May 18, 2011

Settle Down!

When I moved to the UK in 2005, I thought it would be a long-term thing. But that was not to be, and I returned to the States to be with my family and for my father’s subsequent death, four years ago next week.  Then I thought I’d be in the States for a year or so, and go back to the UK, but that was not to be, either. (The image below is my commute to work in Wales!)commuting 074 I soon realized that Baltimore is my home, and set out to make a life here again. I rented a little row house, and got a job doing something I love. But I hadn’t settled down.

My roots in Baltimore firmly attached themselves to the ground when I bought a little farm-house this afternoon. 4405 012 It was built in 1900 on what was then the outskirts of Baltimore City, and would not be within the city borders for another 18 years. The minute I spotted it on the real estate listings, I fell in love with it.4405 010 I love that it has a ton of light! All of the windows are along the south side of the house and bring lots of natural brightness in. These images were all taken on a gloomy, snowy morning. 4405 011 Like the last few houses I’ve lived in, this one’s long and narrow – but at 14 feet wide, it’s the widest!  It has three bedrooms, two full baths, and a mudroom and a yard, which will be perfect for Connor. Unlike my last few houses, this one actually has closets and masses of storage, including an attic and basement. The house has a decent-size kitchen with pretty new appliances, but kitchens are not my main concern, much to the chagrin of my realtor!4405 009 It needs a little bit of work, mostly cosmetic. The floors on the main level are hardwood, and in the bedrooms, they’re heart pine under the grotty carpets. The house needs a good scrub and a lot of paint, as the last residents were three college-age boys.  All of the light fixtures are hideous and will just be capped for now.

You might have noticed I was doing some home-type things, like the slip-covers, the paint colours, the dining room chairs, etc. Well, that’s all been in preparation for the move.

Settlement was postponed several times, so I didn’t want to say anything until I had the keys and deed in hand! Even though I am moving out of the old ‘hood, I am keeping the name Pigtown*Design, because I’ve worked hard to establish the “brand” and I think it’s a fun name. Oddly enough, the name of the new neighbourhood is even funnier than Pigtown!4405 005The house is a departure from everything I thought I wanted, but when it came down to it, there’s so much about it that that was appealing – the yard and garden, the closeness to where I grew up and to my mother and one of my siblings, and in a much better, safer and quieter neighbourhood. 4405 002I hope that you will follow along as I make this little house my new home. Suggestions for colours, arrangements, layouts, gardens, flowers, and just about everything else will be greatly appreciated. And if you’re in the neighbourhood, stop by for a cocktail.

60 comments:

  1. Congratulations you have got yourself a charmer. I wish you many years of happiness in your new home and I can't wait to see what yo do with it. MB

    ReplyDelete
  2. Happy happy happy house day! Can't wait to see what you do with your new abode. I think you are not too far from my parents so I will call you on the next Big Crab trip - too bad I've been there three times this month and won't be back until June.

    ReplyDelete
  3. At long last!!!!! To get away from those crazy sanctimonious idiots next door to your old place I would have been tempted to live under a bridge!!! So glad this finally all fell into place and I cannot wait to see pics of you and Connor enjoying that back yard! I will be right here...waiting...and cheering you on with every brush stroke!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I add my congratulations and wishes for years of happiness for you and Connor in your new digs.

    I'll bet you can't wait to cap those light fixtures and install some crown molding!

    This will probably seem like a strange question, but it is something I have been pondering: If one likes a Farrow & Ball colour, would it make any sense to have a home store "match" the color for the first coat, and then top it with the genuine Farrow & Ball for the second coat?

    Your mention of color(s) for your new place re-ignited this question in my mind.

    I've read so many good things about F&B, the finish, the depth, etc. It's not exactly in my price range, but if it's all that great, I would make it happen for the final coat.

    Any feed back from you or your knowledgable fan base will be appreciated. If I am out of line asking this question as a comment, you can just delete it.

    I am Anonymous out of ignorance. I don't have any personal blog or account; just not a techie. Thanks for giving us fossils the opportunity to comment.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yeah!!! All's well that ends better. You've been talking yard sale a while now, but I didn't want to guess.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Congratulations Meg....this is such exciting news and what an adorable house...it will be gorgeous...xv

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh how beautiful Meg - what a wonderful home you will make there. Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow, that is really a darling house. Do you have a place to park?

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm so very happy for you, and like me, you're wise to keep things under wraps until everything is completed. So much can and does go wrong if you crow about something before it comes to fruition!

    A lot of work ahead of you, but I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Congrats! I can't wait to see what you do with the place. It has such pretty light.

    http://lachapstickfanatique.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Congratulations! Love the wood floors.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Meg,
    I'm so happy for you. What a great house.
    Kathleen

    ReplyDelete
  13. Meg I am so happy for you! Finally, after all trials and tribulations!! The house is very cute and will be even better after your warm and personal touches are applied.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am very happy for you, Meg. It looks like a great "blank canvas" for you to develop into a wonderful home.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Congratulations Meg! I know this has been a long time in the coming for you so Enjoy!

    I have lived in my narrow Victorian for over 20 years now and don't know how I would cope with a wider house!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Meg, this is WONDERFUL news. So happy for you and can't wait to come by for a cocktail. I love it! xxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  17. so glad it is finally working out for you! congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I had the feeling you were getting close to a move from your posts. It looks like it will be a charmer! Keep it "posted" for us.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I can FEEL your energy from here! There's nothing like turning a page onto a new beginning to put an extra bounce in the step. Cannot wait to see what you decide to do with YOUR marvelous now/old house.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Congratulations! Looking forward to seeing how you make this house your home. Best.

    ReplyDelete
  21. "now/old house."

    Ooops, supposed to read "new/old" house.

    ReplyDelete
  22. How exciting and what an adventure for you and Connor! I am already looking forward with great eagerness to watching you make it your own.
    xo, Anne

    ReplyDelete
  23. I suggest you go with your heart and celebrate this wonderful new addition to your life. Best fun!

    ps my word verification was expats...!!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Congratulations to you Meg and to Conner too!! I am thrilled for you and this new adventure- what fun! I adore your new home and would love to pop over for a glass (or two;) of wine and discuss farmhouses!!

    all the best,
    joan

    ReplyDelete
  25. Congratulations, that is so exciting. My mom's family lived in Catonsville when it was a country town. Baltimore has really grown in the last 100 years!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Meg - hooray! I am so excited - seems it was worth the wait. Can't wait to see how it evolves.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh Meg, Congratulations!

    Looking at all those pictures made me want to load up my pick up with all my paints, stains, glazes, and my bag of tricks and drive back to help you! Why does California have to be so far away?!

    Great layout, it's going to be lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  28. A big congrats Meg!!! Looking forward to the transformation! Question....was it common to put wood flooring in on the diagonal when the house was built or is it newer? The wood looks old, but I have not seen it like this before. Just curious. GREAT HOUSE!!!! (And I do love an old house!)

    ReplyDelete
  29. What a BLAST you are gonna have transforming that great little place! And I can't wait to come over and spill a cocktail after you get it "just like you want it"...

    ReplyDelete
  30. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I love the floors. May you and Connor continue to be very happy in your new digs

    ReplyDelete
  31. Congratulations & God Bless your new home. http://www.oldhouses.com/cf/resources-stories.cfm for inspiration :) Looking forward to the transformation.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Congratulations on your new home -- I was wondering what had happened with your house search (I don't know you personally, but I love your blog). After seeing the kitchen and your comments about cooking not being your thing, I pictured the upper cabinets removed and open shelving featuring your "junk whisperer" treasures/collections and the bottom cabinets a simply-painted white or black.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I'm so excited and happy for you, Meg, and will look forward to seeing your touches on this adorable house. As, I wrote to you last week, I love Balti so much and think you have found yourself a sweet new home! Wishing you the very best!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Oh Fabulous - congratulations! Did I miss the name of the new neighborhood just out of curiosity since it's funnier? I'm looking forward to a house warming party!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Oh wow, huge congrats to you. So exciting!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Congratulations! Love it - can't wait to see how you decorate it.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Fabulous! So happy for you and Connor. It will be so interesting and fun to follow you in your new home. It is a sweetheart.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'm so happy for you! Change is good. Enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Congratulations, Meg. With a move and fixing up, you'll have tons of things to blog about for a while! Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  40. A new page in your encyclopedia of life! I guessed something was in the wind and now we all know and can share with you this stage of your journey. Enjoy every moment of it. YOU DESERVE IT! - Jan 'downunder'

    ReplyDelete
  41. Congratulations on your new abode! I can't wait to see it after you do your magic.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Congratulations! After all of your searching, a beautiful place to call home. Or at least it will be beautiful once you get your hands on it. I am so looking forward to reading your adventures.

    Congratulations again to you and Connor.
    Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  43. Everyone else has said it all, so ditto, ditto, ditto! Look forward to checking in with you every day.

    ReplyDelete
  44. your head must be spinning with so many creative ideas! i hope you post your design progress on your blog. i can't wait to see.

    and PS i too love those floors.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Congratulations!! I love it and can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve: colors, style, art, etc. I'll take that cocktail--make it a martini or scotch on the rocks.

    ReplyDelete
  46. M, it is absolutely PERFECT. I love it!!!! I love that the kitchen is just waiting for someone with some great taste and style to get in there. I love that it's south facing and most of all I love the 14 feet! Congrats congrats congrats (white walls, anyone?)

    xoxo Pink

    ReplyDelete
  47. very exiting for you Meg - congrats - you will be busy - looking forward to reading about your new project

    ReplyDelete
  48. All best wishes to you and Connor! Can't wait to see you transform this space into your dream home!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Kwanrak Wongse-SanitMay 20, 2011 at 1:14 PM

    Hey Meg! Great running into you today! Congrats on the house. I'd love to stop in and see it when I'm in Hampden. Enjoying catching up on your blog too! Have fun at Preakness tomorrow if you are going!
    XO, Kwan

    ReplyDelete
  50. WAHOOOO!!! Congrats Meg!! Now e-mail what neighborhood it is, I'm dying to know!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Congratulations! I look forward to seeing how you transform this into a beautiful home. Love the diagonal floors.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Congratulations on your new old love! Can't wait to see what you do with it! WOOOOOT!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Congratulations on the new home. I can't wait to one day have a yard, closet space and just a few more bedrooms. I'm jealous. Enjoy this new adventure and have fun decorating!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Congrats Meg. Cannot wait to see it in person.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Sorry to see you leave. I was hoping after the rapture some of the noise problems would be eliminated and you'd be tempted to stay in the 'hood. Alas it was not to be. Best of luck to you and Connor in your lovely new home!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Meg!

    I'm so happy for you! You deserve this -- closets included!

    As John says, what a great blank canvas. Excited about the possibility of a new garden.

    xo
    Courtney

    ReplyDelete
  57. As they say in Wales, mazel tov! It will be fun to watch you decorate. Let us know when we can come cook you dinner in your under-used kitchen!

    ReplyDelete
  58. I was seeing why you've been nesting!

    Omg omg, this is amazing!!!!!!! It is soooooooo cute!!!!!!!! I love the outside and the inside too. Wow.

    Use it in good health and much happiness,


    Congrats!!!!! I am thrilled for you!!!!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for reading and commenting on Pigtown*Design. I read each and every comment and try to reply if I have your e-mail address.