My husband and I have made a BIG decision to move to our New Hampshire house full time. This has not been an easy step to take. We have worked hard over the years to make our Massachusetts home work for our family and it is bursting at the seams with happy memories. However, it is a house that is meant to be lived in by a family with a bunch of kids. At this point it makes little sense for just the two of us to stay here and maintain the house and pay its bills.
A few years ago we were fortunate enough to be able to purchase a house on a lake in New Hampshire. At the time, we hadn't considered it as a potential permanent residence. Then we fell in love with the house, the water, the mountains nearby and the lifestyle. It helps the transition knowing how much the lake house is loved by the many family and friends who have stayed there.
There are renovations needed to the lake house to make it work as our primary home (for example, I need a sewing room!). Those renovations start soon and will keep us entertained over the next few months.
Of course this means we will need to prepare the Massachusetts house to be put on the market in the spring. I will be escaping to my sewing room to continue to sew down my stash to help ease the move. Shouldn't that be a priority?
I will try not to bore you with too many house updates. However, I will greatly appreciate your help in designing my new sewing room and, in general, keeping me distracted from cleaning up 23 years of STUFF that we have accumulated in this very special home.
Kathy
I think you have a great perspective on sewing as much as possible so you don't have such a big fabric stash to move! Plus, it might get you out of some remodeling chaos!
ReplyDeleteWow- that's great! My parents are looking at down sizing for the same reasons you list here. It's a lot of work! All the best to you and glad you are making a sewing room a priority!
ReplyDeleteLive free or die full time! Yes, sewing down the stash to make the move easier and a new sewing rooms definitely should take priority! I cannot wait to see your new room an renovations. Although not sure a lake house this time of year is fun, unless you like ice fishing.
ReplyDeleteWell, very exciting news! Sounds like you'll be very busy for the next little while. Now that the decision has been made....you'll feel better. Congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting!!! and bittersweet.... Yes; sewing down the stash is a wise move ;-)
ReplyDeleteOur children's births were spread out over 22 years - which puts us in a fairly unique situation; we still have 5 at home (ranging in age from just turned 6 to 16). We bought almost 10 acres 9 years ago with the intent to save money and then build a 'forever house' Of course - with a large family (and one income) that saving money part has taken a little longer than expected - but worse - we have had sooo much trouble coming up with a house plan that suits us now, and will suit us later.... All that to say - I totally get the logic of moving,and I wonder, perhaps, in spite of all of our best efforts, if we will still end up in that situation - with a house that it really doesn't make good sense to maintain....
Best wishes! (and I, for one, would love all updates, sewing OR house (or otherwise) :-)
Tracy
Oh Kathy! How exciting though. We moved almost 8 years ago from where we raised our daughters and it was very sentimental. We now live in a 1950's colonial and though you would think it too big...it seems to fit our at-home lifestyle of our life right now as we still have nine more years of work and it houses family well when they visit. That doesn't mean husband and I aren't curious to begin looking for a mountain cabin home for retirement thoughl.....enjoy the process. V:)
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for a smooth transition! I can't help but think that full time lake life will take care of the bittersweetness of the move from such a beloved home!
ReplyDeleteKathy, What a huge decision it is to move. I recently moved to be closer to my parents after living in another area for the past 30 years. I had a MAJOR life event overhaul and it seemed prudent to begin anew - holding the treasured memories close to my heart while looking to the future with hope and a healthy sense of adventure.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure you NEED a Bernese puppy to complete the transition to lake living - don't cha think?? LOL I'll post a picture of her on my blog today :)
Oh how wonderful that you will be able to use your getaway home ! sounds like a beautiful spot. You definitely need to spend time sewing to help think things through...hugs, Julierose
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! That is so exciting! I wish you all the best in your move and transition to your new home!
ReplyDeleteThat's so exciting Kathy!! I'm sure the work and possible stress will be tough but the end result will be worth it :) Can't wait to read updates in the coming months!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fantastic area your lake house is in...very serene...perfect if you ask me
ReplyDeleteOhhh this is so exciting and nerve-wracking all at once! The lake house sounds absolutely lovely and peaceful - I look forward to seeing your new sewing room in the making.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a big change for you! Your house is so pretty, but as you say, it's time for another family to grow there and love it. Also, I'm sure Massachusetts will be a great new starting point for you and your family. Thanks for sharing that, Kathy! All the best! :)
ReplyDeleteRobyn Harmon @ Hills Moving