“If that big red brick colonial house ever goes up for sale, it’s ours.”
“That could be the coolest house ever? Does anyone even live there anymore?”
“If the outside characteristics are this amazing, can you imagine the inside?”
For years, we stalked this red brick colonial house that has always been. However, each year that went by, it fell into a deeper state of sadness. Most of the original green shutters adorning clovers were long gone from the house’s 25 windows, but the ones left were flopping in the breeze. The ginormous windows were either patched with plywood, or didn’t close tight enough to keep out the elements. The old asbestos roof sagged in 3 or 4 places, therefore leaks were inevitable, and the massive front porch was filled with trash and covered with overgrown evergreens.
We had just decided 6 months earlier we were moving and getting the heck out of dodge. We wanted so badly to move farther south to start a new quiet, simple life. We wanted to buy a dump of a house and make it our own – make it beautiful again. Our 2-5 acre property would be surrounded by lush green mountains, huge productive vegetable gardens, and animals….. LOTS of animals…dogs, chickens, and goats… and maybe even a miniature donkey. ♥
Part of our “perfect” plan was to sell all of our rental properties EXCEPT our TEENY WEENY rental, and THEN sell our main residence. IN. THAT. ORDER.
Um…….Ya. Does THAT ever happen in THAT order?
I will give you one guess where we ended up while waiting to fly the coop .
Hint: It rhymes with eenie meenie.
While collecting our thoughts in our teeny weeny house after a whirlwind and quite honestly the most horrendous move in history, I happened upon an auction listing.
WHAT?
THAT’S OUR HOUSE!
We’ve always wanted that big red brick colonial.
Why in the sam hill would we want that house?
We are getting the heck out of dodge.
Three weeks before the auction, we started praying about it. We asked for guidance on whether we should keep our plans to skidaddle to the green mountain views and a miniature donkey, or buy the house we’ve always dreamed of owning. We prayed that we only wanted it if we could handle it financially, physically, and emotionally. In addition, we prayed that if this house was to be ours, make it obvious to us. We needed a clear sign.
One last prayer was said… “please, please make this obvious.
Are we to stay here or move like we have planned?
Please be clear.”
Several other interested parties showed up.
The sheriff started out by saying, “I want everyone to know that this house is a horrible hoarder situation. I truly have never seen anything like it. It is in total disrepair and I believe it needs condemned.” Blah Blah Blah Blah…. There were some really nasty things being said about the house that we’ve always dreamed of owning….. REALLY NASTY THINGS.
At the start of the auction, the sheriff asked for a bid…..
(Insert cricket sounds)
(More crickets)
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OMG ..... I grew up on Winchester Street....711 Winchester Street to be exact. I ALWAYS loved this home. To me it was the BEST house on the street. It made me sick to see it deteriorate over the years. I couldn't believe anyone would allow that to happen to such a beauty!! Thank You so much for taking on this project and sharing it with us!!
I love when people relate to what we are doing. We've had several people actually stop and tell us a story about this home. Thanks so much for sharing.
Rich and I are so so so very happy for the both of you.......You have truly made this house a home. It is just amazingly beautiful.
Thank you so much, Jeanne. It's been a major undertaking but we did it!
How lovely, apart from the mess etc, but you definately were given a sign, and now it looks fantastic, chickens and all ????????
hahaha thank you!
I remember your house on Winchester. We use to live in the same town and was partners with the funeral home just down the alley from you. We lived at 227 South Third, in a little grey Tudor. We loved it and the town. Our old house DOESNT look anything like it did when we owned it. I wanted to pick it up and take it with us when we moved to hometown of James Dean Back in 1998. I really enjoy your post and great ideas you offer. You guys bring a smile every time for sure ????
Awww..thank you so much. And, I remember the name Haggard and Armes. ???? That was years ago, huh.
Which town is this?