And now for some news that falls in the “big” category: we’re in the market for a new Casa Petersik.
That’s right, after tons of thoughtful deliberation we’ve decided that it’s time to sell our current home after four and a half amazing years spent here. Why? Because we love a project and we’re can’t-sleep-excited about the prospect of taking on a new home makeover and sharing every moment with you guys. We know it’s a sickness, but we actually crave remodeling and painting projects, so instead of feeling overwhelmed at the idea of starting all over again we’re actually pretty psyched about it.
Of course it’s bittersweet to leave the place that we love so fiercely, but as John put it best “we’ve enjoyed transforming an old dated house way too much to stop at just one.” And there are definitely some old houses out there that could use some love. At first I was in denial, making statements like “I’m never leaving- this is our forever house!” but John knows me too well. One day I just woke up (a few months ago) and was like “maybe we should look around at some open houses, you know… just for fun.” That sentiment soon turned into “oh my gosh, if we got a new place we could do this… and that…” and my mind nearly short circuited from all the possibilities. It was like someone turned on a light or opened a door and I suddenly couldn’t wait to explore.
So we mulled it over for a while to be certain it was what we both wanted (there’s no sense in being rash about matters of the heart like leaving your first love, er, house). We also discussed the idea with both of our parents (who are all so wise beyond their 35 years, har har) and they were amazingly supportive and excited for us.
So it’s official. We’re about to put our house on the market and we’re actively looking at other homes for sale. For any interested locals (wanna buy our house?) we figured we’d share the news here before it hits MLS. So feel free to email us if you’re seriously interested and ready to move (we’re in Bon Air which has awesome schools and charm to spare, and well, you can essentially take a virtual house tour here).
As for where we’re going, we’re planning to stay in the Richmond area, and we’re definitely in the market for another older dated home that could use our help. So we’d welcome suggestions for areas with great schools and charming older neighborhoods beyond our beloved Bon Air (which we’re definitely still considering, but not limiting ourselves to).
Oh and it’s probably fairly obvious that this won’t happen overnight. Finding a house to love as hard as we’ve loved this one definitely isn’t something we expect to do in a day (plus the act of selling our current house could easily take a few months or even longer). But we’re already actively on the hunt, and we plan to keep you posted about all the projects that we’re tackling to get our house in prime selling condition. We’ll also take you guys along on our journey when it comes to touring other houses, considering other areas, and figuring out exactly what we’re looking for (and what we’re not) before signing on that dotted line and grabbing the keys to our new casa. Of course with the holidays coming up we’ll still be taking on a lot of seasonal decorating projects along with whipping up gift guides, and serving up the regular blog fare like mood boards, House Crashings, Reader Redesigns, and more. Can’t wait.
erin says
We live in Westover Hills, not too far from you. Moved from DC and have not regretted it one bit. This older neighborhood is so charming and close to parks, and everything in the city. The schools are not great, but the Charter school is open and should be running smoothly by the time Clara gets to school. There are a bunch of houses for sale. Email me if you want more help/info!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Erin! We love Westover Hills!
xo,
s
Liliana says
Congratulations on this new adventure. I think its a perfect market to buy so best of luck in fining the new digs and on selling your home! Your place is move in ready, its what most people want so hopefully it will sell quickly.
~ L.
ceo says
Good luck…. so exciting!
xxx
CEO
Carole says
wow, congratulations!
We bought and sold last May, and despite *many* dire warnings about the state of the market, sold our house for more than asking price in 11 days. The houses at the highest end of the market seem to be the ones taking the biggest hit in terms of time to sell and price, so I think you’ll be just fine. crossing my fingers for you!
happy house hunting!
Shelby says
I have been following your blog since we bought our home (I found it off of apartmenttherapy.com and I have been in love ever since). You’ve inspired me to pursue my own furniture design hobby and I’ve started my own blog as well. I cannot wait for the new projects you’ll take on! Happy house hunting!
JenWoodhouse.com says
Oh WOW, this is BIG NEWS! Good luck to you… can’t wait to start another journey with you guys!
Amy D. says
I thought this was a joke! It’s kind of sad now that I realize it’s real. I’d consider moving to Richmond just to buy your house. :) Good luck with the house hunt.
Danielle says
Aww, I wish I still lived in Richmond! One of my favorite areas in Richmond is the “near West End” Kind of the Libbie/Grove area and there are some GREAT charming, older homes that could use your TLC.
nikki grove says
I wanted to be surprised about this, but somehow I’m not! I’m so so excited to go through the looking, buying, and re-renovating process with you guys!
Sarah says
I was just thinking that you all would have to go bigger eventually. Where else would you put bean #2 and an office/playroom? Congrats and I look forward to reading all about your new casa!
liz says
Can’t wait for the new adventure to start… Congratulations!!
Sarah says
YAY! Can’t wait to hear about new projects in your new space. And I love moving too – a fresh start is so invigorating!
Good luck and fast selling vibes. Be sure to get St Joseph’s and put him upside down in the ground out front of your house. :)
Leah says
WOW! I am shocked and excited at the same time! I dont think you’ll have a problem selling your house. It’s move-in ready!
Mandy says
This is beyond amazing, you guys are the reason that the hubs and I are possibly planning on moving to the Richmond area in the next few years! I wish you weren’t moving so soon, cuz if it were a few years down the road, we would seriously consider buying your house!!
I second Zip Realty, that’s who we went with to buy our house, and they were phenomenal!
Jessica @ How Sweet says
Wow I can’t wait to follow along with this! Good luck!
Rebecca says
What was the reason you decided to sell instead of doing an addition?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Rebecca,
We weighed a lot of pros and cons and decided that an addition wouldn’t change things about the existing layout and allow us as much flexibility as an entirely new house would. So after a lot of thought that was the more appealing solution to us.
xo,
s
caree says
But… But… you got MARRIED in the backyard! How could you ever leave it??
YoungHouseLove says
Caree- It’s definitely bittersweet, but we’re more excited about the opportunities and the fun that we have lying ahead of us to dwell on the past. We’ve always been forward thinking kind of people, and we figure that most couples barely make it back to their wedding venue once or twice, so the fact that we’ve lived here for three years has given us lots of time with it!
Meredith- Perhaps a smidge bigger, but if the layout’s right we’d be happy with something around the same size. It really depends on what we find and what grabs us. We figure we’ll know when we find the one, just like we knew instantly when we walked into this house.
xo,
s
Meredith says
Super happy for you guys and not really surprised—your tone has been changing lately from “we’re here forever” to “you never know what could happen”. And it’s nice that you don’t have to consider a commute wherever you move! In addition to being a fixer-upper, are you also planning to go bigger? Is the goal to have a dedicated office and a dedicated guest room?
Erin says
I knew it! I think I commented something to the effect that I would rue the day you move in a post because I just felt like you were going to want a new project, and then when I saw the roofing project happening I knew you were sprucing up to sell! Best of luck finding the next perfect house.
Emily V. says
I’m kind of sad…You guys got married there and everything. At the same time I’m excited about your new home. Bittersweet.
Kari says
YAY!!!! So excited for y’all…doesn’t surprise me one bit w/ just the little I can see about y’all! :) So many many great ideas popping out of your heads…you need NEW CANVAS after doing such an incredible total home makeover!!! Wish you all the best in the journey!!! :)
Erica says
But that YARD!!!
Eve says
Exciting! Have fun house hunting – can’t wait to see what you guys do to the new place! I often stop by your site for inspiration, so I’m looking forward to more lovely ideas from you folks!
Victoria Klein says
Wow, that was totally out of the blue! Certainly didn’t see that announcement coming, but lots of good luck to you on selling the house. It is a WONDERFUL place, but I know how competitive the housing market is these days.
Christine says
Yeah, I was totally doing the math in my head, wondering where you’d put a second kid (especially if it were a boy) – yes, there’s three bedrooms, but you don’t really want to do all your work at that little desk in the den, do you? ;)
When we moved into our house, we came up with a multi-tiered plan for who goes where when we have a bunch of kids. We’ve got a four-bedroom house and even though one will always be an office, I think we’ll be OK. :) But I still have fifth-bedroom-over-the-garage fantasies…
Alexis @ Our Inspired Home says
Wow! I’m kind of sad for some reason, but I can’t wait to see all of you home transformations in the future! Congrats on your big decision!
Beth says
HA! Totally saw this coming, what with Ms. Clara on board and making room for future babies, not to mention keeping the blog going. You’ve given your current home a lot of love and I’m sure you’ll have a buyer in no time!
Best of luck to you in both selling your current home and finding the right new-to-you- home! I’ll be eagerly devouring your tips for selling & house hunting as we’re (possibly) doing the same!
Jenna says
Woah…very exciting. I can’t wait to follow you guys along on all your new design challenges!
Amanda @ Heart Tree Home says
Congrats! That is so exciting. I thought about it the other day and was wondering when you’d take the plunge since you’ve pretty much run out of rooms to redo!
liz @ bon temps beignet says
I could tell this was coming by your responses in the comment sections lately. It’s bittersweet for sure. I guess if you were to run out of projects, then there wouldn’t be much left to blog about.
I can’t wait to see what houses y’all find. There are some really good deals out there right now.
Can we go on a few virtual house tours with you? The good, the bad, the ugly?
bungalowbliss says
Good for you guys! I totally get it…I’m on my fourth overhauled house, and I’m forcing myself to stay put for at least a few more years. It’s hard, though (going to open houses and checking out the local MLS listings doesn’t help, of course…). It’s a sickness, but we’re just carrying on the ol’ Girl Scout way of leaving things better than we found them. :)
Can’t wait to see what you start with–and the changes you make to it!
Erin says
I’m curious.. are you hiring a Realtor or selling it yourself?
YoungHouseLove says
Erin- We’re trying to sell by owner first, since we hate to hand over that big commission to a realtor if a buyer comes to us through the blog. Of course that’s just our plan for a little while, so if things don’t pan out and we need to enlist a professional for help, we definitely will!
Liz- Absolutely! Lots of virtual house touring to come!
xo,
s
bria says
aww…also sort of sad for some silly reason! But that is so exciting for you both and us as readers as well! Good Luck, we will all be rooting for you!
Lindsay@ A Design Story says
Hey Guys~
So funny… as you know I am from Midlothian and one of the last times I was in visiting family in Richmond I was staying with my grandma in Bon Air and had a funny feeling you guys lived in that area! I was right! Then yesterday my husband and I were talking about our next place and I had a thought that I bet soon you guys will be talking about your next place too! I looked at your post and laughed because I was right!
Happy house hunting! I grew up in the area so if you need any advice about schools, fabulous neighborhoods, etc. just ask away!
Lindsay @ A Design Story
Hannah says
So, you all should definitely go on House Hunters. I’m sure all of your readers (myself included) would love getting to watch your house hunt on HGTV. Just a thought. :)
Maya says
Woohoo!! I’ll take full credit for your move because I asked you about whether you would consider moving when you opened your facebook page to questions a few days ago…
What? You’ve been planning this for months? Ah well. I’m still excited. :)
kelly says
WOW!!! At first I was sad, but it will be exciting to follow along with you guys!
Rachel @ The Avid Appetite says
Wow, I’m in shock! Congrats and best of luck!
Meghan says
Hilarious that I was JUST thinking about this last night – “I wonder why YHL is going to sell their house. Would they add on or sell? Man, they’ll get so many interested buyers!” Haha! Good luck in your search – my husband and I are on fixer-upper #2, too. Its addicting! : )
Stephanie says
Wow I was shocked at this news, but I must admit I’m excited to see you start from scratch in a new home. My husband and I are in the process of selling and buying right now too, although we’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you look at it) to be able to buy without selling. So in about two weeks we will have two homes. Hope your home sells quickly, I bet you will have no trouble.
Amy N says
That is so exciting! Best of luck on the house search and selling the “original” YHL house!
Alisa says
A DIYers work is never done :) I knew you guys would get a new house eventually…making such a big transformation is flat out addictive. Congrats!!!
Amy says
How exciting! My neck of the woods in Mechanicsville is great for families – Hanover County has good schools. Also – no tolls! :)
Maya says
By the way, are you taking everything with you or leaving anything for the buyers? I can imagine that the house wouldn’t look quite as good without all of your stuff in it :)
YoungHouseLove says
Maya- We’re planning to leave some things and take others. We’ll share those details as we iron them out more!
Cassie- Great question! I think we’ll always be attracted to light and airy with pops of color and some soft neutrals and natural elements. But we definitely don’t plan to make the new Casa Petersik look like a clone of the old one, so we’ll be playing around with a few new styles and colors and materials for sure!
xo,
s
rd shugart says
I’m shocked at how many people are shocked! The writing was definitely on the wall, er, the blog! It is bittersweet leaving your first home – we stayed in our 1940 home for 7 years – and it was very exciting and sad at the same time when we moved.
On another note, our current home (1974 ranch with 1/2 acre yard) is going on the market this week, so I feel the pressure too! We’re in the Fort Mill, SC area, right outside of Charlotte, in case anyone is interested! :) Best of luck to your family and I look forward to following your progress!
Kelly says
Very exciting! Congrats on your new adventure. Can’t wait to read/ see all that you share with us on your blog. I love moving and starting fresh with new homes. Bets of luck with finding your new home!
xo,
Kelly
Cassie says
First of all, congratulations! Although your home is completely beautiful, I’m sure that you could use some more space with your growing family. I have been following your blog for the past year and a half and have enjoyed immensely watching all of your house transformations. One of the things that had me smitten with your site was the “Petersik Style.” Light, airy, neutral… just gorgeous! Do you think you’d stick to the same basic style when tackling a new home or would you try something totally different? I’ve been noticing your projects are getting pretty colorful lately and have been wondering if your style is evolving into something new.
Best of luck to you guys on your new journey. I can’t wait to learn from and be inspired by your new home transformation just as I have been with your current home!
Kelly D says
Woohoo! I can’t wait to see all of the new projects that you’ll tackle!
Maureen says
Congratulations! I can’t wait to see your new adventure unfold!
Is it a coincidence that today’s Nate Berkus episode is featuring tips on selling in this economy? It seems only fitting! I doubt you’ll need much help, but you should track the episode down online. Congratulations again, Petersiks!
Wendy says
That’s so exciting! I have to say, my husband and I bought our first house in the West End/Westhampton area (off Three Chopt near Freeman High) and we absolutely love the neighborhood. We’re 10 minutes from everything – Carytown, Short Pump, Southside. It’s in the county, great schools, plus the houses have a little more age (ours was build in ’54) and charm than if you look farther west.
Good luck on your hunt!