Once we first discovered the property/homestead we fell in LOVE with this 1850s carriage home however because the renovation of our home and yard went on and on (with all of the monetary stress that goes together with it) we went from our “We’ll have initiatives endlessly!” enthusiasm to “Omg…we’re going to have have initiatives…endlessly” dread. I can solely say that now that we’re on the opposite facet of it, and so very excited to begin this 1850s carriage home – in a gradual DIY approach (as a lot as doable). Final week, I took you thru the within, so immediately I’m going to indicate you the surface of the home, as we first discovered it in 2019, and what it appears like now (in 2025, pre-renovation).
2019 – When We Fell In Love With The Property
I like that we have been all naive and like, “THIS LOOKS AWESOME”. However actually, it had a lot potential. I completely forgot in regards to the carport that was constructed (possible so folks may park there and stroll below the coated walkway to the again door. It wasn’t in good condition, as you may see.
You’ll be able to see how the 2 buildings join right here – WOW, it’s simply so completely different now. We stored a lot of the coated walkway (we needed to take away the “flip,” disconnect it from the home as a result of they forgot to have in mind the roofline of the walkway once they designed the home windows, and the view out the window was 1/2 of a roofline – so awkward).
As you may see, it had very previous white paint and inexperienced trim (all of the outbuildings had the identical trim).
She was fairly CUTE. Traditional lap siding, an enormous image window, and a clumsy second-floor window simply sooooo near that roofline (which we will solely transfer if we transfer the lavatory “stalls” upstairs). Is it bizarre that I just like the allure of the awkwardly positioned window? The shed-style room on the fitting was added on possible many years after it was constructed, in all probability serving as a shed to the kitchen backyard that lived contained in the break up rail fence.
She was rundown, after all, and no contractor would advise us to aim to repair it until they have been an previous home fanatic like us. However I really actually cherished the vibe.
Now, Summer season 2025
Just a few years in the past, we had the outbuildings painted white, simply to wash them up (I feel we paid $6k for the garages, this constructing, and the 2 barns – like no prep work, no sanding/priming, simply lipstick on a pig scenario). IT’S in all probability why nobody actually notices this home as they stroll by – my mates have been like “the place is that home that was in your IG?” and I used to be like, “you’ve actually walked previous it 100 instances.”
So let’s speak by way of a number of the particulars of the construction. That massive sliding door is on a prepare observe, and I assume it’s authentic and tremendous priceless. We aren’t positive what to do with it as a result of it’s strong for positive, however when closed, it nonetheless permits for lots of air to come back by way of. I believed it was retrofitted within the 30s or so and wasn’t feeling too responsible about placing in a traditional entrance door (or French doorways), however now I’m conflicted. However that little fowl home is unquestionably staying (on the left).
It’s an excellent fundamental, traditional farmhouse. The lap siding is in OK situation (extra on that after the inspection outcomes subsequent Thursday). The home windows are wooden, wonky, and in comparatively okay/dangerous situation. The roof appears advantageous, however the inspection report has extra perception. We’ll see…take a look at the siding under…
We aren’t positive what or the place the entrance door must be – the one on the left (under) goes into our previous prop home (which is a small room), so it feels pure that the place this sliding door could be is the principle entrance. However then it might be simply boarded up and have the principle entrance across the nook.
See how the roofline of the coated walkway useless ends into the home? That’s pne downside I do know we’ll want to unravel. Effectively, with out water administration (gutters), it’s made that nook all rotted out. So the siding and wooden are possible needing to get replaced.
I do not know why that pipe/sizzling water vent has fallen all crooked, FYI, however it feels applicable. From a distance, the home appears in fairly good condition!!!
We’re getting basis quotes now (which is NOT in one of the best form). However no less than that little backyard room has a cement basis. Possibly there’s hope for it??
I’m nervous that the coated walkway goes to should be torn down, however my hope could be simply the posts on the tip which might be completely rotted and hanging on by a thread. I imply, it’s not prefer it must be in excellent situation – it’s not holding a second ground, and nobody sleeps beneath it.
That candy little path goes to the gardening shed, which might be only a again or entrance entrance to the home. Possibly this residence’s mudroom???? OOH, that’s NOT a nasty concept!!! Like, do we want the opposite entrance in any respect? Or wouldn’t it be bizarre to not have a kitchen door??? (Yah, that’s bizarre and tremendous annoying now that I give it some thought).
I want I knew extra in regards to the situation to inform you, however the inspection report put up will probably be subsequent week. My hope is that it’s an intensive restore, however that the construction itself is in OK/saveable situation. At this level, we will nonetheless demo and stroll away if it’s really unsalvageable, however we actually, actually don’t need to try this. Come again subsequent Thursday to search out out 🙂
*Fairly Images by Kaitlin Inexperienced
