Oh boy, Husband and I are talking a lot about this latest house, the Downton Abbey Dollhouse. We're letting it settle in (well, I'm letting him let it settle in) and we'll see where it takes us. Right now, since we are in blustery cold New England, one aspect of this home that just makes me weak in the knees is the idea of outdoor living. It has two large side porches, both dark, dark, dark. It's not on the national historical register so I can do what I want to it. I could brighten it up like this porch From Mimou via Lanalou Style.
There are beautiful tress scattered about just waiting for someone to admire and love them.
I went into the arched stables yesterday as we did a second look. There are a bunch of old, arched French doors in there waiting to be reattached (if we were to win the lottery, I suppose.) Both photos from stylist Paul Hopper. I could stand outside and sweep in my polka dot silk robe on occasion, but my broom bristles are pink, not yellow. Perhaps I'd get a special broom for the arched stables.
And although Husband won't understand, I would love to read in an an outdoor bed, not to mention an outdoor bathtub. All the "grounds" (although not huge, it's just not a "yard") are surrounded by stone walls and since the gardens are in "ruin" there are only a couple of grassy areas to mow. A roofless stone greenhouse with ivy climbing up the facade could house a little herbal tea garden if I should like to dabble in the green arts. Photo from Dying of Cute.
It's just not something you see in the United States very often. When we lived in Albuquerque, our house extended into our backyard for much of the year. I miss that a lot. The photos on the website aren't terribly good, which in my opinion is why it hasn't sold. You really have to "vet" houses to look at in Rhode Island as both the buyer and the seller agents have to be there, so it's four schedules to coordinate. Talk about a PAIN. Anyway, the pictures on the website focus on the grounds and miss the lovely interior (with ugly paint job) of the actual house. The tall ceilings and the redone bathrooms. The staircase to nowhere. we've passed over the house for 6 months or so, but saw it it an open house last weekend just for something to do.
I get excited thinking about it but not too excited as I know I'll be very disappointed if we finally decide that it's not the one for us. It needs a little bit of work, which is why it's in our price range - not a colossal amount - but if Husband sticks with his "turnkey" idea of a house, which I do understand, then we'll pass it up. But ooooh, will that man get beaten with my pink broom.
It sounds absolutely lovely. To me, 'turnkey' means 'no scope for personalisation', so I sure do wish you luck with this one.
Posted by: Mise | January 18, 2012 at 02:32 PM
I know exactly how you feel. the house i ended up buying was not at all what i was looking for. i had a list of criteria that i wanted and this house had NONE of them. But as soon as i saw it, i fell in love and knew it would work for me. It's been great so far, and I am loving it. xoxo
Posted by: pigtown*design | January 18, 2012 at 04:24 PM
Sending happy persuasive thoughts to your hubby! (And terrible bad feelings to all other potential buyers ;)
Posted by: pinksuedeshoe | January 18, 2012 at 11:25 PM
You know Phyllis...she is Auntie Bliss and before that...she was ShabbyintheCity...you visited her first! You told her that you once had your kitchen cabinets painted like a Laduree box. How 'bout them apples!
I didn't know you ever did live in Nashville though...and I sure woulda run wild at the flea mkt. with you!
Posted by: phyllis | January 19, 2012 at 07:31 AM
Phyllis - I can't believe that was you! What a small world because I think I started following you on Pinterest first. How funny.
Posted by: Pink mohair | January 19, 2012 at 03:45 PM
hmmm, two housefires? Someone is telling you something. Buy the house!
Posted by: Alison | January 20, 2012 at 06:57 AM
are those last two pics of the house???
if so ... wowowowowow
Posted by: rebeccawip | January 20, 2012 at 09:34 AM
I dunno! Do you remember leaving a comment once about your purple cabinets?
Posted by: phyllis | January 20, 2012 at 01:03 PM
They are - pretty, right?
Posted by: Pink mohair | January 21, 2012 at 08:28 AM
yes - i remember!
Posted by: Pink mohair | January 21, 2012 at 08:29 AM
I am beside myself with excitement. It looks magical. Will we get to see pictures of you gardening in stilettos and hot pants?
Posted by: permanent magneta | February 14, 2012 at 04:02 AM