In the beginning...

I will, over the next couple days, post the befores. Then the afters as they happen over the next couple months.

I LOVE old homes. Always have. My grandfather was a carpenter and mason, and instilled the value of proper craftsmanship. Although my grandparents lived in a "new build"-which he built (he was a GC and owned his own business for quite a while). I used to watch This Old House, back in the day when it seemed that they actually restored old homes, as a kid and teen. Circumstances being what they were, I've never had an opportunity to own a "grand" older home. Our first house, The Old House was a 1920's vernacular (picture every kid's house-rectangle with a square on top, a 1 3/4 story) that had been updated in the 70's. We have since sold it-we renoed it and rented it then sold it to the tenants. Our current house, known as The Cottage, is just that-a 1950's summer cottage turned home. The Cottage has it's own (rather un-updated) blog here: http://eclecticcottage.blogspot.com/

Recently I had a mid life crisis of sorts and decided it was high time to start doing something I dreamed of before I ever saw "flipping shows" or heard the term. I cashed out a retirement account and went in search of a flip. I was open to whatever good candidate I found-cape, ranch, older home. The stars aligned and I have an accepted offer (closing is scheduled for tomorrow as I type this) on a (mostly) brick 1920's Craftsman Bungalow.

Don't worry, although much to the chagrin of many old home lovers, the only major "updates" to "modern" will be vinyl windows (yes, I KNOW, lol, but they will be done), replacing the sinks in the bathrooms with pedestals with single faucets, and covering the flooring with laminate (which will be done in a way that does NOT effect the original floors in any way). The old sashes and sinks will be saved and resold. I am not your typical flipper. Everything I do has been thought about, hashed, rehashed, and pondered over to be sure it is in keeping with the era and style of the house. I will make some compromises to the way a modern family expects to live, but there will be no open concept, no glass tile, the built ins and clawfoot tub are staying. So there it is. Stay tuned!