So we love our house. There’s no doubt that moving to this village has been the catalyst for getting my kids into the German school system, making a few super wonderful friends, and realizing that yes, we really do love living this far off base.
We love it so much that Jason and I have made a really really big crazy decision: we’re gonna buy a house.
Because obviously owning a house in Utah and property in Washington isn’t stressful enough.
In actuality, a lot of civilians decide to buy over here because a) we’re usually here longer than most active duty and b) the long-term investment opportunity is great; when you leave it’s pretty easy to sell and even better to rent it out (especially if it has lots of bedrooms or a big yard).
I swear it was meant to be, within 24 hours of thinking about this and putting out one tentative little feeler we were looking at a home.
Not this one, although it is for sale in our village if you’re looking for a 200 year old fixer-upper.
We were looking at this one.
(I know, he’s super hot, but stop staring at him because he’s mine.)
This baby is gargantuan. Do not be deceived by it’s curbside appearance, that garage alone will hold four cars bumper to bumper. It’s about 4000 square feet with 7 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2 kitchens (we could eventually rent it out as 2 separate units) and a yard and patio to die for. And did I mention that it’s on a dead end street with a bike path that circles through the woods and ends up at our back gate?
Also we’re getting a killer deal on it.
Don’t get me wrong, if you’re one of those people that has to have a new house, you won’t like this one. For American standards, it’s old. It was built in the mid-80’s but ten years ago it got a new kitchen and new heated floors throughout. The tile isn’t my favorite, but the fireplace and the windows? We’re in love, plus that’s what area rugs are for. Those windows run the length of the house.
The biggest hangup for me has been our wonderful landlords. We love them, they’re so good to us and helpful. I can’t bear the thought of leaving this house without personally finding them an amazing family, someone so wonderful they’ll be glad to be rid of us. I’ve been praying about this all week, to know what to do or where to look. So far I’ve had absolutely no inspiration. I almost sent out an email to someone yesterday but right before I pressed “send” I knew I needed to just…wait.
An hour ago my doorbell rang. It was my beautiful American neighbor, a young mom with three small children who go to kindergarten with Junie and Rex. She lives two houses away but would you believe her basement just busted out with mold? And are we still thinking about moving? Could she maybe look at the house before it goes on the market???!!!
This is not set in ink yet, but I have the feeling the chips are going to fall fast and sure. More pictures to come, we’re taking the kids to see the house tonight.
WOW! That’s exciting and unexpected. Leave it to you two to do something crazy like buy a house in Europe. Even more reason for us to come visit next year! Can’t wait to see it in person!
It sounds like the stars have aligned.
I’ve been lurking on your blog for the past few days. Google Reader assured me it was a very good read. Thus far it has been very interesting to read about your adventures in Germany.
And I’m pulled out of lurking to say,
That is completely awesome.
And somehow 30 years doesn’t seem all that old for a house when an alternative is 200 years old 🙂
I love you for coming back and being friendly, nothing like knowing there’s a friend reading.
It looks perfect—totally what I’d picture if I were buying a German home. Good luck!
I just got goosebumps, and I know it’s from your post because it’s 97 degrees here today. I love how everything’s working out so well so far. And the home? Love it!
i love it when things fall into place…when they don’t, that’s when i worry.
can’t wait to see pics of your stuff in your new place….if it ever gets there! 🙂
Wow. I covet your new German house.
And I’m glad to hear that you may have a really smooth transition for the landlords! It’s so nice when some things in life just HAPPEN. Well, I mean, I know you’ve prayed and done what you can to MAKE this happen. But it’s still nice when things work out.
Congrats and best wishes with everything that’s coming up in your lives.
I’m not sure if this huge home or the IKEA rug is the better deal? Let me think about it….
Definitely the chair from Overstock.
You kill me. Now at least there will be room when I come for the weekend from my place in Switzerland (which will be 1/32 the size & happening in approximately 3 million light years)
We bought our home in PR and never regretted it a bit. Sold it for a tidy little profit, too. Yours is fantastic! And if I’m doing the math right, there’s room for a couple of Powers sisters to swing by for a visit!!
Congratulations, Annie! That is a beautiful home and I love all the windows and that view is so serene! It looks like it will be a great place to play and raise kids, if only for a few years. 🙂 That does seem like it’s working out perfectly with your American friend to get into your house now! I hope everything works out perfectly for you guys!
That house is fantastic. I love all the bedrooms and a bike path too. Very nice that you found a new tenant for your landlord as well.
see, but i secretly love your tile in the new house. and those windows?! just lovely. 🙂
i adore how things just domino when all is right and in proper order. good luck.
::fingers crossed & hugs::
I need to remember to just wait…sometimes it is really hard though!
Girl, that is just awesome!
It’s beautiful!
Can’t wait to hear how it all turns out…and see more pictures 🙂