BIG, huge exciting news!
July 24, 2017
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This story is a long one, but it happened fast. A little bit sad, but we are so, SO happy. It's been incredibly overwhelming at times but exciting all the time. The true definition of "bittersweet." But more sweet than bitter. 😊
We've never planned to move anytime soon. We thought maybe we'd buy a piece of land nearby and build a house someday, even though building from scratch did overwhelm me. We didn't plan to do that till our son was in high school though, so we were thinking about four years or so before we'd start.
I love to look through real estate listings, I've done it for years just because it's fun. But the thought of moving has always made my stomach turn. I had zero desire. I LOVE our house and nothing I saw even compared to ours anyway.
We have always had a mental list of what we would include in a "forever house" though. It included no stairs (at least just to a basement) and less rooms we don't use -- no living room or dining room, but a BIG family room and kitchen, where we spend most of our time.
But again...if I ever even thought of moving it would make me sick to my stomach. A friend was in the process of moving a few months ago and I told her many times I didn't know how she did it. Leaving a house you loved for one, but just the process of packing up your whole life as well.
But then...something I can't explain happened. I walked through a house and thought...I could live here. It completely shocked me. From the moment we walked in (and it was just studs at that point), I knew it was going to be our house. I called a best friend after walking through, visited another to tell her and texted my sister. I walked through the walls taking video and sent them to my best blog friends. I was so surprised there was a house we both loved that wasn't our own, and it wasn't even close to done! I honestly wasn't sure what the heck was happening -- it was not a feeling I was familiar with.
There's a neighborhood nearby that we've always been curious about -- and occasionally my husband would say "Let's go look through the houses" when they were building. And I'd be all hurt and sad that he would even consider leaving our house. He wasn't ever saying let's move, he was just curious. (He likes to remind me of that now.) 😂 But I dug my feet in. Nope. Not even gonna look!
And then one day...curiosity won out and we walked through a house that wasn't even mid-construction. Purely for fun. It didn't even have drywall, just wood studs and a plywood floor. And I immediately, completely, fell in love. It instantly felt like our house. I can't explain it, other than it felt perfect for us and for the first time in more than 13 years, I could imagine living somewhere else than our home.
It is my dream house. THIS is our dream house too, but the new one is everything I've wanted but didn't think would happen just yet. ;) Master on the main level. There is still an upstairs (our boy is thrilled about that), but the upstairs is small and just two bedrooms and a bath. A front porch!! (I could pee my pants.) There are tall ceilings in the back of the house where we'll spend most of our time and no dining room or formal living room to be seen. ;) Just a big family space with an eat in kitchen. LOTS of windows. Oh the windows. 😍 The lot is big -- we'll have a much bigger yard and I'm so excited about that.
We started to think about actually moving...but how could we let our house go? I didn't know how it would be possible. We took a minute and paused our excitement and thought hard about leaving this house. I truly didn't know if I could walk away and not ever be able to see it again. Leaving this house forever was not an option, and as I write this, brings me to tears.
We were stuck in this weird space of being excited about a potential house for the first time (since we moved here) and not knowing how we'd ever leave this one. And that's when this story gets super fun!
My best friend and I were sitting around one night talking about where my husband and I were at, and she threw out the words "We'd buy your house." I laughed it off and said wouldn't that be funny? And we went on with our evening. But about a week later we were sitting down again and she said they had talked about it and wanted our house -- and asked if we decided to sell that we offer it to them first.
We said it wouldn't be an option because we didn't want to even have the potential to lose our friendship over something like us moving. It wasn't worth it and selling is tricky business. But over time we talked it over, figured out a reasonable price, and they agreed. This changed everything -- the thought that we could still visit our old home meant the world to me. To walk through it again and see it being loved by people we love...it overwhelms me.
The rest of the story is a boring one with finances, lenders, working with the builder, inspections, signing one million documents, all that good stuff. It happened in a short amount of time. I wasn't going to say anything here until we close in August because I don't want to jinx anything. There are so many things that still have to work out perfectly in order for this to go off without a hitch. But we are SO excited, I just couldn't wait to tell you. I have a feeling of peace about it all, even though the past month I've been the most stressed I've ever been in my life. ;) OH and our house is full of boxes, so it's going to be hard to not share that with you.
I know many of you are thinking what we were...how can we leave this house? After all I've put into it? All the projects I've done? The bathroom?? The patio???
I have had emotional moments and I know I'll have more, but I've had a sense of peace about the whole thing that I really can't express well. This precious, wonderful house...I would have stayed here forever if nothing worked out and would have been over the moon to do so. This house is our heart but hearts can expand...we now have a new love as well. 💗
And no worries -- I will have TONS and tons of projects in the new house. I keep telling myself I'm going to take some time off from tools for awhile after we move in, but I have a looooong list of things I can't wait to tackle, so we'll see what happens.
I think about the house we are moving in to and instantly start crying...because of joy, not sadness. If you had asked me 20 years ago if I would have the privilege to live in both this house and the new one I would have said you were crazy. Better than I deserve. Blessed beyond measure.
We are so thankful and beyond excited. I'll share more details with you this week! I have so much to show you and tell you...it's been SO HARD not to share all this. But yeah...we're building a new house and my best friend is buying ours!
Isn't it crazy?? Crazy wonderful. I can't wait to take you along for the ride my friends.
How exciting!!!! Can't wait to see all the creative ideas!
ReplyDeleteWow... just WOW!!!! I'm so excited for you! And I'm so glad you shared before escrow closed. It helps readers to adjust as well... doesn't that sound silly?! But, it's true. I love your home, but I am thrilled that you will be sharing more with us in this new adventure. There are so many bloggers moving right now... Marian Parsons, Christy James, Nancy at ArtsyChicks is looking, now YOU! Crazy stuff, I tell ya. But what wonderful blessings! And the Design Dash prize couldn't have come at a better time, huh? ;-)
ReplyDeleteSarah, yours was the first blog I ever read, before blogs were a thing 8 years ago, lol. My husband thinks I have lost my mind as I read this post crying and I can't tell you whether I was crying tears of joy or years of sadness. A little of both, I think. Either way, I am so very excited for your new adventure and can't wait to share it with you! You have always stayed true to yourself and I love that about you.
ReplyDelete- Sarah
Congratulations so excited for all the new things to come. I will miss seeing the old house. The bookcases and the kitchen made me smile. Can't wait for a new adventure
ReplyDeletePlease tell me I read that wrong...did you say 1 bathroom? I hope you can add another bath for the sake of your sanity!
ReplyDeleteWe have 3 sons, they all have their own bathrooms...it is a must have!
She meant there's only one bath upstairs :)
DeleteOne bath UPSTAIRS with the two bedrooms.
DeleteOhhhhh how exciting! I am so thrilled for you and can't wait to watch all the gorgeous things you do to your new house! And what a blessing to be able to sell your current house to a friend :).
ReplyDeleteBittersweet I am sure! Cannot wait to follow along. When we moved to our "dream" home 23 years ago, friends bought our old house. Sadly, he got transferred less than 2 years later, but it still made it easier.
ReplyDeleteMind blown! I am both sad and happy with you. All the best on your new journey!
ReplyDeleteOh my word, the Lord does work in very mysterious ways. I can't wait to find out more about your new house. It sounds amazing. Congratulations.!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Yay!
ReplyDeleteI Know your friend is going to be thrilled to get your house when you move to your new house. You needed a blank slate again anyway. What more could you have done to this house? :)
So excited for you!!! I have been following your journey in this house for years and I can't wait to see your new house when it's done! How wonderful that you can still visit your current house! Talk about perfect scenario! Blessings to you!!!
ReplyDeleteI am shocked! For whatever reason you (who knows how long ago) said in a post that you didn't plan on moving and for whatever reason I have always remembered that. What a wonderful house this must be!! Congratulations on your move; sounds like it was meant to be. Can't wait to see all of your new projects! Woot woot!
ReplyDeleteI love when the knowing is so clear and so right. Congratulations on your next adventure. <3
ReplyDeleteWow! I'm so excited for you! Even though I have never met you nor been your to your house I refer to your blog as "my friend's blog" and I feel like I have been to your house after all of these years following! Congrats to you and your family! Can't wait to see the new one!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you! What a perfect scenario! We had a set of circumstances that lead us to our home as well. It was such a God thing hat we could not deny it! How fun for all of you! Can't wait to see your new digs!
ReplyDeleteI love you dear friend and when you know you just know!! So excited for you!
ReplyDeleteSo excited for you Sarah! And how exciting is it that you can still visit the home you put so much love and work into!?! Can't wait to see the new digs :)
ReplyDeleteWow...you décor bloggers never cease to amaze me! I cant image putting so much sweat equity and upgrades into a home and then up and move unless it was for a job or health reasons. Going out on realtor sites is dangerous business! Ha
ReplyDeleteHowever, you new home sounds wonderful and I can testify that having a first floor master as you get older is great. Congrats to your family and the very lucky family that is buying your home because its truly turn key.
SOLD! I must buy the house you're leaving! LOL! Congratulations and best wishes on your new chapter.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is clearly a God thing the way this all worked out! I mean. You weren't even thinking of moving, and here you are. Amazing. And I totally understand the frame of mind that isn't ready to relocate, since that is where I am right now. So def a God thing!
ReplyDeleteI guess this isn't far enough to be nearer to your sister. :/ And your son won't have to change schools.?
Well, congrats my friend, and if anyone is going to get your wonderful home, it should be your friend!! I think you will be able to allow her freedom to redo things bc you will be so busy with your place.
Thank God you recently did a complete whole house decrapification!!
I'm so happy for you all! xo Chrissy
She's still so far away from me!! (This is her sister :))
DeleteAw, poo.
Deletecongratulations on this new adventure! It is funny - I have often wanted to ask how you use all of your "living" spaces - family room, living room, library, basement and craft/office. All are beautiful and inviting but there are only 3 of you (excluding pets). I am jealous of our master on the main. We are in our 6th and 7th houses in 35 years of marriage and still don't have one. I look forward to following along while you make this new home your own. It will be hard to top what you have now - inside and out!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you and your family! And how awesome for your best friend. What a win-win situation. I have enjoyed your page for years. I look forward to all the new projects you will share with us on the new house. Congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh sarah! How exciting! That's such a crazy story! I have fallen in love with your house too over the years as you've poured your heart and soul into it. You've given me so much inspiration but I'm excited to see what you do with your forever house. Congrats!! So awesome seeing you at haven too����
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Can I share that I'm sad you are moving? I mean I'm happy that you are happy but I feel like your house is partly ours too! Lol Best of luck!!
ReplyDeleteThat is so sweet. Thank you and I totally understand the sadness! :)
DeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteSo so so so many years ago I heard about your blog and I had no idea what the heck a blog was, but I was interested and I have followed you ever since. As I read this, I screamed out--- Nooooo!!!!, my husband walked through and I was crying and telling him, thrifty decor chick is moving (more tears). He looks at me like I have lost my every loving mind. And I probably have.
You have inspired me in so many ways. My friend and I have made your sunburst mirror and I have bought my own tools bc of you. I look forward to this next chapter in y'all's life. I feel like you are family and it's all so bittersweet to not be able to see your house anymore. Good luck to you and your husband, and the Bub. I am excited to see the next step. (Btw, what in the world is his real name? I've always wondered)
Congratulations! Like Gail, your Blog was one of the 1st ones I started reading too. I've loved following your house projects too. We've lived in our home for years. My Hubby & I literally built it ourselves so we gave a lot of blood sweat & tears in it too. I can certainly relate to your sadness in leaving, but what a fun adventure ahead of you! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a big decision! I guess a new chapter starts now! It will be fun to go along with you and see it all unfold.
ReplyDeleteWow! Very exciting and congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThink of the move as a new challenge and a new palette. No doubt you'll work wonders with the new place too!
ReplyDeleteCharmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I could have written part of your post. Last year, we sold our home of 25 years where we raised our three sons. There was a long period of sadness, almost mourning, for the home I had worked so hard to improve and make ours, and the place of our memories. Like you, I could have never imagined living in a house like mine, and I have been blessed beyond measure.
ReplyDeleteI have only driven past our home a couple times, and don't think I could go back into it, though the owners kindly offered.
I am so happy for you, both for the new beginning and for the amazing transfer of your home to your best friend. It's the best of both worlds!
Cheers to your new beginning, and a toast to the past!
When my husband and I decided to move from my dream home we built and had only lived in 1.5 years and leave the country and move to a older home in the city, I was sad to leave the home I'd put so much into. But we needed to live where my husbands commute was easier and be closer to friends. My sister said the wisest words..."You had one dream, and now you have another ". I can't tell you how much that helped. So I know what you mean. Go enjoy the new dream and all it will bring to your lives.
ReplyDeleteI have followed your blog for so long I can't even remember. I never say much but have loved pretty much every single thing you did. When we downsized a few years ago I had my husband copy what you did with the shelves in our bonus room and it's just beautiful. You keep things real and you remodel and decorate wonderfully. I am so happy everything has fallen into place for you with your new home. Wishing you the very best and excited to see what this new chapter brings for you.
ReplyDeleteWow! That is fantastic! I cant wait to follow your next adventure. Your home is stunning and your friend is fortunate to have bought a lovely home. We moved 3 years ago. The first picture of this house I knew. I told my husband that I could buy that house unseen and know it is our home! Have fun packing... lol. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteWow, congrats! Not going to lie, I will miss seeing photos of your "old" home but also look forward to seeing the "new" one come to life with your good taste.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Enjoy the new adventure!
ReplyDeleteI think I could cry. Your house is my dream house! At least, you can have the walls painted a decent color before you move in! And you'll have more projects to blog about! I'm trying to be happy for you; good luck with the rest of the selling and buying process.
ReplyDeleteWow, good luck to you Sarah! I have been reading your blog for years and you have been such an inspiration to me with home improvement projects. Congratulations on your new home and I look forward to seeing new pictures and stories!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting for you! We built our home 6 years ago and it was SO MUCH fun! We bought the floor plans online and then our builder changed many things in the blueprints to fit all of our "must haves". I LOVE my house. At the time it was probably very stressful...picking out every single detail of the house in a 9 month period as the house was being built. But I love our house and can't imagine living in any other house. I am looking forward to hearing about all of your adventures with your new home.
ReplyDeleteWe moved from a home that we lived in for 22 years and that was the only home our girls knew. I shed many tears as we packed and moved, but living in our new home is so awesome.
Our builder was so awesome that he thought of so many items to make our home special. There was not one DIY project to be done so that may not work for you. This is the first year that we have actually completed some projects around the house (just a few updates). That may not work for you but there was not one thing that needed to be added, changed, or completed when we moved in. For us that has been great. Good luck with your new home and I am really looking forward to hearing about all of your new adventures!
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ReplyDeleteI've been reading you blog for several years now and have always enjoyed your posts! Your current home is so lovely and I know you will put personal touches on your next home and make it just as nice! Your comment about being blessed really moved me and I wanted to wish you and your family the best of luck with your new endeavor!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's exciting moving to somewhere you want to go, even though you leave a lovely place behind. We moved here 15 years ago after 25 years in the same place.... and I always say - "your house is the box your home sits in". So new or older, just take your home with you and enjoy every moment.
ReplyDeleteYour blog was the first one I read and so you moving makes me sad too.
ReplyDeleteBut I am excited for you as well. And completely jealous of your best friend.
I WOULD HAVE MOVED TO INDIANA FOR THAT HOUSE.
Congratulations! What a fun story!
ReplyDeleteSO excited for you! I feel like a lot of these other readers, sort of like you are my friend without actually knowing me, so I feel so thrilled for you! I can't believe you are leaving this house, just because if how you love it, but I know that means the new house must be just so crazy amazing. We are considering a move in a couple years across many states and weirdly, this kind of just gave me more courage to go ahead with that... Thanks for always being inspiring <3
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Can't wait to see what you do with this house!
ReplyDeleteWow! Crazy Good News! Congrats- looking forward to watching you do your magic on your new place!
ReplyDeleteCongrats!!! I tell clients once they redo their kitchens, there's a good chance they'll move...Murphy's Law. You waited until you redid the bathroom too ;) Well, you have so much knowledge and experience moving into the new house (and can make choices during construction) that you have your design studio, I mean, starter home to thank! Be sure and get a GOOD realtor (if not sell yourself and have new home broker to do paperwork) and sell in a price-range. Your home has more to offer than probably any of the same models in your area! That sweat equity is all you, Sarah!!! All the Best!!!
ReplyDeleteHaha!! So true and thank you! We have a realtor and he's been great!
DeleteCongratulations on the new home. How exciting. Your blog was one of the first ones I followed and I can't wait to continue the journey with your new home and new projects. Good luck and God Bless
ReplyDeleteI haven't commented in forever, or blogged for that matter, but I recently wrote a post documenting a similar experience. Thought you might enjoy it. Isn't it amazing what The Universe is capable of? Congratulations and good luck in your new journey! http://rindymae.blogspot.com/2017/07/we-found-house.html
ReplyDeleteWow, wow, wow, wow!!!! And didn't you just win some great new furniture??? Seems like this is being perfectly orchestrated :) Can't wait to continue to read all about it.
ReplyDeleteWell, this is exciting! Although I will miss seeing your updates, as my house has the EXACT same floorplan as the one you are leaving (in Indy, to boot)....it's been fun to consider what similar changes would look like in my home. You've been kind of like my decorating test kitchen, ha ha! CONGRATS on the new place!
ReplyDeleteOoh! So exciting! I've been following you since the beginning. You've inspired my design and I can't wait to see your beautiful new home and love that your bestie is buying your sweet home!
ReplyDeleteWe recently sold our old condo to my aunt, and it is a really neat thing to be able to go back! It was a bit hard seeing my boys' room with the handpainted clouds painted over, but it is still nice to be able maintain that connection to the place we lived for 11 years and brought our babies home to.
ReplyDeleteIt was also awesome to sell without agents, and the closing was super smooth (it took 17 minutes!) I hope you are able to have such a smooth experience too! Good luck!
I am excited for you and us readers for all the new projects! We are getting ready to build bookcases based on your dining room. I always get attached to my houses, but once I'm in the new place, it's home. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteI'm just dying inside for you! I love your house so so much that this new one must be completely epic. I can't wait to hear!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Sarah, look forward to seeing your new home, it is easy to leave an old house, cause it is just bricks and mortar, you take all those memories with you.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your move, and hope you will be happy in your new home. Chris xoxo
I think that is pretty darn exciting, although I also feel like I birthed a basement with you as I followed along that journey the whole way!
ReplyDeleteSo sad and SO very happy for you, all at the same time! Congratulations and best of luck to you. Looking forward to continuing following along!!!!
ReplyDeleteOOoooo....I am excited for all the new projects!!! YAY!
ReplyDeleteWow! How exciting but I'm so sad; I love your house and I'm already missing it. Better than you deserve; I hear Dave Ramsey in there somewhere :)
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you! I have been reading your blog for years and continue to be inspired by all your beautiful projects. As much as I will miss seeing this house evolve, I am looking forward to seeing you work your magic in a new space! Congratulations! I was meant to be!
ReplyDeleteShelley
Your current house is a beautiful home. I'm sure you will do the same to the new one. Can't wait to see what you come up with!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your family at this exciting time! You've created a lovely home for your family, and I've no doubt your new home will be just as amazing. Great thing about moving ... you take the memories with you ... and you don't have to pack a single box!! :D Thanks for sharing, Cynthia
ReplyDeleteWonderful story! I wish I could go back to our old house and FIX IT UP!!!!!! The people who bought it haven't done ONE thing outside, it is a huge mess and when we had it we actually gave garden tours!!!! I don't go by there any more, too sad. Best wished for you all in your new home (soon:):)
ReplyDeleteHoly S&%$ Sarah, I can't believe you are moving from that gorgeous house!!!!!! I'm glad your bff is buying it....it will be weird for you to see all her stuff in there, though, no doubt! Wow, that's amazing - the first thing I thought was, DAMN I'd buy that house!!!! :) Wishing you much luck and an easy move (it never is....!)
ReplyDeleteGeez..we've been in our home,(New to us..it was a foreclosure) over 2 years..and I hate it as much as I did when my husband said it was a deal too good to pass up..yeah, right ��). I still only have a couple of pictures hung (4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, huge great room, big dining room & large eat in kitchen with cheap wood floors throughout except tile in bathrooms) so I have a lot more to hang and I still need to put "things" out..my husband finally built a built in for the really big "GREAT" room (2 couches, 4 chairs, sofa tables, end tables and coffee tables AND a piano..still it isn't cluttered at all..oh, I forgot, it does have a corner fireplace on opposite side from entertainment ctr/bookshelves he built..sooo, when you get done with your house, can you come to mine? Our 6 children are gone & have our grandchildren, of course & sadly, ��still live with their parents in Mississippi & Florida..and I bought a rescue dog for company when "the baby" our son, 23, moved out..at least, Sam doesn't leave dirty dishes and wet towels in his room until they are moldy, and, or mildewed! (I found dishes & towels that I thought were gone forever!). Anyway, HELP!!! Karen Sorey ksorey@fatdot.com Daphne, AL
ReplyDeleteBest wished for you all in your new home (soon:):)
ReplyDeleteทางบ้าน
We bought our home from our best friends 30 years ago and they are still our best friends!
ReplyDelete