When people come to tour our finished projects at the Open House, they always ask what it looked like before we got started. Let's face it, we all love to compare the Before and After! So I thought we'd do something unique this time. I'm going to hold a
Before Open House. This is the chance to come see what the place looks like, before I start ripping out walls and building new spaces. The last time this house was sold was in 1998, and since I bought it in a private sale, no one has seen it on the market in a long time.
Now, I need to add a disclaimer. This is the nicest house I've ever bought. There are no scary staircases. No ankle deep puddles of water in the basement. No precarious decks hanging off the back. So it's safe to tour! Ah, but you ask, since its in such great shape, why did I buy it? Because it has a completely unfinished second floor (that will be lots of fun!) and has a lot of great features from when it was built in 1927.
Yes, it has some fantastic original features that we want to retain - a great fireplace, a cozy sunporch and an old fashioned, enamel kitchen sink that is drool-worthy. And even though I've been noodling over the design for the last year or so, there are still lots of things that need to be decided. Should we add 2 bedrooms or 3 to the second floor? Should we expose the bricks (they weren't as pretty as I had hoped)? Is the kitchen big enough for an island?? And last, but not least, what should we call the Bungalow???? If you're able to stop by, I'd love to get your perspective!
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| I found these old blue prints in the attic!!! |
So come join us Sunday, January 24th, from 1-3 pm at 180 Preble Street, South Portland. Feel free to wander around, check out the 'inspiration wall', and try to decide what you would do if this was your project!
If you do join us, I do ask one favor. The South Portland Food Cupboard needs some donations, now that the holiday season is over. Their Director, Sybil asked if you could bring non perishable items to donate. It will help make these dark winters days a bit brighter for some folks in need!
Thanks and hope to see you soon! Oh, and if you can't join us, not to worry - I'll be posting some before photos after the Open House.
Laurel
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LOVE your idea of a 'before' open house! Hope it's as fun as it sounds – and that you get lost of donations.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely expose the brick; if it's not pretty brick then paint it! I LOVE painted brick. I also vote for two larger bedrooms on the second floor vs. three smaller rooms. The rock work on the outside of the house is beautiful, can't wait to see where you take this gem.
ReplyDeleteKatie Morene
It's hard to tell with all the snow, but the rock walls and gardens are really amazing! I hope to have it finished by spring, so everyone can see how lovely the yard is!
DeleteWait, are you doing this project from Amsterdam? I'd be curious about the logistics!
ReplyDeleteHa ha - no! We moved back to SoPo just before the holidays!
DeleteI sure hope you keep the gorgeous stone walls!!!
ReplyDeleteI think I looked at this house in 1998! It looked familiar, then I looked at where it was on Preble St, and I think it's the one I looked at (1998 would be the correct year also). The market was hot at the time, and houses were going above asking right when they hit the market. I looked at about 50 houses in SoPo and Scarborough before finally buying one in Scarborough (the day it went on the market, above asking). I don't live in the area anymore, or I would definitely come by and see it! Brenda
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for two rooms--one one each end, and a bath if you can squeeze it in on one side of the staircase, and storage and hallway on the other side. I would consider tearing down the brick chimney if it isn't in use, and if it is, I would just box it in drywall to ensure no fumes escape, even with a new liner, it is always a possibility.
ReplyDelete