The Empty Nest Move

It was time to say good-bye to an old and faithful friend...

This has been our home for the past 21 years...the place we raised our boys, had countless scout meetings, youth group swim parties, entertained our friends, and spent every last dime making it our own.

But it was time to move on - the boys were gone and 5 bedrooms just seemed empty, not to mention I never really wanted a two-story to begin with.  So for 21 years I had tolerated the stairs, but there just has to be a single-story out there somewhere calling my name!

Viola!  Hello single story.  Built in 1968, it's been updated slightly through the decades, but we can't wait to get our hands on it and make it our own.  We have big plans ~ we'll see if the old wallet will let us bring them to fruition!  We're rolling up our sleeves and getting busy. Hopefully I will remember to take pictures along the way, so you can enjoy the journey, too!

Two big projects are planned right away.  (Before pics are from the previous owners - not my furniture)

The kitchen is getting demo'd and expanded to allow for an entry into the family room.

{Family Room}

Once the original garage, it's been converted and a new garage was built off the front of the house.  But entry through the laundry room makes it still feel like it was the garage.  Plus, you are completely closed off from the rest of the house.

Right now you have to walk through the laundry room (through that pocket door) to get to the family room.

The kitchen is through the door but will be expanded out into what is now the formal dining room.  The entry to the family room will be on the wall where the picture is hanging.

The bookcase wall is the backside of the dining room wall with the picture - where the new entrance will be.  The laundry room door in the corner will be walled up.

Next, will be creating a larger, more functional master bathroom with a tub and a much needed closet.

{Master Bath}

While it appears to be updated and modern, it is not functional.  There is no counter space...at all...none.  The drawers appear to be deep, but in reality they have huge fronts, but really shallow insides.  The bottom drawer doesn't close all the way because the plumbing is hitting the back side of the drawer.  And did I mention the floor takes a dip...in several places.  And don't get me started on the lighting...or lack there of.  The previous owners were pro's at making things look good on the surface but weren't done quite right.  Oh yeah, and every faucet (including the washer/dryer hookups) are backwards.  Hot is on the right, and cold is on the left...people!...hot is always on the left and cold is on the right!

Stay tuned for a crazy ride!

Until next time...

~Mary