It all started as a hair brained idea well over a year ago. We were moving to Ann Arbor. Michael wanted to build new and be as eco-friendly as possible. I loved the idea of new, and definitely of building green, but couldn’t get past my love for old homes and all of the things that come with them. Lots with mature trees. Hardwood floors with years of character ingrained in them, complete with squeaks. Intricate crown molding. These are things you can’t duplicate in a new home. So when we found this beat up, haunted looking old cottage on the most perfect of tree lined streets in the neighborhood we wanted, it gave us both pause. Kind of perfect. It needed to be made essentially new on the inside which made Michael happy, but had great bones and there were enough things that were salvageable, like hard wood floors throughout and some pretty plaster molding, that it seemed to be the ideal compromise for us both. And so we jumped in head first. Found a rental home to plant ourselves for the year and had blueprints drawn up.
Hindsight is always 20/20, right? Had we known it was going to take well over a year and far exceed our original budget would we still have made the choice to do it?
It’s been a labor of love and learning for us both, but especially me. I’ve been schooled on masonry and woodworking. Choosing the perfect stain color. The virtues of geothermal vs. traditional heating and cooling, and so much more.
I’ll be sharing some photos of the course of the project with you as we’re counting down to our move in date. T-20 days! These shots are of the rough stuff that was required but trust me, there’s lots & lots of pretty interior design selections which I can’t wait to share with you.
And the answer to the question above, in case you are wondering, is yes. Unequivocally yes. We would do it all again in a heartbeat. I know every square inch of our new home and have thought through the functionality and design of every single room. I can’t imagine ever living in or loving another home quite as much as this one.
So exciting! I’m looking forward to read about your process.
Thanks, Chedva!! xoxo
I loved seeing the “Rough Stuff” shots, and if you have more, seeing progress shots with all the skilled workers doing their thing…is so exciting. Sure there were surprises and discoveries along the way, but it will be worth it all. That you two are reclaiming and bringing new life to this house means that a lot of original soul will always peek through.
I have so, so many photos. I’ve been documenting the whole thing like a mad woman. My intention is to put together a book at the end of all of this. I absolutely love what you said about the original soul always peeking through. That’s my hope and that’s exactly what I adore about old homes. Thanks, Carol! xoxo
I am right there with ya baby! I love the process of renovation, seeing the potential and creating something new. I have built new homes and hands down prefer renovating cool, old ones instead. It will be so worth all the effort in the end. I CANNOT wait to see the afters!!
Tami – I may just have to fly you in to help me style it. You know when you are too close to something you can’t clearly see the next steps? We’ll see — I might feel differently after we’re all moved in but considering I’ve been eating, sleeping and breathing this project for the last year it might be helpful to have someone else’s eye to get those finishing details just so! xoxo
I will always, always, gravitate toward the older homes with a ton of character. I can’t wait to see more of your process and the decisions you made to making this house your own. I’ve learned so much in the process of owning our first home and hiring people to renovate and help us fix certain things. It’s such a learning experience and I’m sure you’ve got a ton of knowledge under your belt that you may not have been familiar with prior to renovating this house. How exciting!!
Thanks, Holly! It is so rewarding and educational – you are totally right!
Can’t wait to see more!
Can’t wait to see the final result, old homes are such a labor of love and discovery!
ha! you know how to tease…. looking forward to some more pictures!
Hhaa! Sorry to be such a tease… more to come soon, I promise!