Author’s Note: This post has been updated, but it remains one of the most personal stories I have ever shared here.
Years ago, when my blog was still new, I shared the story of this house. That post has lived quietly in the archives for a long time, tucked away and mostly forgotten. While fixing links recently, I came across it again and felt the urge to revisit the story, not to rewrite history, but to see it through the lens of where life has settled now.
This house was the backdrop for raising a family, learning patience, and building a life that felt steady. It was far from perfect, and even today, I think about the things I wanted to change but never did. Even so, it was a good home. One filled with meaning, memories, and rooms that held more than furniture.
We moved to Sutton Place in the spring of 1993. The house looked very different then. The lot was crowded with trees in both the front and back, there was no real lawn, and curb appeal was not part of the picture. We bought it for the location and the size, and at the time, we believed we could manage it. Not long after getting the keys, buyer’s remorse set in. The list of repairs and updates was longer than expected, and the cost felt overwhelming. Looking at everything at once was too much, so I did the only thing that made sense. I focused on one project at a time.
Progress came slowly. Very slowly. Each improvement required planning, saving, and careful decisions. I enjoy DIY projects, but there were limits. Power tools have never been my strong suit, and over the years we relied on contractors and handymen to help move things forward.
The house was built in 1964 and still had its original windows and siding. The footprint never changed, but the house itself looks nothing like it did when we first moved in. Over time, most of the trees had to be removed. Roots caused serious plumbing problems, cracks appeared in the foundation, and damage spread to the patio, porch floor, and garage. It was necessary work, even if it changed the landscape completely.
Little by little, nearly every part of the house was repaired, replaced, or refreshed. Outdoor projects filled spring and summer months, while indoor projects became winter work. Installing hardwood floors on the first floor was one of the most satisfying changes we made. The living and dining room makeover brought everything together and helped the house finally feel finished in a way it never had before.
One of the simplest changes remains my favorite. Painting the front door navy blue felt like a risk at the time, but it quickly became one of those decisions that just felt right. Years later, I still feel the same way about it. Inside, every room was painted more than once. Neutral wall colors always felt right for this house, and they allowed family pieces and collected favorites to stand out instead of competing for attention.
In the beginning, this house felt unfamiliar, almost temporary. It wasn’t until we began making changes that it slowly started to feel like ours. Over time, it became comfortable and personal in a way that can’t be rushed.
Working from home, after years of leaving each day, changed everything. This house became the foundation for my work and for the life built around it. Focusing my blog on home and everyday living gave me direction during a season that could very well have felt unsteady.
This house required patience and perseverance. It asked for effort and flexibility. It also taught the value of reliable help when it was needed most. More than anything, it held life. Happy moments and hard ones lived side by side here. It was a safe place for family, a place to return to, and a place where daily routines mattered. At the end of the day, this was home.
In 2021, our family took a leap of faith and downsized to a smaller, more manageable home. You can find our journey HERE.
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Hi Ann,
If you made the door arrangement is there a tutorial? It is gorgeous and your home is stunning!
Thank you so much Linda! Yes I shared how to make the wreath right here:
https://www.onsuttonplace.com/2014/02/diy-heart-wreath-tutorial
Have a good day! ~ Ann
This is a wonderful post, Ann. I can so identify with so much of what you have done. We purchased our home in 1990 with a long “to do” list. And now, 24 years later, we are still “to doing”. It has been such a blessing.
You have a beautiful home! I want to re-decorate! What is on the entryway floor? It looks interesting.
Hi Tana! The mat in the entry is from Decor Steals. It’s a bamboo mat and they offer them once in a while with different typography. If you subscribe for their updates you will get an email with their daily deals. It wipes up just like the floor. For this time of year it’s the perfect thing for in front of the door!
I seriously love your home (& your heart) , reminded me so much of where my hubby and I lived years ago, when we first got married (we were renting in a apartment back then) but we would drive around neighborhoods dreaming of raising our family in a home like yours , then i realized you are located not that far from where we were <3 . thanks for sharing xoxo
You are welcome Becky…thank you for the lovely comment!
Your home is so pretty, Ann! Love the blue!
Such a sweet post-so nice to learn more about you and your home. Gorgeous photos- and I love your front door color!!
Your home is always so perfectly neat! I wish I could accomplish that! Love your home colors.
I hope I am not asking a question you get too often, but what are those beautiful flowering shrubs along your walkway?
Thank you so much.
Hi Mary! You can ask any question you want at any time! The bushes along the walk are yellow knock out roses. Last summer was their second year and they really grew. I cut them down this past fall so we’ll see what happens in the spring! Thanks for stopping by ~ Ann
Hi Ann home is beautiful, could you tell me what the name of the flowers along your front walk.
H Gerri! The bushes along the walk are yellow knock out roses. They really grew last summer so I cut them down this past fall. Hope they survive our awful winter. Thanks for stopping by ~ Ann
Your home is lovely, Ann. You actually had me teared up at the end. Love that picture of your stairway. Makes me want to rip the runner off mine!
Oh Amy I was so utterly sick of the awful carpet that was on those stairs. No matter what I did it never stayed clean. My dream has come true to have carpet-less stairs! I will say that my dog has had a few tumbles and now is scared to go up by herself. It’s so funny to watch her place a paw and then pull it back. Keep in mind too that my kids are gone so the noise level isn’t an issue. ~Ann
Ann not only is your home incredibly beautiful but hearing about your heart and your passion for what you are doing makes it shine even more beautifully! I loved hearing the story of your house and I’m so thrilled to be part of this tour with you!
Vanessa
I adore you Vanessa!