Looking for Love in All the Right Places
She and I met when I was about 5 or 6 years old. She had an iron wrought gate surrounding her as though she wore a choker from the 1800s. Her color was pale blue and her two tiered porches wrapped around her waist as though she donned a lace trimmed ball gown. Her eyes were dark, but her lids came in a myriad of brocade colors and her steeples pointed to the heavens with such grace. She was a true beauty, and my dream for a long time.
I used to pass this house on my way home from school in my small hometown of Crowley, LA. I loved that majestic home, untouchable and hiding so many stories within its walls. It was the first home I ever can remember dying to live in. Fast forward 30 something years, and I’ve had a few crushes here in RVA, but none have drawn me in the way that gorgeous Victorian of my childhood did.
Falling in love with a home requires a true connection. When you are looking for the perfect match, there are some things to consider…
Attraction. What’s she wearing? Is it a ball grown or is it a little black dress? Does it wink at you when you drive by or does it tighten up when you approach it’s gates? We all have some sort of architecture we love whether it’s the warm coziness of a Bellevue bungalow or the stately Colonials adorning the near West End or the grandeur of Monument Avenue’s Classical Revivals. No matter what you love on the outside, that love at first site thing is real when it comes to house hunting. Her outsides are the first thing you see. You may be attracted to her country porch, her picturesque face, or you may be tempted with her manicured lawns and meticulous landscaping.
It’s What’s Inside that Counts. I’ve seen several unsuspecting homes. They don’t initially catch my eye as I’m driving up, but then I go inside and that’s where she gets me. Some people are attracted to flooring, some to unique details, and others to particular rooms. For me, I’m drawn to unique quarters like libraries and secret lounges. Yes, I know this is a higher expectation, but if I have to settle, I’ll settle for falling in love with a kitchen and/or bathroom. She could be a high class gal adorned with granite countertops and the most up to date appliances or she could have original floors and an antique vanity. I think a lot of people are looking for a home that meets a less cookie cutter image, something that feels more personal. You want the love of your life to stand out from the rest, no? Aesthetics aside, there’s something more important than looks…
That Warm and Fuzzy Feeling. It all comes down to how she makes you feel. When you open her door can you see a future? Do you feel warm or do you feel as though she might spit you out when you try to change her? I’ve had clients walk in and immediately walk right out because of an initial vibe. No matter how pretty she is, if she doesn’t give you the warm and fuzzies, it’s not for you. I don’t ever want to force my clients into falling in love with something they don’t want to marry. I encourage people to take in a home, walk around it, glide your hands down her banisters, lay in her tubs, lean on her counters, check out her surroundings, and visit her at night. Then ask yourself, Is she loving you back?
Not every home is going to be The One. You could find one that is Fun for Now, but not marriage material. The most important thing is not to be rash, but to take some time and get to know her, find out all you can about her, learn about her history and how she’s grown, and make sure she doesn’t have any baggage that’s going to come up later.
I pine for the day I can walk into a home and say, “This is my forever!”. Until then I’m still dating around, trying to find out which one is worth my investment. What about you? Have you fallen in love yet? Are you ready to make a commitment? I’d love to hear more Love Stories, feel free to leave a comment.
For the Love of Home Questionnaire
What was the first home you fell in love with and why?
See Above and also because I really love historic homes.
What was the first home you cohabited in? You know, your first love nest?
We’d been dating for well over 3 years and although he was at my house pretty much every day, we didn’t officially move in together until 2002. 3 S Vine. A small one bedroom apartment that I fell in love with because it was updated and the location was stellar. We ate at The Lighthouse a whole lot! The thing I loved about it the most was that we lived there alone — no roommates!What was the home that got away?
I have house regret. There was this beautiful house in the near West End that my friend lived in. When she moved away they put it on the market and I wished I could have bought that lovely house on Kensington.What is the decor you are crushing on currently?
I’m really digging vintage style wallpaper. I think seeing shows and film influence my style choices. Ever since I watched Sharp Objects, I want all of that! I am also digging the Art Deco style that has made a comeback. The colors in particular, I just love moody, lush colors.What is your home breakup story? The home you miss the most or the home that brought you nothing but heartache?
It’s not necessarily a “home” in terms of the construct you live in, but the home I miss the most is New York, funny, it the home which has brought me the most heartache as well. I do miss it’s vibe though!What is your favorite place you LOVE to be in at your house and why?
Our bedroom. I love how dark it is and yet how bright I can make it. I also love our front porch which makes for a great way to get to know your neighbors.Was or is there a neighborhood you LOVE the most?
Yes, this one. Ginter Park and Brookland Park has been my favorite place to live in RVA. I love it so much! Its walkability, its business owners, its friendly neighbors and the homes are incredible and historic.What is your favorite piece of furniture?
Right now it’s the album holder which was custom built by Tom Brickman. In the future I hope it is velvet chaise I hope to attain.