House Update
Nearly a month has passed since I last wrote about our house buying escapades here in Atlanta, and since then we cleared two important hurdles, in addition to finding out some interesting history on our new home.
After weeks of asking for bids, nit picking over tiny details, and handing to complete strangers our entire financial history in the form of a foot-high mound of paper, we were finally approved for our loan.
A few days later the house was inspected, and passed with flying colors - despite the fact that it is nearly a century old, and has undergone extensive renovations. The inspector noted that the current owners did a fantastic job renovating the house, didn't cut corners, and often times went over what would be considered to be minimally acceptable in their work.
My wife also met - by accident - the current owners of the house, and learned the complete history of the property. The home, as expected, was originally built in 1923. But since then only two families have ever lived there - each for at least four decades.
The fact that only two generations of people lived in, and obviously enjoyed, the house and surrounding area without ever moving, speaks volumes. Each owner spent nearly half their life living in the house; experiencing all the ups, downs that goes with it.
To stand in the living room and imagine eighty years of December holidays, birthday parties, quiet dinners, and summer nights sitting on the front porch, and then realizing you - yes, you - are next in line to continue the tradition, is a humbling experience.
Sure, it's quite doubtful we'll live there anywhere near as long as the former occupants, but it's fun to imagine.
Comments
sounds like your house is similar to mine in savannah. same year, same style, at least. unfortunately, my house has not had the loving tenants over the years. the renters that the former owner referred to as "the crack boys" should give you an idea. at any rate, these houses are built well, and are full of warmth. congrats.
Posted by: lee at May 15, 2003 3:02 PM
Sounds wonderful. My parents got a house that has a similar history (built 1927) up in the PacNW. Built solid by the dean of architecture, including a nice kitchen (his wife was in the home ec. dept.), and only two or three previous owners.
Nothing can substitute good, ol' fashioned, well-built homes.
Posted by: David at May 15, 2003 6:04 PM
PIX! PIX! PIX! We need to see cool pictures!
Posted by: JMBR at May 15, 2003 11:24 PM
it must be the time of year for home buying, although it's a different story here in brighton, uk. the house i'm buying (with the missus) is a four story victorian conversion.
currently it's a building site and we are putting our hopes and dreams in the sellers building plans.
fingers crossed for everyone and keep an eye on that stack of paperwork. you need every fecking page of it!
Posted by: martyn at May 16, 2003 4:46 AM
Congratualtions from me as well. My wife and I are in the middle of the buying process on a home here in Kentucky. We didn't get as nice a home as you, but we were able to find a "motivated seller" in an extremely nice neighborhood so it is all good.
Posted by: Chris J. Davis at May 16, 2003 7:53 AM
Congratulations Todd, definitely post some pics. Nothing can beat an old, well-cared-for house. They won't ever build em that way again.
Put on a little Artie Shaw and enjoy the nostalgia.
Posted by: Gordon at May 16, 2003 1:08 PM
Sounds exciting! I am also an Atlantan, and I live in a 120 year old loft space that was originally a meat packing plant. Its located over on Howell Mill Road at 14th Street, and is a unique spot for urban life.
I am looking to get a house in a historic neighborhood in the heart of the city sometime soon.
I enjoyed reading your site! You have been added to my NetNewsWire RSS site list.
Posted by: Jonathan LaCour at May 16, 2003 4:20 PM
Congratulations, there is nothing better that a well built classic house, I have owned a house from the 1930's and there is nothing nicer that the high ceilings and period style that is soo lacking from current housing designs.
Posted by: Duncan Riley at May 17, 2003 12:18 PM
