Our Brand New House

I saw this house online last week and went to see it with the realtor, without Dave, who didn't feel well enough to tag along. This is a new build and has only been on the market since December. After viewing several other models in this subdivision I knew this one was it.
Then I read the small print.
There is a mandatory $300 a year HOA fee, to which I knew Dave would object.
The lot next door was a small pie shape that may or may not ever have a house built on it. If it did, I didn't think Dave would be happy about that. The empty space is a break from being too close to neighbors, and if you knew how Dave loves his space, you'd agree he wouldn't be happy with a house this close.
And Dave insisted that any new house would have to be impressive and while I was totally impressed, my desires are so different from his, since I am looking for a house I could manage by myself, should that day arrive. This one is small enough that I believe I could.
So as much as I thought this would be the perfect house for me, I didn't think I could entice Dave.
Wrong!
We were going to view a couple of homes yesterday at 1pm but we got to the area early enough for a drive by of this house. We parked, opened the back gate and peered into the windows. He likey!
After walking around the whole perimeter, and gazing though all the windows, he announced,
"I would write an offer on this one!"
Gulp.
So I swiftly grabbed him, got in the car and tore off to the realty office. We had to see one more property, since we had the appointment, but it was totally a blur since I was so focused on his consent over this house.
We did the paper work and submitted a cash offer $7900 less than the list price and today we got the counter, which accepted our offer and let us know we would be leasing or buying the tiny buried propane tank that runs the gas fireplace. We close on January 28th.
Gulp.
I didn't sleep more than two hours last night. Even with the glass of wine I had to calm down.




Here's the entry foyer, no carpet on the stairs, yay!! And the bonus room upstairs is MY NEW STUDIO! It faces west, has BEIGE carpet and walls (the whole house is beige!)  and needs better work lights, but it is all mine. I will have to replace that carpet asap as thread, pins and in the future, painting supplies don't work with it.
There is a large unfinished HVAC room off my studio which has a big space for storage. I have my own thermostatic controls in the studio.




There is a wonderfully large laundry/mud room off the garage and a big walk in pantry off the kitchen.




Gasp. I can't believe the molding on the dining room walls and the crown molding in every room. And I will have granite and stainless steel like all the folks on House Hunters want. I have to buy a new refrigerator soon. O my.


The gas fireplace in the great room is compact and elegant, and there are no sliding glass doors in the place. Hardwood floors and even an electric outlet in the floor. All the rooms have cable hook ups, discreetly placed near the floor outlets. This photo was taken before the fencing was built, and we can't see our neighbors house now that the fence is up.



The Master bedroom ensuite is huge, as is the master closet. I am handing that all to Dave who feels that the master closet is large enough for his bed, and perhaps it is. What a guy. There are two full baths, and as one enters the house the two other bedrooms are to the left, with the second bath between. One of those will be the library/guest room and the other will be my bedroom.

The best part, we think, is that the dogs have a fully fenced yard to run in. The fence is now stained a dark chocolate color, and there is a concrete patio, so easy to maintain.
The back of the house faces South, so flowers will thrive, as well as a few veggies. I will wait and see on the gardening...We do have a built in sprinkler system, garage door openers and did I forget to say I will finally have a dishwasher again?
I am in heaven.
Our country house is about to be listed and the photographers are coming Friday for interior shots. I collected a bunch of exterior shots and posted them here.