Exactly five years ago today I bought our home. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that I jumped into a big purchase like that at 25 and that I did it solo. But I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. So here’s a little story about where I’ve been with this home, what’s been absolutely maddening and why I love my house so much.
Let’s Flashback First
Before I get into what I’ve learned and loved about my home, let me give you a bit of background for any new readers (though it’s mostly just my mom who reads this).
My tiny house belonged to my great-aunt Mary who lived there for 40+ years. It was the closest thing to Grandma’s House that I knew, and I always loved visiting. Even when I was young, I dreamed of living there. I was just so drawn to the cone fireplace, the rock garden, the open staircase – all of it. Not to mention, that my aunt knew how to entertain, so the house always felt warm and welcoming.
When my aunt passed away, I moved in to keep an eye on things. The first few weeks were difficult. I lived without internet or cable in a home filled with my loved one’s things. It was isolating. But I moved my cat in, got internet installed and never looked back.
After living there for seven months (and some negotiations with my family), I signed on the dotted line. 10 months later, Michael and Mukki moved in.
The Highs
Our house is one of our greatest sources of joy (besides the cats). It’s been so satisfying over the years to put our stamp on this house while still retaining some of its original funky charm. I love bringing home new-to-me-vintage pieces and seeing them look totally at home alongside our families’ own relics and our own. I love how all of Michael’s favorite artwork fits in seamlessly with the decor. These sorts of things totally reaffirm our choice to live in this home. Not to mention all these additions serve to make our home more comfortable.
And that’s huge for us. Our home is definitely our retreat. It’s a great atmosphere for us both to settle in with our creative projects (Michael has music, I’ve got too many crafts). It’s also a great space for just relaxing. At night with the string lights on and the record player going, it’s an oasis from the world, and I’m certain I couldn’t get that exact feeling anywhere else.
Of course, we love to share our home as well. It’s a great place to entertain and a wonderful place to just relax and hang with some friends. The house, while small overall, is perfect for entertaining with the large living room that’s open to the kitchen. I absolutely love hosting people, especially around the holidays. It’s all these feelings that make me feel secure and happy to own our home.
The Lows (AKA #HomeownerProbs)
Of course, owning a home is more than nights in and decorating. Since moving in, I’ve experienced my share of #homeownerprobs, the kind that were uninteresting five years ago, but now are a staple of party convos with other 30-somethings.
My homeowner problems have been many, including needing to install a new roof just a month after buying the house and totally digging up everything to repair the foundation. These improvements have been absolute and utter drags. And there are many more to come. Owning a home is nothing but signing up for a never-ending and expensive to-do list.
Despite all these repairs and inconvenient projects, I never seriously regretted jumping in with both feet with this house. To me, all these improvements are an act of love for our home, the people that lived there and ourselves.
Looking Back
Looking back at the past five years of this house, I regret nothing (nothing major anyway). It’s been a heartwarming and eyeopening experience moving into a family home and making it our home for years to come. I hope that when I’m old, I’ll have young relatives that look at our space with such fond memories.
Anyways, cheers to five years! I love you, you Cabin in the City.
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