Sometimes size really isn't everything?
I thought I'd share some thoughts & really get real here...there's got to be other people who think like me, right?
I believe people move to Arlington for many different reasons. Many move for the school system, many move for the access to Cambridge and Boston, specifically the access to the top medical and bio-tech hubs in the world. Let's be honest, we don't move to Arlington to be in a McMansion or even a spacious "dream home". If you're anything like me you moved here for the "vibe" and lifestyle. Could I move 15 minutes further out and have a 3500+ sq foot 4+ bedroom home with a master bath, 3 car garage and in-ground pool? Yes, I could... in fact, I could do that for under 1M. Yet, I choose to live in a smaller Bungalow that lacks a mudroom, has insanely small "eave" closets and basically a bowling alley for a living room. Why? Because I love the people and the culture. I love the open minded nature of so many here. I love the sense of humor of the folks I've become friends with. I love that I live on a dead-end street that's a two minute walk to Robbins Farm/Skyline Park. I love that I can look out my window and see the calm of the city lights yet know that if I'd like the vibrance of Cambridge and Boston I can be there in less than 15 minutes. I love that I can grab the flashlights and walk my kids down to the park where an impromptu gathering is happening to learn about the constellations. I could go on and on.
What does that have to do with 99 Menotomy? Maybe there are other people who think like me? Maybe some others don't want the "McMansion" either? Then again, since I am being brutally honest, a mudroom is dreamy, master bathroom is so convenient and laundry on the bedroom level is life-changing! Maybe other people love the charm and character that these old homes offer and actually want the togetherness that the main level of #99 will offer. Maybe other people will also value the separateness of having a finished basement and optional garage/heated hang out space. Maybe, just maybe there are other people like me who don't want to pay 2M for a huge home? Maybe they would like a smaller home (and a smaller mortgage) that is done right, yet with the smaller scale "extras" that only come with new construction? If you're out there, maybe you are the right buyer?
Now you see it, now you don’t
Surprise! We learned last week that although the house was built beautifully, unfortunately the garage was not. So, full demolition was in order.
Surprise! We learned last week that although the house was built beautifully, unfortunately the garage was not. So, full demolition was in order. Now it's decision time, and I need your help!
Please vote:
A.) Do not rebuild the garage, keep the large yard (relatively speaking for Arlington!)
B.) Rebuild a two car garage
C.) Rebuild a garage however finish the interior for storage/home office use etc.
D.) Rebuild a garage for ONE car plus large storage room
Which would you choose? Leave it in the comments below.
They say it takes a village
They say it takes a village! Recently, a local contractor called to see if I was interested in collaborating to renovate a home at 99 Menotomy Road, naturally this tugged at my heart strings.
Menotomy Road holds a special place in my heart. As a child, every weekend I visited my Grandmother in her home located at the bottom of Menotomy Road. Visiting her felt like a different world – my brother’s and I could hop on the bus to go get ice cream, go to the movies etc. – something we never got to experience in the burbs! In 2003, I purchased and moved in to my grandmother’s home; I guess I wasn’t ready to part with my happy childhood memories! Since then, I have grown to love Arlington more and more and am happy to be raising my own family here.
Recently, a local contractor called to see if I was interested in collaborating to renovate a home at 99 Menotomy Road, naturally this tugged at my heart strings. I’ve decided to take the plunge and start a new project. I’m committed to remodeling this house and have decided to document the experience along the way!
Have you ever watched HGTV and thought “I wonder what it’s REALLY like to flip a house?” Well, follow along to find out. Everything will be shared - the good, the bad, and the ugly. (I’m talking 8 trash dumpsters of ugly without even starting the demo!)
At first glance, the house needs some work. Built in 1926, it still has a lot of the 20’s “bungalow style” charm including a wood fireplace, built-in window seat, and a sweet entrance foyer. My goal is to preserve those details while enhancing the style with modern updates. Adding a master bathroom, creating an open concept first floor, and finishing the lower level are just some of the design projects on my list. When all is done, I’m hoping this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home will make Menotomy Road proud.
The name Menotomy represents the old Indian name of the Town of Arlington, which was initially called “Menotomy Village”. This rings true to the concept of “it takes a village”...to remodel a house, I’m glad you are joining in. Along the way I will also be showcasing amazing local businesses and folks that I trust to help me make this project into a reality.
If you are local to the Arlington area, or just love a great before and after, follow my journey and be a part of this remodel process. I’ll be asking design questions, opinions on kitchen tiles, light fixtures and other decisions that you can weigh in on...maybe even: Love it? Or list it? :)