New Home

After a year and a half of searching, lots of compromises on what we wanted versus what we could afford, we have entered into a binding contract for home not far so very far from where we live now, but about twice the size.  Although the outside architecture layout is not what I wanted (its "snout front"), the front walk, inside layout and back gardens are very beautiful and congenial to our lifestyle.  The sellers are an older couple who are obviously devoutly Catholic (I believe Italian, but maybe French) and have kept it meticulously, and with great style although theirs is the style of an older generation.  They are now downsizing.

We didn't end up with  4 bedroom home we set out for.  However, the size of the girls room and the presence of a large storage room as part of it provided a satisfactory answer to the central problem that really has been the driving need for change.  The storage room will likely becomes JA's private artist nook where she can also go to be alone when her foul moods strike. With the large bonus room there is plenty of place space and opportunity for AM to set up a corner as a sewing nook and also for me in a corner as an office, etc...  The master room is spacious as well.

The yard is the big question in terms of how we will adjust.  The actual yard is rather small, but there is no fence between it and the large continuous common area of the HOA that runs behind all the homes.  So we won't be limited in terms of play area really, just in terms of area that we can directly own and that doesn't have restriction on its use.  So not sure what we will be able to do in terms of a garden.  Being part of a home owner's association can definitely have its downsides, although there is a tiny pool and tennis court that come with being members.

Overall, this seems like the right move for us at this time.  We have loved our present home so much, but we look forward to the increased space and we hope the new neighborhood will also bring the opportunity for new friends for the girls,

Front walk

 Dining nook

Kitchen

Open kitchen/study/living room architecture

 Living room

 Back Porch

 Extension of porch into back yard.

(Our realtor calls the statue the Greek Goddess, I think its just a standard Italian maiden)

Master Bedroom

Master bathroom

(Don't think the statues are staying.)

Standard looking Bonus Room