There's no place like home...

I figured I'd go with as cliche an opener as possible ;-)

Anyway, I've recently purchased a vintage house--the sale closed last week in fact! I now have a darling 1952 ranch bungalow to call home, and I am quite excited.

My sister, who happens to be a real estate agent, had been after me for awhile to look into buying a home, but I hadn't really pursued the idea as I wasn't sure I could find what I wanted at the right price. But I decided to humor her last month, and she took me around to about five homes. The first three were definitely not "it"--most were located in less-than-desirable neighborhoods, and not quite what I wanted anyway. The fourth was in a decent area, and had the potenital to be a real cutie, but it was in need of a lot of work (actually, this is an understatement. It needed a total redo, though I was willing to consider it because it had potential, and the previous owners/tenants hadn't removed all of the vintage charm, although they did do a wonderful job of trashing the place. But I digress.) The fifth house was the magic place--the neighborhood was quiet and filled with well-cared for home, and it had plenty of curb appeal. Still, when we pulled into the driveway I was certain I would not like it! When we walked in, the living room looking promising, as it was appropriately staged with retro furniture and decor. Each room got better and better--the seller had carefully redone the place, keeping the vintage charm that I had been longing for. The bathrooms had their original tile (jadeite green and peach, oh my!) and cabinets. One bedroom had a fabulous wall of built-in shelves (a library, oh goody!). And the kitchen, nicely redone with a black granite countertop and glass mosaic tile backsplash, contained a most exquiste appliance--a 1954 6-burner Roper stove and double oven, complete with original manual. I was sold on the place, believe me!

And so began a whirlwind month--the house had just been put on the market the day we saw it, and we put in an offer that very same day. A few minor blips and the house is now ours! I'm quite excited to begin the decorating process, and I am rather looking forward to showing off the before and after photos!