The Estate of Things

There is a serious topic being discussed in my house right now. That topic is moving. In five years I have moved three times, only one of those houses was a rental.

I’ve become a chronic mover. I don’t move to different cities just around the same county, sometimes moving right next door. Its an interesting affliction considering my parents have lived in the same house since 1977 and I don’t think they’ll ever move. But here’s the kicker, the entire time I lived in my parent’s house it was constantly being remodeled. I’m addicted to remodeling and living in new spaces. Sometimes I try to picture my dream house and I end up with a house that looks like a NYC loft crossed with a sprawling lake cottage blended with a craftsman bungalow topped with a modern glass house for garnish. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be content.

I told the carpenters that are currently working on another remodel for me that I was thinking about moving again and they all groan and laugh, they know how much I like to move. Which house, they ask. And then they smile because it might mean more work for them in a slumped economy. Sorry fellas, not this time.

Here’s what has caught my attention and made the wheels spin almost 24 hours a day.

I snapped a few photos before my camera battery died.

This house has a very English cottage feel and its a great family house.

Interestingly enough Erika just wrote a post about Martha’s kitchen which included the detailing of the adjustable shelf system and low and behold whats in the china closet but the same adjustable shelving.

I really want to make this happen, what deals may come?

Remember the home of actors Sunrise and Mark Ruffalo that was featured in a 2009 issue of Domino. No…ok…quick refresher

 OK, so most of us died over the Ruffalo bedroom I think, I know I did.  There were other areas of the home that served as inspiration for me…the kid’s room, the Ruffalo lair and the picture ledge shelving with the ever changing art display (perfect for those who can’t commit and/or afford art).

The Ruffalo home sold last year for less than $1.6 mil, which I would consider to be pretty darn affordable in the Hollywood Hills.  Ruffalo’s actually made $0 on the house provided that they didn’t make any improvements. 

I was intrigued by how different the property looked fairly empty and not pictured through a photographer’s lense.  Despite the fact that the house is not styled and tricked out by design team Nickey Kehoe, it still looks pretty charming.  All those french doors let in a lot of California sunshine. Here are the pictures from the property listing.

Interesting property for sale in Raleigh, NC (Isuwannee’s stomping ground) on 828 Runnymede Road.  This house was designed by Frank Harmon. Its listed at $899,000. I think what I like about this house the most is the exterior design.

One can’t help but love this Swedish cottage retreat. There’s so much to love inside and out. This property is for sale here. There is so much inspiration here. Refreshing after I’ve been looking at a million second story bedrooms lately with these odd slanted ceilings.

Crazy for built-ins especially around a cased opening

Love the natural pine floors that seem to pop up in a lot of Swedish homes, I also see it commonly used on the ceilings in bathrooms unpainted.

balcony off master bedroom

Man I love the mix of historic homes and modern architecture in Austin TX!

This past trip to Austin proved a much more appreciative and adventurous tour of the city. I cajoled my brother into driving me around to play a little game of “know your neighborhood” around East and South Austin, and the historic Hyde Park neighborhood. It was quite fun.

I saw this place.. which Chris had recognized in the previous issue of Dwell as a green duplex built specifically to match the socio economic needs of the neighborhood, without sticking out too much. Interesting accomplishment.

After we visited that gem, we cruised the avenues of Hyde Park. A historic neighborhood with a rich mix of Victorian homes, bungalows, modern architecture and some strange combination of the latter two. Its really interesting to see the result of years of resourceful home additions, mostly made from salvage materials. Check out the salvaged pieces in the interior of this Hyde Park home.

Next, imagine you and your neighbors hanging out at the fences of your “low cost” housing project homes, built in early 2000. These homes are new construction, located in East Austin, a part of town that seems to hold all of the best of eclectic small business and neato neighborhoods.

If you live in the Austin area, you are fortunate. For you had the opportunity to join the AIA Homes Tour, last weekend! How did it go?

I can’t wait to visit Austin again, and cruise the neighborhoods!

So, you guys know that this is a themed post right? Sarah and I are house junkies. We drive around playing ‘know your neighborhood’ and we routinely cruise real estate websites for dreams. I found this gem today (via Topher) and am having a renovation fantasy to the max. The price tag is high at 1.2 million - but dreams are free y’all. Check it out!

The listing is HERE on Trulia.

F-ing Spanish Influence

Nice Face

Laugh it up Wall

Give me a break

What is that, a Margarita?

F-ing Clementines, this view is for idiots!

UGH! Anywhere but here!! And unless you have a problem with curse words, please watch this video.

Bungalows…just can’t get enough.

This week’s Estate Envy is located at 3953 Northeast Avenue in the Sabin neighborhood in Portland. Listed at $379,000, this property boasts a great layout, tons of character and a total renovation. Built in 1926, the house is a little over 1400 sq. feet.  The pictures can do the talking.

Built in 1912 this historic wonder is listed at $524,000.  Situated at 1107 Urban Avenue in the Trinity Park area of Durham, it has been completely renovated and very nicely done at that.  The historic details were preserved yet the house offers all the modern conveniences, isn’t that the dream?

I was drawn to this house because of the layout. I love the free-standing fireplace in the living area which I imagine used to be in the wall that separated those two spaces. The entire downstairs layout appears to be open and I appreciate the architectural details in the dining area and the way the sun fills the kitchen and dining room. I wonder if they also had to open up the stairwell? Looks like the bedroom has a cathedral ceiling which is a nice feature.  I like the exterior color choices but I think even though it may not be an original feature, I think the addition of some railing on the front exterior would finish things off.  I’m guessing all of the bedrooms are upstairs which could be a negative for buyers who are looking for a master suite on the lower level.  Does this space speak to you or is it not your flavor?

Can’t tell from this photo of the kitchen if there is ample cabinet storage, although the use of open shelving is a plus.

I probably wouldn’t keep the copper/brass ceiling fan.

One last thing, wonder where the TV goes?

3853 North Keeler Chicago, IL is the focus of this week’s Estate Envy.  Take a gander at prairie-style living in Chicagoland, where some say all the great bungalows are.  This house looks like it has a really great layout. This property is listed at a cool $1,075,000.

We’ve decided to start a weekly feature for The Real Estate of Things. Through this feature we’ll share properties currently on the market that we love, more interiors that inspire us, homes we wish we could live in.

Our first installment of Estate Envy brings you a property listed by Skeppsholmen, a Swedish agency that was discovered through the lovely blog, Desire to Inspire.

I think the highlights are the kitchen, fireplace and the outdoor spaces. What are your favorite parts? Maybe you don’t like it all, let us know.

Love this house but can’t afford international real estate? Take a look at the Cottage Company. The Cottage Company with the help of architect Ross Chapin have been busy creating “pocket neighborhoods” in the Northwestern part of the country. Purchase one of Ross’ plans and put your cottage anywhere.