Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Farmhouse Charm

Home Sweet Home
Thank you so much for all the sweet comments in my previous post about our new farmhouse. It made me smile that so many of you "get" the addiction to vintage homes and that I'm not alone.

Cass's comment hit the nail on the head when she shared,
"Old houses -- you either "get" them or you don't.
And if you do, you just aren't happy anywhere else.
There's nothing wrong with a new house . . . except, it isn't OLD.
- I never feel alone in my old house; it hugs me."

Those words were music to my addicted, support group seeking ears.
:-))

Now, let me share our newest darling with you.  
I took all of these photos prior to the closing and the lighting was less than ideal, but the photos do have one thing going for them.....
my sweet farmhouse.

I've had a crush on this house for over a year!
This sweetheart was built in 1894 and is already on the Texas Historic Registry and the National Historic Registry.  We've gone through the process to obtain those recognitions on other properties in the past.....it's tedious and lengthy so that accomplishment is truly a gift of time and effort.
It's not quite the oldest we've ever owned, (that would be 1880)
but it's definitely a vintage charmer!
And get this… although it has NOT been used as a personal residence by anyone for many decades, the property has remained in the same family since the day it was built.  

How cool is that?.....

How rare is that?....
It makes my heart skip a beat,
and brings a smile to my face.
See, I told you I have a crush.
I love the quaint simplicity of every detail.

My favorite thing about this house is its' understated beauty. 
There is nothing ostentatious or extravagant about it. 

To me, the simplicity of the house is the very thing that makes it so charming.  

Wouldn't you agree?...


It is content to just be.
Talk about simplicity, isn't this old walk that leads to the back porch sweet? I just adore the old bricks.

I think it needs a flower garden.....a beautiful sweet smelling flower garden.  Perhaps some cottage rose bushes along the back of the house....
It needs something there, don't you think?
That brick paved walk leads to a romantic wrap-around porch.  We would like to add a simple vintage inspired gazebo for outdoor gatherings at some point, probably next year.


This house is just a gem....
it has porches on all 4 sides.
Be still my heart.

Have I mentioned that I have a crush?
And, on the side of the house, look at this lovely small courtyard paved with more old bricks. Isn't it charming?

I can't wait to get my fingers into the dirt in this yard!  Okay, so let me rephrase that, given the current 100+ Texas temps I can wait, but I am longing to work in the yard so look out next Spring!

We want to dote over this sweet place and give it lots of attention.


The yard is really large and just perfect for my rescued furry babies.

 Zeek really loves our new home but suggested that the cats wouldn't like it. He later told me he was just kidding.
:-))


We're planning to plant a small vegetable and herb garden next Spring....so many plans....so many projects.....so much potential...
I'm in heaven!
This sweet farmhouse just oozes vintage charm.....I am so smitten with it.  It's perfect for us....simply perfect.

I had only two wishes when we began looking for a home. 
One, that I preferred a vintage home that was at least a hundred years old.
And two, that it be located within 15 minutes of the Shoppe.
My wish came true.

Which leads me to one of the best things.....
this baby is only 10 minutes from the Shoppe!

My heart is singing.
I see some wonderful events in the future for our sweet Farmhouse.
:-))

Are you smiling with me?
Please say you are smiling with me!!





53 comments:

Pearl said...

This is the ultimate beauty! I have always wanted to live in an old house, and this has quite a story behind it. I can't believe no one has lived there for years, because it is so lovingly cared for. Isn't it wonderful when life just walks right into our hands? Have fun I can't wait to see all that you do with this gem.

Nita Stacy said...

So lovely! I love the elegant simplicity. Love all the porches and the pitch of the roof. In my book there is nothing better than a white house. We don't see enough of them these days. And so many of them are getting painted terrible colors. It's so sweet. When do you move?

Mariaelena said...

I am totally smiling with you!!!......I too get it, but unfortunately don't have an old house....it is absolutely a dream come true....congratulations on a fabulous home sweet home....can't wait to see the inside!!!!!....xo, Mariaelena

Mariaelena said...

I am totally smiling with you!!!......I too get it, but unfortunately don't have an old house....it is absolutely a dream come true....congratulations on a fabulous home sweet home....can't wait to see the inside!!!!!....xo, Mariaelena

Ellie said...

Your "new" house exudes charm. What a gem. Just think about the fun you will have making it your own. Can't wait to see pictures. How can you sleep? Congratulations.

Darla said...

Charming sums it up! The brick pavers are adorable! There is so much potential for a veggie and flower garden..congrats again.

Lori said...

Lucky you! Love the double stairs at the back too. New signature cutie too.

Lee said...

Add my smiles-your new home is wonderful!
Looking forward to a tour of the inside.
Thanks for sharing your excitement!

SImple and Serene Living said...

oh my!!! to say that this is my dream house would be an understatement. I can't wait to see what you do with it. a cottage garden on the outside sounds heavenly. I just found your blog and can't wait to read more.

Amy Chalmers said...

Laurie Anna, I am in LOVE with your new old house!! I am going to be waiting on each post too. This house is a gem. I am dying over the porches, and the turret on the front roof~what room is in there? Is it a bathroom? This house is perfect in so many ways, and it is going to be awesome going along with you on this journey. So happy for you!
I just got a pile of old bricks from a job my hubs did and it is sitting in my backyard waiting for me to use them. The courtyard you have is great, and the little walk was indeed a charmer!

Stephanie said...

Oh LA she's perfect! LOVE the porches! Hard to believe it could be any more perfect but I know you'll add your wonderful signature touches and make it even more special!

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Ohhhh Laurie I just absolutely adore your new home!! It is so perfect and next to the shop ~ that is so cool!!
I am excited to watch your journey!

xoxo
Lori

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Laurie Anna, I am smiling. This place is just gorgeous and I was wondering if maybe eventually you'll have an open house. What a great blessing to come upon a place such as this.

trash talk said...

L.A.,
I'm smiling out loud with you!
Deb

Anonymous said...

This is a lovely home! I know you are happy to have this little gem! I am trying to imagine what you will do with it! I agree, it needs flowers_ charming!

Amy R. said...

love it!

Sherry Hicks said...

Oh I am so happy for you! I would love a house like this it is beautiful and I cannot wait to see how you decorate it!
Sherry

Debby said...

I do love this house. I can't wait to see what you do with the inside. It is just perfect on the outside already. So happy for your family.

Anonymous said...

oh my goodness. be still my heart is right! i'm in LOVE with your farmhouse. what a beauty :) arron, my mother-in-law, told me she got to talk to you this past weekend at canton. i so wish i could have been there. i missed coming to your store. there will be many more opportunities though! i hope to see you next month. so excited for you and your lovely new home! it's beautiful and i cannot wait to see what you add to it :)

Faded Charm said...

I can't stop smiling:-) It's the perfect vintage home and I, too love it's simplicity. Can't wait to see what you do to the place...I'm sure it will be amazing!

xoxo
Kathleen

mzzterry said...

Oh, sweet lady, I am SO smiling with you! What a gem you have found. I was so upset with myself that when I saw you Saturday at the shop I didn't congratulate you on your purchase of a new home, but you were complimenting my baby grandson on his cute pink feet and rosy cheeks and I got caught up in my Gram pride and forgot my manners!

So may I belatedly offer my very heartfelt congrats on the purchase of one of the most perfect houses (and grounds) I have seen in quite some time. I eagerly await all the photos you will share. I will be living vicariously thru you, it is a dream of mine that will likely never come to fruition!

ENJOY, you have worked hard for this!

Amy Kinser said...

I totally agree that it is just charmingly perfect. It certainly seems that it was a gift meant just for you. God bless you and your new home.

Unknown said...

OH WOW!!! I'm so smiling right now!! I think every detail is gorgeous. It was meant to be. You two are going to make it into a little heaven, I just know. I am so very happy you got exactly what you were wishing for. Blessings are overflowing for you, my friend. When are you moving in??

CoopDeVilla said...

It was meant to be. You are so lucky to have found such a sweet gem. It really is beyond perfect. I am just dying to get inside and take a look around. When oh when will you give us a peek? Enjoy!
Patty

Taylor in Tyler said...

Big smiles here Laurie Anna. No exageration, this has to be one of the most charming old houses I've ever seen. You lucky girl! I'm so happy we get to follow along!

My Grama's Soul said...

I'm smiling "from ear to ear."!!!!

xo

Jo

Unknown said...

Oh my....this is the stuff you dream about! It is so you! I cannot wait to see more and to watch your home become what you want. I am so happy for you. It is incredible and lucky to have someone who will love it and keep it. Congrats!
Denis

Sharon Morrison said...

well of course I am smiling with you!! There, a clean slate to start making just as you want out of the yard. It will be beautiful and ready for it picture in a future magazine.
The best of luck. I love your new home.

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

Hey Laurie, your pictures are beautiful... and I can't wait to take the tour of your beautiful Farm House!!!
hugs~~~ Daphne

Bring Pretty Back said...

I can feel the love! Old houses... I get it!
I am so happy for you,
Have a PRETTY day!
Kristin

Angela @ Cottage Magpie said...

Oh, it's just BEAUTIFUL. I am so excited for you (trying not to be jealous!) and I can't wait to see all the lovely things you do! Congratulations!

~Angela~

Exchange web hosting said...

Beautiful!

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Gorgeous and oh so charming! I can't wait to see you make this even more special than it is!~Hugs, Patti

Unknown said...

I love it, love it, love it! Oh my goodness, it is crying out for rose gardens! All those beautiful brick pathways. Can't wait to see everything you do to make it even more special, just like you.
Hugs,
Mary

Christina'Marie said...

oh my its so quaint and oozes with charm! kind of reminds me of the cuthberts home of anne of green gables :)

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

So excited for you!!!!!
It is just beautiful and I agree with Christina Marie...it did remind me of Matthew and Marilla's home!!

Anonymous said...

Complex Post. This post helped me in my college assignment. Thnaks Alot

Connie in Hartwood said...

Congratulations!!! I love the feel of your place. Old houses have soul, and there's nothing like them. Sometimes I imagine what other people where like, as they walked on the floors or opened the doors or looked out the windows in our old place.

I'm going to go look around here some more. I have no doubt that I will love what I find.
Connie

Heaven's Walk said...

Oh, Laurie - I am just doing the happy dance for you! You just purchased THE HOUSE of my dreams! If I could ever build a house (something I've wanted to do for a long long time), THIS would be the style I would build. The grounds are absolutely incredible - right down to the old bricks and vintage fountain! I can hardly wait to see the inside!!!! HAPPY happy happy for you!!!! :)

xoxo laurie

Petal Place said...

It is sheer farmhouse perfection and the only thing wrong with it is that it doesn't belong to me! Can't wait to see what you do with it! I am so very happy for you!

Scarlet said...

What a beautiful home, and I agree with some of the others, it does remind me of the house from Anne of Green Gables!! Congratulations to you and your hubby, you've worked very hard for it!

Ironstone and Pine said...

Wow, it's adorable (is it ok to say that about a cottage? I think so!) So happy for you, you're living in my dream cottage, just oozing with charm. I can see you doing so much to make it even better as far as the yard goes, and I hope you will share every step with us inside and out. Congratulations!!

Pleasant Hills Farm said...

Oh my such a beautiful place! I hope you will show us the inside too! Lots of before photos please!

Taylor M said...

Wow this is gorgeous! I want that house, you lucky girl! I will follow every little project you do and can't wait to see what you do to it!

AndeM1 said...

I am so excited for you...what a charming, lovely home and I can't wait to see how you love it and nurture it and make it your own while hanging on to the past.....I can't wait to see that back garden next year.....ok...when you movin in? Congrats!

Shabby soul said...

I am really wordless!!
This home is full of charm, and I can't wait to see how you will be able to do with that!
Have a wonderful WE
Silvia

pp journey said...

Oh,she's a beauty! You are going to have so much fun and I'm excited to go on the journey with you.

Glynna's Playhouse said...

How beautiful, a big congrats to you and your hubby! Can't wait to see more of the inside!

Greenhaven Farm said...

Oh my, just look at all that wonderful character, I love that brick walk too!

Kathy said...

You are so right, it does make you weak in the knees. I am feeling light headed over the simple beauty, the life this house has and I can only imagine that you have to pinch yourself to make sure you are awake.
Congrats!
Kathy

Anonymous said...

Night Blooming Jasmine said...

I absolutely love your new farmhouse! Can't wait to see how you make it your "own style"!

Mary said...

Oh, how beautiful!!! I have always wanted to live in a truly old house... But I live in the house that my parents built in 1959. It has many wonderful memories for me, and it is 50 years old, after all... :)

Your new house is wonderful. Best of luck!!!

Bella's Rose Cottage said...

Hi LaurieAnna,
Love the new girl!! I to am crazy for an old house, and could/would never go back to a new house... I get it! Porches on all sides, divine!! The brick work is so charming!
Congrats!
Bella