My little brother, the baby in our family, started his freshman year of college this Fall, so my parents now have an empty nest. They have decided to relocate from Upstate New York to Washington, D.C. and downsize from a large, old Victorian to a chic and custom-designed houseboat on the Potomac. A big change!
The house I grew up in from 5th grade on is now on the market, and my mom just sent me the realtor's photos. For some reason, seeing them made me a little teary. I just love this house so much. Over years and many renovations my parents made this home into something unique, a home completely their own. It was a labor of love and I'm so grateful to them for giving us such a special and lovely place to grow up. It's bittersweet to see each room, looking lovely, but also looking quite bare and empty. The photo of the dining room, where I had my hair done on my wedding day, and the photo of the "Piano Room" made me especially leaky-eyed.
Here are some of the shots, in case you'd like to have a look.
Kate--you know I love this house:) You will always have fond memories because of the physical structure but, the memories with your family and friends is really what is important and those happy thoughts will continue on...and over time you will build new memories with new family in new homes to cherish just as much!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous house! And I know, it's hard saying good-bye to a childhood home. My parents sold ours many years ago, and when we go to Plattsburgh and I pass by it, I still feel a little sad.
ReplyDeleteThat was me who just commented, Kate. I don't know how to work the new system yet!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mrs. Pearl, yes it is a little hard to say goodbye.
ReplyDeleteSorry the new system is confusing, once you register once it should save your info. Funny, when I got the comment notification it said "Laura Pearl" commented, but on the blog it says "Tjpearl"--haha. Who knows. Sorry for the trouble.
Thanks so much Christine! And you're absolutely right, the memories will never go away. I hope you're doing well. You're in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous home! It looks like something out of an old Christmas movie with all the snow. I'm sure it will be a big adjustment for your parents, and you and your brother too. A houseboat sure sounds exciting though!
ReplyDeleteThank you Leah, that's a sweet comment! :)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, that is the most beautiful home! I can't believe you lived there...just stunning:) How hard it must be to say goodbye!
ReplyDeletewhat a BEAUTIFUL house! I love the stained glass especially. but you know I think DC is the best :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a charming home to grow up in Kate! I just love it! My favorite little detail (besides that drool-worthy piano), is that super cute topiary wallpaper in the bathroom! :-) As a random side note, I love hearing about empty nesters embracing their new stage in life and doing something new and different that maybe they couldn't have before! Keeps 'em young :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, Kate, I can imagine how you feel. It is so hard to leave a home with so much love and so many memories. My parents have been talking about moving for about ten years now, and while I don't know if it will ever happen, each discussion fills me with a bit of panic. The possibility of my childhood home suddenly not being there for me to visit is so sad, though I do believe those memories are there forever and that the love of creating a new home can be just as meaningful. Your home looks so beautiful and warm, and the love that grew between those walls won't go away.
ReplyDeleteYes I love D.C. too, I'm excited to be able to visit my parents there!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristin! You know, it's funny, I actually thought of you for some reason when I posted the topiary wallpaper picture. I've always loved that wallpaper too, and I had this feeling that you would like it! Haha!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Sarah, yes it is such a special place. I feel good knowing that my parents are beginning a new adventure, and also that my husband and I will soon (hopefully) find a house to make our own.
ReplyDeleteThank you Katie, it is, but it helps that I'm now married and we are on the hunt to find our own first house together. One door closes, another opens :)
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