We didn’t buy either of those houses I posted about last year. The one on Park Plaza got bought and completely remodeled, which we thought was weird since it was in pretty good shape. However, I have continued to look at houses. Long story abbreviated, I’ve spotted one in the next subdivision north that is a good price and has just about everything we think we might want including a three car garage (any new house has to have at least two), space for the studio, two bathrooms, and much less construction (the Catholic school behind the houses across the street started their new buildings and who knows how long that will take, and a house directly across the street will probably get torn down and replaced in 8 – 12 months). After looking at a bunch of listings in The Woodlands(!), this has the advantages of being much closer in so it wouldn’t be a complete reset on location. On the other hand, that neighborhood isn’t great for trees, and I’d probably have to go out of the neighborhood to get my runs and walks in (The Woodlands has great trails all over, some right next to houses we looked at). It doesn’t have much of a front porch from what I can tell, but it does have sort of a courtyard in the back. I’d make it feel even more New Orleans if I can.
I wish we could more easily have what we want in this spot. I’m not sure it’s worth the rebuild, though. Lori keeps talking about adding five feet to one or two sides of the house, and/or reconfiguring the inside (I don’t think that part will really help). Either of those projects would require completely moving out anyway. It seems simpler to just buy another place. Since my heart isn’t in much these days, I’m not sure if I have the heart for moving nor remodeling. I’d like to go see this other house to see if it makes me feel either way.