The closing on the house went great yesterday—no hiccups. There were 5 of us present at the closing: the title agency representative (not sure of her exact title), the seller, the seller’s realtor, my realtor, and of course, yours truly. The representative leading the closing sat at the head of the big conference table with the seller to her left and the buyer (me) to her right. Our realtors sat beside us, listening and answering questions, as needed. The closing only lasted around 25-30 minutes as we signed and signed and signed some more. Having not purchased a home in 34 years, I had no idea what to expect, but I couldn’t have asked for a more professional, easier process.
I was excited to finally meet the current owner at the closing since it was the first time we’ve had an opportunity to talk. She was very nice and helpful as I asked a few questions. Katie, the previous owner of the home with whom I’ve had an opportunity to talk to a few times, had mentioned a “bag of old keys” that she had been given when she purchased the home 22 years ago. She had passed those down to the current owners and I was hoping they were still around. The seller promised to check on those and thought they might be stored down in the basement. I love the idea of keeping those bits of history that harken back to the earliest days of a home.
In today’s post, I thought I’d give you a tour of the downstairs, sharing a few ideas I have in mind for possible furniture arrangements and updates. This post is pretty long, so in a follow-up post, I’ll take you through the upstairs, the basement, the exterior, and the gardens. Before we start our tour of the downstairs, here are some basic stats for the home: The cottage home I purchased yesterday is 86 years old and located in the beautiful, historic district of Oakwood, Ohio. The home is 2 stories, plus a basement, so there should be plenty of room for dish storage. That is a question I’ve gotten a lot in the comments of my previous post, but don’t worry, there will be plenty of room for dish storage in the new house.
The home has 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half bath, a small entry/foyer, a living room, kitchen, dining/breakfast room, Butler’s pantry, a finished basement with several storage rooms, a small sunroom, and a 2-car garage. It has original hardwood flooring throughout (love that!) and built-in bookshelves/cabinetry in quite a few of the rooms. There are also plenty of little cubbyhole storage spots all throughout the home. Storage shouldn’t be a problem, however, remembering where everything is stored, could be! I may need to create a schematic or roadmap to keep up with where things are stored away!
If you’ve been reading BNOTP for a while, you already know that I’m not the biggest fan of open floor plans. I don’t mind a kitchen being open to a dining area or a keeping room, but I’m not crazy about open floor plans where the entire downstairs is one large, open space with designated areas/corners for the living room, kitchen, dining area, etc… There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that design if that’s what you prefer, but I feel more comfortable and at home with a more traditional floor plan.
So, now that we have the basics behind us, let’s take a tour of the downstairs. I was delighted to find that this home has an entry, albeit a small one. So many of the older cottage homes in this area open up right into the living room. I really do love a separate entry space to greet visitors as they arrive. I’m completely smitten with this entry door and its little peekaboo window! The entry also has a nice size coat closet that’s visible further down in this post.
All the doors throughout the home appear to be original and they are really beautiful! My son’s home that’s just a few homes away, has the same doors. I can’t help but wonder if our homes were designed and built by the same builder. I would love to learn more about this home. After the closing, I came home and immediately went online and joined the Oakwood Historical Society.
Almost all the photos in this post are of the home when it was available for purchase a couple of years ago. I had wanted to see and possibly make an offer on the home back then, but when I called the realtor early the next morning after discovering the listing for the home the night before, he told me that he already had 20 showings lined up that day. By that day’s end, there was a bidding war with multiple offers. The home ended up selling for well above the asking price on its first day on the market. So, two years ago, I never even had a chance to see it, much less make an offer.
Katie, the owner at that time, has permitted me to share the photos from that listing two years ago. Having lived here for 20 years, she has been a wealth of information about this charming cottage. I love her decor throughout the home and the kitchen and bath updates that she made are great! I’m pretty sure I will be placing my sofa in the same place Katie had hers, and I’d love to find a console/sofa table with storage to go behind the sofa, as she has in the photo below.
This will be the first time ever that I’ll have a white mantel to decorate. In all my other homes, the mantel has been stained wood.
Actually, I’ll have two since this house has two fireplaces, one here in the living room and one in the basement. Notice the pretty uplighting that’s visible throughout so many of the rooms here on the first level of the home. Love that!
This photo, taken with a wide-angle lens, is probably making the living room look larger than it actually is. Notice the wall behind the sofa and to the right of the bookcases.
That wall should be large enough to hold the two occasional chairs that I currently have in my living room, so that should work well as a little reading nook for the built-in bookshelves nearby.
Just off the living room is a small sunroom, visible through the door below.
The sunroom is quite small, but I’m hoping I can find a spot to squeeze in my current porch table. It may have to go in a corner. The open door leads to the beautiful gardens out back. I can’t wait to play in the garden this summer!
If we return to the entry, the coat closet is visible there on the left. The other side of the entry leads into the dining area that’s located just off the kitchen.
Again we find more wonderful built-in cabinetry. I love all the built-in shelving in this home! The original owners/builders really had storage in mind when this home was built in 1938.
I have some exciting plans for the shelving here in the dining room. After chatting with a mirror/glass company back home. I think I’ll be able to have custom glass doors made for the shelves. The doors will have mullions/panes to create a bit of a Butler’s Pantry effect. They will need to be designed to fit around the vent visible on the bottom shelf. I’ll also be removing the chandelier and taking it back to my home in Georgia where I’ll have it installed in the dining room there, since I’ll be bringing the chandelier there to this house.
The chandelier in my home in Georgia was custom-made for me by an older gentleman I met at one of the Atlanta Home Shows many years ago.
This wonderful old home is filled with so many charming features, features you just don’t find in the new homes being built today. One of the lovely parts of living in this neighborhood is the mail is delivered right to your front door and placed inside your mail slot. For my home, it’s located on the wall just to the right side of the front door. My son’s home has a similar mail slot on the right side of his front door.
So, when the mailman delivers my mail, he will place it in the mail slot where it will be waiting when I open the little door (note arrow) that’s located on the bookshelf. If it should fall through, as the mail occasionally does in my son’s home, it will land on the bookshelf. This is just one of the many charming features that I so love about this house!
Katie renovated the kitchen around 20+ years ago, and it still looks great, but as she mentioned during one of our phone calls, it’s probably due for an update. Before we go into the kitchen, I want to share a table that I’m thinking of buying for this cottage dining room.
I love the look of this round table from the Rooms to Go French Market Collection. This table will easily seat 5 which would be great for having my son, dil and grandsons over for dinner, but what about those times when I may need additional seating?
So I’m thinking that I should probably go with this dining set. It will seat 6 and comes with a leaf that adds seating for two more. I love the look of both tables, but the rectangular style is probably more functional. Rooms To Go delivers to a lot of states, but unfortunately, they do not deliver to Ohio. So if I do decide to go with this table, I will need to order it before moving.
Right now I plan to sell my current dining room furniture, buy a new dining set, and use the bookshelves in this room (with glass doors installed) for china storage in place of my current china cabinet. The shelves will hold a lot more than my current china cabinet, so that will be great! I brought up three big boxes of china from my dining room china cabinet on this trip, so I should be able to see how they look/fit on the shelves very soon.
The current layout/design of the kitchen is very similar to how my son/DIL’s kitchen is after their recent kitchen renovation. The only real difference is they didn’t add a large pantry to the left of their refrigerator so they have about 15 more inches of counter space on the right of the refrigerator, which I really do like. So if I do a kitchen update in the future, I may go with their design. Again, I need to move in and see how I feel about this design before I make any changes.
To refresh your memory, here’s a view of my son/DIL’s kitchen.
And here’s that additional counter space that they enjoy on the right side of their refrigerator.
A view looking back toward the dining room. Can you envision beautiful custom glass doors in place over the shelving in that space? I think it will give the room a touch of elegance, which should work well with the chandelier that I’ll be bringing from my current dining room.
The doorway that’s just barely visible on the right side of the kitchen leads to the back half of the downstairs.
Passing through that doorway from the kitchen, we see stairs that lead up, along with a back hallway that will take us to the downstairs half bath, the basement, and on toward the Butler’s Pantry.
I’m pretty sure I’ll be changing the paint color here in the half bath, but again, I want to live in the home for a bit before I start making any changes. Notice the little door on the wall above the toilet. That’s one of two laundry chutes in the house that will take linens/clothes down to the basement where the laundry room is located. I love the laundry chutes in my son and daughter-in-law’s home and we all use them constantly. I was so excited to see them designed into this home, too. Again, I can’t help but wonder if our homes were designed/built by the same builder.
Moving on down the back hallway…
…we end up here in the Butler’s pantry. I asked Katie what this room was before they renovated it. She said it was an odd space that contained tall cabinetry that appeared to be designed for hanging coats, kind of like a cloakroom. The tall cabinets were only on this one side and the other side of the room was empty. I love how she converted the room into a wonderful Butler’s Pantry! In the future, I would be tempted to remove the cabinets that are hanging and add back cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling. I love the extra storage you get with cabinets that go all the way up to the ceiling.
I will have my home office in one of the bedrooms upstairs, so I would be tempted to remove the desk/cabinets on this side and add back floor-to-ceiling cabinetry.
I’m envisioning something like this, visible on the cover of the book, Beautifully Organized. (Book is available here: Beautifully Organized.) Again, I want to just move in and live in the house for a while before I make any decisions like that, but that’s just something I have thought about since I don’t really need a second office area. What do you think about this idea?
As we come back out of the Butler’s Pantry and pass by the half bath, we arrive at a door that leads to the garage and on around to the basement. There’s a small area to the right of the garage door that’s perfect for hanging a few coats or for shoes/winter boot storage. I love the adorable acorn newel post. I’m sure that’s in honor of the Historic Oakwood community.
For Metamorphosis Monday, if I can get the post ready, I’ll take you upstairs to see the four bedrooms, including the room I plan to make my office. I can’t wait to share those rooms with you—there’s hardly a straight wall/ceiling to be found. The upstairs is overrun with personality—s0 many slanted ceilings, built-in cabinets/bookshelves, a deep window seat that’s perfect for reading, and tons of cute cubby-hole storage. Oh, and the bathrooms! I think you’re going to love the bathrooms with their original Rookwood tile. Can you tell how much I love this house?! We’ll also check out the basement, the exterior, and the beautiful gardens in that future post, that is, if I can fit it all in!
I can’t wait to share more of this charming cottage home with you! At the closing yesterday, the seller said that she had spent a lot of time in England and the home reminded her of the English cottages she saw while there. I guess that’s why I am so drawn to this home, it does remind me so much of the charming English cottages I’ve seen in books and during my trip to England a few years back. I’m so glad you’re coming along with me on this new adventure! You know that feeling when you walk into a home and it feels like you’ve known it your whole life. That’s how I feel when I’m in this home— like I am really home.
This home is so you! Just love all the features….it is truly a Dream House!
Thanks, Judy! It does feel like home. ♥
Beautiful home! What does it look like on the outside?
Peggy, I just realized this post didn’t show the outside of the home. It was the next post that I created that showed that. You can see it here: https://betweennapsontheporch.net/lets-tour-the-gardens-basement-bedrooms-baths-in-the-home-i-just-purchased/
I’m so happy for you! I could tell your heart is in Ohio! How wonderful! Your house is so your style! So classic! And it’s not THAT cold up here in the winter!
My heart is but my body may want to be in Georgia when winter arrives. Hahaha! Thanks, Cyndy!
Congratulations…I’m so happy for you & I can’t wait to see how you make it your own. It’s nice that you will be closer to your son too. Best, Kelly
Thanks, Kelly! Yes, being close to family will be the best part, for sure.
So charming. I live in Johns Creek, GA in a home very similar to your current home. But, I am originally from the Ohio, southern Michigan area. So excited to see you make this house your own! Congratulations!!!
Thanks so much, Joy! Johns Creek is such a pretty area!
What a beautiful home! I can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Thanks so much, Betty!
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It’s gorgeous!! I’m so happy you are going to be so close to your son and his family!! Nothing like grandkids to brighten your life!!
Definitely! They are a blessing, for sure! Thanks, Sheri!
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You will love this home. I don’t like open floor plans either!! The living room is almost like your current home. Glass doors for shelving will be perfection. I’m so excited for you… this cottage was waiting for you. Looking forward to seeing upstairs and gardens.
Thanks, Nancy! I’ve looked online at so many homes here in the past and have never found one that I liked the interior as much as this one. There was one home I liked a lot several years ago, but again it sold in just a day or two. It was a lot more formal and I think I’m ready for something much more casual now. Looking forward to sharing the upstairs and gardens!
Seems large for a cottage. What an interesting home. Can you go to the property appraisers site online for information about past sales and original owners from builder ? The big question for today is Are you taking all those storage cabinets you put together with you ? Did you finish the bathrooms yet ? Lot going on Susan !
Yes, def plan on taking the cabinets, hopefully they will hold up during the move. I am planning some updates to my baths back in GA, but I’m not going to rush. Oh yeah, a lot going on for the past few months. I’ve been getting estimates for painting and other things back home and I’m starting to get estimates for things here, too. So every day is jam packed! Did I mention I’ve been taking care of my grandsons all this week while their parents were vacationing in Cancun. Ha! We’ve had a fun week!
News for you I’ve got. That’s not a cottage, unless you’ve been livin’ in Marie’s house (How is she, btw?). That’s a full-sized, lovely house.
Thanks! When you see the outside, you may change your mind. lol It’s very cottagey on the exterior.
Marie is doing great. I haven’t talked to her in a while but last time we chatted, she was doing great.
Oh my, this house is perfection and seems so right for you. How blessed you are to have found it, and been able to purchase it this time. Have to say I will sadly miss the Atlanta house as I love it too. But I certainly understand and don’t blame you for wanting to be close (and you will be very close!) to your son and family. How special that will be for you all. Thank you so very much for trusting us with this sharing — we are all in it for and with you! Looking forward to this new chapter in your life.
Thanks so much, Lee! I would love to keep both but I’d always be worried about what was going on there when I was here, so I guess it’s best to consider selling it.
Perfect! And so cozy!
That’s a beautiful Home Sweet Home!
Thank you for not making us wait to see it!
(Is there a view of the front of the house??)
Thanks, Liz! I’ll share that soon, when I share the gardens/exterior.
So happy for you to be near your son and family! Can’t wait too see your ideas for making this house yours.
Thanks, Maureen! I’ve never had a house like this one, so will be a learning process, I’m sure. lol
Your dream of eventually living in your cottage has finally come true! I love what you’ve shared so far….a wonderful cottage to make your own! I’d give anything to find something like that for us to retire in. I’m not a fan of open concepts either and if we build it won’t be with an open floor plan (hopefully). When do you plan on putting your Georgia house on the market and relocating to Ohio? I know while all of this is overwhelming, it’s so exciting at the same time. I’m so happy for you!
Thanks, Judy! Now if it were in the Georgia mountains, it would be perfect. lol
I hope you find exactly what you want. Just don’t settle, wait until you find the one that really feels like home.
I’m not sure just yet. I have several things I’d like to do to it before I place it on the market. It is very overwhelming but I’m taking it one step at the time for sanity’s sake. Ha!
Your new home is just beautiful I am so happy for you, but please when you move don’t stop your blog on between naps on the porch I love reading them, can’t wait to see the rest of your new home.
Thanks so much! Don’t worry, Annette. I won’t be changing anything about the blog—all my previous posts will still be here and I’ll just continue to add to the blog with the new posts I create.
That’s beautiful Susan! I’m so happy you shared with us – I can’t wait to follow along as you settle in. So many great ideas for my own house! Thanks for the tour and hope you have a lovely weekend!
Thanks so much, Barbara! You have an older home, right? Seems like I remember you mentioning that.
Yes – built in 1917. An old home is so full of character. And maintenance …. !
🙂
so happy for you
Thanks so much, Tamara! Sooo appreciated!
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Thanks for the peek – I love it! At first I couldn’t imagine leaving your beautiful home, but this looks perfect – and it looks like YOU! Can’t wait to see the rest.
Thanks so much, Winnie! It really feels like home when I’m there. I do love it!
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Guess you won’t be downsizing, lol! The house is in great condition and love all the built-ins. The best is you are going to be close to your son and family. Did you ask why the current owner put it back on the market? It’s so exciting and wonderful! So happy for you!
That is the best part, for sure! In the listing, it said that they were moving due to a military transfer.
You are beyond kind, thoughtful, and generous to share your new home during such a busy time. The home is absolutely lovely and will be even more so with your special imprint. Thank you very much
Thanks so much, Em! I’m grateful to have such lovely dearhearts (like yourself) with whom to share it! Thanks for sharing my excitement on this new adventure!
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I live close to that area and you will love it. Such a nice community. After you get settled check out the adult classes at the University of Dayton. They have some that go over the history of the area. And DLM is exquisite as you know. Good to be close to family. Life is too short. Enjoy!
That sounds like fun, would love to learn more! Yes, that will be the best part of all—being near family!
I am excited for you and admire your courage at making the move! It looks like a great house…can’t wait to see the outside. I actually like the powder room. Thibaut has some beautiful fabrics that would look lovely. The reason that I like it is, because, I think it is fun to do something daring in a small powder room that would be overwhelming or tiring in a bigger room that you were in all of the time. I would probably do it in red or hot pink for me but, whatever your favorite bold color is I would pick out some beautiful flowered fabric for a window treatment and maybe a sink skirt and go for it.
I have Thibaut in my bathroom at home and still love it. They have great papers! I’ll have to see how I feel about the red once I’m living there. I do love the idea of going a bit bold in the half bath since it’s a small area in which to experiment. 🙂
Congratulations! Your cottage is adorable! We’ve just relocated to be closer to our grandchildren too so I’m 100% feeling your excitement! The one thing I am noticing is that it’s taking a lot longer to unpack and put things away this time. Our newly renovated home is a completely different style from our previous beach house. We packed and moved so many things that just won’t work here. My advice would be to keep what you love and “make it work”, but get rid of things that are just stuff. We’re donating a ton of household goods now, but it would have been so much smarter (cheaper) to purge before we paid the movers to bring it. Ouch! Good luck! I can’t wait to see how your journey progresses!
Yeah, I will def run into that problem, too. This home is so different from my current home. There are some things I can’t part with, they have a history/story, so I hope I can find a way to make them work. Good luck with your unpacking, Janet! I know it must feel a bit overwhelming!
Congratulations – What a beautiful home ! It looks like you can move right in and not have to change a thing – so pretty !
And welcome to Ohio ! ( I am in Cleveland). You will love our change of seasons and friendly Mid- Westerners .
A lot of folks think we don’t have all 4 seasons in Georgia, but we very much do. We experience them all including unfortunately, the snow. What I love is how our spring arrives about a month sooner and our winter arrives about a month later than in Ohio. Often we have spring in Georgia and a month later I’ll visit family in Ohio and experience it all again. We have a nice long summer which I will miss terribly! The weather is going to be toughest part for me…that and no Magnolia trees, Camellias or Azaleas. We also have a gorgeous fall as seen here: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=f5a20a2e9138d638&q=fall+Autumn+color+in+georgia&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiVxOb18LiGAxXArokEHQAxAYAQ0pQJegQIDhAB&biw=1455&bih=708&dpr=1.32
I really should do a post about the seasons in Georgia. I never realized how many people think we don’t experience the seasons until I started blogging, but it’s a common misconception about the south, or at least about Georgia.
Such a charming house! I can see why you fell in love with it! Looking forward to seeing how you make it yours with your special touches.
Thanks, Margot!
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Oh, Susan, this is a dream come true for you and I am so excited for you! I think this house is absolutely perfect for you. I love what you have in mind for the cabinet doors for the bookcases. It will be fantastic! I am so very happy for you. I know you will love being so close to your son and his family. I am absolutely overjoyed at your new house!
Thanks so much, Linda! You will have to visit if you’re ever up this way!
Just so you, Susan! I’ve always heard a round table is the best for conversation. Does that furniture line have a round table that converts to an oval with a leaf? Also the stairway to the second level makes a statement-nice and wide. I’m so happy for you! Can’t wait to be introduced to the rest. I’m sure you can’t wait!
Thanks so much, Pat! I love that about round tables, too! Once I can go in and measure, I think that will give me a better idea on the size that will work best. Looking forward to sharing the bedrooms and baths!
I am so excited for you. The house is lovely, but the best thing about it is that it is near your son’s family. You will never regret the move! I can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Thanks so much, Martha! I do love that it’s close to family, will be so nice getting to see them more often!
Wow! I was so surprised you are moving to another state, but what a great idea to be near your family. I know you will be happy. Love the house and your ideas. I am a big fan of painted trim and cabinets…the kitchen looks pretty good. This will be fun for you and so much to do. Lol, hope you have help packing up all those dishes. A new house is so fun.
It will be a big job, but that’s okay. I will just take it a day at a time. Thanks so much, Jillian!
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I am just thrilled for you and so very happy you’ll be near family and found the most perfect house! It’s beautiful. I love the wall color but looking forward to hearing what colors you are thinking.
My grandfather’s cousin had the prettiest shelving in her dining room and it sounds like what you are planning for your dining room shelves.
I’m sure your current home will sell fast! Looking forward to everything!
I’ve never seen shelving in a dining room but do love the idea! I wonder if that was a popular thing to do back in the day, or if the original owners requested it because they loved entertaining a lot? Wish I knew more about the first owners of the home.
Thanks, Mary!
This home is just so you!! I am so happy for you and that you will be near your family. I know you have been thinking and looking for a cottage for some time now. This is just perfect. I love it and can’t wait to see how you will put your own stamp on it. Such good times ahead for you.
Thanks so much, Sonja! I really do love all that Katie did with the home, she and I have such similar tastes. Wait until you see the bathrooms that she remodeled upstairs, they are sooo nice and so fitting to the design of the home.
Just lovely!!!
Thanks, Linda!
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I am green with envy! I was born in Oakwood, lived in Kettering for many years, and am now in Tucson, AZ. I think of Dayton and the beautiful Southern Ohio countryside everyday. Your new home is so lovely. I know you will be very happy!
Oh, love that, Laura! I know you must miss it. Kettering is a great area, too! Love a lot of the homes there!
I am so thrilled that you have made this decision. I love the house and can’t wait to see what majic you work on it in your style. I will love watching this take place.
Thanks so much, Kay! It will take some time but I can’t wait to get started!
I love, love, love your new cottage home, Susan! Congratulations! Your home and mine are built in the same year – 1938. I see you’re halfway between Dayton and Kettering. I’m so happy you found your home to be so close to your son and his family. Can’t wait to see all the changes you’ll be going through. And I want to see those gardens, stat! 🙂
Thanks, Rita! I will share those very soon! It’s going to be a busy June and July!
So happy that you were able to purchase your dream cottage, AND be so close to your family. Congratulations. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, Doris! Big change but I think a good one. 🙂
l’m not crying…you are crying…this is SO CHARMING…I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU…oh, Susan!!! ❤️ franki
I know, feel the same way! Thanks, Franki! ❤️
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Yowza, you’ve found the perfect home of your cottage dreams! I’m so happy for you and your family. What was the reaction of your grandsons when they found out you were moving to Ohio? They had to be ecstatic! Blessings to you and wishes for the smoothest move!
Thanks so much, Susan! My DIL told them a few weeks back that I was buying it and she said they were super excited and kept talking about it. Today, I noticed the “For Sale” sign disappeared from the front yard, which made me (and them) happy. lol
What a darling home! I love all the little “extras” like a laundry shoot and mail slot! Can you share the square footage as it would help visualize the size of the rooms somewhat? It doesn’t seem like “downsizing” per se, are there any bedrooms on the main living area? Anyway…it will be so fun to follow you on this new journey of creativity! I know you will make it lovely.
Do you have a date you are shooting to move by? Do you have a lot of repainting, recarpeting to do in the new house before moving in? With all you’ll have occupying your mind and time, I don’t know how you will find time to also blog about it all at the end of a day! More power to you!
Thanks, Toni! I’m not sure of the total square footage. The rooms are pretty average size. No, no bedrooms on the main level.
I’m not sure, I won’t completely move in until after I sell my home in GA and I’m not sure when I’ll list it for sale. No, the new house has its original hardwood flooring all throughout, no carpet. I don’t plan to do anything immediately, will wait until I move in, have everything unpacked, etc… before I even start thinking about making those types of decor changes.
I really feel like I need to move in and just “live” in the house for a while before I start making any changes.
I am squealing with delight for you, Susan! It is AWESOME!!! You know – what about using your sweet cottage porch table as your dining table inside? And get a smaller one for the season room? It would go with the vibes big time. I love it’s all light and bright. I’m glad you will be living with it for a bit before maybe painting. But that’s me. I like a neutral universe. LOL. The only color to use is green and maybe some brown in my world haha.
A laundry chute! Dreamy! They no longer make homes with them b/c of code regulations……they say they cause fires to spread faster. I say BAH. LOVE you have one. One last idea – have you thought about possibly having a woodworker put in drawers on the lower part of the bookshelves and have them with cabinet doors to “hide” uglier things you store and have the upper part the glass doors you want? Something to think about too.
I love that sweet little “home” town and you are going to be sooo happy there. Yay!!!! CONGRATS!
Thanks, Michele! I had thought about that, at least for a temporary basis, but it would look terrible there full time with a crystal chandelier hanging over it, so I will need to find something I like pretty soon.
I love the tree-lined streets here, it really does have a “hometown” feel.
I just love homes with vintage cubby holes and all that kind of charm by lol 4 bedrooms is not a cottage My daughter bought a darling little 2 bedroom older home that truly is a cottage a few years ago & I’m enjoying helping her with furnishings & decorating. Can’t wait to see the changes you make!
I do, too! Oh, her cottage sounds perfect! I love the casual feel of a cottage home. That really feels right for me at this stage of my life.
Susan, definitely the right home for the right person at the right time. We have enjoyed your sharing whether in GA or Ohio. The home is a charmer for sure with built-ins and great details. All the best for a smooth and easy move.
Thanks so much, Frank! Appreciate those good thoughts since this will be a big transition for sure.
The glass doors on the shelves is the best idea yet – Years ago, I had glass doors made for a bookcase and never regretted it. Now that I have downsized, my current home has kitchen cabinets that go to the ceiling. They really don’t add to the storage space as the top cabinets are unreachable. Since the cabinets do go to the ceiling, I have no space to display some decorative objects I used to put on the top of the cabinets. I think you are definitely making the right decision to live in the new house before doing a lot of remodeling – it sounds silly but the house will “tell” you what it wants!
I’m always amazed how doors can elevate the whole look of shelving, even inexpensive Billy Ikea bookshelves look completely different and much more high-end with doors added. Their Oxbo cabinet is a great example.
I love having that top shelf because that’s where I store the things I rarely use but need for parties or during odd times of the year. I always have a step ladder tucked away behind a door or someplace nearby for reaching the top shelf when needed. I don’t like that space open since it’s just a big ole dust catcher. I agree! You really need to live with/in a house for a bit before you just intuitively know what it needs.
So exciting. I too will miss your lovely current home but as a grandmother, I know how happy you will be closer to your family. You can attend every concert, ball game – whatever is on the agenda. The new house is darling and I can’t wait to see what you do with it. Onto new adventures. From Bev aka Nana to the Grand5.
Thanks, Bev. I know, I’ll miss it, too. Yes! So looking forward to that!
XXX
So happy for you! It’s a lovely home with great character. Can’t wait to see the rest and how you decorate it. I know it will be wonderful!
I’m sure it will take some getting used to the Ohio winters/temps coming from Georgia but you’ll have your adorable grandsons to warm your heart!
Susan, this is so exciting! I’m already enchanted as well, and I know you’ll add your personal touches that will make it your own. Our home is a 1930s cottage as well, and our upstairs ceilings are so interesting with different angles. I’m eager to see your upstair spaces, the basement, and the garden. Congratulations! Thanks for taking us along.
Congratulations! I am so excited for you! Can’t wait to see how you make it your own!
This house is absolutely wonderful! You are going to love this place. Congratulations!
Just lovely! Can’t wait to see how you make it your own!
What a charming home with so much character you don’t often see anymore. I can’t wait to see how you’ll add even more charm. Congratulations!
This is such an amazing home. So much charm and coziness. There is too much to comment on and I am so thrilled for you, that I’ll just sum it up…OMG! OMG! OMG!
The Lord always wants the best for us and I believe most of all he wanted you to be close to your son. Also the move is the perfect timeing as times are changing.
The move doesn’t surprise me and to be honest I believe the house came at the perfect time. Enjoy the move, the family, and be prepared to a long cold winter
Atlanta will miss you but we are so happy for you.
Lovely, spotless new home with tons of character and so close to loved ones. The kitchen looks perfect and why dont you buy a round table with leaves to make it oval if you have more company. Love round tables and if you plan on playing games with family is so much better than rectangle. I really would hate to be the one packing up all the dishware ! ☺ can’t wait to see the rest!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful new home. I can’t wait to see the outside and gardens. I know what you mean with knowing when you walk into a home and know you are home. Like you I’m not a fan of open concept living. I like the coziness of individual rooms. I guess I’m old school and that’s fine with me. How wonderful to be close to your Son, DIL, and sweet grandsons. I’m sure it will also ease your son’s mind when you are traveling by yourself from Georgia to Ohio. By the way I love the round French country table. It’s possible they have one that you can add a leaf to make bigger. It would also be easier for everyone to converse when having a larger group at the table.
Beautiful home. It seems to be perfect for your aesthetic. Most people start to down size when they are empty nesters. You are brave!! Know you will make it even more your style and the best part is being with your son and his family.
Best wishes. Can’t wait to follow along on your journey.
Stunning! The only word I can think of!
Best wishes on your move! We’ll be waiting for more photos!
I’ve got window seat envy over here! Not to mention nooks and crannies and storage to spare! It’s lovely Susan, and it certainly has your name written all over it.
What exciting news. I know you will love the house and being close to your family. What a luxury to be able to not have to move and make settlement all in one day. Packing is a nightmare, but I know you will tackle it in your organized way. I will look forward to your future posts and to watch what you do to the house to make it your own. Congratulations!
Oh Wow! What an amazing new adventure Susan!!! I am so loving your cottage and all your wonderful ideas you have for it. It is indeed a charming and quaint home, so welcome home! It is just beautiful and I’m excited for you, but excited for use too, because we get to go on this journey with you through your posts. So exciting! I have no doubts you will be very happy in your cottage close by your son, DILove, and grandsons! Congratulations Susan!!! Huge hugs, Brenda
Such a beautiful home, Susan! I’m so happy for you to be near your family. I prefer older homes like yours for their character, excellent construction, and charm. I can’t wait for the adventure you will take all of your readers on as you put your touches on your lovely new home. Congratulations!
What a wonderful adventure you are on! I can hear the excitement in your “voice” !! Enjoy every minute! I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Rosie @ the Magic Hutch
What a lovely house! I completely agree that it has a English look to it. I derived so much inspiration from that England trip we took and all the beautiful properties we saw. I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to see how you decorate it.
Susan, I have three different tables where the leaves are stored underneath, hidden from view. They are very easy to open up to accommodate more people at your table. One is made by Ethan and Allen, another Potterybarn and the last one Arhaus. I have a very large extended family and I’m constantly using these hidden leaves. I love that. I don’t have to store the tables in a closet.
Oh, I wish the table I’ve been eyeing had those! That’s a brilliant way to do it, store them underneath. I will check out the tables at the sites you mentioned, maybe I’ll find one that I like as much at the French Market Collection tables.
It is charming. I just love older homes and all their features. We built our home in SC about the same time you built your home in GA. You and I have many of the same features in our homes. We too are getting ready to sell our house after 34 years and build a smaller home in a nearby town. Your move will be easier since you are moving into a home that is already built, but I just dread packing up 34 years of things I have kept. I love your new home and can’t wait until you show us all your personal touches and decorating. Exciting times. Best of luck with your move. Look forward to seeing everything coming up on your blog. Thank you for sharing.❤️
It is charming. I just love older homes and all their features. We built our home in SC about the same time you built your home in GA. You and I have many of the same features in our homes. We too are getting ready to sell our house after 34 years and build a smaller home in a nearby town. Your move will be easier since you are moving into a home that is already built, but I just dread packing up 34 years of things I have kept. I love your new home and can’t wait until you show us all your personal touches and decorating. Exciting times. Best of luck with your move. Look forward to seeing everything coming up on your blog. Thank you for sharing.❤️
Somehow the internet disconnected us, and you know–out of sight, out of mind. One of your pics popped up on Pinterest today and I was reminded of your beautiful blog. And I find out you moved??? Oh, I have a lot of catching up to do! Can’t wait!!
I haven’t actually moved, just purchased a second home near my son, DIL and grandsons. I may eventually move here, but I’m taking my time and would like go through an Ohio winter before deciding if I want to sell the GA house. You do have a lot of catching up to do! I’ve been having a lot of fun with the Dollhouse.
Here are two posts that will give you a tour of the new house:
https://betweennapsontheporch.net/not-going-to-make-you-wait-lets-go-inside-the-home-i-just-bought/
AND
https://betweennapsontheporch.net/lets-tour-the-gardens-basement-bedrooms-baths-in-the-home-i-just-purchased/
Rhonda, you may want to subscribe to post updates. They are totally free and that way you’ll get an email that a new post is available whenever I post. You can subscribe here:
https://forms.aweber.com/form/39/2054351739.html
And I never, ever share your email with anyone, so no spam.
Thank you, Susan. I have now subscribed to get your emails. Once upon a time, I got them. Idk what happened. And then facebook… well, you know all about facebook.
But here we are again! Yay!
I think you have the best of both worlds now, and I’m so excited for you. Thanks for the links of the new house tour–I’m so excited to read all about the fun you’ve been having!
Thanks so much, Rhonda! Lots of work ahead but I’m looking forward to it!