These past few weeks have been a whirlwind of excitement and nerves. We bought a house! I am over the moon about it. It all happened so quickly. We’d been casually looking for almost a year now, but nothing too serious. When Kevin and I first moved here ten years ago we were newlyweds, just married a week earlier. We lived in a cute apartment within walking distance to everything. Kevin could walk to work, and he came home every day for lunch. Target was in my backyard. I loved it. A year later when we bought our first house, it was 20 miles from everything. I loved our house, but I wasn’t thrilled with being so far out! I grew up in a town that was five minutes from everything, so I was used to having everything close. In our house, you could drive for five minutes and still not be near anything. But I loved our house, and we had a big backyard for the doggies, so we were definitely staying put for awhile.
*Oh my GOSH if you click those links PLEASE for the LOVE of all that is holy IGNORE the super embarrassing photos of me. No one should be forced to look at ten year old photos of themselves!! Shield your eyes! By the way, those super low-tech pages are what kevinandamanda.com used to look like.
At the end of last year a big contract was renewed at Kevin’s work, and it was definitely decided that we would be here for a few more years. We were still very happy with our old house, but sometimes we’d talk about how it’d be nice to be a little closer to town, have a little more closet space, and hopefully find a home with a pool, because Miley and Howie love to swim. And for some reason, none of the community pools were really thrilled with the idea of us toting our two life-jacket-wearing dogs along for a swim. I mean, I know, right?? How dare they! This is what poor little Howie was reduced to using as a pool.
So after that, I’d sometimes browse our local MLS site for homes online. But we weren’t in any hurry.
Then I saw this house. And we fell in love. And we went to see it in person. And we fell even more in love. And basically, the next thing I knew, we were making an offer, scrambling to throw everything we owned into boxes, and with the help of our parents, spending one very long weekend moving in.
It even has a pool for the doggies.
And they still have plenty of room to play!
Here’s a peek at the inside. This is what you see when you open the front door. PLEASE NOTE, these are the staged realtor photos! This is not my furniture, lol! I wish it was! I would’ve bought this house furnished in a heartbeat. This house is now empty, except it’s completely covered from head to toe in boxes. :) Realtor photos via Cynthia Walker Photography.
And here’s the living room. Does anyone have any tips for taking care of hardwood floors? I know nothing!
Paint Color Update! The previous owners left some paint behind, and it looks like the color in the kitchen and living room is Sherwin Williams Virtual Taupe.
We are having way too much fun standing in the living room and throwing one of Miley and Howie’s toys up to the balcony. They have no idea where it disappears to, lol! They look all over downstairs. :)
The office, which will be the new blogging headquarters. :)
The kitchen gets gorgeous afternoon light, so I can actually make and photograph recipes at a normal time. :)
Another view of the kitchen.
The master bath.
I am in love with this tub. That is all.
I’ve had breakfast out here on the porch every morning this week.
But this is probably my favorite thing of all. I can’t wait until next summer.
Thanks so much for reading, guys. Ya’ll are the best! xoxo.
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232 Comments
Your yard is huuuuuuuuuuge. Probably bigger than all the apts we’ve lived in. Combined. Lovely house!
Oh my gosh you guys… congratulations!!!! Your home is fabulous.. I love every inch of it. You will have many years of fun and love in that home I am sure… and wow.. the back yard. I would never want to leave it. The pups will really enjoy it.
It looks awesome inside & out and what great curb appeal! Congratulations! I think the pool will be fun for everyone :-)
Congrats! The house looks gorgeous! ♥
What a beautiful house! Congratulations! I can’t believe how wonderful that backyard is!
Congrats !!!!!!!
House is amazing ! Hope you enjoy living there.
Kisses from Greece
Your house is stunning, Amanda! Wow, I am speechless. It’s gorgeous, radiant, beautiful, and huge :) And I am so happy for you. You deserve it!!!
This is superb!! Love it…
Wow!!! Congrats on your house. It’s super lovely.
I’m super in-love with your house. Congrats!
I am so happy for all of you! Your new home is awesome! Can’t wait to see Miley and Howie swimming pics! God Bless! C
beautiful home!!!!!!
It is so beautiful! You used the talents God gave you and look how He has blessed you. Thank you for sharing …… looking forward to more awesome photos.
I’m very happy for you four. I was drawn to your blog originally because of your decorating, and I’m looking forward to you making this house your own and seeing the results of your creativity.
OMG! Amanda, the house is beautiful, but that backyard is to die for! Having a pool AND a large plot of land is just so perfect! Got to plant some trees for privacy some day! Love Love everything! It’s so great that you live in the south! I am hoping that you got a great deal on it! Enjoy the un-boxing :-/
I can’t believe the size of that yard! Do you have any plans for it? That’s my dream yard right there. I’d fill it up with fruit trees, berry bushes and then build a high fence so that nobody would be tempted to take my fruit. :)
Congratulations on the new house! It’s beautiful and you must be thrilled to live closer to town. And being able to take pictures at a normal time… yay! I’m so happy for you. :)
OMG! Wow! It’s beautiful. I can’t wait to see your moved in pictures. Your dogs are so lucky. Congratulations.
The house is gorgeous. I love the pool as I sit here waiting for Hurricane Sandy to bring nothing but buckets of rain to Ohio. Wish I was there LOL. Good luck and may this house bring happiness and lots of goodies coming out of that beautiful kitchen. Paulette
Congrats on your new beautiful home! So many great aspects, including that great wall color in most of the house. Do you know the brand and color name? I love it!
Thanks Mary! The previous owners left some paint behind, and it looks like the color in the kitchen and living room is Sherwin Williams Virtual Taupe. Hope this helps! :)
Wow! I love your new house! It’s very very beautiful and the decoration is really lovely! Congratulations! Thanks for share
What a gorgeous new home! Here’s wishing you much happiness in your new ‘cottage’. :D
What a nice yard for your two puppies. They’ll love it.
Barb
Congratulations! What a gorgeous house. I’m sure you’ll enjoying every second of decorating – and I hope we’re along for the ride (in pictures, that is!). Thanks for sharing your news with us.
When Kevin said you were moving a few weeks ago – I was hoping he meant to Boston ;) When he said no – I’ll admit, I was a little sad!
Until I saw these pictures! and now I want to move to Huntsville! Amanda – geeze. I. AM. IN. LOVE. this house is absolutely perfect for you guys and I know you will all create many happy memories together in it. Carl and I are so happy for you both. Congrats you lucky ducks!
Absolutely gorgeous!! Enjoy!
Beautiful home!! So happy for y’all! Love your blog!!
Robin
Congratulations! It’s gorgeous!!
This is an absolutely gorgeous house, congratulations!!
what a beautiful, beautiful home- congratulations and happy unpacking!
Oh, it’s beautiful, Amanda. I know you’ll love every minute in it.
Wow, congrats!!! And here I was thinking your last house was awesome! Eating breakfast on a porch…love.
This is Fall Break in Germany and my 7 about to turn 8 year old daughter is ooooohing and ahhhhhhing over your GORGEOUS new house! As soon as we scrolled to the pool pictures, she decided that maybe she might be living in the wrong country ;) Hehahahha… LOVE it, we LOVE it. So ummmm, did I tell you were are coming to visit?!?! Hehahaha… Congratulations!!! Can’t wait to keep seeing pictures of all the GREAT things you will do to it!!!!! No doubt you will have FUN!!!!!! Thanks for sharing!
What a great house and yard! Congratulations to you, Kevin, and your furry children! My kitchen cabinets are the same style and color, but I’d never thought to use that putty-colored paint on the walls. It looks really great–may just have to copy it! Enjoy your new home. What an exciting time for you!
WOW! Great pick! Congratulations. LOVE the sunset in the backyard!!!
I absolutely LOVE your new home!! Congrats and I can’t wait to see all the pictures to come! Btw your yard is ridiculously Large! :)
The house is beautiful. Gorgeous—I am so excited for you.
My sister and her family live in Madison. I think Alabama is an awesome place to live.
God bless and many wonderful years in your new home!
Love your house-it is beautiful! But you didn’t let me down…you ended with a sunset picture! I loved the tour, but loved that you ended with the sunset! Happiness always to you both and your puppies too in your new home!
Amazingly gorgeous, breathtaking no doubt, and I love the peaks on your roofs! I fell in love with the pics, can’t imagine it in person! Is it ok for me to be a little bit jealous? Have fun! :)
What a beautiful home! I am IN LOVE with your kitchen! Enjoy the new home, and happy unpacking!
The new house is beautiful and you look perfectly cute in your pics from ten years ago. : )
OOOH! Your home is beautiful Kevin and Amanda! Do you think I come over for a swim sometime? lol I bet the dogs are lovin it!
Tfs!
Tina
Wow, Amanda! It is stupendous! And gorgeous! I am soooo happy for you!
Barb :-)
Congratulations, what a gorgeous new house! I absolutely love your photography!
Congratulations! What a beautiful home… I’d split my time between the pool and the bathtub! ha ha, I’m just like Howie… I love water.
Wood Floor Care – we have tons of wood floors – the best way I’ve found to care for them is to simply dry dust mop them frequently (I like a dry dust mop that has lots of strings on it, because they really catch the dust particles) … most wood floor organizations would recommend you never damp mop a wood floor, but I have used Murphy’s Oil Soap occasionally to pick up a spill. Consult woodfloors.org or wfca.org for professional recommendations. You’ll want to think about how you’re going to maintain them with the pups’ toenails walking all over them every day.
May your new home be filled with many blessing!
Congratulations on your Beautiful new home! The pool and yard is amazing! It looks like a great home for entertaining and family gatherings. I know your fur babies are loving it. Thanks for sharing your blogs. They are awesome!
Holy cow that is a HUUUUUGE house! Will your families be moving in with you? LOL I hope you’ll be doing some house related posts as you go from befores to afters!
WOW!! That is amazing. It is beautiful. All that room- you have a mile in the back yard! That pool is so awesome. Everything about it is amazing. Congrates!
I would be over the moon too! …Lucky (said in the voice of Napoleon Dynomite). LOL
Seriously, your new home is gorgeous! Congratulations.
Congrats on your lovely new home!
GORGEOUS!!!!
Congratulations on your new house! It’s gorgeous!!
AWESOME…..Congratulations to you and Kevin….it is just beautiful. Can’t wait to see more when you have your furniture in it…
CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so happy for you, even though I don’t know you in person, I feel very close to all that’s going on!
I wish you lots of happy and fun moments in this house and most of all home!!!
Big hugs,
Dora
Congratulations! We can’t wait to see a tour once you are unpacked and decorated, it already looks gorgeous! :)
Congratulations!! What a beautiful home!! And I totally busted out laughing at that video of Howie in the bucket!! Too funny!
OMG. SO gorgeous! Congratulations!!
How fun and exciting to have a new house to make your own. Okay the Howie in the bucket is still one of my favorite. Had to rematch and LOL. You have this place all yours in no time. How close to town are you? Have fun.
I can’t wait to see what you do with it!
It’s beautiful, Amanda! Congratulations!
CONGRATS!!! We can’t wait to come and visit:)
Congrats Amanda! It’s beautiful – you both deserve it! Enjoy!
Oh wow, Amanda! That house is quite amazing!! Love it! Congratulations!
Dear Amanda… I am so HAPPY FOR BOTH!!!! WOW LOOKS AMAZING!!!!!!!!! Enjoy that and
is the kind of the things you deserve for being so sharing and kind woman!!!… Your dogs will be
so happy in that big yard!!! many hugs from Colombia!!!!
Soffy
Congratulations on you new home, it is beautiful.
You will enjoy it I am sure.
Your wood floors should be so much easier then carpet, especially with your doggies, only thing keep their nails clipped so you don’t scratch the floors, but mostly keep the floors (dry) dust mopped and if you need to use something to clean them with, using a damp mop with just water is good. Using cleaners can leave a film on them. There are plenty of websites with tips on keeping wood floors beautiful.
Again Congratulations on you new home, Enjoy.
Jodi
Oh my goodness that house is lovely.
How exciting to be getting a pool, a bigger home and also getting to be closer to town! It’s a win-win.
I have to say I love how they do finishes in the south. I think white woodwork and all the wains coating and molding is much prettier than what is built in Minnesota.
Can’t wait to see how you decorate :)
You two are so blessed! I love your new home. Howie and Miley are going to be even happier pups! Love you.
It’s beautiful! Can’t wait to see pics of the woofs in their new pool….I hope let you use their pool too!
Green with Envy!!!!
Beautiful Amanda! What a great place to entertain.
Beautiful!!
Stunning and exciting!
Can I move in with you?
Wow!
Absolutely gut-wrenchingly stunning.
WOW!!!! Congratulations on your new home! It is beautiful and I’m sure all 4 of you will enjoy it immensely.
ok so we’re all coming to your house to check it out right?! OMG you guys it’s just GORGEOUS!!
I can’t wait to come jump in that pool! I’m so excited for both of you (and those precious pups, too!). Congratulations on a gorgeous upgrade!
Congratulations! It is stunning!
Beautiful home, congratulations! As far as the floors, my husband used to sell them and installed most of the hardwood floors in our home. He stands by Bona products. They have separate products for hardwood and laminate, and he recommends the hardwood starter kit. You can buy directly from their website or from most Home Depots.
Love the new house very pretty. Good luck with it.
WOOOOOOOOW. I can’t wait to creep in in the middle of the night without you knowing and set up camp somewhere hidden. Love it!
I love it, do you happen to know the color of the walls in your living room and kitchen they are beautiful?
Thanks Angela! The previous owners left some paint behind, and it looks like the color in the kitchen and living room is Sherwin Williams Virtual Taupe. Hope this helps! :)
Your new home is absolutely lovely! Here’s to many years of love, laughter and happiness there. Congratulations!
Amanda – congratulations on your beautiful new home! I know you and Kevin will have many happy years in this beautiful place. To answer your question re: caring for hardwood floors, my best advice is a Swiffer and water. Nothing else. Then after your floor dries, go over it again with a dry Swiffer. We put in new hardwood floors in 1999 and when we sold our house seven years later, the buyers thought we had just installed brand new floors (including the kitchen)! All we ever cleaned them with was a damp Swiffer, then buffed with a dry Swiffer. I’m sure there are plenty of “products” out there for wood flooring, but think about it, you are going to have a “build up” eventually on your beautiful floors. Trust me on this one, ok? Hint: Keep your dogs’ nails clipped because they can cause some little nicks in the flooring.
Awesome, Amanda. I would love to see some pics at Christmas, all decorated up. It definitely has a bigger living room. It looks like your new office is smaller though. I would love to enclose that pool in tinted glass and make it year round, it would also do that planters edge justice, maybe even a matching gazebo with a wet bar and fireplace, oh the fun I could have with your backyard, LOL
Congrats!! What a beautiful house!
Squeeeeel!!!!!!! :) I’m so happy for you and Kevin! (and Miley and Howie!). What a beautiful home you have………..Congratulations!
You’re gonna love your hardwood floors. I have them in my (tiny, tiny, tiny!) condo – and I just love them. They’re so easy to keep clean – it’s easy to keep dust down – it doesn’t get trapped into carpets. You just dry mop them…………..As for cleaning – just plain warm water (don’t use tons of water, either) – with a small amount of vinegar, if you like……….and then, I go over them with a dry Swiffer mop, when the floors dry…..for a little buff – if I’m feeling industrious. :)
Congratulations again – I know you’re going to spend many happy years in your beautiful home.
Congrats!!! Wow!!! So beautiful and big. Move-in ready. Love it all.
So gorgeous!! Congratulations!!!
Congrats to the newest adventure in your lives!!! Your new house is beautiful and I know you both will make it amazing!!!!
Congratulations! Beautiful home. Now to make it yours with your personal touch , Look forward to seeing your photos. Many many happy Years in your new place.
What a stunning home!
Wood floors. My mom made me by a Bona system from Bed Bath and Beyond when I moved in to my home with hardwoods. I’m so thankful! Easy peasy and works great.
Oh Amanda, I’m SO happy for you! Your new home is just beautiful and I know you’ll
love every new project and joy of turning this house into your home. Blessings to you
and Kevin! Angela
Congratulations to you both! Well deserved, especially for Howie & Miley!
Congratulations Amanda. Your new home is a jaw dropper. Absolutely stunning! So happy for you.
Congratulations on such a beautiful home. Keep us up to date on the decorating.
Wow your new house is beautiful!!
We use this on our wood floors and they look great after 7 years:
http://www.bruce.com/floor-care.html
Congratulations! Lots of room in that house for your family to expand!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!
What a gorgeous house and backyard and pool!!!! wow! Kuddos to the wonderful staging of that house to the realtor… darn it… I want to live there w/ all that too! LOL!!!
For our wood floors I usually do vinager and water mix.
– dalis
Holy crap! That is a NICE house!
Wow, wow & more wow … I’m so jealous … Gorgeous & so much space :-)
oh my gosh! Congratulations! It’s absolutely beautiful. I want to come visit!
OMG How gorgeous. And look at that kitchen for all your baking. And the long, long, long yard. Miley and Howie won’t even be able to see the ball when you throw it!!! And sunset; even in winter sitting in a lounge chair outside, wrapped in an electric blanket to pretend you are in LA, is breathtaking. Congrats!!!
How GORGEOUS is that house? And the back yard is positively stunning. Lucky Pups!
WAR EAGLE!
Congrats to you and family. Your new house is gorgeous. I know you will enjoy it to it’s fullest esp. in the summer time. Hugs, Becky