Hi, I’m Sarah. And my husband is Charles. And we must be completely CRAZY because we just bought a house! If you’re reading this, you may be thinking, “What’s the big deal?” We’re old enough, we’re married, we want to be homeowners…nothing special here. Well let’s start from the beginning…
Charles and I have been together for over 6 years, and we just got married July 28, 2012. (It was the most spectacular wedding, if I do say so myself.) I am an accountant with a big firm and Charles is finishing up his final semester of law school (yay!!!). Words cannot express how excited we both are for him to be finished with school. Two undergrad degrees, an MBA, and a JD is quite a collection, and I am so very proud of my hubby, but it is time for us both to move on! Are you starting to see why we might be a little crazy? One salary, a mountain of student loan debt, and a…new house?
But wait, it gets better! We just bought a house in a town that is two and a half hours away from where we currently live and work. And we won’t be able to move there until the summer. And it is 110 years old and in need of some serious love (read: money). But we know that in the end it will all be worth it, and here’s why:
The house that we just bought was formerly owned by Charles’ grandmother, Mildred. Charles’ dad grew up in the house, and Charles’ parents even lived there for the 9 months that his mother was pregnant! When Mildred passed away in 2003, it was sold, but the new owner did nothing in the past 10 years to maintain, let alone upgrade, the sizable house. The house was foreclosed on last year and we ended up getting it for a steal…well, before we pour everything we have into it. But here’s the real kicker. Here’s how we knew that the house was meant for us. Here’s how we realized that maybe we’re not quite as crazy as we seem. Being the only child of two only-children, Charles was the single grandchild. Mildred was so elated when he was born that she decided to invest in a little stock in Charles’ name. Over the last almost 29 years, that stock has grown and now Charles and I are able to pay for the house with the money from that stock. So we are buying Mildred’s house with Mildred’s money from 29 years ago. Goosebumps, right?
We have absolutely no clue what we are doing, but are so excited to learn as we go. I hope you’ll visit the blog often and keep up with what is sure to be an enlightening journey!
Hi,
I just found your blog tonight for a link-up party. I also live in an American Foursquare. Ours is not quite as old as yours. It was built in 1920.
I did get goose bumps when I read about the stock. How amazing!
Off to read some more of your blog. I just love old houses!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Elizabeth! We think it’s a pretty cool story, and it’s very special to us. I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog! :)
That is such a great start to the story, and yes, goosebumps! Thanks for sharing the beginning of this exciting adventure and project with #TheThemeGame
This is such a fab story Sarah! I’m always impressed by people who are willing and able to take on huge property projects and this particular project being so personal to you and your husband has an extra element of serendipity – so lovely to keep a special place with personal history in the family. #TheThemeGame PS – I LOVE your wedding dress – soooooo beautiful :-)
Thanks so much, Sam! :)
So happy I found your blog! My husband and I are also renovating his Grandmother’s house here in NC. Love your story! Can’t wait to follow along. :)
Thanks for stopping by, Elizabeth! I’m loving your blog now too! :)
Just found your blog via your guest post on lemon grove. I love renovating/remodeling stories and can’t wait to read about yours. I DID her goosebumps reading how you bought your house. I’m super-nostalgic and LOVE that the house will continue to live through you guys. Best of luck to you!
Thanks so much, Melanie! I’m glad you’re along for the ride!! :)
Make that *have* goosebumps
What a great story! Good luck with the project! Looks like you’re on your way from your most recent posts!
What an awesome story!!! Charles and I have talked about the house renovations before since my hubby and I were renovating ours as well but he never told me the whole story. That is a special history for sure!
Hi! I just saw your house featured on “Better After” and followed the link to see where it all started. WOW! What a story. I love it. I just read this first post for now but I will return to see more of your amazing work. The couple of pictures I have seen are spectacular! Good job!
That’s beautiful — I am so happy for all of you!!!
How fantastic!
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Hi, Thanks for your insightful article. Certainly will help all of us who are looking to get the beautiful home . Keep up with good work.
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