While I left “traditional” engineering twelve years ago, I cannot abandon my love of careful problem / complex issue consideration and then unleashing my creative juices to solve it – always leveraging data in the process! Yes, my dating style was similar, and I’d have to admit disastrous until I met the hubby, Ty. Complexity of people is surely more difficult than an old house, right? Well, we haven’t torn up a single carpet or uncovered a wall yet so I’m going to try to stay neutral on this one.
Regardless, I had to take a step back, look at what I loved about the house and make a list of priorities before I could even fathom a reno that might check most of our boxes — not all – no relationship ever does. I learned along time ago that you don’t get to decide how someone loves you; you simply must be willing/open to accept what they give. I’m starting to see that the bungalow is similar.
What do we love about it? Why did we make an offer? Location, location, location was the first thing that caught our attention. Within walking distance to both the historic and art districts, it’s an up and coming area with lots of investment, bars, restaurants, entertainment, etc.… Exactly the things we have always coveted in large metro areas like NYC, Atlanta, Chicago, San Fran… Check! We, also, loved some of the historic features of the house – hard wood floors – wide porch – trim – windows. Check! Check!
I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight that the price was really reasonable; it was listed at $43K – we offered, and they accepted less. Big check! Finally, we both loved the idea of taking something old, abandoned, neglected, ignored and giving it new life, new purpose. The house was obviously well lived – you could tell it had nurtured families. It just seemed “responsible” to ensure that it received the love and attention it deserved to continue to support family and friends for another 100 years. I’ve always felt that Americans are too quick to tear it down and start over – would love to think this is a means of at least curtailing our own, personal consumption and gluttony.
Love what you have: While it is still unclear where the final design will land in terms of look, feel and cost, we are very much trying to embrace the things we love about the location, the structure and the benefits of downsizing. Now …. To put my design thoughts on paper so my architect can shake his head and keep me from screwing things up!!
Keep talking to this bungalow. She will tell you what you need…
I sure hope so…. 😉