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.
Alyssa says
I’m so sad to see you leave this house but very excited to see what you do to your next home! Best of luck!
Jasmeen says
Congratulations! We’re going through the same process right now. After owning our house for 3 years and renovating it, it’s up for sale. Our needs changed. It’s a bad market for us but I’m sure your house will sell fast. Good luck!
Tara says
I think you should leave behind something for your HOUSE to remember YOU by- a time capsule, perhaps, with memories of the wedding, Burger, and Clara, etc…. and hide it well for the owners 100 years from now to find when they’re in the midst of a home improvement project.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Tara,
We love that idea! We’ll have to hide a time capsule somewhere!
xo,
s
Kristin ~ Bien Living Design says
Congratulations! It makes sense that, in order to keep a blog like yours, you’d need to move on at some point. I am sure it is bittersweet, but just think of all of the new memories you can create :)
Amanda@Reno366 says
Holy COW! I thought this was a just kidding, it’s opposite day post! My first thought, was but you just painted the floor out on the porch!
Good luck on the house hunt, I really enjoyed that part of our search!
LauraC says
Ok, so maybe 230 other people already said the same thing as this; I’ll read the comments later. But. this. was. so. NOT. a. surprise! (for me, and, I’m sure, other long-time readers.) I remember last year some of your posts were adamant about it being your forever house, but the last month or so there have been some clear non-adamant statements ;-) I think it will be hard to leave your first place, it is so special, but that’s pretty normal for everyone. Congratulations!
Ashley says
I just knew you were SOTJ!
Westover Hills is FABULOUS!!!! There are tons of amazing houses for sale over here now. Schools are iffie though. But there is the Patrick Henry Charter School that just opened this year, so by the time Clara is ready for school it will have a few years experience.
Good luck on the house hunt!
kathy says
What a surprise! At first I thought that you must be an April Fools joke that you were playing…but it’s only September.
It’s funny–it’s not even my house, but I feel bittersweet about your decision! That must be a indicator of how good your blogging has been. We all feel that we know you and have fallen in love with your home too. It’s such a great place, but I can’t wait to see what transformations you’ll make on a new home.
Happy House Hunting, guys!
Amanda says
Wow! I was actually wondering where you would put any more kiddos (when the time comes, of course), so I guess you’ll have to look for a place with at least one more bedroom! Good luck, and I can’t wait to see the new digs!
Christa M says
Congrats on the plans of a future project home! I love the moving box pictures, 3 of them being for your Ceramic Animals collection ;D
Ashley M. [at] (never home)maker says
I would love to learn more about the selling/buying a new home process. My husband and I are considering a move in the near future, but the whole process seems daunting. Though, I’m sure you’ll sell your house in a snap because how it looks and your famous-ness, I imagine the timing and other issues would be similar even for those of us without all that on our sides.
So, any info for other people — like us — looking to do the big move in the near future will be greatly appreciated!
Jennifer S. says
I’m not surprised! Good luck finding another house. I am a resident of Bon Air, also, and hope you guys stick around here. Please don’t go to the West End. I’m rooting for you!
Renee says
Wow! That was a shocker! Really looking forward to hearing about your house hunt. Have fun!
Michele says
Wow! This is exciting news! Like so many other commenters, I knew this had to happen eventually, if for nothing else than to give you guys more fodder for the blog, since your entire house is so fantastic nowadays!
I know this is private-life territory, but I really hope you’ll do a post at some point regarding the financial aspect of having bought a 50’s ranch desperately in need of work, doing that work, and then selling it. I’m particularly curious to know how much value you guys have added to your house over the years!
Jennifer says
I’m so excited for you guys!! I think this will make for a really great blogging adventure. I’m excited to keep reading.
Congratulations on your decision and good luck on selling your house and finding a new diamond in the rough.
Lori says
I KNEW it! You guys haven’t been shy about mentioning the desire to have more beans or beanettes in the future and I kept thinking… where are they gonna put them? How exciting – can’t wait to follow you all through this new journey!
Leslie C says
I am so very excited for y’all (and me)!!
I can not wait to see all of the wonderful things that you two accomplish in your next house!
Also, you can have more space for all of the future bambinos, since y’all clearly brew up some beautiful ones!!! YAY for moving!!
Holly says
I’m SO excited for you guys!!! Hmm, you want to move to NC?? We’ve got a house for sale!! Really, I’m super duper excited to see what you guys come up with – I’m along for the ride with ya!
RLR says
Congratulations! I’m excited to see what’s in store for your family!
Just wanted to chime in with my thoughts about the ‘room for more kids’ comments. Having ‘enough’ room is no guarantee that your kids won’t WANT to share a room. We have 4 bedrooms, and our kids (boy and girl, by the way) asked to share a room. They are young, so I know this arrangement will change as they get older, but for now I’m just appreciating their strong bond. And, I’m using the spare room as a ‘project room’ – not bad!
We are also in the midst of a whole-house declutter, and I’m learning that we can really live (and be happier!) with so much LESS! Thanks for continuing to provide such a great example to those of us struggling under the weight of too much stuff!
Alicia says
AHHH!! That’s so exciting! Can’t WAIT to see the house that you pick!
Dawn says
I received an email from a fellow reader with the subject line that said “Sad,Sad,” while I sent a text that said “Woo Hoo” at the exact same time this morning and both were about your post.
The funny thing is that she has lived in her house for almost a year and my husband purchased his almost eight years ago. Maybe that is why we have different thoughts about the change.
Currently our house is on the market and it has been a roller coaster ride for us so I hope that it a much smoother ride for you.
I can understand wanting a blank canvas to start new projects, room to grow and wish you all the best. I am so glad I will be around from the start of this house. Plus we get to see the whole evolution.
Sarah L. says
I am soooo excited for you guys! I absolutely cannot wait to see what you do with the next house.
Christine says
after the move, will your caption read “…falling in love with their second house”? :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Christine,
Haha, it definitely needs to be revised! Stay tuned…
xo,
s
julie says
Yay! I just discovered your blog a month ago and was starting to feel disappointed that I’d missed the boat on all the fun renos, especially when my husband and I just bought our first place. I’m really excited to see your experience buying a new house. I’m excited that this move will keep the blog fresh and exciting rather than you guys just moving things around and redoing rooms that were already good to begin with. I think this will be great for gaining and maintaining a new reader base.
Shasta L. says
Is it weird that I feel like my parents are selling my childhood home and I’m sad about it all over again? Maybe it’s the years of following your website, but I’ve come to love your home and watching you guys put some elbow grease into it! Of course I’m excited for your new home and those new updates, but gosh, Casa Petersik Numero Uno will always be a source of inspiration for me.
Are you thinking of increasing your square footage with an extra bedroom? Maybe two stories?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Shasta,
We’re open to everything at this point, but we definitely plan to share our thoughts and revelations about what we like and dislike as we go! Stay tuned…
xo,
s
katie n. says
Just when I thought your blog couldn’t possibly get any better, you spring this news on us! How exciting! I can’t wait to read about all your new projects in the next house.
My husband & I are currently remodeling our home to sell and all our family members say “Wow, you’re making it so nice you won’t want to move…” but we keep trying to convince them that we will. We look forward to the next project house! And we’re thankful we have this one to hone our skills on.
Melanie Beth says
How exciting for you guys! I’m sure it will be hard to leave all your hard work behind… but how amazing to think of all the possibilities for the future! My husband and I are like you guys… if the market weren’t so bad where we live, we’d be out of our place already! Can’t wait to see what buying a new house has in store!
Lindsay@Tell'er All About It says
Awhhh! You’re leaving the cute casa you guys worked so hard on!! But all the same, CONGRATS! This is a huge step and best of luck to all of you in searching for the right house! I’m a little sad because I love that house, but I can understand switching it up a little – especially since your lives have changed so much – John no longer works in an office, so location is not a big factor, etc. GOOD LUCK!!!! Now you *have* to let us ask you questions about the whys, whens, etc!!!
Elizabeth says
So exciting!! Congrats!! Can’t wait to see all the interesting posts you will come up with, moving, packing, house hunting, new projects. Wow, big news but like you’ve said, it makes sense :)
Laura says
How exciting!! We are in the process of moving right now too (but to an apt. until we find the RIGHT area and the RIGHT house)! Can’t wait to see what you guys will do with the next place– I love me some good YHL inspiration! Good luck with the house hunt and sell.
Sandy says
My first time to comment, although I’m a faithful follower of your terrific blog.
When I read your exciting news, my first thought was, “wouldn’t it be great if they could get on HGTV’s House Hunters!” Maybe someone else has already mentioned that, but if so, I definitely second the motion. It would be so great to watch you two hunting for a house on TV!
Bethany says
Holy cow! It’s going to be fun to join you on your new adventure… but I must say, this definitely took me by surprise. Can’t wait to see where you end up and all the awesome projects in store. Do you plan on keeping the same sort of design aesthetic or will this be an opportunity to try out something totally different?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Bethany,
We definitely won’t replicate this house (how not fun would that be?) so we’re looking for a place where we can take on a different look and layout while staying true to the light and airy aesthetic that we love. Can’t wait!
xo,
s
Tina says
Everyone either moving to a new apartment or selling their houses
lizkayl says
I’m so excited for you! Congrats and goodluck.
(Also, I’m excited for ME- I didn’t find your blog until this year so I’m looking forward to getting to watch your new house redone in Petersik-style.)
Alina says
Wow, Congratulations! House hunting is so fun. I’m so excited for you, but like another commenter said, also a little sad. We also live in a small ranch, and we have a baby on the way. Your blog has given me hope that we have enough space. But now I’m seriously scared!! How much did having Clara and needing more space now factor into your decision?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Alina,
Everything from having Clara to John coming on full time at home definitely factored into how we use the space and what we hope to find in a new place. So this move wasn’t only spurred on because we love a project, it actually felt like the right choice for our family and our future! So excited.
xo,
s
Monica says
My husband and I purchased our first home knowing that it probably won’t be our “forever” home and I switch between wanting to decorate it extensively, to feeling like, “what’s the point, since we’ll probably move in a few years.”
Through reading your blog, it’s comforting to know that you can put so much time, energy, and love into making a home a home and still be ok with leaving it when the time is right.
I wish you luck on your new adventure and with a growing family (or even without one), I highly recommend getting a place with more than one bathroom!! Who knew bathroom space could be so important in a marriage!? LOL!:D
Sulma says
What a shocker! I kept on waiting for some kind of “April Fools!” line, knowing well it’s not the right month, just because I couldn’t believe it.
Hope the best for you!
Audrey says
congrats on the big decision! i’m curious to see how much money you guys made on your house and all of your renovations/investments!
Stacey says
Excited to hear the news! I was wondering when you would start the house hunt. With two people working at home, one child, an adorable furry friend, guests, etc., I was thinking your wonderful, but smallish, home might be a little cramped…
I live in Surreywood which is about 10 minutes from Bon Air. Some great late 60’s houses here, but the schools aren’t very good. If you want an older house with a yard kids (and Burger!)and good schools, Bon Air is the way to go! Henrico’s older areas don’t have the really good schools. The city has some wonderful houses but, again, the schools are an issue. There are good schools and a few older homes in Midlothian, but they don’t come up for sale very often.
We aren’t ready to move yet…maybe a year. But Bon Air is my first choice! It is wonderful! (And, your house would be top on my list if I could move now and I didn’t need more space than you have. Someone is going to get a real jewel!)
Happy house hunting!`
Amy P says
Oh m geee…this IS big news!
A whole new space to decorate, paint and demo and whatever else you can come up with…how EXCITING! Sheesh, this is going to make some great new posts…can’t wait!
Sara says
A new house! But I found found your blog and starting learning about your current one! ;) Keeping us on our toes, keeping us on our toes.
Best of look finding a new place! Can’t wait to see a renovation from the baby stages.
Sara
SactoSweetie says
That is awesome! Someone may have already asked this, but are you guys playing on blogging the whole process of packing and most importantly moving in an semi organized fashion? We are going to be ready to move on from our first home in a year or so and we would love to learn from experts some tips and tricks of the trade to made it go smoothly. :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey SactoSweetie,
Yes! Most definitely. Here’s hoping we can pull it off!
xo,
s
Monika says
Congrats guys!
Really excited for you, moving is such an exciting adventure! A suggestion for a special keepsake from your current home, take photos to create a complete 360 degree view from the street in front of your house.
I have one of my parents house before they made lots of exterior changes in preparation of selling their house when they decide to downsize. Its neat to see the front of their home, the house across the street (aka the view from the living room window) and some of your neighbors homes. Its nice that I can always remember their house as it looked when I grew up there as a child, something Clara might appreciate one day.
Enjoy house hunting, looking forward to the moving related blog posts.
:)
Krystal Lee says
wow…i was NOT expecting that, but now you mention it, I thinks its perfect, how exciting…!!!
My partner and I bought our first house in March, and are waiting a year before we start reno-ing (to get the feel for the place) and I cant wait for all the new ideas to come in :)
thank you x
Briony says
I am already looking forward to seeing Clara’s next room and all of the other changes you’ve got in store! WOOT!
Kate says
I was just thinking recently that you guys are ready for a bigger house and some new projects… GL house hunting!
Carla B says
Good Luck with your new house hunting. How exciting!
Can’t wait to see what you do with your new casa!
KK says
Question: will you sell your own house to save money? If so, will you post about the pros/cons of the process?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey KK,
We’re going to try and see what happens- we’ll definitely keep you guys posted!
xo,
s
OwningSingle says
Wow. I didn’t expect to read that today. Well good luck and congrats! A new home and new projects are always very exciting. I wonder did you guys get bored with the house, think you will outgrow it, or just have some different needs now? Whatever the reason, I’m sure your new place will turn out as great as this one.
Jenae says
Holy cow! Congrats! I wish I lived in the Richmond area because I love your house! Best of luck househunting!