Exterior & Garden My Life The Victorian House

The New House

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.

The Rainbow House

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.

Pink Roses on the Front Porch

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  • Mona O | Renters In Love
    July 15, 2013 at 1:30 am

    Wow, so lovely!

  • Lesley
    July 15, 2013 at 1:48 am

    YEY!!! I’v e been hanging out to see your new home and here it is!

    It looks truly lovely…can’t wait to see the inside and what plans you have for it.
    I understand completely the crying about selling and buying. Been there done that. But what a wonderful,exciting feeling it is.
    Congrats – big time!!!
    xx

  • Jayne
    July 15, 2013 at 2:24 am

    That’s a gorgeous house! I totally understand crying over it. I can’t wait to see the interior and how you add your style to it. Good luck at closing!

  • Kristin
    July 15, 2013 at 5:56 am

    be still my heart… congrats on this beautiful find!

  • Cathy
    July 15, 2013 at 6:18 am

    Stunning and so very exciting! The stars have aligned for you guys and I will keep my fingers and toes crossed that all of the details work out. I cannot wait to see how you make your mark on this place….

  • Ali B.
    July 15, 2013 at 6:28 am

    Stunning! I can’t wait to see what you do with it!

  • Allison
    July 15, 2013 at 6:37 am

    Wow. That is beautiful. I love the cute little curved bit and the porch down the side. I can’t wait to see the interior once it’s really and truly yours. It sounds like it was meant to be so hopefully the rest of the process will go smoothly.

    • Making it Lovely
      July 15, 2013 at 11:40 am

      I keep saying that I’m not a “meant to be” person, but this does feel that way.

  • Jen
    July 15, 2013 at 6:51 am

    just beautiful. congratulations!!!

  • Xenia
    July 15, 2013 at 6:53 am

    I know EXACTLY how you feel. I have been living in my Victorian brownstone since 2005 and I still have to pinch myself. I love my house and it is an honor to be its present steward. I am not ready to sell it anytime soon, but when it is time for me to move on I know that I will cry about it. You can see pictures of it here: http://collarcitybrownstone.com/my-brownstone
    To this day I still face that Higher Power and say thank you.

    Congratulations! It does seem as if the stars have aligned for you and your family.

    • Making it Lovely
      July 15, 2013 at 11:41 am

      Beautiful. And I like that attitude of being its present steward.

  • Laurina
    July 15, 2013 at 7:10 am

    It’s divine! We just don’t have such unique houses in the sprawling ‘burbs of Australia…

  • Christine@DecorumDIYer
    July 15, 2013 at 7:27 am

    I am so happy for you and your family. The house is gorgeous and I can’t wait to see inside. It looks like a memory maker for sure! Bittersweet time for you all around. Again, sincere congratulations! (Staying optimistic and keeping my fingers crossed. Underwriting can take forever.)

  • Jennifer
    July 15, 2013 at 7:46 am

    I love Oak Park homes!! You scored a lovely new home. Congrats!

  • jenny
    July 15, 2013 at 7:52 am

    WOW!

  • Crystal
    July 15, 2013 at 8:07 am

    This is very cute! Congrats on finding a new home!

  • Megan @ Rappsody in Rooms
    July 15, 2013 at 8:10 am

    I already love it just by the outside. It is so beautiful and it seems very you! Can’t wait to see the inside. Congratulations!

  • LeAnn
    July 15, 2013 at 8:14 am

    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.

  • Jessica @ Sunday Loves
    July 15, 2013 at 8:15 am

    Just gorgeous! I am so excited for you and excited for me to see all of the interior shots. Woohoo!

  • Mandy @ This Girl's Life
    July 15, 2013 at 8:15 am

    Congratulations! It is a beauty! Can’t wait to see some peeks at the inside. :)

  • Michelle
    July 15, 2013 at 8:19 am

    I’ve been waiting for this post! It’s stunning!!!! Congrats!

  • Nicole L
    July 15, 2013 at 8:19 am

    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.

  • Julia
    July 15, 2013 at 8:23 am

    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.

  • Elena
    July 15, 2013 at 8:27 am

    I’ve been waiting. Soooo beautiful!

  • The Hidden List
    July 15, 2013 at 8:28 am

    Beautiful! So many lovely details outside…I’m sure that inside is even better! Can’t wait to see!!

  • cathyv
    July 15, 2013 at 8:30 am

    Oh that is so interesting and lovely. We are still trying to settle into our new “old” house. Best wishes!

  • Helen and the Fox
    July 15, 2013 at 8:32 am

    So exciting! I cannot wait to see the details and what you have in store for it!

  • Susie P.
    July 15, 2013 at 8:33 am

    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!!!

  • Kara
    July 15, 2013 at 8:36 am

    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.

  • Jodi
    July 15, 2013 at 8:43 am

    oh, nicole, it is absolutely GORGEOUS! i am so happy and excited for you guys!!

  • Ashlea Walter
    July 15, 2013 at 8:44 am

    Did it have you at its pink roses? Perfect for you, right?!

    • Making it Lovely
      July 15, 2013 at 11:43 am

      Aren’t they pretty? They weren’t blooming when we bought the house, but they were certainly a welcome surprise!

  • Sarah
    July 15, 2013 at 8:46 am

    It’s gorgeous! I can’t wait to see the inside! And climbing roses? Did the house come straight out of a fairy tale? :)

  • Andrew
    July 15, 2013 at 8:49 am

    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
      July 15, 2013 at 11:45 am

      I’m eager to get started! The house does call for a different aesthetic than our first, but I’m looking forward to it.

  • spark
    July 15, 2013 at 8:51 am

    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!!!

  • Laura @ Rather Square
    July 15, 2013 at 8:58 am

    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!

  • Eileen
    July 15, 2013 at 9:11 am

    Congratulations Nicole! What a beautiful home!

  • Kristina
    July 15, 2013 at 9:11 am

    Ok weird but: I love the front door. I mean, the porch, yay, circular room! But the door is gorgeous.

    • Making it Lovely
      July 15, 2013 at 11:46 am

      Not weird. I love the front door too.

  • Sarah van Loon
    July 15, 2013 at 9:25 am

    Yay yay yay!!! Congratulations!!! SUPER beautiful. Can’t wait to read all about and see more photos! Mazel!

  • Jane
    July 15, 2013 at 9:59 am

    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!

  • Dana @ House*Tweaking
    July 15, 2013 at 10:11 am

    So SO pretty! Congrats and I wish you smooth sailing with the financing and move.

  • Jen @ RamblingRenovators
    July 15, 2013 at 10:11 am

    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
      July 15, 2013 at 10:13 am

      Yes! Isn’t that funny? Leave it to me to find a house with pink trim.

      • jbhat
        July 15, 2013 at 11:24 am

        I noticed that the first thing. Yay for you!! It’s going to be so much fun.

        jbhat

  • Amie
    July 15, 2013 at 10:23 am

    Oh my! That is a lovely house! Congrats!!!

  • Sharon
    July 15, 2013 at 10:30 am

    Wow Nicole! What an idyllic dream house. I’m so excited for you and your family. You’ve worked hard. You deserve it! :)

  • chris
    July 15, 2013 at 10:39 am

    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)!

  • Jenny Peters
    July 15, 2013 at 10:46 am

    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
      July 15, 2013 at 11:47 am

      Sounds fun to think of it that way!

  • Katie C
    July 15, 2013 at 10:47 am

    I am so thrilled for you guys! My jaw seriously dropped when I saw that first pic of the outside. It is amazing!!!! Congrats!

  • jennifer
    July 15, 2013 at 10:51 am

    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.

  • Sarah
    July 15, 2013 at 10:55 am

    My skin just turned a ravishing shade of green.

  • Susan
    July 15, 2013 at 10:57 am

    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!

  • Jamie @ A Chandelier Life
    July 15, 2013 at 11:08 am

    Wow, how beautiful, can’t wait to see the interior pics.

  • Wrenaria
    July 15, 2013 at 11:14 am

    Gorgeous! So excited for you! And maybe a bit envious too. <3

  • sara
    July 15, 2013 at 11:17 am

    Congratulations! The house is beautiful…..and I’m sure you make it ever so lovely!

  • Chelsea T
    July 15, 2013 at 11:17 am

    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

  • Ida
    July 15, 2013 at 11:21 am

    So gorgeous! Lucky you! Can’t wait to see more pics.

  • Laura
    July 15, 2013 at 11:23 am

    I love the wood paneling on the ceiling of the porch! Gorgeous, Nicole. Hoping all the details work out for you soon!

  • trina
    July 15, 2013 at 11:35 am

    congrats, nicole! it’s so gorgeous! so happy for you!

    xo . trina

  • Mary | Lemon Grove Blog
    July 15, 2013 at 11:38 am

    WOW!! So excited to see what you guys do with the place! It is amazing!

  • Natalie
    July 15, 2013 at 11:47 am

    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

  • Camille
    July 15, 2013 at 11:48 am

    Oh it’s beautiful!

  • Caroline
    July 15, 2013 at 11:54 am

    What strikes me is how at home your home looks on the blog already. Perfectly matched!

  • Elizabeth @ HobbyLobbyist
    July 15, 2013 at 12:11 pm

    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.

  • Jillian@TheHumbleGourmet
    July 15, 2013 at 12:18 pm

    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 :-)

  • Clare
    July 15, 2013 at 12:21 pm

    Beautiful!! That would definitely be hard not to share!! Congratulations and I’m sure everything will work out just fine

  • Erin Q.
    July 15, 2013 at 12:34 pm

    Wow. It’s GORGEOUS!

  • Holly
    July 15, 2013 at 12:35 pm

    That is so beautiful it makes me want to cry for you. That is my dream home too.

  • Holly G
    July 15, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    Its amazing!

  • Amanda
    July 15, 2013 at 12:44 pm

    What a gorgeous house! Congrats! I am excited to see all of the wonderful things you will do with it.

  • Shelly
    July 15, 2013 at 12:48 pm

    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 ;)

  • Nicole
    July 15, 2013 at 12:48 pm

    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.

  • Catherine
    July 15, 2013 at 12:49 pm

    Congratulations, Nicole! This house just looks like you!

  • Jaime
    July 15, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    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

  • Michelle
    July 15, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    Wow, it is absolutely amazing…makes miss living in Oak Park…so much beauty there. Congratulations to your family!

  • thelady
    July 15, 2013 at 1:15 pm

    wow this is like the castle of my childhood dreams, so happy for you

  • Deb
    July 15, 2013 at 1:17 pm

    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!

  • Valerie
    July 15, 2013 at 1:22 pm

    It’s so pretty!! I love the colors and the architecture. I can’t wait to see the inside. :D

  • Sheila
    July 15, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    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! ;)

  • Asia
    July 15, 2013 at 1:30 pm

    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.

  • elma
    July 15, 2013 at 1:41 pm

    Oh it is beautiful!!! I can’t wait to see the inside!!!

  • Julie
    July 15, 2013 at 1:46 pm

    Such a lovely house! I can’t wait to see how you update the insides.

  • kelley
    July 15, 2013 at 1:58 pm

    Amazing!!
    Congrats guys! Can’t wait to see the inside :)

  • elle
    July 15, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    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!

  • Kristin
    July 15, 2013 at 2:09 pm

    Huge congratulations! Beautiful house to be sure!

  • Jill
    July 15, 2013 at 2:10 pm

    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
    July 15, 2013 at 2:34 pm

    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!

  • Danielle
    July 15, 2013 at 3:14 pm

    Wowie – it’s beautiful! Congrats to both of you and fingers crossed everything goes as planned.

  • Eva
    July 15, 2013 at 3:53 pm

    Wow, that is a crazy beautiful house! Congrats, good luck, and I can’t wait to see the inside!! :)

  • Jessica Newell
    July 15, 2013 at 4:06 pm

    This house is gorgeous and I can’t wait to see what you do with it!

  • sarah
    July 15, 2013 at 4:24 pm

    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.

  • Ally
    July 15, 2013 at 4:46 pm

    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

  • Lara
    July 15, 2013 at 6:22 pm

    Congratulations! I cannot wait to see what you do with it!

  • Jess
    July 15, 2013 at 7:24 pm

    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.

  • nora
    July 15, 2013 at 7:39 pm

    the house is beautiful. good luck and an early congrats!

  • Carrie Lea
    July 15, 2013 at 8:33 pm

    So gorgeous! Can’t wait to see the inside!

  • Justine
    July 15, 2013 at 10:11 pm

    Wow! SO excited for you!! Can’t wait to see what you do. :)

  • Jayna
    July 15, 2013 at 10:37 pm

    Congratulations, Nicole! Your new house is stunning! I can’t wait to see what you do with it!

  • melissa
    July 15, 2013 at 11:27 pm

    This house looks amazing… can’t wait to see the inside! Congrats!

  • Lindsay
    July 16, 2013 at 8:37 am

    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
      July 16, 2013 at 9:39 am

      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.

  • Sarah Jane
    July 16, 2013 at 10:58 am

    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!

  • ashley @ sunnysideshlee.com
    July 16, 2013 at 11:52 am

    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!

  • Anna
    July 16, 2013 at 12:17 pm

    Love those arches and the bay window in front! So much personality, congratulations.

  • Sava
    July 16, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    So pretty! I’m jealous, there are very few Victorians in the Pacific Northwest.

  • Abigail
    July 16, 2013 at 1:15 pm

    So beautiful already! And what a strategic blogging decision… I CAN’T WAIT to see how you decorate this lovely house! :D :D

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