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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Oh, Ann. I loved reading this post. I’ve followed you as you left full time work and have really bloomed on your blog. I’m thrilled that you are so satisfied with your house and, more importantly, the life you have made as a blogger. Good luck in the new year.
I loved this post! I have been following you for quite awhile and I always eagerly look at my inbox for your posts. It is amazing how much love and care a house (home!) takes. It is well worth the money and sweat that we put into our home projects.
HI Anne,
I always enjoy reading your posts xo. My house is the same model as yours and we have been in the same situation…replacing and fixing everything!! Like you said though, it is my home And I love it! Thanks for sharing and happy new year!!
I appreciate your candor regarding empty nest syndrome. Hearing both your vulnerability and therapeutic projects made me feel better personally. Congratulations on all of your successes in your house/yard renovations.
Hi Heidi…I am still not a gracious empty-nester but I have learned to live with it. Some days are really hard (even now) and some are just fine. I try to be grateful for the time I have with my kids and not dwell on the time I don’t have. Easier said than done!
Ann, all your and the handyman’s hard work has really paid off. You really have a house you can call HOME. Thanks for this posting as I hadn’t seen all of the improvements you’ve made over the years. Happy 2018.
Your home is beautiful…as is your post! We have lived in several homes over the years…and have built three from scratch. I love the home building process and have changed styles over the years, but always try to be frugal ( if possible) and maintain cozy atmosphere! Both my husband and I retired in January, have no children, and decided to downsize even more and move to a 55+ community – and then we found a Continuous Care/Lifetime Care community that was building a new apartment building and thought…that is perfect for us. It was sold out, and luckily for us someone backed out in April and in 6 short days we decided to go for it, sold our home, and started picking out finishes for the new place. January 8th will be our 41st anniversary and our 6th month anniversary of living in our new space. We really LOVED our home, but we are SO enjoying apartment living, meeting new people and making new friends, and enjoying all the amenities that come with our new home. In this cold weather it is a joy not to have to go out the driveway for the mail! Will continue to tweak our new space…and enjoy a cozy life. Look forward to more of your great posts. Happy New Year !
You chose a house with “good bones” and it is a classic beauty. Our home is always a work in progress as well. We have a porch similar to yours, so I like seeing how you decorate it for inspiration. I am a homebody also and would love to be able to work from home as you do. Maybe some day…
Ann- you are a fantastic designer! Your home looks beautiful and I’m jealous of your eye. I’m so glad I found your page. I love reading about your love of home and decorating.
Was also wondering if you could offer your advice as to how to start up a blog???i have no idea how to start one up.
Bless you 🙏
Michelle
Oh Michelle that’s a hard question! There is so much that goes into running a blog. My friend, Abby, from Just a Girl and her Blog wrote an eBook that outlines it very well. I would suggest taking a look. Here is the link: https://justagirlandherblog.com/framework
Ann, i’ve been following your blog for a few years now and always look forward to your posts. As I read your post i feel like I’m visiting with a friend. I love your style and the way you have worked and continue to work to make your house a home. Thank you for opening it to the world…may 2018 bring you many blessings.
HI — I was perusing your wonderful blog and noticed that you foyer has a chest that is almost identical to one I inherited from my Mom some years ago. Do you have any history on yours, as I know virtually nothing about the one we have. They are both beautiful (and useful)! Thanks so much – MMR
Hi Margaret! That chest is not an antique. I inherited it from my mother-in-law but she purchased it in the 80’s from Bombay. Do you remember them? They had a catalog and some retail stores. They have since closed I believe. It’s super functional and fits perfectly on that wall.
Sounds great and so interesting; you’ll be thrilled (or maybe just pleased) that the chest I have was purchased sometime around 1948-50 – I remember it being in all the houses we lived in when I was growing up. That’s a beautiful piece and you decorated it and everything in your home beautifully!