bastard child (of aw crap)
We're back from our foray into the Pacific Northwest. The first day was confusing, except for the excellent breakfast at Salal Cafe, a charming establishment on Water Street - and recommended by the critics at druid labs. We saw "that house" and it is indeed lovely, but for some reason it felt small to us. That is probably because we couldn't get far enough away from one another during the course of a normal day. We saw several other homes, one of which was totally wonderfully funky and would have needed some serious help - but it was the right price for that.
After a full day of tramping through other people's homes, we trotted over to Siren's in Port Townsend for a few drinks and some adult conversation, something in which we have little experience. We were both confused, not to mention dog-tired from the time change and extremely long day of travel. We finally realized we were trying to talk ourselves into liking these homes, the lots, the areas - which were fine indeed, but not exactly what we were looking for. I felt as though I hadn't the vaguest idea what I was doing. And I was asleep by 8 p.m.
That last sentence alone should astound most people who know me.
The following morning, over breakfast (at the Fountain Cafe, which only serves breakfast on weekends but is highly recommended by the critics at druid labs), hobbitt brought up an idea that I'd been entertaining, too. Why not, he posited, downsize now? We had been hoping to reinvent ourselves, not be such house hounds, couch potatoes, and stultifyingly boring people. Why did we feel we needed 5 acres (no mule) to tend, a large house to maintain, isolation, and a lateral move regarding our mortgage?
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I believe I tore the pocket out of my jeans when ripping the phone out of my pocket to call the realty agent. We were going to start over, with an exciting, fascinating, uplifting idea. We met with the agent on Saturday afternoon to go over an itinerary both in town and in a private community just outside of town for Sunday.
Sadly, we had to cancel plans to meet some new friends who were to rendezvous with us on Bainbridge Island for brunch on Sunday morning. I couldn't hesitate about that, since it was likely that I'd be coming back alone and needed to see as many properties as possible while hobbitt was along with me. But it still saddened me quite a bit. The weekend was getting to be hard work and some downtime would have been wonderful. Alas.
Long story short: I believe we've found what we're looking for in this waterfront, private community. The house is stunning, and about 40% smaller than druid labs east. It's brand new. The lot is three-tenths of an acre. It'll be a long time before any full-naked hot tubbing will happen, that's for sure. But we can come close to retiring our mortgage. Really close. Which means there will be more money for landscaping and hot tubs and traveling and who-knows-what.
The life I see for myself involves reacquainting myself with my pup, Inti, on long walks on the trails through the heavily wooded community, down to Port Townsend Bay so she can swim, and then back up the hill so I can shed some of the baggage I'm carrying on my body. Kayaking lessons. Jefferson County master gardening classes. Exploring Olympic National Park and Forest. Forays into Seattle. Ferry rides. Whale watching.
Were we looking for a home in a gated community? Nope. Small lot? Nope. New home? Not at all. If any of you have the magic shoe-horn for us to squeeze a 5-bedroom, 14-room home into a 2-bedroom (with 1 office and 1 loft space) 6 room home, send it along right away. I'm going to need it.
Oh, and guess what? If this works out, I'll finally have my soaking tub and gas cooking.
Take a look.
9 Comments:
Sounds like a plan! Congratulations.
For some reason the link didn't work for me. It told me I didn't have cookies enabled, when in fact I do.
It's perfect.....and downsizing is tough, but you can do it. For this opportunity, you can do it.
bigger isn't always better. this place has a lot to offer you both. simplify life! it will feel good. so excited for you both!
Link works now. Thanks.
I really like the house. That is very cool.
Pretty neighborhood, too.
So much for the tree trunk staircase. Go with the new house I love it. I will cook for you on the gas and soak for me in the tub. AC
I've always had a phobia about gated communities. Could you post some thoughts about how you approach the idea in general and this house in particular? I picture you as a free spirit and wonder how the gate factors in. I also loved Port Townsend when I visited there in 1989 and my wife and I have quietly held it in reserve as a potential escape hatch someday. Congratulations in advance for taking the plunge(moving, downsizing, finding such a beautiful area).
Wally,
I too have had a phobia about them. My past experience always involved age-restricted communities or McMansion wastelands - with or without the golf course. This place is neither. The gate, in fact, is open except at night, from what I read. Which begs the question, I know.
Our goal at the moment is to stop tending to a large home, a large piece of land, and the large obligations that come with them. What we want now is to owe little, live simply, and economically, and travel the same way. We'd love to be in town, but that's not possible on the budget we'd chosen. This is an entire lifestyle change - and we're open to the fact that it may not work out.
This place might be snooty, or cold, but it didn't seem so in the two afternoons we spent there. It might be restrictive, but we're willing to see what that's like. So far I can't find any covenants other than those restricting any homeowner's obstruction of another's view, and considering this is on a steep bayside area, that's not even a vague concern.
I appreciate the question. I'm sure some other readers have had the same confusion. While I'm not sure I've figured it out for myself, I at least can recognize that I'm not moving into a country-club enclave. Heck, the're letting us in.
Cathy, what a great house! I love all the custom touches, the open floorplan, the high ceilings, the color scheme, the kitchen layout, the fabulous tilework in the bathroom... oh, just everything about it is beautiful! I hope you have wonderful neighbors... I'm guessing you will. I think a gated community is a good idea these days, for safety. So, congratulations! Let us know what you want to get rid of before you move!
---- Jennnn
oh cool oh cool, this means i'll actually get to meet the famous druid labs denizens. my folks live in seabeck, with a restaurant in bremerton. and we are heading north to attend the 50 year reunion of my boat in august. think you'll be moved in by then? i'll bring the wine.
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