The Hen House

I love my home. From the moment I first walked in during an open house in the summer of 2000, I knew that this was a place where I could raise children and create a family.

It was built in 1913 by a man named Walter Straw. He was a builder by trade -- so this house was his Dream home for his family. It's construction is a little unusual. The foundation, basement and first floor are constructed of reinforced concrete -- about 1 foot thick. The second floor and finished attic are balloon framed and finished off in cedar shingles.

The layout is classic Arts and Craft -- with an inglenook, a large great room, a nice sized dining room and small kitchen. The house boasts 6 fireplaces, 3 chimneys, a deep stone front porch and numerous built-ins -- including window seats (that are my personal favorites). The house is perfect for kids with lots of places to play and hide. It also has this wonderful feeling of warmth and belonging.

I've done some work on the house since moving in at the end of 2000. I've renovated the kitchen (see pix at right) and turned the basement into living space. With the changes I've made, I've always tried to respect the pedigree of the house without become a slave to the past. I've spent a lot of time relandscaping too -- my primary hobby before becoming a mom. Both the inside and outside still have lot of project for me to tackle. With time and money I'll address these areas in the future. But I know today that if I never begin another project -- this home is just fine just the way it is.

That's because I've watched Zo Peep take her first steps in the kitchen, cuddle with me on a windowseat, splash in the bathtub, creep down the staircase on Christmas morn. I look forward to watching these same events with Libby Doodle Doo someday. It may not make the cover of House Beautiful, but this is a home where a lifetime of memories will be made for my girls and me.