Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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How I Met My House

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AnNicole at Our Suburban Cottage is having a How I Met My House party today.

We had been looking for houses in about 3 different areas of the Hudson Valley in New York. Some were on one side of the Hudson River, some were on the other. Each time we saw a listing that we liked, we would get excited because the photo of the house would look so charming. (We were in the market for something older with charm.) Inevitably, we would finally visit the house and it would smell, or be about to fall down, or be on a busy corner. Each time, disappointment.

We had been renters for years: both of us moved around a lot before we got married. Having a house in the country had always been my dream. So, we kept looking.

Finally, one Friday my agent sent me a photo of this house. I fell in love – could we see it right away? I didn’t want to miss out – the price had just been lowered. No, she was going away for the weekend and couldn’t show us until Monday. I showed it to Don. He loved it.

We waited through what seemed like an endless weekend and finally saw the house on Monday. The property was overgrown. No matter. We walked up to the house and I fell in love instantly with the wrap-around bluestone porch. While I was rhapsodizing about the porch, my husband walked in and saw a house flooded with light and a kitchen that had high ceilings (he’s 6’4″.) This little farmhouse had recently been gutted and taken down to the studs because a previous owner had been an eccentric cat lady. The downstairs was open, the pine floors were wide plank, and the den was two steps down from the rest of the first floor.

I had had a wish list – storage, a basement, 3 bedrooms. This house had no storage but there was a shed on the property, the basement was entered from the outside and believe me, nothing could be stored there, and there were only 2 bedrooms. But when you fall in love, you fall in love.

I complain about the lack of space all the time – but each time I do I immediately say “But I love this house.”

We named it Mockingbird Hill Cottage. I’m away right now for 10 weeks working across the country. I keep my home in my heart, counting the days until I can be there once again.

Comments

  4. I agree- it is a beautiful house and sometimes those wish lists just disappear when you fall in love :) I adore the tree in the front there by your door- fabulous!

  5. I can definitely see why you fell in love with it, sweetpea. It’s darling and, as you say, when you fall in love, you fall in love!
    xoxo<
    Connie

  8. I love your house, too! I miss the porsh where I can sit and knit. Although I like it best in the fall when the leaves are slowly drifting from the trees.
    XO, Mere

  10. like you said, “When you fall in love, you fall in love.” Even if there are imperfections they aren’t so evident as the things that are perfect. The same is true in a spouse! I’m not in love with our house. It was my husband’s grandparents’ and we got a great deal on it.

  11. HI CLAUDIA,
    ISN’T IT WONDERFUL WHEN WE FIND SOMETHING THAT WE REALLY LOVE, AND WANT REAL BAD, AND PRESTO WE GET IT NO MATTER WHAT. YOU CAN TELL BY ALL YOUR POSTS HOW MUCH YOU LOVE YOUR HOME, AND THAT IS SO NICE. YOU HAVE A LOVELY HOME, AND YOU DID SO MUCH WORK ON IT TOO. BUT, IT IS WORTH IT AT THE END.
    RIZZI

  13. It is a blessing indeed when after all the little things about a house that bother you, you can still know in your heart how much you love it. Beautiful Home!

  14. The love you have for this house is so touching, Claudia. Isn’t there, in every community, the tale of the eccentric cat lady? Perhaps one day that will be me. That house whispered to you, and you heard. And you claimed your dream. Beautiful words.
    Brenda

  15. Your wait was worth the while!! What a lovely and special home your cottage is! I hope the time in San Diego flies by quickly for you so that you can be on your way back to Mockingbird Hill soon!!

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

  17. What a lovely “house” story. The house does look so very charming. I have always wanted a house in the country and even at 51, I am still holding that dream in my heart.
    I am so glad that you have yours : )

  18. It’s truly charming, Claudia. I see why you love it so!

    Have been missing you. Hoping the workmen finish soon so I can come home to blogging! Hope you are enjoying your travels and your work. But I agree with the notion… there’s no place like home.

    Warm hugs to you!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

  20. Hello Friend,

    What a lovely story about your cottage. I can see why you fell in love, and I’d love to see a piccy when everything is in full bloom…..I bet that’s spectacular! Being away just makes you appreciate it that much more. Take care.

    Hugs,
    Meri

  21. Oh my gooooodness….. CLAUDIA!! I can soooo see why you fell in love. What a sweet little cottage. I love it too. And, it looks just like I imagined your home would be like. Your pottery is just perfect for Mockingbird Hill Cottage.

    xoxoxo
    Spencer

  22. ………..and I would have felt exactly the same way! Your house looks so welcoming – I always think this is due to a porch, be it a little front porch (like mine) or a gorgeous huge, wide wrap areound porch, such as found on old Vitorian mansions, mostly turned into B&B’s.

    Love how you found it, know it will be waiting your safe return Claudia – and I just know it will be well-cared for while you are away.

    Hugs – Mary

  24. As soon as I’d have seen your wonderful porch, I would have been a goner. I’ve always wanted a wonderful porch like yours, and have told my mister that when he retires, and we move, a porch is on the list.

    This is a sweet story Claudia. I think your cottage suits you.

    xo
    Lena

  25. Great story Claudia and you’ll continue to love it even more as the years go by I’m sure. And I’m glad to see that you’ve made the apartment a little more home like too!

    Leann

  26. I love you house. I too love the wrap around porch. I love the inside of the house. Wow. those trees. I can understand why and how you fell in love with that precious house.

    Have a great weekend.

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