This is the moment we’ve been waiting over a month to share. We made it to the closing table on Friday, April 13. Now that the new house is officially ours, we’re able to spill all the details and pictures. Beware, this post is chock full of pictures but all in the name of giving you a feel for the new abode. Let’s start on the outside.
The driveway wraps up to a tuck under two car garage. The windows are to the master bedroom and boys bedroom.
If you go through the service door in the garage, this is your first view; stairs to the left and an entertaining space straight ahead.
Here’s that entertaining space. We plan to turn this area into two bedrooms to maximize the space.
That room wraps around into an ‘L’ shape, with this at the back.
It’s an ugly space right now, but that’s okay. Here’s another shot so you can understand the layout better. We came through those French doors two pictures up.
Behind the wall with the vent is a hall to the laundry room and a bathroom. Yes, Ben already tore up the pet stained carpet in these spaces. Be happy this isn’t smell-o-vision.
Behind door number one we have a laundry room, minus a washer and dryer, but complete with the best of the 70′s counter top.
Door number two is a bathroom. Yep, totally ugly. And gross.
There’s also a large, unfinished storage room that runs along the garage wall. Ben has plans to tear this out to make room for his boat.
I started with the ugliest spaces to get you wondering why in the world would we have sold our finished house for this? Let’s go for a walk upstairs. The entry is a small split level.
After climbing the stairs, you’re greeted by the living and dining rooms, complete with inlaid hardwood floors and stunning views.
Peek out the windows on the front of the house and you’ll see something like this:
Or this:
See, cool views, huh? But back to the house. Now we’re in the dining room, looking back at the stairs.
See that arch doorway at the top of the stairs? If you were to stand in that door, you can see the living and dining rooms and the kitchen on the back side.
Odd 8 foot tall French doors lead to this mondo deck which fronts the entire pool area.
The kitchen is massive, especially compared to our first kitchen. Ben measured the island. It’s nine feet long. That’s just a foot or so shorter than the stove side at our first house.
All the appliances are original or close to original to the house, so we’ll need to change that soon. Our current dining table will go under that gaudy light to make a nice little breakfast nook.
That wall paper has to go. Stat. Problem is, it wraps into my office area off the kitchen.
On the left are the French doors out to the deck (off the dining room) and the glass door to the right leads to the indoor pool. Yes, I feel like an over-privileged brat just typing that. But, you can see the space needs plenty of work.
The roof is leaking, the pool isn’t functional, and we have industrial grade carpet on the deck. So much light pours in thanks to tons of sky lights, doors, and southern exposure. Hot tub anyone? Well, it doesn’t work and is currently collecting bugs.
Next to the entrance is a half bathroom and the three stairs go up to a wet bar.
For some reason, the cabinets are insanely high, but the sliding door leads out to a patio and the rest of the back yard.
A stone patio complete with non-functional fountain with a few trees.
It’s a steep climb.
We also have a set of stairs to no where. Our theory is the stairs stop where the landscaped area transitions to the natural hillside. Hmm, strange things happened here…
Now we’ll go back inside, through the pool room and into the kitchen and office. Beyond the kitchen and breakfast nook is a family room with stone fireplace.
E had to check things out right away, cruising the hall to see if the previous owner’s dog was still there.
The main bathroom is the first door on the right. Despite this being the most updated bathroom in the house, we have plans to start tearing it apart first. The thing is, this is the only bath tub in the house. With two bath loving kids, we need a place to bathe them. So, we’ll live at our first house until we get at least a functioning tub in the new house.
Across the hall is the guest bedroom, or ‘book room’ as V calls it. Nothing too crazy here, just a wall of bookshelves and a small closet, but views of the back patio for a quaint courtyard feel.
At the end of the hall is the boys bedroom, over the back side of the tuck under garage.
Oddly enough, the layout is nearly identical to their bedroom in our first house.
Finally, we’ve made it to the master bedroom. It’s about twice the size of our current bedroom, so I have no clue what we’ll put in here other than our bed.
Two windows and a door to the closet on this side.
By our standards, this closet is massive. Behind where I’m standing has the same set up. I have roughly 15 hanging items, so maybe we’ll add a stacking washer and dryer to fill the space.
And last, here’s the master bathroom. A long double vanity and blood-red walls.
Our hopes are to reuse the claw foot tub from the main bathroom under this window, shortening the vanity to a single sink.
All of the pictures above are B.C. (before cleaning). We’re working our butts off to get the spaces spic and span to live there. Oh, and that Facebook picture I posted? That was the first load we hauled to the new house. The plan is to slowly move the less necessary stuff over while we work on getting that bathroom ready. You know, while we still have a functioning tub at our disposal at the first house. After that, we’ll move our beds and clothes over and start living.
And, because I’m sure you want to know, here are the stats of the new place:
- 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths. Our first house has 5 bedrooms and three baths.
- 2 car garage with large storage room, same stall count, but we should be able to knock out the storage wall for nearly a third bay.
- 1 1/4 acres with city and mountain view out the front and rock cliffs out the back. Our 1/4 city lot is considerably smaller and less private.
- Awesome inlaid hardwood floors throughout the main level. We’ve got hardwoods throughout the first house, too.
Raise your hand if you’re excited we finally shared pictures. (Quickly raises hand). Now do you see why we decided to sell our first house? Who’s excited to see more projects? What’s your favorite part? I love the views and the giant deck. Ben loves the garage space and the private space out back.
Hallie
/ April 16, 2012This is AMAZING!!! So happy for you guys!!!
Julia @ Chris loves Julia
/ April 16, 2012*picks jaw up from floor.* When I saw that first photo, I couldn’t believe my eyes! It. Is. GORGEOUS! Like, millions of dollars potential gorgeous. I would have sold my house is in a heartbeat if that was available around here. I can NOT wait to see how it transforms over the years. It really is stunning.
Katie T
/ April 16, 2012Major congrats you guys! That place is HUGE! And that kitchen is beautiful. Lots of potential here and I’m sure you guys will do well with making it your own. So exciting!!,
Trisha
/ April 16, 2012I can’t WAIT to see how you guys transform this place! It really is an AWESOME space but definitely needs your special “touch”!
Angella
/ April 16, 2012This is amazing! So much potential!!! I absolutely love the indoor pool. I love when people can see past the ugly/flaws of a house. I can’t wait to follow your renovations.
loribern
/ April 16, 2012Incredible!! I can see how you feel in love with the house and it has TONS of potential!
Maggie
/ April 16, 2012Amazing!!!! Congrats on the closing, can’t wait to watch the transformation and see all of your good ideas!
Nora Rose
/ April 16, 2012Amazing!! I’m sooo excited for you! I can’t wait to see your new adventures!
spiteorflight
/ April 16, 2012We’ve been in our house going on two years, and we have an enormous swimming pool in our backyard. I’m insanely jealous yours is indoors. I’d do anything to use ours year-round and not have to clean leaves out of it constantly! I can’t wait to see all your progress!
Michelle
/ April 16, 2012Looks like you’ll have an endless supply of projects for blogging. I can’t wait to follow along! And I’ll bring the margaritas when you get that pool & hot tub up and running!
ourhumbleabowed
/ April 17, 2012Hi Michelle! Don’t get the margaritas ready too soon, we probably won’t have the pool running for a few years.
Thanks!
Amanda
Stephanie Phillips
/ April 16, 2012Oh, Amanda, I am SO EXCITED! This house has insane potential! And I can see it being your forever home. Hooray!! Thanks for taking us along for the ride!
Jenna
/ April 16, 2012Congrats on the new house! I love it! It is going to be so fun watching you and Ben transform it from start to finish. Love how ambitious you guys are!
Also I’m really excited to see it IN PERSON sometime! Love you!
When do you think you’ll close on the old house?
ellenh
/ April 16, 2012Wow! I can see why you’d want to purchase this house! With your touches you’ll make it incredible! No pre-fab/looks-like-everyone-elses mcmansion here, this place is going to be great!
Amanda
/ April 16, 2012Such beautiful views! I totally don’t blame you for selling your old house. Also, have you ever thought about letting the boys have their own bedrooms?
ourhumbleabowed
/ April 17, 2012Hey Amanda, Thanks! I thought pictures might make it all make sense. Ha. We have thought about it, but we’re actually losing two bedrooms when we move. Down the road we’ll turn that open space in the basement into bedrooms. In the next few months, Ben’s cousin (Handy Sammy) will live with us so we have to keep the boys in a bedroom together. It’s fine though, they don’t seem to mind.
Thanks!
Amanda
Christie
/ April 16, 2012This house has loads of potential and looks absolutely stunning on the exterior. Congratulations! Can’t wait to see all the progress!
Allison
/ April 16, 2012Wow, that’s all I have to say. I’m so jealous of all the potential projects!
myhonestanswer
/ April 16, 2012Oh wow! Just, wow! Yes, I totally get why you sold your first house (even with that amazing just-finished kitchen!)
Jennifer
/ April 16, 2012I just recently started following your blog in the middle of your kitchen project, and I am so excited to see you start from scratch with this awesome new house. It reminds me so much of a house my husband and I looked at (also had an indoor pool and was huge but completely 70s retro and needed TONS of work). I fell in love with that house but it was way too much for us to take on as our first place. I’m excited to live vicariously through you with this house! I am positive you guys will make it look amazing.
krissy
/ April 16, 2012Wowza! Congratulations! I happen to love the way the outside looks and I really thought you were sneaking in jokes in the beginning of the post mentioning your pool room. I would stuff that room full of plants and make a jungle-should the pool remain non-functioning of course.
Jenny
/ April 16, 2012WOW! That is a lot to take in. The house is a monster but it will be so fun to see how you make it your own! I don’t think I could pick a favorite part, the outside sure is beautiful, but with all of that space and your style the inside is sure to be amazing! Thanks for sharing.
Jenny
Chance @ Designed by Chance
/ April 16, 2012Wow that house is amazing. Lots of potential too. I can just see it with your touches. the pool just tops off the amazing-ness!!! I would love to have an indoor pool. Wow.
Jilly
/ April 16, 2012oh WOW!! That is going to be some sort of fun to fix up! I bet you can hardly sleep at night with all the ideas running through your head. Looks like a good time to me! Good for you for seeing the potential. I love it!!
ourhumbleabowed
/ April 16, 2012Thanks everyone for your amazing comments! We’re so excited to get our hands dirty working on new projects! We wanted a project house and project house we got. We have ideas swirling around and finally we can put those plans to good use. Now off to pack more stuff to move over.
Thanks!
Amanda
Jodi
/ April 16, 2012Wow! It is going to be amazing! When the pool area is actually working again it will be like having your own vacation getaway… awesome! Can’t wait to see your handy work. Love what you did to your last place.
Liliana
/ April 16, 2012Amanda, congratulations! The house is amazing! And I do like the face of your new home. That fireplace, I hope you keep the stone, as well as the claw tub. You guys really have your work cut out for you. I can’t wait to follow along this new adventure = )
~ L.
Kimberly
/ April 16, 2012looks amazing!! Cant wait to see what yall will come up with!!!!!
Kristen
/ April 16, 2012Wow, this house is amazing! I’m so happy for you guys. It’s just exploding with potential. Cannot wait to see what you do with it. Between your design skills and Ben’s handiman’s skills it’s going to look incredible!
regenthill
/ April 16, 2012I honestly thought you were April Fooling us with the first picture and then I kept going! Oh my goodness, I’m so excited to see how this transforms! My little guy would be in love with an indoor pool!
ourhumbleabowed
/ April 17, 2012Hey Regenthill! Ha, it does seem that way at first, doesn’t it?!? But that’s really the new house. The outside needs a lot more work than the inside. Well, kind of. The outside is just more obvious.
Thanks!
Amanda
Lizzy
/ April 16, 2012very cool!!! i bet you’re so excited/overwhelmed to get started on all of the projects that will make this house your own! i can’t wait to see the transformation!
how soon do you have to be out of your old house?
ourhumbleabowed
/ April 16, 2012Thanks, all! It will be quite the journey, but we’re ready to get started.
Hi Lizzy! Right now the closing on the first house is set for mid May so just about a month between the two houses.
Thanks!
Amanda
Suzanne
/ April 16, 2012Yea!!! So excited to see your new home. I can’t wait to watch the transformation!
One note: when you start on the pool and get it going here is a great website that I found to help save you money. It helped me save so much when we inherited this (outdoor) pool, when we moved in here.
http://www.troublefreepool.com
Balancing indoor pool water is different than outdoor- your hubby may already know that.
Blessings.
Suzanne
ourhumbleabowed
/ April 17, 2012Hi Suzanne! Thanks for the link! I’ll share it with Ben.
Thanks!
Amanda
Ashley Petroske
/ April 16, 2012Do not throw away that ceiling fan in the pool room! It could look so cool painted. The pool room is going to be, as V would say, “sick!” The light fixtures, beams, lighting in there are killer. Can’t wait to come visit this summer. AND it already looks better now that all the stuff is out and it’s clean.
delightfullycoconuts
/ April 16, 2012Amanda, I cant wait to see what you guys do!! Congrats!
Amelia
/ April 16, 2012I thought your old house was gorgeous, so I didn’t really get it at first . . . but this place is going to be completely breathtaking when you two get through. Congratulations on the closing!
Loren
/ April 16, 2012The inside is kind of amazing (ignoring all of the obvious flaws design flaws). After seeing the way you fixed up your first home I’m actually really excited to see what you do with this house. Also, OMG indoor pool! So cool!
Congrats on the new place.
planetpowers
/ April 16, 2012Congratulations! I can see why you sold your old house now. It’s a lot of work, but I would have jumped at it too! Great views and backing up to a state park = awesomeness! Good luck!
Emily @ A Can Do Attitude
/ April 16, 2012This is so exciting. I love living vicariously through you. The house/views look amazing. There is so much potential there!
iheartorganizingjen
/ April 16, 2012I can’t find the words to tell you how excited I am for you. I saw the first picture and was in instant AWE. My heart is so happy that you found such a lovely place to call home. I can’t wait to see all you have in store, I know it will be amazing {although, it already is!}. And how jealous am I of that indoor pool? You have no idea. Can’t wait to see it in person. Congrats my dear friend, it’s just fabulous!
xoxo!
Jen
Jackie
/ April 16, 2012It’s going to be so fun to see what you do to this new house! thanks for taking us along for the ride! We also are buying a house and I can’t wait. I will need to paint and take down wallpaper. We have a downstairs bath that is kinda gross too. I was scared, but you are giving me courage! Thanks!
Lori
/ April 16, 2012WOW, what a gem… And what a project! It does have so much potential. I can’t wait to see what y’all do with the place. I love the outdoor space. The boys will have plenty of adventures out there!
Sara @ The Fat Hydrangea
/ April 16, 2012Wow! This place has a TON of potential! Cannot wait to see what you do with the place
erica
/ April 16, 2012Omg, what an awesome house! You have so much space and the views are incredible! I’m used to flat Florida.
I cannot wait to see all of your transformations!
Breanna
/ April 16, 2012oh my goodness! i am drooling over here! what an OHMAZING house with OHMAZING potential! very exciting!
Catie
/ April 16, 2012Those views are amazing! I would be sold too! Love the floors as well – and that kitchen is huge! Excited to see how it turns out!
Ashli
/ April 16, 2012Congratulations!!!!! That’s so exciting!!!! It’s beautiful!!!!
p.s. I can’t believe you have an indoor pool . . . that’s crazy!!!
Lots of Love Ashli
Emily @ The Diligent One
/ April 16, 2012Whew, this is gonna be a fun ride! Congrats Amanda and Ben!!
Jena @ Involving Color and Home
/ April 16, 2012Oh wow Amanda! You guys found such an amazing house! I can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Debbie
/ April 16, 2012I’m excited to see what you do with the place. It looks like it needs so much love, but I know you and Ben are just the right people!
csmenke
/ April 16, 2012SUCH AN AMAZING HOUSE! Jealous. Love how geared towards entertaining it is with the huge kitchen & deck (oh, and POOL)!
I will say that my house has a very narrow hallway/galley storage room where the W/D are located. This drives me BONKERS! It sucks being crammed into a hallway and trying to open the doors (which, you can’t open the doors fully & have to stand to the side). So, I’d double check that before putting a stackable in your master closet- don’t want to be too tight a fit. ESPECIALLY make sure the doors open fully!!!
Shirley@motivatedmommyoftwo
/ April 16, 2012WOW!!! your house is beautiful inside and out. I love the indoor pool. Cannot wait to see all of the projects you guys have planned. Congrats
Annie
/ April 16, 2012Congrats, Amanda!!! Do you think you will go MCM with this house, or stick to its more traditional feel? It does have great bones
ourhumbleabowed
/ April 18, 2012Hey Annie! Well, I’m not a fan of how traditional the house currently feels, but you can tell I do love traditional designs. I think we’ll balance this house out more with modern and traditional to keep it interesting.
Who knows though, it’s still so early.
Thanks!
Amanda
C Carroll
/ April 16, 2012So happy for you, it looks great! Look forward to how you make changes.
Christine
/ April 16, 2012This house is amazing! Huge and so much space and potential. It has good bones
. I can’t wait to see how you guys transform it room by room. Congratulations!
kristyrolig
/ April 16, 2012Beautiful! How exciting! When are you taking house guests???? I’m a good Minnesota girl, so we’d probably get along!
ourhumbleabowed
/ April 18, 2012Hey Kristy! Ha, we don’t have room for many house guests right now, unless you’re cool with sleeping on a mattress in the pool room. Haha.
Thanks!
Amanda
Andrea
/ April 16, 2012That is such a fabulous house! CONGRATS!!! =) Even when you thought the first picture wasn’t great looking, I could tell that house had some serious charm.
I can tell this house will not only be a great subject for the ole bloggy blog, but also create a lovely home for you and your family.
Love it! =)
joybrewed
/ April 16, 2012WOW. your home and the backdrop of mountains is so stately! what an amazing potential you got there!
excited to see what you and your husband will do with it! 
Ikl
/ April 16, 2012What state do u live in?
ourhumbleabowed
/ April 17, 2012Hi lkl! We live in Montana.
Thanks!
Amanda
Leslee
/ April 16, 2012Love it! Love the potential!!! Wow! Will be waiting with bated breath for progress pix of your projects! “We’re” too old to take on something like this… I’d have to have it ALL done before I bought it, ha ha… but you guys are young, with lots of time and engery for what lay ahead of you! Will be stunning, just as your previous home!! Good luck, best wishes, and keep the pix coming!
Roeshel S (@DIYShowOff)
/ April 16, 2012WOW! Congratulations! I’m in love. So much potential. And knowing you, it’s going to be fabulous. Looking forward to watching the transformation.
cassie
/ April 16, 2012WOW! so much potential! and an indoor pool? for real?!?!?
maryrachel713
/ April 16, 2012I cannot wait to see what you do with it–you guys are amazing and I love the new place!
Thais Bessa
/ April 17, 2012Wow, it is massive and lovely and I can see thousands of cool projects! Congratulations! You know what would be really cool to have on your website? A floor plan. I tried my best from the pictures and your explanations, but a floorplan would help us to understand the house better!
ourhumbleabowed
/ April 17, 2012Hi Thais! That’s the plan, just have to find a little time to draw everything up.
Thanks!
Amanda
Mallory O'Brien
/ April 17, 2012Yay! Yay! Yay! So happy closing went through and this was a match made in heaven. Seriously, you guys must just be off running with excitement. Love you all so much and keep the blog rolling… in all your free time! lol
Rachel@hammeringourwayhome
/ April 17, 2012INDOOR POOL INDOOR POOL (!!) That will be ah-may-zing when it’s up and running. I’m vicariously freaking out over it.
Nicole
/ April 17, 2012Congrats!! Your home is beautiful and I cannot wait to see what you do with it to make it “yours.” I’m particularly excited because my husband and I also closed on our first home the very same day! Friday the 13th was not so scary after all.
Katrina
/ April 17, 2012Congrats!! I love all the pretty hardwood floors! So much work to be done, and I know you and Ben will have fun DIYing it!!
House Candy
/ April 17, 2012Your house is insane! Congrats on a great find! My favorite part is the pool room (even though it’s not currently functioning) I would love having a pool you could use all year round (or at all for that matter). There’s some great bones in that house, can’t wait to see what you do with it.
ourhumbleabowed
/ April 17, 2012Thanks everyone for all your support and encouragement! We’re so happy to have closed on the house and we’re getting our stuff packed up and slowly moving it to the new house.
Thanks!
Amanda
kcholtrain
/ April 17, 2012Congrats!!! So happy for you guys! And can’t wait to see how you transform it room by room
Eleanor
/ April 17, 2012Wow, Amanda — if anyone can help a house like that reach its true potential, it’s you and your hubby! Years ago, one of my best friends also got a house with an indoor pool and hot tub for a steal. I think those can be a stumbling block for a lot of potential buyers. But I tell you, she hosts the most fun parties!!
I’m psyched to see how you make the house your own! Congratulations!
[On a side note, tonight I just finished painting my newly (semi-) remodeled kitchen with your Silver Sage mistint. I love this color. Thanks so much for sharing the specific formula for the color!]
ourhumbleabowed
/ April 18, 2012hi Eleanor, Thanks for the encouragement! You’re totally right, a pool can either be a big selling feature or a downfall depending on the buyer. Ben is a certified pool operator, so it’s kind of perfect for us.
And, I’m so glad to hear you love the color! It’s a fav of mine that’s for sure.
Thanks!
Amanda
Julianne
/ April 18, 2012Awesome views! I can’t wait to see what you guys do…there’s so much potential to an already spectacular home & location!! Congratulations!! :O)
Ashley @ Design Build Love
/ April 18, 2012HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!!! This place is amazing and is a total DIYer’s dream!!! Not to mention that you have a huge shop, and an indoor pool and jacuzzi… say what?!?!?! Congrats on the new house and I can’t wait to see it develop!
Jilly
/ April 18, 2012So gorge, even now! Lemme tell you, when your kids are teenagers your house is going to be THE place to be!
Gaby
/ April 18, 2012Love your new place. So much potential. I know you are more traditional but I vote that you should go for a more modern feel. The place has the perfect bones for it!!!
Bonita
/ April 19, 2012Love, love, love it!!! It will be so much fun fixing that place up. . . I will be along for the journey! =) Have fun!
Becca
/ April 19, 2012This looks like the beginning of an incredible DIY journey! Very exciting you guys! I can’t wait to see what you guys do!
xo Becca
Kelly
/ April 20, 2012That master is just SCREAMING for a little balcony so you guys can enjoy the views from your own space! It would do wonders for the curb appeal, too! Congratulations on your beautiful new homes!
Whitney Dupuis Photography
/ April 24, 2012Wow!!! I mean, HOLY COW!!! What I would give to be able to find a house like that!!! AND WITH AN INDOOR POOL! That would be a dream come true in this stinkin’ hot Florida weather! I can’t wait to see what you guys do with this – so much potential!
Morgan@A Bright Idea (@morgalicious483)
/ April 27, 2012This house has amazing potential – it will be a lot of work, but totally satisfying (while great content for your blog as well) to make it your own and see the beauty that it can truly become. Congrats on the new house. I would die to live in a place like this! http://www.justhadabrightidea.blogspot.com
Liv
/ April 27, 2012A couple years ago I bought house with a leaky indoor pool. After a couple of failed fixing attempts by pool companies – I ended up covering it up…