molding, spacious rooms, a cohesive floor plan, and the original doors and hardware.  Original windows and a large, tree-filled lot would be perfect. 

Shawn is looking for a new home with new appliances, plumbing, insulation, and HVAC with a garage and a finished basement. 

I care passionately about the feel and ambiance of the house - Shawn cares passionately about minimizing potential maintenance.  We both want to buy or install a new kitchen and baths.  And we would like to do this within the one 15-block area we both agree on... and within budget. 

The hunt is on for 2011!