You may remember us mentioning the charming “bed & breakfast” house around the corner a few times. We’ve admired it for years—not just for its in-ground pool, tennis court, and picnic area, but also for its exceptionally picturesque exterior. Here’s a photo we took during a snowstorm last year:
When Sherry and I began house hunting this fall, we even joked about knocking on that owner’s door and pleading to buy it. Before we could work up the nerve, however, we discovered someone else had already bought it privately a few weeks earlier—no “for sale” sign in sight.
So when the new owners introduced themselves at our moving sale last month, the encounter felt bittersweet. Sweet because they purchased about $100 worth of patio furniture and rugs from us, and because they were genuinely friendly and welcoming. They even invited us over for a tour. Sherry had been joking that she couldn’t rest until she’d seen the inside of that house, so I was glad to help her get that curiosity satisfied.
As it turned out, the interior didn’t quite match the grand expectations we’d built up in our heads—somewhat like meeting a celebrity who’s shorter in person. That unexpected letdown actually helped us appreciate our future home even more: seeing the “dream house” up close made our choice feel even better. Don’t get us wrong—the place has tremendous potential. It was a true “before” with some dated finishes: busy floral wallpaper, old blue carpeting, tired light fixtures, and red laminate countertops. The new owners were already stripping wallpaper and painting while we toured, which was great to see since they’re clearly fellow DIY enthusiasts. They also shared some of their renovation plans, and we’re confident they’ll do impressive work.
Ultimately, we left knowing it wasn’t the right house for our family. It’s not the single-level, open-plan, family-friendly layout we need right now, and maintaining that large lawn, pool, and tennis court would be a lot for parents of a six-month-old. So the fact that it sold before we even had a chance to make an offer felt appropriate—what’s meant to be will be. We’re happy for the new owners and excited about the improvements they’ve planned for the house we’ll always call “the bed and breakfast.” That name feels a lot better than referring to it as “the one that got away.” Whew.
Pssst—We announced this week’s giveaway winner. Click to see if it’s you.