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Monday, July 22, 2013

I Wanna live there Wednesday # 47

I live in a pretty incredible area - in Montreal, It's an historical neighbourhood loaded with tons and tons of charm - and 20th century architecture, just steps away from the city center, it's also a pretty expensive neighbourhood ( in which I live in servants quarters basically compared to what I'm surrounded by ) 
Because there are days I don't have furniture makeovers to show you - I've chosen Wednesdays to showcase and feature one or two homes that are for sale around here.................( or apartment - or duplex - or teepee )
Keep in mind this is in the heart of the city - so the prices reflect that  - think Manhattan - where these places would cost 3 or 4 times what they're listed for here!
On occasion I'll showcase beautiful homes in other areas - countries - continents - the one thing most of them will have have in common will be their age - because I love old homes with stories to tell, join me won't you?
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As I was getting ready to write up this post - I was overcome with sadness.
The realization is hitting home that for the first time in my life I won't be living in the heart of the city with my next move..............finances just won't allow us to buy the size we need in this area.
We've been on a real roller coaster ride in the last 5 years - life changed suddenly with the downfall of the economy - we had to sell our last home to survive really - and when we were lucky enough to find this one we sighed a breath of relief and thought - as small as it is - at least we're still in the city.....( which to be honest with you was MY criteria - not necessarily John's ) 
That was before I decided to paint and restore furniture and sadly this place just can't accommodate it.
I'm up and down about all of it - some days very excited to get into a new space - some days overridden with anxiety about the unknown and other days thinking just stop doing the furniture for crying out loud but I can't stop now - I'm in love with every aspect about this furniture thing - the hunt - the transformations - the smiles on people's faces when they pick them up - the extra bit of income - all of it.
So a move is imminent....,,,,

We haven't even listed the house yet - and I'm all over the internet checking what's out there - 
We sold our last home in 8 hours - a duplex in a very sought after neighbourhood and found this the next day - so everything was very quick - 
The neighbourhood we're in now is a very pricey one and I've noticed they take a lot longer to sell - 
The realtor has appraised it at almost 500,000 - ( we only have 2 bedrooms - and I wouldn't even call one of them a bedroom - it's so tiny - that it's really an office ) and ONE bathroom so fingers are crossed that we're the exception to the rule once again...............but I'm 54 and come from a time when half a million would buy you a mansion - so can't imagine this going for that amount.  At. ALL.
Those of you that follow know that I'm certainly undecided about what I want exactly - except that it not be a new build - 
All this to let you know that this week's home is one that I have fallen in love with - ( again ) it's only 15 minutes out of the city - off the river ( St. Lawrence ) and needs a lot of TLC - A LOT - but let me know what you think of it !!!
It looks like a little English Cottage, doesn't it - I can see roses climbing everywhere in my mind ;)
You'll have to use your imagination for this week's I.W.L.T.W  !!!!!!!!!

Shutters BLACK - first thing!!!



New landscaping - second thing !!!



POOL? ( THIRD THING )



DARK FLOORS - LIGHT GREY'S AND CREAM'S ON THE WALLS



SOOOO CHARMING



LOVE....................DINING ROOM - ALL IT NEEDS IS PAINT AND A NEW CHANDELIER



THE KITCHEN NEEDS WORK - BUT I'M UP TO THAT



THIS ROOM IS OFF THE KITCHEN  -  IT WOULD BE LOVELY OPENED UP - THE PANELS PAINTED WHITE WITH PATIO DOORS LEADING TO THE BACK YARD DON'T YOU THINK?



OK LET'S GO UPSTAIRS..............( THEY REALLY LOVE ORANGE OBVIOUSLY ) 



LOVE THAT THERE'S A LARGE WINDOW ON THE LANDING



DECENT SIZE MASTER - GREAT WINDOWS - AND 2 VERY LARGE CUPBOARDS - A RARITY IN AN OLD HOME



iT HAS MY BELOVED RADIATORS !!!!!!!

SECONDARY ROOM



THIRD BEDROOM



BUT THIS NEXT PHOTO???
IT DOESN'T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS FOR ME - 
A CONVERTED GARAGE - WHERE I COULD DO MY FURNITURE



IF THIS PLACE IS NOT SCREAMING " SIMPLY VINTAGEOUS BY SUZAN " I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS!!!
I'D HANG 2 CHANDELIERS IN HERE BY THE WAY - AND PAINT IT ALL WHITE - BECAUSE - WELL JUST
BECAUSE.....................CHECK OUT THE BUILT IN'S FOR MY PAINTS............



IT ALSO HAS A 4TH ROOM UPSTAIRS THAT THEY'RE CALLING AN OFFICE - NO PHOTO 
2 BATHROOMS - NO PHOTOS ( OH OH - GUT JOB'S PROBABLY )

WHAT DO YOU THINK EVERYONE???
DO YOU ALL SEE THE POTENTIAL HERE THAT I SEE?
I'M REALLY IN LOVE WITH THIS ONE..............15 MINUTES FROM THE CITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YEAH - I WOULD SAY I MOST DEFINITELY WANNA LIVE THERE........HAVE TO GET MY BUTT IN GEAR TO SELL THIS ONE NOW.
WISH ME LUCK.
SEND POSITIVE THOUGHTS MY WAY.
PUHLEASE!!!!!!!!

HAVE A GREAT WEDNESDAY ALL.
MUCH LOVE,

ok - this is the funniest thing - I thought it was Wednesday today- until Razmataz below commented on it...............and no one mentioned that I was off a day - OMG - I'm losing it I think LMHO.............
Happy Tuesday I guess :)

Common Ground                                      French Country Cottage                           The Shabby Nest
It's Overflowing                                        Homemaker on a dime                             The Farmhouse Porch
Under the Table & Dreaming             Knick of Time                                          Homestories A to Z
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia             Not Just a Housewife                                Atta Girl Says           
The Winthrop Chronicles                          Savvy Southern Style                               Shabby Creek Cottage
My Romantic Home

57 comments:

  1. Know so well the story of downsizing.

    So cute! Make sure you pay for your own inspection. If it is mostly cosmetic then it is not as big a deal to fix. Electrical or plumbing or roof work adds up if it needs to come up to code. But if the price is much less compared to the comps then it doesn't matter as much. You don't want to put in more than what the other houses are going for in the area so the repairs need to be part of that calculation. Repairs come before remodeling. For example, one cannot fix the kitchen if the electrical is not up to code ; today's new appliances will just pull too much.

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  2. I hope things work out for you. I was thinking the third room would be your painting room and then you showed the converted garage.

    House prices are crazy and depend so much on location, location, location.

    I think back to our first house for which we paid $60,000 US dollars. We paid $275,000 for our beach cottage and everyone thought we were crazy to pay that much. About 10 years ago it would have sold for $1 million, but the real estate roller coaster took a down trip for awhile. Today it would sell (be we aren't going anywhere) for about $750.000. It is all just too crazy.

    I'll think good thoughts for you if you will share the Suzan/John conversations about the sale/purchase.

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  3. What a charming house, Suzan. I can see the potential here. Some paintings and then ready. Love the big master bedroom. Our`s is soo tiny. The garage room is perfect for your painting. Wish you all the best, my friend.

    Sending you a big hug

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  4. I think it's a beautiful looking home. In fact, I was just imagining my own car parked on the drive and how'd I'd feel to arrive home everyday :)
    In the UK and in France, we don't get roofs like that, so that's one of my favourite features, apart from the very green location of course - and this is right near a city? Even better! The rooms look big and airy, and there's plenty of light. The only room I'm not keen on is the one with all the very dark paneling which I think closes the room in, but that's an easy fix. In the USA your rooms are so much larger than over here in Europe, especially your hallways.
    Good luck with the search - all very exciting, eh?
    Alexander, France

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    1. I'm in Canada Alexander - in Montreal actually but yes our homes are generally much larger then European homes!!!
      Thanks so much for the visit!
      Hugs,
      Suzan

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  5. Suzan,

    Remember those urges??! DON'T fight this one: this is DEFINITELY your new house, your haven and your creative outlet!! If I were moving to the GMA, (Greater Montreal area), I would FIGHT (the competition, my husband, that urge to say 'nah...') for this cottage cutie! So, get your butt in gear and GO, GIRLFRIEND, GO!!

    xo
    Poppy

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  6. Good luck!! I'd skip the pool and leave the tyre for future grand kids so fun. Ugg selling homes is horrid but moving in to a new place is fun. Good luck with everything!

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  7. That is a fantastic place! So much character. And if you do get it, I'd love to see the changes you make 'cause I just know they'll be stunning. You'll even have your own workshop/playroom, which I'm sure makes your heart beat a little faster! LOL...

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  8. Adorable place, huge yard and studio space? Go for it! You have the talent to make it your own, paint does wonders as you know. I love the roof line, the little alcove at the bottom of the stairs and the little showcase window is crying...decorate me! So much fun decorating a new space! And that huge yard to revamp with lovely goodness..heck I cant wait to see what you'll be up to with your new move...exciting!

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    1. I'd LOVE to get my hands on this house Brenda - isn't it just oozing with charm?
      XOXO

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  9. OH SUZAN...this is it!!! Where is it? I love the setting, the house and those rooms are all fantastic! Potential is just oozing out of that house. Did you visit already? What about the ceiling in the living room? I wonder what is under that?
    Go for it girl!!!!!

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  10. Hello Susan! I find this house lovely, big rooms, in good condition...even the kitchen looks ok. I'm just imagining it painted and it will look so beautiful.
    15 minutes to the city? That sounds perfect here! It took me 1 hour every day to get to the city for my job.
    Good luck and continue updating us!
    Besos!

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  11. Are you trying to confuse me?. Reading this I thought it was Wednesday.

    It's a great house....you could do wonders with this.

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  12. GO FOR IT!!! I know that you are so talented and would LOVE to see what changes you would have for your new "cottage". It is calling out, "Help me Suzan....I hate the orange!" Good luck with the selling. I'm sure it will sell quickly with your gorgeous decorating skills.
    ~Carol

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  13. I love it, Susan, and yes I think it is screaming your name. I am definitely sending good vibes your way, my friend. xo Laura

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  14. it screams Suzan ALL over it! Hope you can sell yours FAST

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  15. As soon as I saw the first picture, I knew it should be yours...because it really could be mine! :) Love everything about it...especially the paneled room that would be perfect for your studio. Quickly find a place to store all of your "stuff" so that your current home looks spacious and get that bad boy on the market. You need this charming home!

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  16. Loved it even before I saw the studio... that is just PERFECT for what you do! Book an appointment to view if you haven't, right NOW.

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  17. Okay, Suze...I used my imagination and this is perfect for you. With your changes, it would be wonderful. In my mind I see you in a long flowing white dress...swinging away the afternoon on the tire swing( painted white,of course)and a painted table under the tree to hold your wine and John's painted books. He'll be allowed under your tree, but only if he doesn't speak and ruin your delusion. You can sing your heart out on your swing when you enjoy your breaks from the Simply Vintageous studio. Creating a spectacle would drive sales thru the roof. I think Soda certainly deserves a lush lawn to run on. In slow motion, of course.

    Look at all that dancing room, too. You wouldn't have a care in the world!

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  18. It's got the country feel with the convenience of the city being very close by (for Craig's List runs, of course) and that garage makeover is screaming your name. :)

    I like it.
    I like the roomy kitchen too!

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  19. Ohhhhhhh Suzan this one does scream your name. That garage space how perfect it that!!!! Get that place sold so you can get this one!!!! Wow if ever a place was right for you!!!!! So many wonderful rooms and the features in the rooms oh my. I could see the orange paint going to light grey and you could really make that your home. If I win the lottery this week I will get you in there sooner!!!!
    Kris

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  20. Really cute house with a great yard! The converted garage is just icing on the cake!

    P.S. No shutters needed - there's already enough going on without them. Just my 2 cents.

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  21. We must be related! Of all the times I've moved in my 73 years, I never see a house as it is - I see it as how it will be when I get through putting my decorating ideas to it and in it. I can see why you'd love that house. So much already there and so much potential!

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    Replies
    1. I actually prefer a house that I have to work to make my own..............new builds - as beautiful as they can be - are just not for me :)
      Thanks so much Jo Ann!!!
      XOXO

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  22. I like it. I really, really like it. The kitchen is yelling for a big island constructed out of some funky piece of old furniture.

    Why is there a phone booth in the corner of the room off the kitchen?

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  23. Oh...what a gorgeous place. It has Simply Vintageous written all over it. That garage space is amazing. I pray you will sell yours quick and can buy it!

    Hugs,
    Deborah

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  24. I think this place suits you perfectly! I love the large rooms and the converted garage is perfect for your painting! Don't just go for it...Run, Suzan, Run! I bet your current home sells immediately. I agree with make your current home look especially spacious. Just go ahead and move all your paints to the new place. :)

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    1. Hi Camille- I don't think the rooms are as large as the photos make them look - but just to have that separate work space would be a dream!!!!!!!!
      XOXO

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  25. Beautiful property! Where is this if I may ask? West mount perhaps? I am an ex-Montrealer. Good luck!

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    1. I'm in Westmount now............this other place is in Dorval - a block away from the river - so really close to downtown!!!
      XOX

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  26. I was wondering if my days were mixed up...LOL You are so cute! This place is just amazing and so charming. I can only imagine how it would look once you got in there! I so hope it works out for you.

    Wish I could get here daily but right now I'm just not up to it. Know that I always think of you and appreciate the smiles you give.

    xoxo
    Pat

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  27. Hi Suzan!!!!!!

    OH MY GOODNESS GIRL!!!!! DORVAL!!!!!!

    If you called, you'd hear me yelling YES!!!! Love this house!!!!! You really (In my opinion) can't go wrong...WOW!!!! If the inspection went ok, I'd be in there in a heartbeat, after my other residence sold, of course.

    I love the area (make sure to ask if the great St. Lawrence ever flooded the area) and being close to the water is what I love about where I live.
    Dorval is a beautiful area with gorgeous vintage homes with the greatest character.

    This house gives you all the room that you would need. A great work space, room for visitors, great back yard, character, love the great front yard, the size of the rooms a amazing for a older home.

    I just love it!!!! And the best...Close to your beloved downtown!!!!!

    Have a great week Suzan!!!!

    Pam
    xox

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  28. I see potential. I see John and Suzan living happily by the water of the St. Lawrence. Love, love, love the garage!!! I see painted cupboards in the kitchen - look at those floors!

    Crossing my fingers that this IS IT!!

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  29. Oh and you're probably right about the bathrooms!! Gut jobs for sure if there's no photo.

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    Replies
    1. LOL - I'm sure of it - but it has soooo much potential Heather :)
      XOXO

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  30. I LOVE it!!! So much charm already and LOTS of potential!!!
    Blessings,
    cindy

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  31. Well, I'm glad somebody else told you it was only Tuesday cuz I didn't want to burst your bubble(head)..oh-sorry- I shouldn't poke fun at my friends, right?

    Anyway, I love this house, Suzan. I can really see it all done up and you would be just perfect in that house- it screams for your touch. Is it possible in your area to put an offer on the house contingent on the sale of yours? Then, they would hold it for a certain amount of time to see if you could sell your house. We have bought 3 or 4 properties that way.

    Hope it goes well for you. I am starting to stage my friend's house now that we have several things out of the way. xo Diana

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  32. I most definitely see what you see in this house! It is totally charming and I love it! So much potential and doesn't seem to need too much work. I will be praying things work out for you. I would love to see it after you put your touch in it...I know it will be lovely!

    Blessings, Vicky
    Life On Willie Mae Lane

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  33. I totally see the potential. This house has so much charm and character and POTENTIAL to make it your own and put your own stamp onto it. Sorry to hear you are torn with your decision to possibly move from the city. I can't believe how fast your last place sold.

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  34. I want to live there... we have small townhouse ... that would be surely my dream house...

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    1. Mine too I think !!!
      Thanks so much for coming by!
      XOXO

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  35. LOVE it! Best of luck with selling the current and buying this gem! I can totally see you spilling your next can of paint there! :)

    xoxo
    -andi

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  36. If I lived in Montreal and were 20 years younger we would have a bidding war over this wonderful property. You know gold when you see it, gal.

    But what has John said about it? What does it offer him, besides the great picture of you in white swinging on white tire hanging from what will have to be a white tree! LOL!

    Those kitchen cabinets would make me soooooo happy. So little storage space in my kitchen.

    I wonder if the garage is enough for two modern vehicles in a Montreal winter???? Will the codes allow for replacing it with something more useful for your cars and for John's garden and lawn equipment and tools?
    And will you be able to have a workshop (read:business) at that location?
    I can hardly wait to find out how this goes and, like others, I too want to read the conversations you and John have about this big decision.
    Fingers crossed for success in this one. It's fantasticabulous.


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  37. Orange really isn't my colour... But my cottage was very orange when I bought it, so I can see pass it and this one really has potential. I think it's really great that it's not far from the city, so you won't miss it so much!

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  38. OMG - that place rocks! It has the BEST BONES!!!!

    It's absolutely fabulous and I am crossing my fingers AND toes for you big time. Hope it can happen for you. It's realllllly awesome.

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  39. I love this house! I hope it all works out for you. Just oozing charm! (And it sure would be fun to follow along as you renovate.)

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  40. This would be perfect! I am keeping my fingers crossed for you two :)

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  41. This house has so....much potential!!!
    I hope you are able to get it and make
    it into your dream house and studio!

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  42. Beautiful stairs and floors! I can see why you are in love:) I posted DIY Doily Jacket

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  43. GREAT potential! Buy it!! It has great bones and would be ideal for you!

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  44. I really hope you get this place , it's perfect . Lot's of luck , sarah

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  45. Like you, I could never live in new. Too booooorrrrrriiiinnnngggg!!! ;) We would love to downsize but having looked at literally 1000+ online, only found one with the character we are both drawn to. So guess we'll be here for a while. Which is good too. Have you ever had the dark floors? Cause I painted our wood floors dark and they show EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!! I was just thinking this morning that I am going to paint the ones upstairs white to see how I like it. Well, I'll start with one room first. I'm not completely stupid. :/ Good luck on your sell. And finding the right one to buy!

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  46. This house has SO. MUCH. CHARM!!!! I can totally see you working your magic in this home to take it to a whole new level!! It seems to already have nice large rooms and beautiful hardwoods.
    Mary Alice

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  47. Hi, Suzan! You are one of our top 3 most viewed links from Home{work} Wednesday and are being featured on my fb page today! Have a great day!

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  48. I love how it's an blank palette ready for you to decorate and style in your own way. Looks like it could be a great buy!

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    1. thanks so much Kayla!!!
      don't know if it'll still be there by the time mine sells - but crossing my fingers!
      XOXOXO

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  49. Love this house! Your area of Montreal sounds beautiful, I can see why you don't want to leave it. We visited there once years ago, it was one of the most beautiful places we have visited. Good luck selling your home, I can't believe homes sell that fast or cost that much! Yikes!

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Due to a large amount of spam ( that I'm tired of going back to posts and deleting ) I'll be using comment moderation from now on !!!
Can I beat these spammers at their own game? Probably not - but I'm going
to try my damnedest !!!
xoxo