Back in 2018, I wrote this.
"My life is a bit of a fixer-upper right now. It seems only fitting that I buy a house that is a fixer-upper!
Yes, I'm working on getting my life back together. Getting my feet planted firmly on the ground, working towards the goals I'm setting and moving forward. I've been through over two years of the most difficult time of my life."
I'm keeping some of my original writing in this post overhaul and you will see those original words and thoughts in quotes.
For the Love of Old Houses
"I bought a 100-year-old house! That wasn't the plan. I was going to get a newly flipped little ranch and not have to worry about renovations or repairs.
Instead I bought this house that I'm showing you."
Table of contents
The first big project was getting a new electrical panel and replacing all the knob and tube wiring. That was a job!
Five years later, about 80% of the plumbing was replaced too. We had lead lines for our water and chrome pipes. Ugggg.
Tour my 100 year old house
The pictures in this post are the images used to sell this house. And what this house looked like is what made me fall in love with it. It needed a lot of work but I needed a big project. It was meant to be!
The Living Room
The next couple of pictures show what the living room looked like. It appeared the original carpet had just been ripped up. Apparently, it was a shaggy green carpet. But I saw no signs of it. That's probably a good thing!
"I promise I will still publish easy recipes and some helpful gardening tips. But, you may have to bear with some renovation posts. You see, the house I bought, is nowhere near move-in ready. It's truly a fixer-upper in every sense! But, I've fallen in love with this house of mine (yes, it's mine!)
And me, I'm a work in progress. I've found my footing over the last few months. I've found a passion and I've found joy in what this house is and excitement for what it will become. Once some of the work is completed, I can move in with my boys. I can't wait!"
This is the view that made me fall in love with this house. This is what I saw when I walked in the front door.
I couldn't believe the wooden floors! All original.
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My Sunroom!
There are double doors on each side of the fireplace. This is the room they go to. I was in awe when I saw this room. It's known as the sunroom. I've tried renaming it, but, I suspect it will forever be the sunroom. The windows! This room feels so very welcoming and warm (even in the middle of a cold Wisconsin winter)!
It's almost a twin to the living room.
"At first glance, you are probably thinking what's there to fix up. Well, let me tell you that big old water stain on the floor is one of the minor issues that I need to address. Fortunately, it was cosmetic and could be repaired. Let me tell you, cosmetic fixes in this house do not mean inexpensive. Yikes, I'm learning to get over sticker shock at the cost of renovations."
I plan on sharing sections of the house and some of the in-process pictures. Some amazing transformations are happening. I am in the process of taking out a wall! It feels very HGTV!! I get to fix this old house.
The wall and the door that are being removed are in my kitchen.
My 100 year old kitchen
It's just a peek for you right now. There is a whole post on my full kitchen renovation. It was taken down to the studs and everything was fixed and replaced. There had been a major plumbing leak and that caused major damage. But I bought the house anyway.
This is the wall and the door that I removed. It fully opened the kitchen to the dining room.
The wall and door to the kitchen was removed. It made an incredible change to the house!
Below is what the dining room looked like on the day of closing. Yes, I still bought the house!
Touring The Bathrooms
The above toilet was originally in this tiny powder room! I liked the wallpaper.
The original bathroom was upstairs. It was the only full bath in the house. I did keep the antique bathroom sink but it has another purpose now.
I think I'm an old soul. I liked the wallpaper in the bathroom too!
I'm in the process of editing posts about my house that I wrote about 7 years ago. It was a different time in the blogging world and the writing style was so different. I'll share the posts anyway, but, you may see them prior to being updated. Be warned!
100 Year Old House Renovations
Thanks for visiting! As I update more, I'll let you see more of the 100 year old home that I love.
**Originally published April 10, 2018.
Bailey
I feel like I found this at just the right time. I'm going through a nasty, prolonged divorce to an even nastier man after 12 years and children together. And I've found an even older house in truly terrible shape that I'm falling in love with. It has so much character and potential! I couldn't move in right off, there's way too much to fix. But I can work on the home while I keep working on myself and my family.
Carole West
Congrats on the house Susan and I had no idea you were going through a divorce. I hope this home is full of new beginnings for you and your boys. Love all that woodwork and my best advice is just take that fixer upper one room at a time. Hugs!!
momcrieff
Thanks Carole!
It's a new beginning and that house is truly a joy. In spite of all the projects!
Am watching all your work on your blog - you are a busy lady!
Mary A
So happy for you Susan! The home looks wonderful- you will make it your own! Can’t wait to come see it!! Mary
momcrieff
Thanks Mary! Was glad to have you come visit!
Patti
Oh Susan! This house is so awesomely gorgeous!! I'm so excited for you and can't follow you on your new journey!
Amy Kellerman
Couldn’t be more excited for you and your new found passion for renovating and fresh starts! Your house is slowly but surely getting transformed into a beautiful home for you and the boys and I’m thrilled to see how happy it has made you! Keep up the good work my friend!
momcrieff
Couldn't do this one without your continuing support and advice! Thanks for all the encouragement over the last few years!!
Tracy Montague
I can't wait to see the transformation. I'm exicited for your new future!
momcrieff
Thank you Tracy! You and your family have had quite a few (positive) changes over the last few years. Hope you love your new home and the warmer climate where you now live. Do you know we are expecting a snowstorm this weekend??
mickie mclaughlin
Congratulations for taking this huge step. Having a place to call YOURS that you will love and share with your family is an important big step in moving on. I love the photos of the rooms and the WINDOWS are to die for. Keep us posted.
momcrieff
Thanks, Mickie for taking the time to comment. Yes, having MY place really has made a difference in how I feel about so many things. I too love the windows (and the fact that the old owners replaced them and they are new!!).
Chocolayebaker
What I just saw doesn’t seem like it needs anything. Looks great love all the wood. My dad was a woodworker an hated peopke that paint nature. Good luck
momcrieff
Yes I fell in love with the wood. And, I promised the previous owners I would not paint the woodwork on the main floor white. It's even more beautiful in person. This is the best part of the house, there are some other areas that need some serious work - like there's no kitchen due to a flood! More on that to come.
Linda
You go girl! As they say, been there - done that. It is a difficult journey in the beginning. However, given a little time you will see that, in today's world, it can be the start of wonderful new adventures and a brighter future. OK. Said that. Now, I can't wait to see the changes you will make in YOUR new home!! Yea!!!
momcrieff
Thank you Linda, for your encouraging words. I am finally at the point where I am out of that nasty funk. Divorce is a tough journey. But, there will be new adventures, especially with my new home! Appreciate that you took the time to comment - thank you!
Bonnnie Davis
I am so sad to hear of your recent hard times. I remember the day my husband left me with a 10 day old baby and nothing else. I survived and thrived and any regrets turned out to be all his. You are going to do better than you can imagine and your new house is just the beginning. Go girl!
momcrieff
Oh Bonnie, a 10 day old baby and he left. I'm heartbroken for what you had to deal with as a new Mom back then. I'm so glad to hear you survived and thrived. You are an inspiration! Thanks for taking the time to send your words of encouragement.
Ann
Congratulations on moving forward in this new chapter of your life’s journey. I look forward to following the renovation of your new-old home. It’s beautiful now, so I know you are going to love it as you make your wanted changes. Have fun as you work through it.
momcrieff
Thanks for your encouraging words. This house and I will be moving forward in some new chapters and adventures in life. I am trying to keep this fun and not get stressed! I'll be sharing more about some of the improvements and some of the interesting original features.
Kathy LeBeau
Love this post. I wish you all the best in your new house. Those wood floors are beautiful!
momcrieff
Thank you Kathy! I'm totally enjoying fixing this house up. Hope our paths cross this summer and we can catch up.
Lisé Gessert
Congratulations Susan, I’m exited for you and looking forward to watching the transformation!
momcrieff
Thanks so much Lise! Thanks for hanging in here with my blog! You were one of my first official followers! Feels so long ago!!