Sassafras Farm House

Nov
28

Come see inside my “new” 1930’s farmhouse! (If you missed it, find out about Sassafras Farm here.)

A couple of notes upfront. Most of the rooms are pretty spartan right now, furniture and not much else. I have strategically located remaining unpacked boxes in a few key areas so that I can deal with them gradually while not having to look at them all the time. Also, I plan to paint right away, so it’s best to not put things on the walls and keep most of my things out of the way until I’m finished. Not to mention, I loathe, despise, and abhor clutter, so even when I’m done, it will be a minimal look. I’ve never had a house completely to myself before. I’m looking forward to being in total control of the clutter (or lack thereof). Well, there’s Morgan, but I can shut her door!

This house was built circa 1935 and is not the original farmhouse on the property. The original farmhouse, I assume, was built circa 1890 along with the big red barn. It was located on the same spot as this 1935 house and there are some original foundation stones in the yard. This house has changed hands several times over the decades, and has been lovingly tended and updated. There are many original features, such as the vintage hardwood floors, built-in shelves, and bead board ceilings, and some remodeled features such as the kitchen and the bathrooms. This house passed inspection with flying colors with the inspector noting on his report that he was amazed at the condition for a home of this age. Previous owners had done a great deal of work in recent years, including, I’m told, spending $17,000 on foundation repair and reinforcement. (In spite of that, the floors are slightly uneven, which I adore. You know you’re in an old house when the floors aren’t level.)

One more note–this house is cozy. Cozy is another word for small, but it’s also terribly charming and I love it. It’s just enough house for me, though I can imagine the size (you’ll see what I mean particularly when I show you the kitchen and the bedrooms) was off-putting and probably contributed in large part to the reason the farm remained on the market for so long. The house is a mere 1135 square feet, with an additional 500 square feet in the separate studio, and then there’s also the cellar.

The living room is airy with three windows across the front. (The windows are updated, double-paned.) The fireplace is original and is a working wood-burning fireplace with a newer insert.

Bead board ceilings:

The paint throughout most of the downstairs is a bright yellow, with a green accent wall at the fireplace. I like it okay, but I don’t love it. The yellow is a bit too intense and bright, and the green is on the minty side. I’m planning to tone this down with a more neutral green for the accent wall and a creamy “hazelnut” throughout the rest of the downstairs.

Here is how the house looked when I first toured it (with the previous owners’ furniture).

They had their couch on the far end of the living room.

That room is actually the dining room, and is what I’m using as a dining room. My table fit perfectly, so I was pleased.

Perhaps the most interesting room in the house is the room that they were using as a dining room. (It was NOT originally a dining room. Can you guess what it was?) The room is located on the back of the house and opens into the living room.

Ross was visiting in October when, very near the end of his visit, I made the decision to move. He came with me when I toured the house. (The other people pictured include a realtor and one of the previous owners.) They used this room as their dining room, but I knew right away that it was not the dining room.

I said, “Isn’t the area on the other side of the living room the dining room?” It feels like a dining room. And I was right. But. Before I explain more about this other room that they were using as their dining room instead, let me show you the kitchen.

The kitchen is, in my opinion, a minor travesty.

I don’t believe that this kitchen was created by the most recent previous owners (who only owned the property for five years), but it’s a relatively modern remodel. It’s a narrow galley-style kitchen that runs on the side of the house between the dining room and the room that the previous owners were using as a dining room. It has some good points, though, despite its size. The cabinets are quite nice, with lots of bonus features such as pull-out shelves in most of the cabinets.

Lazy Susan in one of the corner cabinets.

Appliance “garage” with pull-down door.

A tall pantry for additional space leading out to the dining room. (To the far right in this photo, you’ll also see one of the built-in shelves.)

There’s a spice shelf above the range and over that, a place for cookbooks, which I think is neat.

There’s also a nice wide window over the sink to let in lots of light, and (not pictured) to the left of the sink is a microwave shelf.

The appliances themselves are nice, but the range is a smooth electric cooktop, which blows my mind in a house with free gas. (It HAS to go.)

I suspect the kitchen was a huge negative to most people who looked at this house. Despite how well done this galley kitchen remodel is, it’s a tiny galley kitchen and somewhat awkward to work in, especially for someone who does a lot of cooking and for anyone with a family or friends who they would like to enjoy in the kitchen with them while cooking. This kitchen is like a closet. However, I chose to overlook it for a couple of reasons. One, the rest of the house and property were so perfect. Two, the studio, where I will be making my commercial kitchen, will also provide a space for holidays, family get-togethers, and entertaining. And three–

Back to that other room.

No longer a pseudo-dining room, this is how I have the room set up now. I’m currently using it as a pass-through, mud room, extra pantry storage, catch-all room.

I stood in this room when I first toured the house, and after saying, “This isn’t the real dining room, is it?” then I asked, “What IS this room?”

And they told me it was THE ORIGINAL KITCHEN.

At some point, one of the owners going back sometime in this property’s recent history decided to move the kitchen, create a new galley kitchen on the side of the house, put in a big double glass door/window, and turn this room into the dining room. (The room opens onto the back porch.) It’s lovely and all that, but THIS IS THE KITCHEN.

And if I live long enough to come up with the money, it will be a kitchen again. (Where is HGTV when you need them? I loved the guesses about my surprise being that HGTV was at my house. I wish. Wouldn’t recreating the original farmhouse kitchen make a great HGTV episode? Sigh.)

Next, I’ll take you on a tour of the upstairs, so stay tuned!





Comments

  1. Sonia says:

    I love your new house!! It is absolutley perfect for you and your family. The kitchen may be small for now, but you already have future plans for that remodel and it will be absolutely breath taking in the end.

  2. judyh says:

    Suzanne, there may have been a good reason previous owners had an electric range instead of gas, but, if you have a natural gas furnace and a natural gas water heater, I would think you should be able to cook with gas too. Just be sure whoever installs your range is familiar with “well head” gas, BTUs, and adjustments that may have to be made so it will burn efficiently and not ruin your range and dirty your pots. Even if the gas isn’t coming directly from the well, “free” gas can sometimes be pretty dirty (polluants) in our area. Be sure to keep working carbon monoxide monitors throughout the house too. We have “free” gas on the farm and switched from a gas water heater to an electric one because of carbon monoxide and a couple of years ago had to have the heat exchanger replaced in the furnace because of the same problem. Otherwise, it heats well and you can’t beat the price!

  3. KarenAnne says:

    That house (approx 1000 sq ft) is just the right size for a small family. That’s what houses used to be like before people went overboard with consumption.

  4. Rose H says:

    I love your new home Suzanne, and your kitchen is larger than mine as it stands now! (Yes, I know you need a much bigger work are.) I adore the beautiful floors, and the ceilings are to die for. I really feel that you, your dear family and animals are going to be very happy there. Congratulations, looks like you’ve made the perfect move. :yes:

  5. Rose H says:

    Whoops, that should read bigger work AREA!

  6. CATRAY44 says:

    It is charming, beautiful and cozy- I am so happy for you!

  7. CATRAY44 says:

    Couldn’t those cupboards be hung in the old kitchen? Maybe you need a CITR work retreat! Turn the kitchen into a pantry and put those cupboards into the real kitchen…..

  8. CATRAY44 says:

    I think you need a Hoosier cupboard, too! lol.

  9. Yankee in NC says:

    who on earth would make a SMALLER KITCHEN….the heart of a house made smaller????????…hunh! :no:

  10. rainn says:

    :snoopy: As my family is so used to hearing me say ” I love strong women”!!! You go lady! Its wonderful-I love seeing you in your barn!! :snoopy: :sheep: 🙂

  11. brookdale says:

    Thanks for the tour…LOVE the beadboard ceilings and hardwood floors! Looking forward to seeing everything else too.

  12. Flowerpower says:

    It looks like a happy house! I love it! :happyflower:

  13. Pat says:

    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your house!!! Suzanne, I’m so excited for you. You’re doing a great job of making a positive life. Morgan looks like a girl who is ready for her horse. Go Morgan! Can’t wait to see more pictures. Keep ’em coming. Have a great week on your farm.
    Pat in Eastern NC

  14. STracer says:

    You know, until you figure out a way to redo the kitchen, what about a big island in the middle of that room? Add some additional counter top and cabinets along the walls and you have plenty of room for baking, canning, storage, crafts, cutting fabric (I see the sewing machine is in there too), and gathering of friends. The hard part would be keeping it from collecting “stuff” that comes in the back door, but it would be a nice compromise to moving the appliances.

  15. SusieD says:

    Suzanne – I love it. I love the hardwood floors, the fire place and I even like the kitchen, though it could be a little larger. The cabinets are very nice. I agree with you that the paint needs to be changed. I’m not fond of that bright yellow. I can’t wait to see the rest of the house. It is perfect for you and Morgan!

  16. BuckeyeGirl says:

    That really is an intense yellow isn’t it? :help: Have you considered playing around with rolling a glaze over top of it with one of those textured ‘wooly rollers’. You mix some white paint, and some glaze together and then either use one of those special rollers, or a regular one then sponge some of the cover coat off with a big sponge.

    I’ve had fun with this before, it has mostly turned out well, but I have had to paint over top too. 😉 It all depends on your mood of course.

    Playing with one of the walls to see what works might be fun, or might be a much bigger pain in the you-know-what than you want to consider just now too! :woof:

  17. morningstar says:

    Lovely, lovely, lovely. I can see why you fell in love with it all. I am so pleased for you. It is also nice that you can move straight in with every thing being so well looked after and no major work issues to have to contend with. Just think how super it will become as you begin to put your own stamp on it all. I am just so thrilled for you and thank you so much for including us all in your adventures. xxx

  18. momtoadiva says:

    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your “new to you” house!! I agree with the comment of wondering why anyone would want to make the kitchen smaller. I wish I had the $$ – I would gladly help you out with moving the kitchen back to the original kitchen!

  19. hummycow says:

    I havent stopped in for a while. Did you move and what will happen to Stringtown rising farm?Are you taking clover with you. Im 11 and I like your blog

  20. Andrea.tat says:

    I’m coming to ninja steal your ceilings.

  21. Tow Lady says:

    I absolutely adore your new house and life!!! You know, though…maybe we should all go on an email campaign to HGTV…tell them what an awesome show it would be if they would redo the kitchen at Sassafrass Farm. Hmmmm…think I’ll go search out an email address, lol. :happyfeet:

  22. Jane L says:

    I LOVE it!! It’s nice and airy and it doesn’t look too small – though I tend to like smaller homes anyway – less surface area to clean;) Congratulations again!!

  23. Madeline says:

    The minute I saw that “other room” I said “KITCHEN!” You’ll get to it.It’s always fun to have a project to look forward to.the farmhouse is charming and just the right size.I am so much more organized when I live in SMALLER spaces.. I love the energy of the place.. it comes through in the pictures. Have a wonderful holiday season getting settled in.. and, oh, you HAVE to get the gas stove!!!! I am lucky to live in one of the few areas in my town with GAS.

  24. wildcat says:

    OMG, I love everything about Sassafras Farm! You are living my dream life!

    Thank you for sharing it with us! :sheep:

  25. brookdale says:

    Yeah, like STracer said above, cabinets and an island in the former kitchen room!
    Didn’t you just get some free cabinets for the downstairs at the other house? Or do they have to stay there?
    You gotta love how we all seem to “take over” and offer plenty of advice! Do it the way YOU want to, of course.
    Can’t wait to see the rest!

  26. kdubbs says:

    I LOVE the house! I agree with some of the other posters… over 1100 sq. feet isn’t small–it’s just that we as a society have grown accustomed to huge “McMansions” with lots of wasted space. Because our property came with a barn but no house, we built a “new old house” (lots of architectural salvage, but no great hardwood floors like yours!). Our house (for a family of 4) is 1500 sq. feet, so 1100 sounds just right for two! I can’t wait to see the rest of the house!
    Suzanne–Is the couch pictured in the first photo yours? I am looking for one that will go with my new old farmhouse look, and you have just the print I’ve been trying in vain to find!

  27. CindyP says:

    Love the hardwood and bead board ceiling!

    I agree, the paint is a little bright…yellow. At least the house is small and won’t take that much to paint.

    Here’s the link to get on HGTV! It’s the one where they go around the country remodeling. The kitchen one is looking for people in California and Texas… https://www.hgtv.com/about-us/how-to-get-your-home-hgtvd/index.html

  28. MousE says:

    What a beauty of a house, Suzanne! Congratulations. I’m very happy for you! :snoopy:

  29. BuckeyeGirl says:

    OK, just figured out that the ‘new’ kitchen is between the ‘old-oughta-be’ kitchen and the ‘new-old-actual’ dining room. That means it =should= be the Butler’s Pantry. Lots and lots of cabinets for storage, extra counter space for dehydrators, so-called small appliances that hog counter space etc, dishes glasses etc etc. Leave what might be limited storage in the ‘proper’ kitchen for cooking and baking utensils etc.

    That means the old kitchen which seems to have lost some wall space thanks to that lovely huge door/window, wouldn’t need quite so many cabinets and such. Light is a fantastic thing which old houses sometimes are lacking, good thing is with all that floor to ceiling space in the ‘butler’s pantry’ will leave tons of room in the new-old kitchen area. Also, the kitchen sink that is there, can be moved, but a small one could be put in it’s place for prep/rinsing and such… possibly even that awful electric stove, which could have a piece of wood (or something) over top of it but it would still be available for use as a stove in times of need.

    Are you sick of my ideas yet? Sorry, I just can’t help myself! :happyflower:

  30. CATRAY44 says:

    Suzanne, I really hope you consider sending in the entry for the HGTV kitchen. It looks like we can all vote for you if you post the link! https://my.hgtv.com/hgtvd/editupload.esi

  31. JerseyMom says:

    The house is soooo cozy and charming! Floors, ceilings, even the too small kitchen. I’d do the same thing though and move back into the original kitchen when I was able. Can’t wait to see upstairs!

  32. holstein woman says:

    Suzanne, I couldn’t imaging cooking and living in a kitchen that small with 3 men and myself in the house. My pantry and canning area are about the size of that kitchen. It wouldn’t be long before I needed to kick up some dust to get it enlarged. I think the idea of the pantry there and kitchen in the original one is excellent, but that is just me.
    The house is beautiful and the property is to love.I have to say you found yours first and I feel like it is what we have been in hopes of finding for our family. I have truly enjoyed all the posts and BLESS you in the name of the Lord. I’m so glad you and Morgan are home, it feels right from here.

  33. cabynfevr says:

    I love everything about the new house….even the tiny kitchen! The one thing I don’t understand though is the “free gas” you’ve mentioned a couple times. Would someone please explain that? 🙂

  34. Flatlander says:

    Love love love your house, and the small kitchen, would it be possible to re use the cupboards you were going to use for your commercial kitchen to make a new kitchen in your farmhouse?

    There are other ways to make a commercial kitchen.

  35. Leck Kill Farm says:

    I agree on the yellow. I adore yellow in a house but it can be one of the most difficult colors to get “right.” Not that you asked, but my new favorite interior wall color is Sherman Williams Rice Grain. It has the right amount of warm to it and it seems to compliment all other colors. (All the ones on the long chip are nice)

    Oh boy, that kitchen! I am sure after you settle in, you will start getting great and reasonable ideas to turn the real kitchen back into a kitchen.

  36. Ms.Becky says:

    this house is a HOME!!! it’s beautiful and I just know you’re going to be very very happy there. and if there’s one thing that I’ve found to be true about a house it’s this – the one thing you say you will change when you initially move in is the one thing that grows on you until you’ve finally become so used to it that you leave it alone. I did that when I moved to my 1898 farmhouse. I was determined to change the steps going upstairs because they were very short and my feet would almost slip off of them. I said “these have got to go”. well, I lived there for years and years and grew to love them. I know that isn’t the same as a kitchen – the center of action in any home. I would most likely want to change the kitchen too. I don’t understand the “free gas” part. how is it that you get free gas? If I missed something in a previous post, sorry. at any rate, that’s a wonderful thing you’ve got going there! and I’m happy you have a real fireplace too. awesome. I’m looking forward to sharing this home with you in coming years Suzanne. May God bless this home.

  37. knititblack says:

    Awww, your house is ADORABLE! I love it! I love the colors, too, but I’m a big fan of bright color. 🙂 I can’t believe they made a SMALLER kitchen! That’s so goofy! If you need more counter space, get an island in your “mud room” area – it makes a huge difference! My kitchen is about the same size as yours, but we also have a tiny dining room. I put an island in there, with storage below for pots and pans, and a shelf above with all my cookbooks. That’s where I do any work that requires a lot of room, especially baking! My KitchenAid mixer lives on the island. Of course, there’s no room for a dining table in there, but it’s only me and my husband, so we have a tiny drop-leaf and it works fine.

  38. mds9 says:

    I love your place. Land first, house second.
    I would be willing to bet your “New Kitchen” was originality the Pantry, food storage closet. I would guess that there is a door in the wall behind the stove.

  39. MonkeyPhil says:

    The house is just a little larger than ours, so we also have a small kitchen. However, I would give anything for shelves that slide out. Had them once and they are wonderful Enjoy decorating, and hope that HGTV will consider the remodel of the kitchen.

  40. rileysmom says:

    Thank you for opening your beautiful new home to us!
    It says “Suzanne” all over it! It’s wonderful…..well, yeah….the kitchen…..WHAT WERE THEY THINKING? I’m sure that wonderful, incredible edibles will still come from that teeny, tiny kitchen!
    Welcome Home!

  41. Luann says:

    LOVE IT! :snoopy: :snoopy:

  42. heidinawrocki says:

    I am drooling over the beadboard ceilings! Beautiful! Congratulations on scoring such a nice home for yourself and Morgan. And the kitchen, albeit small, is quite charming!

  43. nursemary says:

    I love the house Suzanne but share the sentiments about the kitchen. I gave up a huge luxurious kitchen to move here. I am now living without an island or butler’s pantry, no backsplash, and laminate countertops! 😥 I had a large walk-in pantry made out of part of my office and that helps. Get yourself signed up for the HGTV’d show and we can all vote for you, plus those of us who also blog can ask our readers to do the same. Let’s make this happen! 😆

  44. bbkrehmeyer says:

    Oh Suzanne…. I am sooooo happy, not just for yourself, but for all the beautiful special animals. A BARN, a goat house, fields not filled with brush, and scrub, not even “a river runs through it”, flooding the whole dang place. I always wondered how much longer you could/would struggle with StringTown, the mud, the broken fences, no shelter for the animals in the winter, the constant moving animals to other areas of the property, etc. Just think, a dry place to store the hay!!!! yeah yeah yeah. (Sorry about the broken relationship, but when life gives us lemons, we resourceful women just make lemonade)….

  45. brendaE says:

    I LOVE the house – it’s adorable – can’t wait to see the rest. The floors are just beautiful. I do have a question – no one else has asked so everyone must know but me — ha — how do you get free gas? Is there a well on the property or something?

  46. Dottie says:

    This just keeps getting BETTER and BETTER and more WONDERFUL and more BEAUTIFUL !!!

    And I just keep getting more and more HAPPY and EXCITED for you Suzanne !!!

    I love this house and this farm and still want to sit on the front porch and soak in the beautiful surroundings and can’t thank you enough for sharing with us. BUT, that cute little kitchen is just TOO LITTLE for all the magic you create in a kitchen. You know – a magician, a mother of 3, a writer, and a FARMER needs lots of space to work in.

    Does anyone out there know the producer of HGTV? NO?
    Do they really do all that stuff for deserving people who do so much to help make other peoples lives happier? Or do they make it all up?

    If someone does know how to go about getting their attention, AND A NEW KITCHEN, please let the rest of us know what we can do to help.

    HGTV – LOOK OUT here comes Sassafras Farm and ALLLLLLL of its friends. Wait till you see how many of us there are!

    SUZANNE, make a wish list!. Maybe we could get more than just a kitchen… like maybe a Horse for Morgan!

  47. Britishtea says:

    Suzanne, best wishes! I am living on a farm vicariously through you.

    You used to have a button on the side that linked to your camera model. I can’t find that. What camera do you use, or what camera do you recommend?

    Thanks so much~

  48. GrammieEarth says:

    I love ‘cozy’ and it will surely be more than that – once you put your stamp on Sassafras Farm(house). I rather like the kitchen! It IS small, but at the same time, everything will be within reach. Probably not enough counterspace, but the cupboards seem like they would work well. Definately a difficult space to have helpers in the kitchen though. The comm kitch will help with that part.

    I’d expect you can deal with it for now. AT LEAST UNTIL WE RALLY TOGETHER TO MAKE SURE HGTV KNOWS HOW MUCH Y0U HELP US ON A DAILY BASIS! Your blog is my CALMforce!

    =) Pam

  49. InHiminTX says:

    I LOVE old farmhouses! That is a beauty! BTW, the horse in your new logo looks like a Morgan. Does Morgan want a Morgan?!! Hope so! I’ve got one here she could steal (in Texas). On my blog: lynnmargason.blogspot.com look in Equines and then for Grace! In the latest blog entry, she’s the bright orange bay half rearing at the gate (in protest) because her pen mate is out and she’s shut in! She loves pasture and we (due to drought and cows getting first shot at whatever grass we have) don’t have any for her!

  50. Estella says:

    I cannot believe anyone would chose a galley kitchen over all that lovely room!

  51. bonita says:

    Gosh, we CITR’s are certainly not at a loss for ideas on how to make up for that ‘cozy’ kitchen! No matter what you decide, my first move would be to ditch that electric stove, now. They’re awful to control. If the free gas is the problem, I’d even contemplate propane tank gas. You know, besides HGTV there is also The Old House. They might take a proposal to reinstate farmhouse kitchen. With all the teaching you do, you should be able to leverage a new kitchen from somewhere. Just point us in the direction and we’ll vote early and often.

  52. WvSky says:

    As posted in the other topics about the new farm, “Free gas” is often offered to property owners who’s property has gas wells on them. The companies who own the wells (the mineral rights) know that at some point, they may have to disrupt the property owner’s peace, by working the well for some reason. This could take years or even decades depending. So to help pacify the property owner and for reasons of good PR, the company will give the owner free.

  53. brookdale says:

    Suzanne, I noticed you have the same alphabet plate behind your sink that you had at the old farmhouse and also at Stringtown farm. Is it a family heirloom? It looks well-used and well-loved. It looks perfect there!

  54. LisaAJB says:

    If I bring my gas stove can I move in? I think your house is just dreamy. I also just bought a house with a less than perfect kitchen, but I have big plans in mind, and someday I hope to have the big money to fix it. Congratulations!

  55. VictorianGirl says:

    Oh Suzanne, what a cozy and snug little house, how very lovely. I can picture you curled up on the sofa in front of the fire with a cup of hot cocoa and a good book. Wish I could join you! All the best wishes to you.

  56. MissyinWV says:

    I have to start by saying I love the “new” home. And I realize it must have been a very hard decison to move there.I truley sympathize with you…..I’m happy you will have an easier trip to anywhere you need to go. The new farm is much more like I grew up with here in WV.

    I need to add my first inclinition to say OMG….I am a friend. Why didn’t she ask for help. I can be there in an hour!!! I have to add that you are the only blog I read faithfully, So I really feel like I know you. With that I realize I have only came to one party at the farm and I wish I would have done more. I have been unable do to so because of my Mothers illness. I have to say GOOD LUCK!!! Welcome back……I am so glad you are back…..You brighten my day! And I wish you the best!!!

  57. TeresaJM says:

    Looks like a simply wonderful home for you, Morgan and your “farmily”.
    You certainly landed on your feet- keep your chin up, look for His Guidance,and enjoy this new sassy path!

  58. twinsgrandma says:

    Once again, have to say, so very happy for you! Love the house 🙂

  59. lifeisgood/ Melinda says:

    My grandmother’s house, which was the scene of many a huge family holiday, was not any larger than your new castle. We have many fond memories of family cramming into all of the nooks and crannies, juggling plates on our laps, sitting on the floor, etc. It required closeness. I think that’s one of the things we have lost in the McMansion society.

    I think you will have so much fun making Sassafras Farm your own that the small kitchen will not seem like a big deal. After all, anyone wanting to “visit” while you cook can sit at the dining table and yak away!

    We have faith in you. We support you. And we thank you for opening your world to us every day and allowing us to feel the joy and excitement you are feeling. That is a gift you give to us every day and when our day seems to be going to hell in a handbasket, we can come here and find you. It’s like going to your best friends beautiful, peaceful country home and sipping a cup of ____ (tea, coffee, vodka (lol), whatever)

    We come and we share your joys, your sadness, your frustrations, your silliness………because that’s what you allow us to do.

    Right now, we are just sooooooo very proud of you for hitching up your pants, pulling up your boot straps, and going for it!

    Thank you for allowing us to share your joy!

  60. lifeisgood/ Melinda says:

    My grandmother’s house, which was the scene of many a huge family holiday, was not any larger than your new castle. We have many fond memories of family cramming into all of the nooks and crannies, juggling plates on our laps, sitting on the floor, etc. It required closeness. I think that’s one of the things we have lost in the McMansion society.

    I think you will have so much fun making Sassafras Farm your own that the small kitchen will not seem like a big deal. After all, anyone wanting to “visit” while you cook can sit at the dining table and yak away!

    We have faith in you. We support you. And we thank you for opening your world to us every day and allowing us to feel the joy and excitement you are feeling. That is a gift you give to us every day and when our day seems to be going to hell in a handbasket, we can come here and find you. It’s like going to your best friends beautiful, peaceful country home and sipping a cup of ____ (tea, coffee, vodka (lol), whatever)

    We come and we share your joys, your sadness, your frustrations, your silliness………because that’s what you allow us to do.

    Right now, we are just sooooooo very proud of you for hitching up your pants, pulling up your boot straps, and going for it!

    Thank you for allowing us to share your joy!

  61. lifeisgood/ Melinda says:

    I am so sorry, my computer is possessed by the devil and posted that twice :devil2:

  62. lifeisgood/ Melinda says:

    I am so sorry, my computer is possessed by the devil and posted that twice :devil2:

  63. Janis says:

    Hard to believe you got all of this with your HALF of Stringtown. This is FABULOUS. The house is nice but you’ll be LOVIN’ that barn!!!!! Congratulations to you and your family.

  64. Abiga says:

    New beginnings, new life, new house, and new adventures!!! :sun:

  65. Bev in CA says:

    Love the house! Keep that stove, put the gas stove you want into the new kitchen you are planning for. You can always use two stoves. Family holidays, cheese making, canning, etc. Counter tops and space, just what you need all there for the way you want it. Think of all the life that has gone on in your house. So special.

  66. CarrieJ says:

    I love it..and I was just thinking “I don’t care for the lemon yellow walls” when you wrote it. HAHHAH! Can’t wait to see the improvements and the rest of the house.

  67. Chicken Crossing says:

    So Charming! I love it. Can’t wait to see more pics. Thanks for sharing.

  68. JOJO says:

    :woof:
    Your other farm house was just a house–this farm house is a farm home. Home is where the heart is, and it is easy to see your heart is here.

  69. sdwsq2005 says:

    Mazel tov Suzanne! Congratulations on your new home. It’s lovely!!

  70. Johannaswolf says:

    Sooooo, your housewarming gift is all wrapped up, but I have no address to send it too.

  71. [email protected] says:

    It looks like Auntie Em’s house…There’s no place like home!
    Susanna

  72. Leaves of the fall says:

    I don’t know if I’ve responded or not… if so, I’ll say it again. This is a fabulous place!!! Congratulations! It’s so cozy looking… how exciting!! Thrilled for you! :snoopy:

  73. Deb says:

    I don’t like the smooth top stoves, can you can on it? I have heard that heavy canners will scratch it, I like the kitchen ,

Add Your Thoughts