So, we sold our house. Furnished. {!!!} Because that’s what people do up here in Maine when they live on the coast. People from away want to buy the whole kit and kaboodle. And so that’s what we did {even the linens and silverware!}. It was sort of strange, but liberating too.
Fact: We are simply at a different chapter in our life. And the bottom line is, we don’t need much.
Short of an apartment in a big city, or in a commune, I think we’ve pretty much lived in every type of house {mobile home, tract home, homes in a HOA neighborhood, house in a walking downtown, on acreage, as well as on the water.
And although we don’t know exactly where we will land, we do at least have an idea of what type of place we are looking for.
Here’s a list I made, in no particular order:
Ideal Location: Port Isaac. But since there’s less than a 1% chance of that happening, a seaside setting would be grand. Close to a beach, a real sandy beach with shells and driftwood to collect. New England. Real seasons. SNOW.
Ideal House: Aunt Dora’s Cottage or another one of those insanely cute cottages John Bray Estates always seems to be offering. But again, since there’s less than a 1% chance of that happening, something with a smaller footprint would do. With bonus points for quirky features. COZY.
Ideal Garden: Nothing too big. Something I could fill with a bunch of my favorite perennials and maybe just have a few garden boxes to plant vegetables in. The HH doesn’t want to spend hours each week mowing anymore. Not that he ever did, but this time around he is serious. 😉
Ideal Workspace: A Basement. Or some sort of similar space where I could keep all my rug hooking/Etsy stuff that wasn’t in the main part of the house. Essentially, have a designated space so I wouldn’t have wool/projects in every nook and cranny.
Ideal Vibe: Simple. Warm. Colorful. I love plain white walls. But maybe it’s time to do something different. Maybe this could be the house where we hang stuff on the walls?
And by hanging stuff on the walls what I really mean is hang stuff on the walls and enjoy it. Not hang stuff on the walls because we are getting ready to sell a house and don’t want to look like weirdos {so we quickly throw stuff up on the walls. Stuff we normally wouldn’t live with}.
Is that too much to ask for? Are my expectations too high? If you were looking for a new place, what would be some of the “ideal” things you would want?
~Mavis
J in OH-IO says
Well, you can be proud of all that you and HH did to create a welcoming retreat at Camp Butterfield. Excited to see where you go next- hope it checks all your wants/needs and is relaxing and cozy! Best of luck on the search and thank you for taking us all along!
J in OH-IO says
It just struck me that you said Camp Butterfield sold furnished down to the linens and silverware….so that means the AGA stayed and didn’t make the move.
Cathy Lielausis says
omg! I thought the same thing. Working so hard for an amazing stove – even taking classes to learn to cook with it! How could you possibly leave it behind?
Sherry says
I was thinking the same thing! You waited for so long to have it delivered. Would you get another one, or a regular stove?
Erin says
I love the idea of a completely fresh start! Some of the top things on our list as we consider buying vs continuing to rent are: single story living (basement is fine, but we want the primary bedroom & laundry to be on the main level), hubby wants the house to face the right direction for the sun (I think he said south?) & I want enough windows to have sky views for my indoor plants, bathrooms large enough to store everything in the cabinet – no countertop or wall storage to clutter it up, we’d love for the primary bed to have a great view outside, no natural gas (it gives me bad migraines), & a low maintenance yard. I think the toughest part of finding this in coastal New England is the natural gas.
Sue says
Erin, our thoughts are so similar!
We are building a home in Maine this fall, and will have:
– Single story living w/ a walk-out basement for mechanicals/storage/exercise
– No-maintenance metal roof & vinyl siding
– Facing southwest with huge, tall windows.
– Primary bedroom on the southwest elevation. Laundry closet.
– Bathrooms without tile (hate grout with a passion!)
– Screened porch
– Heat pumps for heating/cooling
We have an architect/space planner designing it because the house is small and we can’t afford missteps. I’ve seen too many badly-designed floor plans with wasted space and awkward, inexplicable layouts to not consult an expert.
Pauline in Upstate NY says
Did HH leave the leg lamp for the new owners too?
Mavis Butterfield says
I suggested it… But he put it on the truck.
Joely says
Too funny!
Nancy says
This is fascinating to me! I have been reading your blog since you lived in the HOA neighborhood. I can’t imagine moving and leaving almost all the “things,” yet it sounds so liberating and cool to be able to go almost anywhere and experience new places. Wanting to move on from so much upkeep with the land is understandable. It’s interesting to see my own family and friends making decisions about how/where they want to spend their time as they start retiring.
I am wondering…what do you keep? Do you have boxes/tubs of photos/papers that you keep? I am assuming it is minimal. I have pared down so much but still feels like a lot to move.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us!!
J in OH-IO says
Mavis and Nancy,
I had the same question about family photos, papers, and personal belongings… how do you store those items and decide what to keep??? Mavis has decluttered her closets now several times and seems to have minimal clothes to keep things simple, but still how do you decide and what do you do with your personal stuff like the photos to store them?
Mama Cook says
Jumping in to third this question! Perhaps Mavis could do a post on “Personal Papers/Pictures…What to Keep…What to Pitch!”
We’re off to greener pastures in just 2 weeks! Uhaul Pods arrived this morning!
18.5 acres with forest and hiking in our own backyard, pastures with a creek, cozy woodstove in the foothills of the Cascades!
(The Taj Macoop is coming with us! )
Mavis Butterfield says
Wahoooo! So glad the The Taj Macoop is coming with you. It’s a BEAUTY!
sandyf says
I just purchased a document organization tool called Nok-Box
https://www.thenokbox.com
It is great. I feel so much better having completed it. Well worth $150.
Now-if something happens to us tomorrow -my sons have a roadmap to takin care of everything and how to do it.
laura says
i am in the process of putting my nokbox together and cant wait to have all the paperwork of my life in one place!!
Tracy says
I bought just the checklists for about $35. It’s a good idea.
Kristen says
Fascinating! We just moved into a tiny house on 15 acres of forest also in the foothills of the Cascades! Last night a mama deer and 2 adorable fawns came out to greet me. It’s amazing!
Tamara says
One level home; or if not, at least wide stairs with sturdy handrails. Also, not many steps going in and out of the house.
Mrs. C, says
Totally agree with this.
Holley says
I hope you find your dream! Best wishes!
Jennifer G says
Best of luck finding a home that at least includes some of your wishes. We are building a handicap accessible shouse in NWA (husband has Parkinsons/dementia). Surprising how your needs/wants change as you age.
Mary G says
I totally get the lower maintenance. My husband and I are hoping to downsize and simplify things in the next couple of years. Right now I am purging things we don’t need. When you really get down to it, you need far less than you might think. And one thing we want is a smaller yard to maintain. I like having a vegetable garden, but more in line with a kitchen garden–herbs and a nice batch of vegetables that aren’t too difficult to keep up with. Good luck to the two of you!
Lesley says
Thrilled to be along for the latest adventure! We are doing the same thing, hoping to sell furnished (house near the Gulf of Mexico) and downsize to a Chicago condo. Trying it all while we are above ground! Best wishes and please take lots of pix! The British stove stayed, I assume!
Laura says
I can’t wait to read about your next adventure! We have sold everything and moved on twice now and it was freeing and exciting to start over again. Our lives and needs changed and we didn’t need what we once did. And of course it made moving much, much easier. We won’t do it again, but I understand the need and desire in your case (including letting go of the Aga).
A thought about living in Port Isaac: I know it’s extremely difficult for Americans to get a visa to live full time in the UK (unless you’re lucky and have a grandparent who was born there – I have a great-grandparent so miss out). But, Americans can live in the UK for up to 180 days each year. Would it make sense for you to purchase a home in Port Isaac and live there for 180 days, and then return to a pied-a-terre in the U.S. for the other six months to visit family members, take care of U.S. business, and do some other things you want. This would be a way to get the best of both places. Owning a home in the UK won’t guarantee you a long-term visa, but this is one easy way to get around it.
Anyway, best of luck with your future plans. I loved Camp Butterfield but know an equally wonderful place is waiting for you both.
sandy says
You are speaking my language. I dream of Port Issac, but no way is that happening. I found the perfect lil cottage in Carmel CA, but it is $2M. I don’t want a mortgage, so that is over my budget. Amazing that you sold everything in your house. That really frees your children down the line. I have been through cleaning out my parents house when they passed-and I swore I wouldn’t do that to my sons. So I had better get hopping. Th The only way to find what you want and need is to live it. And changing your mind is allowed. Cheers to you-you are to be admired.
Linda Sand says
What? No motorhome? A Class A usually has a large dash where you can put container gardens right inside the huge windshield. Plus, you can put hanging planters inside other windows. Then you go enjoy mother natures’ gardens all around the country with no yard work.
Angelia Johnson says
If anyone was meant to live tiny Mavis is. I am hoping to see they bought a tiny home of sort.
Anne says
Congratulations! I moved from my long time home and garden to a small apartment with a very small contained garden. . Elevator! Washer dryer in unit! Maintenance people who fix things promptly! Excellent security! Downsides are could be better soundproofing-slamming doors in hallway because they have auto close and no window or fresh air circulation in bedroom-it’s like sleeping in a box.
Cathy Lielausis says
Are you leaving Midcoast Maine? I love reading about your adventures in the area.
Angelia Johnson says
Wow, in shock.. You were just posting about the garden and it coming up. I hope you took the aga and replaced it with sometHing else. I can’t imagine leaving it behind. I moved around growing up about every year. Then went into the military after I got out husband transferred to full time Army National Guard so we could set up roots for the family. I don’t think we will move unless we win the lotto and can customize a one story home… You should go tiny. Tiny house with a workshop on land …Anyway can’t wait to find out your next adventure..Good luck
debbie in alaska says
Okay so after reading yesterday’s post I though “oh man that sounds exhausting” when I thought about packing and moving all that stuff … until I read today’s. Leave most of it behind. Only pack what you absolutely want to take with you – simplify – and embark on a new adventure that requires less maintenance and starts you off fresh. SIGN ME UP! If I didn’t live in the most amazing spot on earth (on nearly 6 acres and on the water in Alaska with humpback whales and orcas and eagles and bears and snow capped mountains and glaciers and northern lights and ocean in my literal front yard) I would do this in a heartbeat. Plus my husband is not a “start fresh” kind of guy he is sentimental and we have a cute little pub on our property for us to enjoy with our friends and neighbors so I am just going to have to live vicariously through you on this one.
Teri says
Wishing you all the best! You two are the hardest working couple I’ve ever known!
barbara dougherty says
Congratulations! I just downsized myself and love it. No ocean viwes or beaches to walk on but they are close! Good luck, I know you will find exactly what you want and need!
Kat says
Four years ago we retired, sold all of our stuff, except my hooked rugs, wool supply and some of our garage tools and moved to the Mountains in Panama. We bought a Spanish style home with a beautiful view of Volcan Baru. We had most of our new furniture made by local craftsmen using Teak wood. We love love love it here.
Sue S. says
What about the kiln for all the pottery decorations you make? And the AGA – not one but 2! Did you leave it behind?
G says
My husband passed away unexpectedly and we had to sell our home and move to a rental temporarily. We are not able to afford a home in our city where we were born and raised. My kids and me are trying to find a place to go, as I try to find a job for income. It is so challenging to find a home.
Susan says
G- So sorry for your loss! I hope you and your kids find a new great place to call home and peace and comfort in the near future.
It sounds like you have a lot going on.
laura says
i am so sorry for your loss. please don’t feel that you have to make all of these big decisions immediately or alone. it is really ok to catch your breath and take a little time…
Marcia says
I have been reading the blog off and on since the HOA. Your life fascinates me, but I think it’s cool that you can just sell the house with all the stuff in it. I was wondering how you AirBnB’d otherwise. Makes it easier.
We bought our first house 20 years ago, in our mid-30s. We will probably die in this house. A lot of poeple that I know mention that the first house teaches you what you want in your forever house. I think that for us, inertia is a powerful force. 😉 Plus, it’s insanely expensive in Coastal California and we want to retire someday. And our elder child is starting college in the fall. And the younger child is only 11. So…yeah.
Periodically we purge a closet or a drawer or a bookshelf. It would be nice to do it all at once.
Lisa Purcell says
So many unanswered questions. It was so sudden. You just got the garden up and running.