We’re so pleased to introduce you to our new home. We’ve been on the hunt for a place that we could see our girls grow up in, maybe host their wedding receptions in the back yard, somewhere we could spread out and breathe a little bit and we found it 30 minutes down the road from our current home, on 3.5 acres with all the mature trees and landscaping I could dream of (and Greta is especially keen on the horse pasture out back).
While the lot and yard is definitely what sold us (doubles anyone?), we’re anxious to make the home our own over the next several years. Since we decided to buy this home, we’ve been introduced to a lot of people (including the previous owners) that loved this home with their whole hearts–it shows and I can feel it when I walk through the home. So while the current style isn’t our style, we are still coming at any upcoming renovation plans from a place of love. We already love this home. We see ourselves here until we’re empty nesters.
I think there are three kinds of renovations. The fast flips to make a quick buck–which are fine but there can’t always be very much heart in those. The renovations done because you hate aspects of your home. Those rarely turn out for the best because if you’re merely trying to improve something out of hate then usually anything will do. And then there are the renovations done out of love. Because you’re so invested in bringing out your home’s full potential and in making it part of your family–that you can’t NOT improve it. That’s the kind of renovation we’ll be doing here. There are many people that will look at these photos and think, “That’s such a nice house! Any improvement would be a waste!” And there are many people that will look at these photos and only see what they DISLIKE. When I see it–I already see the after and the projects and the amazing memories we’re going to have here. It’s literally all I can see and I can’t wait to take you through the whole renovation journey.
There’s a video tour coming at you Wednesday, but let’s do a little photo walkthrough.
Through the arched doorway will be our office. Another big selling point of this house! I believe they used it as a sort of theater room previously and said they had plans to make it the master bedroom, but it’s a great size with terrific windows and we’re excited to have a little more elbow room while we work now.
This space below that’s straight ahead when you enter (they used as a formal dining room previously) had me stumped for weeks! But we finally have a pretty good plan that involves making a ceiling (and adding a bonus room upstairs!) and walling off part of it (see ya columns) and removing that door and widening the doorway to the living room.
All of the ceilings in this home are at least 9-10′ (another must for us!) but the living room vaults and we can’t barely wait to move the fireplace to the blank wall (and make it double sided for the adjoining room) and add a full wall of windows looking into the backyard where the fireplace is currently blocking. (If you follow me on Instagram, then you know new windows are one of the first major things we’d love to tackle. It changes daily, but we’re leaning thin black windows right now, like 92% sure. Hahaha)
Before we head to the kitchen, through the glass door in the living room is this! Basically an entertainer’s dream. We plan to add an everyday table for our family in the breakfast nook, and open this room up on either side of the new fireplace (it’s going to be double sided to this room–the chimney already exists on the wall!), make sure it’s probably insulated–it feels a little drafty in here right now–and make it a special room with seating for, like, 20! If you know us, you know we love to entertain and we both have really large families. So to have a room like this where we can gather and eat and talk–it’s a dream come true.
Okay, back through the living room into the breakfast nook/kitchen. Chris is very excited about that range nook and is envisioning a 48″ range someday while I’m dreaming up one of those built in/hidden range hoods and recessed cubbies on each side. We probably won’t tackle the kitchen for some time, but we’re so grateful it’s a great size with great appliances and light in the meantime.
All four bedrooms are upstairs (with a fifth in the basement for guests) and since I grew up with bedrooms upstairs, it was another huge plus for me. Greta found hers right away.
And it has some pretty fun carpeting! It also has an attached bathroom of its own and it has her feeling very grown-up.
Faye’s room has a sweet arched window and although it looks small in this photo, a queen size bed fits on the window wall–right when we saw this room, we knew it was for our darling Faye.
Polly’s room is light filled and simple, but we can’t wait to inject her spunky personality.
My favorite thing about the master bedroom is all the natural light. In the bedroom, bathroom and closet! We’re excited to simplify the fireplace and expand the shower (here we go, again! hahaha) down the road.
This was just the main spaces and highlights! We’ll do a full video tour on Wednesday showing you how the whole house flows and I’ll try not to blabber on about too many plans. Because to be honest–very few plans are set in stone as of now. I alluded we were going to be channeling a Tudor/cottage feel on the exterior and interior (if you follow me on Pinterest, you know I’ve been pinning up a storm for this house right here!), but I’m still nailing down an overall moodboard of what that will look like.
All I know is we’re going to be happy here and we’re excited to take our plans and designs to a new level. (Also our dog, Willow, is gonna go nuts over all the yard she has to run around in!)
Leave a Reply
What do you think?
Semihandmade
Our wood grain Shaker cabinet fronts were designed for busy, high-traffic homes like ours. Clad with durable textured thermofoils, this line is compatible with Sektion, Akurum, Godmorgon, and Besta cabinets from IKEA. It's the perfect, practical way to add the warmth of wood to all the rooms of your home.
Collaborations
learn more
next
Loloi
We have teamed up with Loloi to create a line of rugs that are as affordable as they are beautiful. This collection houses a great mix of traditional and modern rugs, in cottage-y colorways, as well as vintage-inspired beauties that you’ll want to roll out in every room.
Collaborations
learn more
next
STUGA
We partnered with Stuga on a line of hardwood floors — The Ingrid is really livable, and the color is very neutral. It doesn’t lean warm or cool, it’s that just right in-between. We have really loved putting it everywhere in our house. It’s the best jumping-off point for design, no matter your interior style. In addition to being beautiful, Ingrid is really durable — we have three kids, and we always have a home construction project going on. Ingrid stands up to it all.
Collaborations
learn more
next
SHop all
What We're Right Now
What We're Right Now
Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop.
Loving
Portfolio
Design
Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
BROWSE BY CATEGORY
let's break this thing up
We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
Projects
Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
read more
read more
read more
02
01
03
looking for inspiration?
A reader recently asked me if I’m starting to fully embrace traditional style and whether we still consider our house to be a “modern Colonial” and why. It was a really great question and so timely — I had really just been thinking about my approach to this home and how my style has changed […]
SEARCH THE BLOG
We've been doing this since 2009 and we've posted a whopping 24145+ blog posts and counting. You might need a little help searching, huh?
looking for something?
find stuff like:
Can We Send You Our Love Letter?
Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!
Follow Along on Instagram
Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
@chrislovesjulia
Links
Get Around
Make yourself right at home
Portfolio
Design
Casual Friday
Projects
Lifestyle
Gift Guides
All Posts
Shop
Love where you live.
Social
RivrLinks
Links
Get Around
Make yourself right at home
Portfolio
Design
Casual Friday
Projects
Lifestyle
Gift Guides
All Posts
Shop
Love where you live.
Social
RivrLinks
It’s odd to me that you’d do thin black windows — that isn’t Tudor cottage and doesn’t match any of your exterior inspiration images.
We are leaning more toward a modern cottage look now.
Love this! A house of this size and look would run me about 750,000 in Maine. Do you mind if I ask what the purchase price was? Can’t wait to follow along!
(Ps I just got rid of Instagram so I could take a social- media hiatus for a bit, but I missed your posts and DIY’s so much that I now creep on the blog so much more)
Congrats on the new house CLJ!
Such a stunning home. I can’t wait to see what you’ll do to this beauty. Where do you live? I love the land!
We live in Idaho!
GORGEOUS house- can’t wait to see you make it YOUR home! Such an inspiring family. I just adore you!
Fabulous new house and those grounds are amazing! I can’t wait to see how you turn it into a home! It is certainly completely different from all of your other “blank” canvases and will be exciting to follow along as you place your personal stamp all over it!
It’s funny to me that we really looked for a home to buy in this town for our retirement, but nothing was ever “the one”—so we bought one in Arizona!! ???? This is such a beautiful house—I’m with Greta; I’d be begging for a ????! Do you think you’ll be able to donate all those beautiful windows and doors? It will really be exciting to see the renovations begin!
No doubt, anything we remove will be donated
I am totally picturing all the future family photo shoots…and prom photos shoots, and wedding photo shoots, and on and on and on! What a lovely home, so excited to see how you make it yours!
Exciting! Can hardly wait to see what you do. Will keep you busy for a long time but effort will be worth it. The property is fabulous. Have fun and keep on posting! We all love it.
I feel so excited for you. I was sad that you were leaving your old house because I loved it so much, but that’s how life is, right? Changes come. The only complaint I have now is that I have to wait years to see all the incredible things you’re going to do in this new house. LOL Congrats and enjoy!
Wow! What a big move forward for your family! I can’t wait to see the transformations as it simplifies to the refined beauty of CLJ style!
Also curious to see the transformation it has on your blog… will it become more of an aspirational blog?
Amazing!! Officially recommitted to your reading your blog and following along until the end of time…can’t wait to see how you transform this amazing house!!! So excited to follow along!!
I FEEL LIKE WE ALL JUST BOUGHT A NEW HOME!!!! Maybe that is creepy, but seriously, I’m going to live vicariously through you as you transform this already beautiful house.
I cant wait for us to all get started :)!
Congratulations! Will be following along!
Ditto! Congrats for you and your family but I know we will see the beautiful transformations!!
Maria B.
CRYING— happy tears for you guys. This space is incredible. I can’t wait to see the love and light you bring to this new home!
Wow! What a great starting point. I was sad to see your old house go but honestly now I’m fully on board and can’t wait to see your renovations of this special place ????
Congratulations on the new house. I see the potential you were describing as far as updating it to your taste. Can’t wait to see the renovations.
Absolutely stunning!!’ Can not wait to watch this journey unfold!!!
What a BEAUTIFUL home!!! The windows and arches are what make this for me! Congrats!!!
Exciting!! Although I’m a little disappointed in Tudor-Cottage. This beautiful house with its arched doors, windows and gardens screams Tuscany villa to me.
Can’t wait to see the transformation.
It’s absolutely amazing!!!! The entire exterior is like a dream and you can tell they poured some serious love into this home. You guys are going to blow everyone away with what you do in this home and I cannot wait to sit back and watch. Congratulations to you all!!!!
I cannot wait to see this transformation!!! It doesn’t scream C&J now but I know it will when you’re done with it!!! So exciting! Congrats!!!!
Oh, yay! I LOVE it when good things happen to good people. You both have earned this one.
Heart eyes all around. ????
What a beautiful house and property. I absolutely cannot wait to see the love in the renovations you will be injecting to this space and I so look forward to being able to witness them all. Your blog has always inspired me.
The house and yard is perfect! Love it!! You guys are going to have so much fun making it your own! Congratulations!
OMG Beauty, Charm and Character written all over it!
Yay! Love the house/bones. So very excited to be along side you while you make this house your home sweet home. ❤️
Id love to hear more about the emotional side of this move and renovation. I just moved from a home I had loved (and like you guys- had put so much blood, sweat, and tears into) into a total fixer upper. Man, Ive had so many emotions through this process! Its so exciting to have so many new projects to tackle, but sometimes I look at the state of my new kitchen and have a total freak out :P Im trying to keep some perspective, but its hard when the to do list is so long! How are you guys doing, and how are your stress levels?
Oh my goodness, what a dream home! Congratulations! You guys are the only people who would be like – yea, let’s MOVE THE FIREPLACE from that wall to this one! lol This will be such a wonderful home for all of you and I know you’ll love it, even as you tackle the work of making it your own over the years. :)
So excited for you and your family. There is some crazy potential in this house. Can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Love the new house; I’m so excited to follow along!
Could you please also make a garden tour? Love the property with the trees etc.
Also, I would love to see more garden DIY’s in te future.
This place has such incredible bones and I can’t wait to see what you do with them! Seeing the girls in their new space made me tear up a little. I’m so, so happy for you all. Good luck with the move!
it’s so beautiful! Congratulations!! Looking forward to watching you all make it your home.
My dears, I would really like to see all of your homes in a row. I couldn’t find a tab for them, but I am sure, that other readers would like to see them too. Could you please update your House – Tag with links to your houses. Thank you so much. Love your blog.
What a wonderful and beautiful house! Love to see your renovations and adjustments. Wish you all the best!
Love
Juana
I see a riding lawn mower in Chris’ future! Can’t wait to follow along and watch the magic happen again…so happy for you all!
So excited to follow along with the renovations! When I first saw this post I was overwhelmed with the amount of work I think it “needs”. But after seeing your Pinterest board I GET it. It’s more of a nudge to a smoother easier way of being for this house. It just flows. Thanks for sharing and letting us all tag along!
Oh my goodness! It’s just lovely. This will be an amazing and fun journey for your family (and us ????). Congratulations! I voted for white windows, but I’m now wondering if black might be better for the house? Can’t wait to see what you decide! Happy moving! Fingers and paws crossed all goes smoothly. ????????❤️
What I see is an amazing house that has INCREDIBLE potential! Can’t wait to see what you guys do with it!! Congratulations!
I can’t wait to see you document this house’s changes! Congratulations on your new beginning.
So so so excited to follow along your renovation journey & so so happy for you guys to have found your forever-home! Congrats!!
This is it! I can totally see it…the yard, everything is perfect! I loved your other house but I know this one is going to blow us away. Glad the windows will be changed and glad you’re waiting on the kitchen…I’m a believer that some rooms need to be lived in for awhile to get the feel and direction for the design. Wishing you lots of luck, good health and laughter from family and friends with your new home!!!!
Do I see a secondary staircase?! That’s my dream! We’re in our forever home, though, and it’s not quite big enough to warrant more than one (we do have basement stairs! ha). We basically renovated our entire house and I don’t know which category it fits into. Is there a category for “I’d build a new house but the location is prime and my husband refuses to move?” It worked out well with a lot of inspo from CLJ and YHL! I am so excited to see what you do. My husband said, “Don’t go spending a bunch of money on ideas you see!” He’s still not over the renovation!
Obsessed! So happy for you and your family. Can’t wait to see all the potential you guys will bring to life. As for hashtags #cljhome because it feels like you’re coming home like this is where your family is meant to be or #cljcottage because duh haha! :)
This is so awesome! Congratulations you guys! I can’t wait to see all of what you have to come, my husband and I are huge followers of your work and hope to channel our inner chrislovesjulia moment (LuislovesLuisa maybe? Hahaha) and do our own renovations when we find our home.
Luis Loves Luisa is the cutest name ever. MUST start a DIY blog!
I’ve never been so excited for a renovation in my life. My home is sooooo similar. Wood tones, caged rod iron spindles, crown molding, ornate cabinets, wood front door that needs refinishing. I can not wait to follow along and hopefully steal some of your ideas. Keep those tutorials coming!
I’m so happy for your family! I was very sad to hear you were selling your last house since I lived it so much but now that I see this one I can’t wait to watch you transform it! It’s beautiful and I can see how it really suits your family so well!
Eeeeek!!! The before and afters of this place will break the internet. Very happy for you guys. Cannot waaaaaaait to see it unfold!
Congratulations on your new home! May it be filled with love, health, and happiness, and the beginning of creating great memories! It’s absolutely beautiful and I’m so excited to see what changes you’ll scheme up here!
We moved into a house with very similar finishings and definitely not our style! Excited to get some inspiration from you!
As soon as I saw that house I knew I had seen it! I drive by it all the time. Congrats on the beautiful house and acreage. Excited to see what you do with it!
OMG! Can’t wait ^^! Congratulations!!!
Did you already designate the Christmas tree location? It’s always the first thing I look for when looking at a house. I’m so excited for you – I feel like my favourite tv show has just been picked up for another 7 seasons, lol! Can’t wait to follow along and watch your family grow into this house. :)
We bought a 1927 Tudor 12 years ago and have been taking (our dear sweet) time fixing it up!
“I think there are three kinds of renovations. The fast flips to make a quick buck–which are fine but there can’t always be very much heart in those. The renovations done because you hate aspects of your home. Those rarely turn out for the best because if you’re merely trying to improve something out of hate then usually anything will do. And then there are the renovations done out of love. Because you’re so invested in bringing out your home’s full potential and in making it part of your family–that you can’t NOT improve it.” This is EXACTLY why I haven’t rushed any decision we’ve made in our house! Can’t wait to follow your journey!
Congratulations! I can’t wait to see your stamp all over this house! Though it’s a good house, I love the ideas you have to make it your own gorgeous HOME!!!
This house is beautiful. I am so excited to follow along in the journey of making it yours. Perfect timing too because we just bought our first house 2 months ago ????
Its really beautiful! I cant wait to see what you all do to “upgrade” it.
The yard is wow… Breathingtakingly beautiful.Your sweet pup has a sweet place to play.
Congratulations!
Beautiful property. The house has great bones. And the land is simply stunning. Can’t wait to see the transformation. many blessings in this space.
It already is beautiful and I can’t wait to see how you make it stunning! Thank you so very much for taking us along on your journey.
If Chris finds himself missing having a second oven, I don’t know how I lived so long without this countertop model (which does so much more than just function as an oven!). Dehydrating the last of my apples into chips right now, and made GF “fried chicken” yesterday. Plus once it is hot, it is nice not to heat up the whole house with my “real” oven. I bought mine at Williams Sonoma on sale but friends bought it at Bed Bath Beyond with a coupon. https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/ovens/bov900.html
I’m so excited to see you and your family take on this new journey! Congratulations ???? … and I can’t wait to get more house inspo from you!
Congratulations! :D I cannot WAIT to see you guys work on this house! It’s so amazing for your family in every way. You guys truly deserve this.
Congrats on the new home, it’s amazing! I think the black framed windows will look amazing in there.
Congratulations! Can’t wait to follow along!
This is amazing! You’re going to have so much fun living there and giving it your magic.
At some point would you include a general floorplan (rough, even very rough)? Its so hard for me to understand a house with out it knowing it’s layout.
Yes! We’re gonna do a house tour Wednesday and we’ll work up a general floorplan
Congrats! Excited to see you make it your own.
Congratulations!
This home is beautiful and now seeing the images all I can picture is the black framed windows! I am so excited to see what you have planned!
Congratulations! Its lovely and will become more so with customizations for your family!
I feel like I’m invested alongside y’all and am as excited as I would be for family! Congratulations!
It’s so beautiful! And I agree that it appears to be a happy house. Your family will thrive there. It reminds me of my house in Alpharetta, GA- stucco and stone, circa 1990’s. Can’t wait to see what you do. I’ve been updating my house slowly so I enjoy following you and your process. Enjoy!!
Hi Janet! We live in Duluth! Can’t wait to start updating ours. I would like to start in my living room so it no longer looks like I’m still in college.
Looks amazing! There is so much potential in this property and I cannot wait to see how it transforms with your family! Congrats Chris and Julia! xo Laurel
The yard is a dream, and the house will be, too! It feels a bit McMansion-y right now, but I know you will change that! Are there two sets of stairs? And are you planning on keeping both of them?
There are two sets and we will probably keep both. There are definitely a lot of styles meshing together right now but the home is extremely well built. We’re excited to direct it in a solid style.
Love it! I can see the potential too! I feel like it’s hard for a lot of people to accept that even if a hone is not their style, you can make it but with time, love, effort and a little elbow grease. It’s about looking at the bones and paying no mind to aesthetics. Anyway, may you have many wonderful years in that beautiful home!
Congratulations to you both! It’s a gorgeous home and I know you’ll work your magic to make yours. It has cabin feel elements that are reminiscent of your beautiful A-Frame. I’ll continue to watch and get ideas and inspiration from you both. Thank you for sharing!
Ohhh…what a wonderful home for you all! May God bless you and your beautiful projects! I’m really excited about the double-sided fireplace, and opening up that view! In my childhood home that my dad and grandpa designed, my dad had sit-down dinners for 70! Ha! Homes built for entertaining are…just…dreamy. :) Julie M. ps The people who bought our lovely traditional home gutted it and made it look like a casino…but we were blessed with many of the things they removed…including the scrumptious kitchen island with its thick butcher block, which is now the centerpiece of my utility room! We were told our beloved home recently sold and my hope is that the new owner will bring it back to life. You have found such a warm inviting house. It’s great to hear how much you respect its history, and everyone who has called it home. ❤️????
You are GUTSY! I am inspired. We just bought a big(ish) home to better accommodate our family of 5. We have 3 girls too :) And now I’m looking to you for the motivation and inspiration to take our home out of the 90’s and make it feel like we belong there.
We’ve had the hardest year of our lives and I truly find that you two just plow through no matter what gets thrown . your way….Keep on keepin’ on!
Much love and a million congratulations to you all!
Congratulations! I am BEYOND excited for you! This really does feel like the Marcum family home. It will be wonderful to see what you have in store as you make it your own. Gimme all the mood boards!!!
Looks like someone is getting a riding lawn mower for Father’s Day! :)
I’m so looking forward to following along as you transform this beautiful home. I bet your girls are so excited about their new home.
Hahaha no joke
I’m super excited to see how your more-modern style can be implemented in this house…the current style is very “french-country” which is super-popular here in the Southeast US. I’ve never been able to picture my style (casual-contemporary) fitting into these types of homes, so I can’t wait to see what you do!
LOVE it. I have been telling my partner for years that my dream property would have land, beautiful mature landscaping, and a house that wasn’t a total fixer-upper (so it’s comfortable to live in immediately) but had plenty of opportunities for updates and makeovers as our time & budget allows. And you found it, which gives me so much hope! I cannot wait to vicariously enjoy this home adventure with you, as we wait to find our similar gem. Thanks for allowing us to join your journey <3
Wow! I can’t wait to see all the amazing changes you’re going to do! I know you’ve been saying you will spend the next ten years changing this house. But with such a big following and more sponsors now, don’t you think it will take a lot less time to get everything done the way you want? Either way, So excited and so happy for your family!!
Hopefully!!
So many things! First, beautiful home! We just put in black windows a year ago (with grids) and I could not be happier with them. I have been voting black windows since you mentioned them so I’m excited to hear you’re leaning that way!
Second, how far are you from your friends, specifically the Fullmers? I’m sad for y’all if there’s more distance and makes get togethers fewer between visits! :(
Third, I’m for hire as another set of helping hands if you let me live in the basement and play in that yard! (Kidding, kind of! Ha!)
Lastly, may I make a house name suggestion?! While this house is huge, it has struck me as cottage like with all of it’s stone in the middle of this pasture. I suggest #TheMapleCottage or #TheMapleCottageofMarcum. I suggest this because one of the pics looks like there is a maple tree in the yard and due to the color of the house. Even if you change the color down the road, it could be a nod to the original when you bought it! Just my two cents!
I’m leaning toward a cottage name too!! We’ll be 30 minutes from our friends but are committed to getting together still
Oh My Stars! She’s a Beauty! Wishing you and your family many, many years of happiness and love in your new home! Thank you for letting us share in your joy along the way. :)
IT’S SO GOOD. Omg omg omg! It’s got lots of project potential but oooohhhh such good bones. I seriously can’t wait for you to start tackling projects. What a good space for you guys!! And just imagine, you may never have even found it if the cabin hadn’t burned down. Everything happens for a reason..
I am thrilled for your family! It seems you have found peace and a joy in life after so much turmoil and I could not be happier for you! Congratulations on the gorgeous new home.
This house is magical! I know you guys will do a beautiful job making it your own. Can’t wait to be here every step of the way to see!
I am beyond excited to see what you do with this beautiful house to make it even more beautiful and reflect your style. Congratulations!
Congratulations!! I can’t wait to follow along!
WOOOOW! Your house is absolutely stunning!! Congratulations!! What an exciting journey it will be making it your own. So much potencial to an already beautiful home. Can’t wait to follow along!! Wishing you guys many blessings and wonderful memories in all the years ahead. ❤️
P.S. Black windows, yes!
I am REALLY looking forward to following along as you bring your plans to life. The outdoor space is beautiful, and the indoor space has so much potential! Congrats on the new digs!
It’s beautiful. I’m sure you’ll be so happy here!
It’s so beautiful! So happy for you! At first I was so sad you’re moving. But now that I see the house, I’m on board. Haha!!! We’re so invested in you guys! Love your family, style and love!!!
Wonderful! I am so happy to see your family has found their “JOY” and purpose (house-wise) again. All the best Marcum family!
Wow! I cannot wait to see how your family puts their touches on this new home. What an incredible yard/lot and a beautiful place to call home.
Totally obsessed with Faye’s bedroom and the large family gathering/eating/fireplace room! You both have SUCH an eye and I can’t wait to be inspired as always. Congrats to the whole fam.
ooooh this will be fun to see your transformation! It has awesome potential and I would find it hard not to tackle it all at once. Do the windows need to be replaced, or do you just hate the way they look? Could you just change other stuff and see how the windows look with your changes? I replaced my windows that were faulty and they just aren’t as good as when they were put in originally.
It’s so lovely! I never would have even thought to move a fireplace especially one that large, but your plan makes sooo much sense. I love your ideas for the large dining room for big family gatherings; can’t wait to watch you bring it to life. Congratulations!
Wow, okay definitely a lot of projects to be done but I FEEL YOU on the clarity of what can be and will be done. You have a good envelope and architecture to start with which is at least half the battle! Here’s hoping your initial major renos aren’t too too stressful to live with after the year you guys have already had. Very, very excited to see your new hopefully modernized cottage/Tudor take on this space. Big hugs for the exciting new chapter you’ve begun to write!
Oooh!! So excited for you! This is a fabulous home- can already feel it!! Can’t wait to follow along with your adventure… ((thank you for sharing and allowing us to be a part of it!!))
OH man, this journey is going to be so amazing. Happy for you!
Congratulations! SO excited to see the renovations. You’re taste is incredible, this home will be stunning when you’re done with it.
Congratulations! The lot is gorgeous! Can’t wait to see what you guys do with it and so happy to follow along????
CHILLS!! Congratulations on this incredible home. I can’t wait to see what you do with it–thanks for taking us along for the ride!
Congratulations! What an exciting new journey. Immediately when I saw the arched back door onto the patio I saw your little girls coming out as gorgeous brides. This home was built for your future!
Beautiful home!! I see black windows, too! A nod to the Tudor style and a nod to the A Frame. Can’t wait to follow the progress!
I have a sneaking suspicion this is going to wind up being my favorite house ever. It’s so beautiful. And yet so ready for your vision and taste! Congratulations on your new chapter… can’t wait to see it unfold!
Loved the tour, what an amazing home!! So excited for you guys, congrats!!!
Congratulations! Can’t wait to see what you do with it. So happy for your family! <3
The kitchen is actually quite cute, and looks very serviceable in the meantime. Lucky you! Like Jen, I also voted white windows in the IG poll, but have changed my mind. Especially if you intend to keep some of the decorative grids (I have no idea what they’re actually called). White obstructs the view, black will blend better. Black will also look better against the stone exterior. So I’d be feeling pretty confident in your 92%!
This home is wonderful! What a fun journey you will be on with the changes, and what a benefit to be able to live in the home before anything is done. You’ll learn so much about how the home functions when you live in it and will most definitely come up with new exciting ways to improve the house for you and your girls! I’m already picturing the transformation (your pins really help!), it’s going to be magical! You guys don’t just live in a space, you allow that place to also live in you. That kind of love always leaves it’s mark. I’m so happy for you all!
OMGosh, what a beautiful home! Now that I see it, the windows MUST be black! I see your vision and it’s going to be amazing! Contrats!!
Everything you said in your post about this home being loved, I can really see it! I can’t wait to see you guys bring this house to its full potential.
You said on Instagram you need a hashtag – I think this house is worthy of a name! Here in Cayman, all the homes have names (Sandpiper, Cayman Kai, The Hideaway House, etc.). I can picture a beautiful metal plaque with the name on that stone wall entry to your driveway.
Excited what changes you have coming!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
Omg, I can just see it… you got yourselves a beautiful house, that we all be patiently waiting for your renovations. May God bless you and your beautiful family always.
It’s gorgeous! Faye’s room may be one of my favorites in the house! This is gonna be sooooo good!
Lovely new home! Can’t wait to see what you guys do with it! I have a question, how do you create such beautiful mood boards? Could you do a tutorial?
sure!
Congratulations. A beautiful home and location. Looking forward to following along The journey.
Congrats on your new home! I’ll jump into the white versus black window debate and offer this blog post on the topic, in case you haven’t already seen it: https://www.mariakillam.com/black-windows/
Can’t wait to watch your journey unfold here. Thanks for taking your readers along for the ride :)
I feel like it’s true what they say…Everything happens for a reason. It’s not always what we expect but something that is written in the stars for us. I felt so awful when the cabin burned down and you all handled it with such grace. Seeing everyone’s smiles in this picture makes us feel like you all are so in love and that makes us happy! (by us I mean your followers). It’s stunning and I can’t wait to see what happens! Good luck and lots of homebody love!
congratulations!!! i love it and can’t wait to see what you do with it. i’m soooooo jealous of the landscaped yard. i think it needs to be dubbed “the marcum manor” :D
Wow!!! What a house. I was so excited to see it and it blew my expectations away. So exciting for your family (and us blog readers!). They just don’t make houses like this anymore, do they?! I can’t wait to see what you guys do to it! It looks like a very special place.
I just had a content smile on my face throughout… Congratulations <3
Your house looks amazing!!! Reading your news that you were moving, at first I was thinking “why?! Their current house is so beautiful!” But now I see why!! So much potential!!! I can’t wait to see what you guys do with it! I would be so intimidated to do anything but you guys are just pros and I can’t wait to see how much better you can make it!! Congrats guys!!
It is beautiful!! Can’t wait to see what your plans are with all the renovation.
It’s so beautiful, you guys are going to do wonders!!!!!! I can’t wait to follow along!
What a beautiful home!!!! I cannot wait to watch this journey over the years to come. Have you guys picked the first project yet… besides unpacking haha! Small or large, just curious as to what you guys will do first to make it more yours. Thank you for sharing!!
It would be nice to do floors since we don’t have much furniture. And windows. And making that bonus room upstairs so the girls have a playroom.
This house already seems so you. I love your outlook on renovation. The only question on my mind is ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE A FAMILY HORSE?!
Oh gosh. Firm maybe
Omg, the house, the yard, they’re SO beautiful!! This house screams you guys. I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE THIS JOURNEY UNFOLD!!! I’m slightly obsessed (who am I kidding?! Totally obsessed, but definitely in a healthy way!)
I rarely comment, but holy WOW! What a stunning home! There is so much potential here. I love how over the years I’ve developed an eye for what a space can become as well. It’s always so fun to check out photos of a home and picture how it can be more. Of course, my eye is great, my wallet, eh, not so much. So… when is Greta’s pony coming ;) LOL Can’t wait to be taken along for the ride y’all!
Can’t wait to see the amazingness you inject into this already beautiful home!
Congratulations! I can’t wait to see how you put your stamp on this beautiful home. I’m so excited for the journey!
Congratulations!!! Very excited for you! eeeeee
Now I know why you decided to keep your olive tree! (re: Insta post.) Love the house –can’t wait to follow the changes over the years. (I’ve been a reader since your first house.)
Well, this is gonna be fun!! Congrats!! Please tell me you are going to get a horse for that pasture?! I was about Greta’s age when my dad bought me my first pony. Dream come true!
Greta would love that. We’ll see.
OMG, I freakin’ LOVE it!!! I only see all the potential of how you’re going to make it yours and it’s just stunning. I am so excited to go along the journey with you guys! For what it’s worth – I voted white windows in your IG poll (only because I’ve been feeling a little oversaturated with the black), BUT seeing these pics – the house totally calls for black, IMO. CONGRATS to you guys!
I agree on the windows! I voted for white but I think the house wants black.
I love this!! I’m so excited to see what you do first and would love to read a blog about how you decided in what order to tackle each project. We’re updating our entire home now and it’s so tricky to decide what’s first and how each renovation would affect another. Can’t wait to follow along! ????????????
Congrats! Excited to follow along with your renovation.
This is soo amazing!!! So excited for you guys and to follow along. ????????
That last photo is stunning. I am so happy for you all! The house is absolutely beautiful and I can’t wait to see how you personalize it.
Where is my room? I’m coming with! Congratulations to all. It is a dream (already). I can only imagine what you will transform it into.
It’s so beautiful and that YARD and patio are absolutely DREAMY! Can’t wait to see what you tackle first and how you modify your style to fit this home and this season of life. Congratulations!
It’s beautiful! I can’t wait to see how you will re- envision the space!
Fun! Look forward to following along. It reminds me a little of Jenny Komenda’s house in that it’s that era of new construction where they couldn’t choose a style — a little Tuscan, a little Tudor, a little Victorian with the wrapping porch on the front.
Yes! It doesn’t have a true identity now but we’re gonna give it one
wow. i love this house. the yard would’ve sold me too! your kids will LOVE growing up here! cannot wait to see what you guys do with it!
Yay! So exciting and a beautiful home! I am excited to see how you tackle a vaulted ceiling in the living room since mine has had me stumped for a while. The land around your home is breathtaking!
Congratulations! Can’t wait to follow along as you make it your own.
The yard gives me CHILLS. What a beautiful home with so many amazing features already!
Truly this curbs my own need to find a new house (not the right time for us) bc I’m just as excited to see what y’all do here!!! I am so pumped for you and also for me to get alllll the inspo.
In a weird way those huge arched windows remind me of the cabin! I can’t wait to see what you do with this house.
LOVE! I cannot wait to see what y’all do with this home. So much potential to make it your own! What a dream.
I couldn’t love it more!! It was so easy to envision your changes and it’s going to be STUNNING in the end. I love following you guys on each and every journey. Thanks for taking us along and congratulations on your beautiful forever home!
Ahhhh!!! So excited!!!
So beautiful and so much potential! I’m so looking forward to the updates you have planned! Seriously, that plot of land?? How could you pass it up? It’s gorgeous!
It’s beautiful, and it’s going to be exciting to see what you do to make it your style. I’m so happy for all of you.
What a stunning home!! Can’t wait to see you grow there and put in your own touches!
So excited to see how you transform this house to your forever home! You guys deserve it!
What a fantastic home! I am so excited/jealous of ALL those projects! I, for one, cannot wait for you to get started.
Wow! Just Wow! Congratulations! This is going to be an amazing renovation and I can’t wait to see the results.
Ahhhh this is so exciting! What a gorgeous house! Such fun style and charm already built into it’s bones, can’t wait to see where you go with it.
Is it weird that I’m maybe most excited to see how you and the girls work together on their rooms?
I’m seriously so happy for you! When I saw the Instagram post about the cabin burning down my heart sank and I felt so terrible for you and your family. I so glad that you were able to find this new home – which seems so perfect! Hopefully it will help heal old wounds. As a reader, I’m so excited to see where this journey takes you – and I want to thank you for taking us along! Congratulations!
Ditto!
It’s beautiful! What a wonderful canvas to work with! Can’t wait to see you put your mark in it. Congratulations to your family!
What an amazing feeling that must be to be settling into a home like that!! Very happy for you and looking forward to following your amazing work over the years <3 Happy Home!!!
Sooo beauitful. Insane potential. ive been excited for your post all morning!