Monday, March 22, 2010

So wanting and missing this view!

Just browsing our Seattle real estate market today, as I often do, and wondering just how this poor economy will affect the resale of our house when the time comes.  It's funny.  When we bought our house, we were newly married and it seemed just perfect!  I loved the character and the history.  Our house was the original home from 1908 that was part of the Magnolia Dairy Farm in Seattle.  It's by far, the oldest home on our block.  I loved the style~ a true Dutch Colonial, with its door set off to the side, and a great sloping roofline.  

The house was purple when we bought it and needed a GOOD facelift.  Being naive and blissful as newlyweds, we added up numbers in our heads and assumed that we could make this thing over in a few simple steps.  HA.  We were wrong.  But after countless contractors, countless mishaps, countless over-budget conversations, we were just about finished.  The result was a home that we loved.  And still do!  Don't get me wrong.  

Here's what we've done to make this house a home:

But the problem is, now that we have a family, we are discovering that our dream home has more of a funky layout (only 2 bedrooms upstairs, and one bath) than once mattered. So, aside from putting our future children in the basement, the only solution will be to eventually find another house.  

One of the things that I absolutely love about Seattle are the views.  My husband is a 'water guy', but I am more of a 'sweeping skyline' sort of girl.  This house, that I just found online, seems to offer both.  Can't you just picture an evening on the deck, with sun setting over the Space Needle?  I can!!!!  


The home itself looks ok character wise... but what I'm really loving are those views.  Granted, it's probably too small, offers no backyard, and would be entirely impractical.  But just for a few minutes, I'm going to dream of that deck.... a cup of Starbucks in hand (yep, Seattle = Starbucks = happy girl), hubby by my side, and a lovely Seattle sunset. 

Friday, March 12, 2010

Any Charleston lovers out there?

Of all the places we could go for a long weekend, the only one on my mind is Charleston.  I've dreamt of visiting this sweet southern spot for many years now..  but since we are living in Houston for the next year(ish), now is as good of time as any!

Charleston Travel Hotels: John Rutledge House Inn

But where to stay?   

Charleston Travel Hotels: Charleston Place Hotel

what to see?




Half the fun of planning a vacation is really in the planning stage, isn't it?  
When the possibilities are endless?

Beach acces in Isle of Palms

I see that I am asking alot of questions here.
But what I'd really like to know is~
Have any of you been there?  Where are the best shops, restaurants, etc?

My husband has his sights set on long days spent at the beach.
But I get too antsy.
I want to stroll..
and check out that beautiful historical architecture..
and do some shopping!

Any suggestions?