Once we first discovered the property/homestead we fell in LOVE with this 1850s carriage home however because the renovation of our home and yard went on and on (with all of the monetary stress that goes together with it) we went from our “We’ll have initiatives eternally!” enthusiasm to “Omg…we’re going to have have initiatives…eternally” dread. I can solely say that now that we’re on the opposite facet of it, and so very excited to begin this 1850s carriage home – in a gradual DIY means (as a lot as doable). Final week, I took you thru the within, so right now I’m going to indicate you the surface of the home, as we first discovered it in 2019, and what it appears like now (in 2025, pre-renovation).
2019 – When We Fell In Love With The Property
I like that we have been all naive and like, “THIS LOOKS AWESOME”. However actually, it had a lot potential. I completely forgot concerning the carport that was constructed (seemingly so individuals might park there and stroll underneath the lined walkway to the again door. It wasn’t in fine condition, as you’ll be able to see.
You may see how the 2 buildings join right here – WOW, it’s simply so completely different now. We stored many of the lined walkway (we needed to take away the “flip,” disconnect it from the home as a result of they forgot to have in mind the roofline of the walkway once they designed the home windows, and the view out the window was 1/2 of a roofline – so awkward).
As you’ll be able to see, it had very outdated white paint and inexperienced trim (all of the outbuildings had the identical trim).
She was fairly CUTE. Traditional lap siding, an enormous image window, and an ungainly second-floor window simply sooooo near that roofline (which we will solely transfer if we transfer the lavatory “stalls” upstairs). Is it bizarre that I just like the appeal of the awkwardly positioned window? The shed-style room on the fitting was added on seemingly a long time after it was constructed, in all probability serving as a shed to the kitchen backyard that lived contained in the cut up rail fence.
She was rundown, in fact, and no contractor would advise us to try to repair it except they have been an outdated home fanatic like us. However I truly actually beloved the vibe.
Now, Summer time 2025
A couple of years in the past, we had the outbuildings painted white, simply to wash them up (I believe we paid $6k for the garages, this constructing, and the 2 barns – like no prep work, no sanding/priming, simply lipstick on a pig state of affairs). IT’S in all probability why nobody actually notices this home as they stroll by – my associates have been like “the place is that home that was in your IG?” and I used to be like, “you’ve actually walked previous it 100 instances.”
So let’s discuss via among the particulars of the construction. That large sliding door is on a practice monitor, and I suppose it’s unique and tremendous invaluable. We aren’t positive what to do with it as a result of it’s stable for positive, however when closed, it nonetheless permits for lots of air to return via. I assumed it was retrofitted within the 30s or so and wasn’t feeling too responsible about placing in a traditional entrance door (or French doorways), however now I’m conflicted. However that little chicken home is unquestionably staying (on the left).
It’s an excellent fundamental, traditional farmhouse. The lap siding is in OK situation (extra on that after the inspection outcomes subsequent Thursday). The home windows are wooden, wonky, and in comparatively okay/unhealthy situation. The roof appears nice, however the inspection report has extra perception. We’ll see…try the siding under…
We aren’t positive what or the place the entrance door needs to be – the one on the left (under) goes into our outdated prop home (which is a small room), so it feels pure that the place this sliding door could be is the principle entrance. However then it may very well be simply boarded up and have the principle entrance across the nook.
See how the roofline of the lined walkway lifeless ends into the home? That’s pne downside I do know we’ll want to resolve. Properly, with out water administration (gutters), it’s made that nook all rotted out. So the siding and wooden are seemingly needing to get replaced.
I don’t know why that pipe/scorching water vent has fallen all crooked, FYI, nevertheless it feels applicable. From a distance, the home appears in fairly fine condition!!!
We’re getting basis quotes now (which is NOT in the perfect form). However not less than that little backyard room has a cement basis. Perhaps there’s hope for it??
I’m nervous that the lined walkway goes to should be torn down, however my hope could be simply the posts on the top which can be completely rotted and hanging on by a thread. I imply, it’s not prefer it must be in excellent situation – it’s not holding a second flooring, and nobody sleeps beneath it.
That candy little path goes to the gardening shed, which may very well be only a again or entrance entrance to the home. Perhaps this residence’s mudroom???? OOH, that’s NOT a foul thought!!! Like, do we want the opposite entrance in any respect? Or would it not be bizarre to not have a kitchen door??? (Yah, that’s bizarre and tremendous annoying now that I give it some thought).
I want I knew extra concerning the situation to let you know, however the inspection report submit will probably be subsequent week. My hope is that it’s an intensive restore, however that the construction itself is in OK/saveable situation. At this level, we will nonetheless demo and stroll away if it’s really unsalvageable, however we actually, actually don’t need to do this. Come again subsequent Thursday to seek out out 🙂
*Fairly Pictures by Kaitlin Inexperienced
