Our Dresser Upper

We moved to our farm about 5 years ago when Scott took a new job that required us to relocate. Our home in Bellbrook was convenient for me but left Scott with a 90 minute, one-way commute. Our new place put us less than 2 miles from the exact middle of our two workplaces and seemed much more fair. Plus, I got horses out of the deal so I can’t complain!

Finding an existing house with the amount of acreage we wanted proved to be difficult.  We considered building but finding a 5 acre lot to build on in the right location was no easier. It was so disappointing because we were both very impressed with the quality and options Unibilt Homes offered. I had my heart set on building a brand new “Rockport” cape cod model with all the amenities we wanted, such as a shed porch with charming railing.

Our Bellbrook house sold very quickly so the pressure to find a new place was on! My realtor and I scoured listings but the real estate market was so hot that most places were under contract before we even had a chance to look at them. I began to think that we might end up in an apartment until we found what we wanted and needed.

After considerable searching, we came across a listing that looked good on paper so we scheduled a showing. A giant, run-down, screened porch covered most of the front of the house.  Although it was only 17 years old everything was dated and builder grade. The porch did little to enhance it’s curb appeal but, when we stepped out onto it from inside the house, we were taken by the beautiful view. I actually looked at our realtor and said, “This porch doesn’t seem like such a bad idea from the inside!” The house was built on a 5.33 acre lot that, while not fenced, included a perfect pasture for horses that was already planted with Timothy.

Best of all, we quickly realized that the porch was disguising the fact that this was an existing Unibilt home! Not the model we wanted to build, but one that was very similar and ready to move into! I knew this was where I wanted to be!

We realized that, along with setting up for the horses, the place needed work. The previous owners built a base model but it is both structurally and mechanically sound. Because the house is only about 22 years old it needs updating but, hopefully, no gutting is necessary. Even though it won’t be a brand new house, we will get to pick out all the same options and amenities we want. Since Scott and I are both very handy, we will also get the benefits of sweat equity we will pour into it. For these reasons I don’t refer to our home as a fixer upper, I call it a “dresser-upper.”

Since we moved in we have hosted 2 weddings on the farm, my younger son’s in the back yard, and two years later, my daughter was married under the giant willow for which the farm was named. We have also welcomed 3 grandchildren, moved to a new salon, and started a home-based business so that I can spend more time at home. Now that things have settled down I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and start working on renovations to the house!