July is a big month, especially these last weeks, because it marks the one year anniversary that we we took possession of our house. I knew becoming a home owner would be wild, and it has had it’s fair share of surprises. Like the time our neighbours threatened to sue us and set a web cam up in their front yard (why yes, they’re still crazy. We had a shouting match just this past weekend!), or when we needed to replace our oven, refridgerater, washer and dryer in the same month – but generally it’s been a hugely positve change, and I’m outlandishly proud of our Little House.
First of all, there’s the physical work we did last summer. We re-painted the house, pulled hedges out from everywhere we could find them, replaced the doors and windows, and re-did the back yard. I showed it to you in the winter, but would you like to see the difference a year makes?
We doubled the thing and took down the tin shanty! If you could look straight down you would also see the rest of my garden and our little well worn, much loved deck. After three and a half years of living in second story apartments with no access to the outdoors, the novelty of being able to WALK OUTSIDE WHEN I LIKE IT is never lost on me.
The house its self is tiny, just 850 sq. ft. and only has one “true” bedroom – but it fits us perfectly. Mister and I have decided we can stay here until we have babies who are in kindergarten or so which means we’ll be here for a very long time (we’re not starting a family for a good many years yet). I have my own craft room with bookcases of scrapbooking paper, drawing pencils, camera equiptment and a little day bed. We have an office, a claw foot tub, hardwood floors, a nice little set of “granny killers” (our steep stairs, as my mom has dubbed them) and huge south facing windows that are perfect for gazing into while drinking espresso. I can walk or bike to anything I need, and we’re 5 mins. from the best patios in town.
This house is the tenth “home” I’ve lived in my little life, and the feeling of relief I get from knowing we can just stay here takes my breath away. I finally feel like I’m really home. It’s turning 100 years old (!!) this summer, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s the perfect little shabby chic place for us to stay.
Happy 100th birthday, Little House!
What makes you feel at home?
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
Being in our home with the hard floors and hearing the dogs pitter patter through definitely makes me feel at home! Random thumps of dog weight while napping on the couch do the same!
Also, fresh baked anything. I love the smells wafting through.
A hot cup of tea, a good book, and a puppy snuggle make me feel at home.
I love our house, and I love to look back and remember what it looked like before we got a hold of it. It’s so nice to see the progress, and to dream up new plans!
Oh my gosh your backyard looks amazing. Holy cow! You and Mister did a great job. Seriously. Mwah!
Your little house sounds absolutely perfect… I can’t wait until The Hubster and I can find our own.
(I just read your post about your crazy neighbours… holy. mother. of. pearl.)
This is so very lovely! My little house turned 150 this year and has the most darling stained glass over in the living room. It makes my life.
But where will you make your meth concotions now?
Heehee!
I’ve loved all the posts about your little house and think it’s just adorable! I love old homes and all the coziness and character they provide! I’m hoping to have my own little home within the next year or so.
Lately I’ve been trying to purchase real furniture to make my home feel more like a home…
Really, my dogs. Haha. Isn’t that what every animal lover says? But it’s true. When I walk into my house, my parents’ house, or even my in law’s house, and see those two little puppies jumping up and down. Hear them whine and bark…it gets me. That’s home to me.
It’s taken me a long time to learn about what I need to be home, but it turns out it’s a couch to nap on, a chair to doze in, and REALLY good A/C.
Oh wow, your house sounds so dreamy (apart from the crazy neighbors, lucky your on the side of the right! :) I think it’s great that you’re proud of what you’ve done. as you should be. Hurrah! You have a garden! :)
Your neighbor did what? Omg psycho much lol your house is super nice, I like what you did with the yard :)
It’s such a lovely feeling to have a home. I absolutely adore your yard. I saw an episode of House Hunters on HGTV last night, and the couple lived in Canada. They were searching for a character home, and it reminded me of you.
Your backyard looks fantastic. It’s quite clear you take care of your home! What makes me feel at home is having all of my belongings in a space and having it all unpacked and organized.
wow kyla! it looks amazing! what a difference you made just by putting a little love and care into it. and reading through that post about your neighbors is just terrible. it really sucks that there are sue-happy people in the world just waiting for someone to screw up so they can take advantage of them. i know plenty of people who have been victim of that and it’s never fun.
You guys did an AMAZING job on your back yard! I’m sure the rest of the house is simply gorgeous as well.
Happy 100!
How wonderful. I can’t wait to stop moving. Soon, I hope.
A year! Wow, how fast time flies! The backyard looks beautiful Kyla, you guys have done a great job of making that little house a home.
Looks great! I am so jealous of home owners now that my husband and I have pushed back our plans to buy a house. I am not, however, jealous of the work that needs to be put into the process!
your backyard looks great! so simple and clean.
I agree with you, being able to go outside when I feel like it really makes me enjoy living at home. also? having a really good mattress.
So adorable! So tiny and sweet! Wish we could see your back deck from here!
I lust after your house. I’m sorry – does that sound stalky? I don’t mean it to. I just … I live in a shoebox in the sky. I crave space and the ability to walk out my door and onto the grass. The only grass I have is in between the cracks of the sidewalk. I think it’s killing my soul a little bit.
What a difference! It looks awesome. I really adore your little house. I want to come visit & have a tea party with you. :]
You have such a cute backyard! If I ever make it to the Canadian prairies, I want to come visit!
As usual a lovely, poignant and heartfelt post from you! missed you the past week in blogland, so update me on what’s new with you, besides the fabulous summary of one year anniversaries you have going on!!
The backyard looks fabulous. let’s make a date for next summer with some wine or some such on the back porch, k? =)
yay to your house! seriously it is so cute and so you! love it and hope the crazy neighbors go away soon!
my home feels like home…when i have a nice cozy bed with freshly washed or brand new bedding. Nothing like laying on a made bed!
I love your yard – happy birthday to your house! I don’t have a house, but sitting with my boy and my little kittens in our living room watching tv like a family makes me feel at home.
this partly makes me wish i had a house, and partly reminds me why i’m glad i DON’T have a house, because i am far too lazy to be a good homeowner :-)
Wow, what a beautiful job Kyla!
I didn’t realized you started a new blog! Exciting!
Wow, it looks amazing especially your cute little garden!! I’m jealous you got a claw foot tub. :P
I’ll have to answer this question once we move in our new house.
What an adorable yard. I love it (my dog would, too). And congrats for hitting one year. It must feel great!
That’s hilarious! I love the redesigned yard, it’s adorable!!!
Oh my, your backyard is awesome! What a great transformation!
What makes me feel at home? The sound of the dogs, the smell of home-made food, etc.
But well, now I’m CHANGING homes, I’ll have to find those things that make me feel great to get to my appartment and say “This is home. This is where I belong.”
I love that you called it a meth shack LOL!!!! hilarious! what a transformation, it looks SO great!!!