I’d been waiting to share the house with you until everything was in order. We’re still waiting on the financing though, and that’s waiting on the appraisal. I believe it’s scheduled for this week, and then there will be further processing time after that. We were pre-approved for a larger mortgage than we would actually want or need, but pre-approval is different from underwriting. Our broker has been confident that we won’t have any problems, but I worry anyway.
I figure I can worry and share the house at the same time.
Part of me can’t believe that we’re getting this house. Part of me is still waiting for that other (financing) shoe to drop. We sold our house to buy this one. I have cried over it, not from worry or stress, but because I never thought I would live in a house so beautiful, that I loved so much. I’m being terribly schmaltzy, I know! I love it though. I love it.
One month after touring houses on the Wright Plus Housewalk and thinking about starting to look for a new house, we bought one. It turns out that the open house I stopped in on my way home — the house I talked to Brandon about in a wouldn’t it be nice if we could find a house like that kind of way — is the one we’ll be moving to at the end of August. We hope.
I shared plenty of photos from the MLS listings from two of the other houses we had considered buying. Both of those were estate sales though, so the homes were vacant. The house that we are buying is still occupied by the current owners, and out of respect for them, I won’t be showing detailed photos of the interior yet. It is gorgeous, but even staged to sell it is still filled with their art, furnishings, and personality. We’re scheduled to close on the house in late August, and I’ll go through and take plenty of pictures then (too many pictures, I’m sure!) to share.
The exterior is fair game though, right? Because whoa, the exterior.
134 comments
Eileen Kelly
Welcome Home!
rachael
OMG obsessing over this house! So adorable! Congrats!!
Trish
This is the second time that I’ve returned to stare at the picture of your amazing new house and wonder “but what on earth is it?”! I’m British and it never occurred to me that “Victorian” on the other side of the pond would mean something so entirely different, that I’ve never even seen the like of it.
Something crazy like a 6th of the UK housing stock is Victorian or earlier so I’ve been in lots of British Victorian houses (and lived a couple – as does pretty much every university student). To me it means red brick, terraced or back to backs and for the grander buildings – the gothic revival style. I suppose, the Arts and Crafts movement overlaps the Victorian era but that’s generally considered a distinct style.
I know you’re pretty clued up on architecture so maybe while we’re all (not) patiently waiting to get a peek inside – could you please perhaps set the scene and give us a low-down on what “Victorian” means in the US? I am completely intrigued! What year is is? Does this particular Victorian style have a name? (When you’ve finished panelling the toilet with rulers of course!)
Oh and congratulations!!!
Hollie @ I'm Busy Procrastinating
There just aren’t enough homes with character where I live, so we built our own. Next time around I hope to find a quirky older home with personality. Can’t wait to see the inside of this one, as it looks amazing from the outside!
Sarah
This house is gorgeous! Can’t wait until we get to see the inside!
Stephany
Wow. That is a MAGNIFICENT house!
Karen
Absolutely divine!!!
Kelly Cartwright
I think there’s more gorgeousness inside that house. The outside beauty of it is stunning. Congratulations for having the house!
Caitlin@Our Natural Heritage
So happy for you and your family! It is beautiful and I can’t wait to see the inside!
Tamisha
Oh, what a wonderful house! Buying a dream house is a wonderful experience. We closed four years ago this week. I have both loved and hated doing the work this house needed. But, I pinch myself everytime I drive up and park in front of it. Living in it makes me incredibly happy. It’s a rare and wonderful opportunity to live in a dream home. For so many of us, we settle on a house we can afford. It takes a different type of courage to buy the house you feel best represents who you are (on the outside) and then make the inside as reflective of your life as well. It takes a long time to get it there (we still have several large projects that need attending) but when I get discouraged, I look at the pics I took when we toured it. We have come a long way.
Best of luck to you. Enjoy the adventure!
Katie Truelove
So very happy for you guys! You deserve it and I know you’ve worked hard for it! I look forward to seeing all of your new projects in this beautiful home!
Hanna
Amazing! I can’t wait to see the inside. It’s so gorgeous and really suits your style.
Hannah
WOW, congratulations!!! It’s gorgeous
Sheena
OMG, what a gorgeous Victorian-congrats! I can’t wait to see how you personalize it for your cute little family!
Alex - Hydrangea Girl
Holy shit. That house is an absolute dream. I look forward to living vicariously through you and your amazing new adventure :)
xx A
Jen
Well said!!! It’s like a storybook house!! So happy for you (and a little envious!!)
Abigail
So beautiful already! And what a strategic blogging decision… I CAN’T WAIT to see how you decorate this lovely house! :D :D
Sava
So pretty! I’m jealous, there are very few Victorians in the Pacific Northwest.
Anna
Love those arches and the bay window in front! So much personality, congratulations.
ashley @ sunnysideshlee.com
Congrats! What a beautiful house! I love the styles in OP! We wanted to move there but you can never get much “land” in the area without forking out an arm and a leg! But what a beautiful town and a beautiful home! Can’t wait to see more!
Sarah Jane
I must confess I’m a little jealous. OK…a lot! We just bought a Victorian, but it’s the “plain” kind of Victorian. I’m still excited about it of course…and excited for you too!
Lindsay
AMAZING! It’s perfect for you!
I know this is a long shot but do the sellers know the paint colors used? I’m redoing a 1920 crafstman bungalow and that eggplant trim color would be *PERFECT* for my front door.
Making it Lovely
I don’t know the colors now, and I’m not in direct contact with the sellers. I’d love to know too though, so if I find out, I’ll let you know.
melissa
This house looks amazing… can’t wait to see the inside! Congrats!
Jayna
Congratulations, Nicole! Your new house is stunning! I can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Justine
Wow! SO excited for you!! Can’t wait to see what you do. :)
Carrie Lea
So gorgeous! Can’t wait to see the inside!
nora
the house is beautiful. good luck and an early congrats!
Jess
OH MY GOODNESS! She’s gorgeous! We are house hunting in Nashville and I would love a house like this! Best of luck, hope it all works out.
Lara
Congratulations! I cannot wait to see what you do with it!
Ally
This house is absolutely EPIC! I am so pleased for you and yours… GREEN, but so glad that someone that I admire and respect gets to have their dream house! I’ve moved where these houses don’t even exist, so this is just amazing eye candy for me… Like many others, I’m just dying to see the inside and I KNOW that you will honour the house in the best way possible. Dare I say that seeing such beauties is almost as good as sex? LOL
sarah
Congratulations! The house is gorgeous. I love the porch and the screendoor and it looks like a wonderful place for your family to build lots of new memories. So sweet.
Jessica Newell
This house is gorgeous and I can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Eva
Wow, that is a crazy beautiful house! Congrats, good luck, and I can’t wait to see the inside!! :)
Danielle
Wowie – it’s beautiful! Congrats to both of you and fingers crossed everything goes as planned.
Kristin
I understand the anxiety. My partner and I are in the exact same position, wanting to share our good news with friends but still unsure with our loan approval still out and a closing yet to follow. May sleep filled nights follow for you!
Jill
Congratulations – the house is simply gorgeous. Congratulations as well on your wonderful success this year and all you have accomplished.
Now, probably it is just me — but I swear I can see you leaning on the windowsill of the window on the second floor, above the porch. (:
Kristin
Huge congratulations! Beautiful house to be sure!
elle
I’ve been waiting to see your new home and it’s delightful! You will work wonders with this house. This house wants you to be it’s owner – no doubt – so it will all work out… congrats!
kelley
Amazing!!
Congrats guys! Can’t wait to see the inside :)
Julie
Such a lovely house! I can’t wait to see how you update the insides.
elma
Oh it is beautiful!!! I can’t wait to see the inside!!!
Asia
The curb appeal is amazing. I am so jealous and I cannot wait to see the inside. The porch, the curves, the front door, the half circle window… love.
Sheila
Yeah for you! Congratulations! OOOUUUUU I can not wait to see the inside! I want to know what room get the curve upstairs. Is it a bedroom? A bath? This is what houses should look like, warm and inviting. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the front porch!
Yes please – show us too many pictures of the inside! ;)
Valerie
It’s so pretty!! I love the colors and the architecture. I can’t wait to see the inside. :D
Deb
Wow…amazing details! It looks like a doll house and I will be anxious to see what you do with it. My fingers are crossed!
thelady
wow this is like the castle of my childhood dreams, so happy for you
Michelle
Wow, it is absolutely amazing…makes miss living in Oak Park…so much beauty there. Congratulations to your family!
Jaime
Oh Nicole – it’s SO SO beautiful. I would cry from happiness, too. Congrats — I hope that it’s everything you ever dreamed it would be. Wishing you a happy, easy closing. Can’t wait to see the inside! xo
Catherine
Congratulations, Nicole! This house just looks like you!
Nicole
OH MY GOODNESS!! I was just sifting through your blog yesterday wondering if I had missed the big reveal. It’s soooooo gorgeous. How THRILLING FOR YOU!!! Congrats!!! I cannot WAIT to see the inside.
Shelly
Congrats!
It’s gorgeous!
I lived in Chicago for 10 yrs
My sister in law lives in oak park on Humphrey-
It is such a lovely area!
Can’t wait to see the inside ;)
Amanda
What a gorgeous house! Congrats! I am excited to see all of the wonderful things you will do with it.
Holly G
Its amazing!
Holly
That is so beautiful it makes me want to cry for you. That is my dream home too.
Erin Q.
Wow. It’s GORGEOUS!
Clare
Beautiful!! That would definitely be hard not to share!! Congratulations and I’m sure everything will work out just fine
Jillian@TheHumbleGourmet
Victorian! Congrats on being in the final stages. I have always dreamed of owning a Victorian, so I will be sitting here, green with envy :-)
Elizabeth @ HobbyLobbyist
Congratulations, and I’ll keep my fingers crossed that everything else (appraisal, underwriting) goes well. We’ll be buying our first home next spring and I am simultaneously excited and terrified of the emotional rollercoaster it will be.
Caroline
What strikes me is how at home your home looks on the blog already. Perfectly matched!
Camille
Oh it’s beautiful!
Natalie
Love Love Love it! It’s a gorgeous house and I will make sure and send over some positive thoughts that everything goes as planned.
xo
Natalie
Mary | Lemon Grove Blog
WOW!! So excited to see what you guys do with the place! It is amazing!
trina
congrats, nicole! it’s so gorgeous! so happy for you!
xo . trina
Laura
I love the wood paneling on the ceiling of the porch! Gorgeous, Nicole. Hoping all the details work out for you soon!
Ida
So gorgeous! Lucky you! Can’t wait to see more pics.
Chelsea T
That teal and eggplant combo is AMAZING. I know this year was quite the undertaking for your family – with the switch of primary income – good on you for making it work, AND scoring the home of your dreams. Can’t wait to see how you make it yours!
xoxoxo
C
sara
Congratulations! The house is beautiful…..and I’m sure you make it ever so lovely!
Wrenaria
Gorgeous! So excited for you! And maybe a bit envious too. <3
Jamie @ A Chandelier Life
Wow, how beautiful, can’t wait to see the interior pics.
Susan
Congratulations, Nicole!
The home is gorgeous from the outside – I can hardly wait to see the inside! Wow!
So excited for you. I totally wish we were able to find our dream house and go out and actually buy it. Some day!
Sarah
My skin just turned a ravishing shade of green.
jennifer
I love this house I am praying that you receive everything in life you had hoped for, in this world of sadness it is refreshing to see something good happen! God bless your family.
Making it Lovely
Thank you.
Katie C
I am so thrilled for you guys! My jaw seriously dropped when I saw that first pic of the outside. It is amazing!!!! Congrats!
Jenny Peters
I’ve lived in a 1905 Victorian now for 7 years and can attest, you will love it. For me, it’s basically like a giant doll house. :)
Making it Lovely
Sounds fun to think of it that way!
chris
What a beautiful home!! I am crossing my fingers that all goes smoothly now. I am excited for you and your family (and of course, for us readers, too)!
Sharon
Wow Nicole! What an idyllic dream house. I’m so excited for you and your family. You’ve worked hard. You deserve it! :)
Amie
Oh my! That is a lovely house! Congrats!!!
Jen @ RamblingRenovators
Whoa is right! Such a beautiful home and obviously well cared for. Is that some painted pink trim on the demilune window I see? How serendipitous! This looks like a lovely house to make memories. So excited for you!
Making it Lovely
Yes! Isn’t that funny? Leave it to me to find a house with pink trim.
jbhat
I noticed that the first thing. Yay for you!! It’s going to be so much fun.
jbhat
Dana @ House*Tweaking
So SO pretty! Congrats and I wish you smooth sailing with the financing and move.
Jane
What a gorgeous home! I can definitely see you and your family leaving your own mark on it while preserving its original personality. Good luck!
Sarah van Loon
Yay yay yay!!! Congratulations!!! SUPER beautiful. Can’t wait to read all about and see more photos! Mazel!
Kristina
Ok weird but: I love the front door. I mean, the porch, yay, circular room! But the door is gorgeous.
Making it Lovely
Not weird. I love the front door too.
Eileen
Congratulations Nicole! What a beautiful home!
Laura @ Rather Square
This is amazing! So unique and full of character, even just from the outside. I know the inside is going to be even more amazing, especially when you start adding your personality into it. Can’t wait to see more! Congrats!
spark
I love it!! So different from anything we have here in West Oz and am so looking forward to seeing you stamp your family style on it!!!
Andrew
I love that house! Can’t wait to see how you furnish and personalize it. I can easily see your aesthetic adapting, evolving, and bringing out the best in this house. Congratulations!
Making it Lovely
I’m eager to get started! The house does call for a different aesthetic than our first, but I’m looking forward to it.
Sarah
It’s gorgeous! I can’t wait to see the inside! And climbing roses? Did the house come straight out of a fairy tale? :)
Making it Lovely
I think it might have.
Ashlea Walter
Did it have you at its pink roses? Perfect for you, right?!
Making it Lovely
Aren’t they pretty? They weren’t blooming when we bought the house, but they were certainly a welcome surprise!
Jodi
oh, nicole, it is absolutely GORGEOUS! i am so happy and excited for you guys!!
Kara
Congratulations! It is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing this experience with all of us. I look forward to being inspired by how you transform this house into your home.
Susie P.
It is gorgeous! I’m breathless just looking at it. I can’t wait to see the inside and then again with your touch. I’m so glad you shared it with us, not only because I’ve been dying to see it but also because now we can all put out the positive vibes for you guys. Wishing for a speedy, uneventful closing for you!!!
Making it Lovely
Thank you!
Helen and the Fox
So exciting! I cannot wait to see the details and what you have in store for it!
cathyv
Oh that is so interesting and lovely. We are still trying to settle into our new “old” house. Best wishes!
The Hidden List
Beautiful! So many lovely details outside…I’m sure that inside is even better! Can’t wait to see!!
Elena
I’ve been waiting. Soooo beautiful!
Julia
I’ve been patiently (impatiently) waiting to see the house you scored – it’s way more gorgeous than I had even imagined! Congratulations – I’m so excited to see what you do with this beautiful canvas.
Nicole L
Wow!!! That is one beautiful house! Can not wait to go on the journey with you as you make it yours! Hope all goes well with the closing.
Michelle
I’ve been waiting for this post! It’s stunning!!!! Congrats!
Mandy @ This Girl's Life
Congratulations! It is a beauty! Can’t wait to see some peeks at the inside. :)
Jessica @ Sunday Loves
Just gorgeous! I am so excited for you and excited for me to see all of the interior shots. Woohoo!
LeAnn
Congratulation! She’s a beauty for sure. I can’t wait to see the inside but not only that, to see how you transform it into your style. We will all be waiting.
Comments are closed.