some cool houses around the corner

The project house is coming along slowly but surely -- our definition of a week keeps getting skewed abit, but that's ok. It'll be done when it's done. I've had my eye on a few homes nearby, partly to satisfy my infatuation with victorian homes. The irony being that I don't live in a victorian home, nor does my wife have aspirations to live in one. In fact we could not be more opposite. My ideal would be a monstrous queen anne and hers would be a quaint arts & crafts bungalow. Oh well. I'll keep chipping away at her.

In the meantime, check out these two houses. This smaller red brick home is currently on the market (although it already has a contract on it). That's one thing about this neighborhood -- homes for sale can flounder for months or be off the market within a week. The original porch has been altered with the excessive use of brick. The original wooden column pilasters are still there though. It wouldn't be too difficult to rebuild the porch to what it originally looked like. There are plenty of examples nearby to use for inspiration. I'm optimistic the new owners will take it to the next level -- it could be a real gem with a little TLC.


This other house I think qualifies as a queen anne (although devoid of a turret), and I can't help but sigh everytime I pass by it. It has so much potential and the overall design is impressive. Maybe someday I can call this (once) stately building home.

the final push

They say the devil is in the details -- I think I'm inclined to agree with whoever came up with that. It's been a little hard seeing all the progress we've made (seemingly at light speed) only to have it come to a slow crawl the past few weeks. There are several reasons for this, ranging from our contractor is starting to transition to other jobs and the stuff we've been procrastinating about for the past few months actually needs to get done. Like now. Despite the slowdown in our progress, we've mandated the final push to get this thing done already -- meaning house done by the end of next week or bust. Cross your fingers..

exterior paint done

The curb appeal of this house just got a major shot in the arm.. :) It's not totally done -- there's still a little touching up and window re-glazing to go. But I still think it's looking pretty sweet.. More pics here.