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Thursday, April 15, 2010

WE'RE THINKING...AND PLOTTING....AND HOPING

And looking.
Always looking.

Two years ago when my husband and I moved back to the Texas Hill Country, we needed to find a home in a hurry, as my teacher hubby was due to start teaching SOON and we needed a place to live.

We have a lovely little place in the country, but it is far from my dream home.
It's not our forever home, which at this point in our lives, is what our next home will be.

So just 6 or so miles down the road, there's this little blue farmouse.

For sale.

Taunting me each time I drive past.

Daring me to enter, enticing me to call the realtor to set up an appointment to come inside and see if maybe, just maybe, THIS could be our forever home.

The price just dropped 20K, which should seem appealing were it not for the fact that it was overpriced to begin with.
I mean, 250K for a home with only one bathroom and only window units for A/C???
The vinyl floors would need to be replaced, and the out buildings would need some work.

Still....
it is an early 1900s farmhouse.
With a bunkhouse.
And two barns.
And acreage.
And a detached guest house.
And good bones.

With likely enough projects to keep me busy until old age sets in.

Tell me, what do you think?

























And the bunkhouse...A man cave, at LAST!




So?
Whaddaya think?

We still owe an arm and half a leg on the house we moved into two years ago, but there's something about this little blue treasure that I just cannot shake.

Here's the listing right HERE.
Go check it out.

It's a dream.

Here's hoping all your dreams come true!

69 comments:

LuLu Kellogg said...

I can see why you are so in love with this place....I think I would have to move heaven and earth to try to get it! It is wonderful and SO you!

I can see that little pink room as a studio....and the man cave??? Well, that is a HUGE bonus!!!

Here's to dreams!

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Go for it!!!

Kim from The Sheep's Nest said...

I certainly see lots of potential there and with your talents you could have it fixed up adorable! It is also in move in condition (so it appears) this is a plus because then you can work at making it yours little by little. You atleast have to go and take a look at it. You will know when you go inside if it is meant to be. There is a feeling that comes over you when it is the right house. Lots of luck, hugs,Kim

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Now that's a forever home, but do you think you could build one cheaper with more rooms and just add old things. That's what we did. Just a thought, but still love it!!

Glamorous Girl Gone Goofy said...

Oh I want this house so bad for you. I am loving it. Believe it is yours already. Start living it. Wishes really do come true!!

Pamela said...

I love it! It has so much potential. You can do wonders with this enchanting farmhouse!
Good luck!

Debra@CommonGround said...

I have a few pennies saved...and a guest house? I'll be right down! Anne, you never know until you try. I say call the realtor!
I totally love it!
love ya,
Debra

Michelle Hughes said...

so, so cute! Go for it!

Michelle

Debra@CommonGround said...

p.s. the chandy sold, ye haw!

Unknown said...

I think it is way, way cool...and if you had that home, you'd turn it into something even more fabulous! I say if you and your hubby want to...go for it!!!!

Nancy

*The Beautiful Life* said...

Anne there is nothing more exciting and exhilarating than being in the market for a new home -- in my opinion anyway. Especially when it's a home you just want to buy vs. one you have to buy and don't have the luxury of searching and waiting for.

I say go for it! BUT only if you both have the real DIY spirit, girlie! We have a historic home and never imagined all that we'd have to continually do around here. But -- we're not real DIY'ers, so it does make a difference. :)

Dream big, Anne! Ya nevah know! :)

Ruth

Anne Marie said...

that 'man cave' would have a big sign that said "open" instead with another sign "fiona and twig"

lol

Sarah said...

Anne, looks like a wonderful "forever" home for you. With your creativity and talents it would be perfect in no time. Make an offer and see what happens. You never know till you ask? Hold the dream!

Unknown said...

I'm thinkin' you've already made up your mind......and it's gonna be yours! You could have a bi-annual sale on the property....the man cave would be perfect.......the pink room your studio......this could be your chance to get started doing what you want to do....if it was easy, everyone would be doing it and I say "no guts....no glory". If it feels right in your gut....then what are you waiting on, girl!
xojana

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Well, you have liked it for a long time. It is now for sale and the price is less than at first. It is super cute and old. And it has so many extras.........Uh... what are you waiting for!!!!!!!!!!!!!? You could make that home in no time:) Can't wait to hear what you do. Good luck.
~Debra
Blog: Capers of the vintage vixens

Brynwood Needleworks said...

Never hurts to look, girlfriend...and once you walk in, you'll feel right away whether "this is it" or not.
Can't wait to hear more!
xoxo
Donna

Anonymous said...

If you can do it, GO FOR IT! I can just see the Fiona and Twig charm sprinkled all over this lovely old homestead! The bunkhouse has soooooooo many possibilities! Perhaps a place for creating and selling your wares ... LOVE the the front porch, wide open and inviting ...

Only you will know if it is truly home when you walk through through the doors ... if it feels good and you can envision your future there, then it has possibility! I wish you the best and look forward to finding out what you decide!

Theresa said...

Oh my goodness, I love it and I see why you do too. Hmmmm how much acreage, I'll go look at the listing. It is precious and look like you could have so much fun in it. And the man cave, perfect:) Hugs to you my friend, dreams do come true!!!

VS said...

Oh my friend, It's absolutely charming!!! To live in an old farmhouse is a dream...this coming from a girl who grew up in So Cal, but has always wanted to live on a farm. You could have some chickens & gather your own eggs & maybe a little baby lamb to be their friend, a couple ducks would be cute & one of those tiny ponys to pull your wagon when your out gathering your eggs or picking flowers from your garden. Oh, sorry...that's my dream, not yours. But you must admit a little pony to pull a wagon does sound divine!!!! Happy house hunting friend, this one is fabulous!
Smiles,
Susie

Attic Rat said...

Hmmmm. . . looks like it has great potential. There is 3 acres in Kerrville with no home that is going for $150,000. That needs to be considered when you are trying to determine the value of the home. Six acres is plenty of elbow room. Older homes have wonderful charm but also require a bit of "elbow grease". If you guys are handy, it could be a wonderful forever home.

Creations By Cindy said...

Oh my mercy!!!! Beautiful! I can see your charm and style being added to this home and it will be home forever! It beautiful to me! I would just love it. Be blessed. Cindy

Sue (Vintage Rescue) said...

For $250K, it'd be worth it for me to buy it, and bring it all to Virginia. It's adorable, but if it's overpriced for your area, rethink it....

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

It is cute and looks like it has loads of potential. You could have SO much fun with it! :) There is always room to negotiate... if you like it, it wouldn't hurt to ask about it! Good luck!

Unknown said...

You had me at acreage, farmhouse and two barns! Is there a possibility of enough traffic to open up a little shop?

Cheryl ~ ZanyMayd said...

Ask Yourself This-

How Would I feel if it Sold to Someone Else?????

What a ForEver Home!

Victorian Cottage North said...

As cute as it is the ceilings look low or the door frames are really high. If the ceilings are low that might be an issue.

Dianne

Beatnheart said...

Yikes!!! I'd say go for it and offer even less...how much work exactly...what are fixed up places going for that are similar...Is it all leaning and tilting inside..floors uneven,,, do the windows work...If its already overprices think another 100,000 to fix up or how much ?? Keep looking...

Kim said...

I am SOOOO the wrong person to be giving you advice on this, but I would make that appointment. I'm impulsive like that.
My dream/forever house is waiting for me in Tennessee.......

Debby said...

I say go for it if you think you can swing it! It looks fab in the pics, but you will know that when you do your walk about. I think you have pretty much made up your mind and I can only imagine what you will do with your acreage. Can hardly wait!
Debby

Char said...

I SAY "SOLD", CHAR

Mindy said...

It's free to look. And you will either get a bug in your bonnet, or you will get over it. The anticipation might build it up too much. You won't know til you go look, will ya? A follow up will be in order! ~Mindy

Unknown said...

Oh my - run, don't walk, to that realtor! That looks like my dream house too. Beautiful. And if you have THAT feeling, then you know it will be right.

Rebecca said...

Hey Anne
Well, what are you waiting for girl? Go look at it! You will know when you look at it... and if everything falls in place then it was meant to be yours, sweetie!
Good Luck
Rebecca

Unknown said...

It's pretty. Definitely good bones from the pictures. Keep us posted on what you guys decide to do.

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

It's pretty, sweet and cozy and if it is talking to you then it should be yours!
If you are willing to do the repairs and you see its potential then again, it should be yours.

I know it's a big decision and I'm sure you will make a good one.

hugs
Sissie

Unknown said...

ANNIE, THAT IS A LOT OF STUFF FOR THAT PRICE. A HOUSE LIKE THAT IN OUR AREA WILL BE AT LEAST IN THE 350'S. I'M NOT A REALTOR BUT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING AND PRAYING ABOUT THE DREAM HOUSE FOR YEARS. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY HOUSES I HAVE SEEN, NEVER THE RIGHT ONE FOR US. I LOOK AT A PIER AND BEAM HOUSE BEFORE WITH NO CENTRAL AIR OR HEATER. THE WHOLE DEAL WAS GOING TO COST ABOUT 15,000. SOUND LIKE A LOT OF CASH, BUT THINK ABOUT IT. IT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE A BARGAIN EVEN AFTER ADDING THE MUCH NEEDED CENTRAL UNITS. DEFINITELY A BUYERS MARKET RIGHT NOW. ANNIE I HAVE A RULE ABOUT THIS THINGS. IF I GET TO KEEP MY PEACE IT IS A GO. IF I START TO LOOSE MY JOY AND MY PEACE OF MIND, THEN IS A NO GO. TAKE CARE, MARTA.

Bunnym said...

I say go for it...and when you move in...start with the spare guest room...lol Let me/us know when your done...Good Luck!

tootles,
bunny

north pal said...

oh lord, you go girl. it says home all over it. i cannot just move in any house, but as you said this has good bones. go,go,go!!!! if it works out with the things you need to think about,get it. i'm am going back to look again. Bestest,Denise

Chickens in the Basement said...

Oh, Anne! Call the realtor today! Quick before somebody else realizes what a gem it is. Those wood ceilings, the kitchen, THE BARN. Hurry! What's the number, I'll call for you!
Anna

My Grama's Soul said...

Oh...Anne....It is a beautiful old farmhouse. I can see why you are so taken with it. I, do agree, though, old houses can be a lot of work. As long as you are up to it, no reason not to jump in.

Jo

Beth A. @ Songbird Hill said...

That house has so many neat features that you could really take hold of and make standout. You go girl!

Sherry said...

It is a great house and property. My husband and I found our forever house built in 1940 when we were older than we had originally planned. We are glad we are here and it's a great place for our children and grandchildren to come to. I am sure you could make the place wonderful.

Prior said...

I love those upstairs ceilings.. I live in a house that was built in 1903, and I love it, but we haven't finished it, between putting 4 of our 5 kids through college, Just pray about it and listen to God's voice.... I think you could really flourish there... Is it far out, could you have a business there that people would be willing to drive too? I could see a whole sale place there. Just so much room. I love it... Lezlee

The Smith Hotel said...

So much potential! It's a gem! Hard decision to make!

Thanks so much for your encouraging words! It's always nice to know someone else is in your corner!

Jody

Julie Ann said...

Absolutely Beautiful!!! I hope all your dreams come true!

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

Anne, it's really pretty, and has so much potential!!! If it's speaking to you then you should give it some serious thougt. I hope it all works out for you! Blessing~~~ Daphne

Marlene said...

Oh my!!! 5 acres and a man cave..and a barn..you can have animals.. all those tress..sounds like a dream house to me...
My husband does not like older homes becase of the work...but your young and the economy now you can even ask for less...and get it... go for it...go for your dream.... Marlene

Dixie said...

Anne... The house/land/outbuildings... probably not overpriced... if it has an Ag-exempt on less than 10-acres (which is what the listing says), the exemption is probably due to the pecan trees... (fruit bearing trees including pecans on 5-10 acres can be Ag Exempt in TX)... so you'd want to look into that issue... there's a signifigent difference in how much tax you pay ($100's of dollars difference annually). Also keep in mind that old houses like this also need to be rewired and replumbed... so your lovely farmhouse could turn into a money pit... move with caution... this..from the businesswoman side of me...

and now... from the artistic side.. beautiful farmhouse with lots of out buildings on 5-acres... fantastic!

Anne said...

Let me begin with LOVE your blog and enthusiasm, Anne! Not looking to rain on your parade...

It's what you WANT, however do you NEED it?! What would be a FAIR price in a real world for a fixer upper? EVERYTHING has potential in the eyes of the beholder. {wink}

Try a list of PROS & CONS with your husband, finances and world economics to determine your decision, Anne. Then call the realtor.

I wish you all the best in your possibilities of a new adventure! Gardens Antqs Vintage, Dixie and craftymarta had some good advice within their comments as well!

{-A-}

Anonymous said...

WoW.... This looks just like you! Your husband would have lots of work to do creating the 20 x 40 area in the summer time to whatever he wishes! I love the place and especially the nearly 6 acres... My advice is to simple pray about it! You and your husband go over to the place and walk around the property without the realtor! Then if you feel good then ask lots of questions and get a good inspection too! Then take a piece of paper dividing it in the middle writing down the pro's and con's of this house and the cost of the move. If all matches put in a offer much less than $229,00 which is now the asking price and submit $219,000 or $209,000 Then give it to God... wait and see what happens! It could be the best move you ever made or the best investment. Just food for thought... Vickie Love

The Flying Bee said...

It's precious! I think you should at least take a look at it with the realtor. Why not? Then pray about it. :)

xo,
Adrienne

Anonymous said...

Honestly? It's charming, and I would want you to get it so that I could marvel in how wonderful you fix it up. But this decision isn't all about meeeeeee...

It's all about you and yours, and I know that you will do what is best for you! :)

Hugs & happy weekend to you,
Zuzu

Lee Weber said...

It's adorable, good bones, defintely better decroated than our house. Love the acreage, love the bunk house, and all the other stuff is just icing. If you think it isn't over-priced now, go look. Of course, can you sell yours? keep us posted!!!!

Ticking and Toile said...

Hi Anne,
oooooh looks very tempting! It looks so cute & has so much potential & the outbuildings & your little shop---er I mean... mancave ;) I would say go for it! You could do so much & make it so charming!

xo,
Shellagh

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Home inspection first thing; dropped ceilings so what's above them? What do the floors look like? Does it have a basement or crawl space and what does it look like? What's the zoning? Can a home based business be located here? How many gallons a minute do the wells pump? Why two septic systems, how old, how large? Any restrictions on the historical designation? How long has it been on the market? Is it owner occupied now?
The price seems a bit steep but you can always negotiate. Low ball them and then work up. It's a pretty house and the acreage looks nice - shade trees, outbuildings, etc.
Those are my thoughts, off the cuff.

Lisa said...

Oh Anne,
Look at you girl, 56 comments. Of course, just look at that house. It is MY dream house. I hate that we live smack dab in suburbea. I long to live in the country. To have room to have a vegetable garden, a rope swing for the kids & a bunch of unruly animals running around. How perfect, you could have your own shop or at least studio right there! No more rent to mall owner, not that they are awesome folk. But you could do your magic & we would all come buy from you. Better yet, make it a little guest cottage for us to all come hang with you!!! I guess you can tell my vote is YES. Unless it is a million dollars do it! Lisa

Debra@CommonGround said...

go check your email, missy

Rosemary said...

Go for it!!
You may regret it if you don't.
Rosemary

Shell said...

Very fun! Listen to your heart! It sounds like it's tell you the answer!

As a 1900 something home owner, be prepared for unexpected "surpises." But these old homes have character!!!

And compared to the market value of my TWO homes in Washington State,,,,,,,,this is a STEAL!!!

Hugs,
Shell

Auntie Cake said...

You can get past only one bathroom with good bones!!! And a man cave? I would so adore a bunkhouse. I think it's calling your name.
Kate
Just check out if any skunks live under the bedroom windows first!

CHERI said...

Love the house...definitely good bones. BUT I do think it's overpriced. One bathroom?? No way! Be sure to think it through carefully before making a decision. Renovating is often more expensive than building from scratch. We redid our kitchen "on a tight budget" a few years ago and it still turned out to be about $25,000. Bathrooms can also be expensive. Maybe the price will go down even more.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

It sounds like it would suit you in so many ways. I'd set up the appointment to look at and go "kick the tires". There's no committment in just looking.

SouthernMom said...

I've always liked that little house.

Aoife.Troxel said...

Don't buy it...so that I can! Seriously though, it's really lovely, I would totally go for it. There was a house like that down the road from us too (also grossly overpriced at 500,000), it had three stables and a garden with an open well, and ten bedrooms (obviously some could be converted to other things), and it was covered in ivy, and...someone bought it. :( So yeah, go for it while it's still there, I'm sure you could negotiate...:D

red.neck chic said...

So.... have you moved in yet? I like it that the house room for me. If you haven't moved in, when's the move-in date? I'll be there.

;-D
robelyn

The Rustic Victorian said...

go look for sure! Trust God to show you, listen to God...you will know it when it's right.
Good luck, I just went through this, and this house is no dream home, but it feels right and a piecefull heart for us both. We are having a ball.
Love
Marcie

Kay Milam said...

I'd say go for it!! The little house out back is a small studio with sink and window AC. One of the upper rooms is a studio.

That's my art work on the walls. I'm an artist and do watercolors and oil..and a few mosaics... and some of this and some of that.

I should know, it is my house you're in love with!!!;-)

I was in Sunrise Antiques today just after you left and casually mentioned my house being for sale.

The listing has run out so you may talk directly to us. Jim and Kay Milam 864.5446

Kay Milam said...

I will say the wiring has been updated before we bought it but still needs some more. Plumbing is good, we have worked on that.

Bunkhouse has its own bathroom that's why there are two septics.

Main septic was pumped 18 months ago.

Nearly all realestate is overpriced around here and these old houses are hard to come by. The ceilings are 7 1/2 ft. Looks like they started out 8ft when they first built. The paneling up now covers original beaded board just like the upstairs.

Jan Thomason said...

i know.
we sell the ranch.
we move frank in with twig.
you and i buy the cottage.
we put in a really large pond/lake right near the house; with waves.
we live in the blue cottage and set my studio up in the bunk house in a way that it works for two to use it - i have plenty of stuff to do that. (pathetic)
*sigh* that would be the perfect plan.
i'm sure the guys would go for it and we can see them/have relations with them; we'll work that out later. heehee

me


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