House Update

Original, 1700's section to far right.

So Andrew and I visited the park house (see first mention in Week Eleven post) today:

• 4 miles from Brookside, 5 from nearest train station (for Andrew)
• Original part of the house built in the 1700's 
• Located at the entrance of Paint Branch Park
• Nice big yard
• 2 bedroom, 1 bath, with loft and basement

LOOK AT THIS KITCHEN. Not that we can use the fireplace...

The positives:

• Just the right "upward expansion size" for us... allows room for kids and Andrew's work easily but not too much to furnish.
• SO MUCH FREAKING character
• An old home without as much of the old home stress: since we would be renters Parks takes care of all the big projects before we get there.
• The price is right- would be about the same as rent as our current apartment.

Beautiful entry hall with original floor and room for bookshelves.

The negatives/unknowns:

• We are second in line- if the first person qualifies and decides to take the house, they get it.
• If we get it, money will be really tight for a bit- they want folks to move in next month, if there's no flexibility there we will be carrying two leases and a mortgage simultaneously.
• We will be in charge of maintenance, such as mowing the gigantic lawn and taking care of the old house problems we noticed during the visit- bugs, humidity, etc.
• Not sure at this time what the utility bills would be like.

One half of the lawn... ignore my expression as I was feeling sick.

I think I'm leaning more toward the house than Andrew, but we've agreed if the first person passes we'd take it. I just don't know the likelihood of that happening. We did talk to the maintenance guy working there today and he said another house would be coming up for rent soon that was nicer but probably more expensive. Would appreciate prayers and positive thoughts directed our way!

Loft that could serve as Andrew's office.