This is the post that as of last week, we weren’t sure would happen. If you’ve ever been on this crazy roller coaster ride of real estate, you know how unpredictable it can be. If you read our post a few weeks ago about our home being under contract, we were thrilled to share that with all of you after waiting for so long. If you didn’t see it… we would love for you to hop on over and check it out. It’s a good one. The stuff fairy tales are made of. Literally.
And as life would have it, at the time that everything began to fall into place, it also began to unravel. We feel like we’ve been pummeled in a martini shaker. A lot was turned upside down, shaken up, and placed upright again… in little unexpected ways that require a lot of faith, hardcore prayer, and just rolling with it. There was lots of lost sleep and tummy aches on both of us. Moving both a business and family is absolutely terrifying in so many ways when you’ve made that choice to take a risk and the buck stops with you. But here we are.
Inspections have passed, things are settled, and we’re thrilled to share the next new {to us} Handmade Home with you today.
A few weeks ago, we’d just arrived home from Disney in a whirlwind. We’d just signed the contract the night before, and we were sitting on Pirates of the Caribbean on our last day when reality hit. The shock set in, and I got a little teary eyed… we needed to figure out where we were going to live. Here we were. After all this time. We’d been planning this for two years. There were endless possibilities on what we could/should do… And suddenly we were clueless about what to do next.
We could rent. {Which we were seriously leaning toward and would probably be the sane option after what we just went through.} We could build, which we also considered. We could revamp a house. We could live in my parents’ two bedroom apartment… at this point it was seeming like a viable option and totally sane. They just sold their house in our area as well after waiting nearly as long as us and are also a part of this crazy adventure of moving to Nashville… so it would be a bit cramped, to say the least. And we would totally be those people. We just weren’t sure. So, we hooked up with our sweet friend and realtor who has been working with us for so long in Nashville, and decided to go honest to goodness house hunting.
It might take a day. It might take a year. But we knew that we needed to figure it out, and we would know when we saw it. At least… we hoped we would.
Everything had fallen into place so far and all we could do was roll with it, right?
We’d already known we were moving for about two years now, and were pretty familiar with the areas in Nashville since my brother lives there. So we decided to start our hunt like any other sane person would do… everywhere.
We wanted to keep our options open. So, we selected the homes we wanted to see that were available the night before {We’d just driven to Montgomery from Orlando that day} unpacked, went to bed, repacked, left the kiddos with my mom and headed to Nashville that following afternoon. I’d studied each house to make sure we were interested in it before requesting a showing, as we’d just been on the other side of that {one million showings} game.
We were making the drive up, quite satisfied with ourselves and a little overwhelmed with the endless possibilities, when we were notified that not twelve hours had passed and most of the selected homes on our list, were already under contract. Dondi {our friend/realtor} emailed to let us know, and we were totally miffed. Already discouraged. Not only is making the leap from one market {where we’ve taken a big loss to make this happen} to another market {that’s absolutely booming with ridiculous prices per square footage} a challenge enough, but if you’re unfamiliar with the Nashville market, homes don’t stay up very long. Usually there are multiple offers. Bidding wars. And we just couldn’t stomach something like this so soon after what we’ve already been through.
We should just rent, I’d proclaimed, throwing my arms in the air in dramatic fashion. And after being talked off the ledge by my sister in law on the phone, {Ashley. You guys have always wanted Franklin. Start there. Duh.} we decided to narrow it down. So I opened my laptop, and while Jamin drove, we went back through the list, to check houses available in Franklin. We have a lot of friends there. We love the area. We want to build our business, beyond the website in new ways, there. It made sense to start with the place we loved the most. And on this list was a little white house I’d already bypassed once. For some reason, {I wasn’t paying attention in a rush to make the most of our time at that point} I selected it to see.
The next morning we began the hunt. House after house, they were completely different than what we expected. You could reach out and touch your neighbors. They felt stacked and ridiculous for the price. They simply gave us a bad feeling every time we stepped over the threshold. Too many issues with some at that price point. They just didn’t feel right. We felt limited with our funds and were completely done, and it had only been a few hours. In our defense, we were coming down on post vacay exhaustion. As we made our way down the list, I realized we’d taken on too much, too soon. What were we giving up our house in Montgomery for again? Why were we moving here? I started to panic a little on the inside. Questioning everything. Of course it was going to be a battle. But I’d officially digressed to hangry around 1:00, so Dondi {who was now a little leery of working with us because I’d proclaimed that Nashville had crap houses and I hated it} decided to pull over and do lunch.
It’s amazing what a burrito can cure. So we decided to reassess.
And when we looked at the list again, I almost took that little white house off the list. I didn’t want to waste our time just like everything else that day. It was the second stop after lunch, but my brain was fried. I know I have a flair for the dramatic, but remember that I was coming off my Disney high, burritos can only take ya so far, and the stress of starting all over had officially set in.
I said I didn’t want to see it. There was no point.
“Are you sure?” Dondi asked.
We were already in the car. It’s not like it would be a big deal to look. The house was empty anyway.
“Okay. Let’s do this,” I surrendered. Determined to have a better outlook on all things seemingly impossible.
When we pulled into the neighborhood, it felt different. It was raining, and I peered through that windshield, at all the little houses on the quiet street. Big yards. Check.
“Jamin look at the yards!” I reached back to grab a disengaged Jamin’s knee so he would look up from his phone. He’d already tuned out at this point, quietly resigned to renting. All little charming homes from 1970 something… that held a sweet nostalgia about them. And I saw his eyes light up a little.
When we pulled into the driveway, my heart fluttered. A set of swings hung from the tree in the most adorable fashion. And when we scattered up to the front door through the rain, I looked down at the tiny porch. It was a concrete porch. The old school kind you never want to change that our grandmothers had. We grew up on porches like this. And when Dondi opened the door, and we walked in… we started to look.
Foyer/dining room
living room
kitchen
current master and bathroom
additional bedrooms
hallway bathroom
unfinished basement/garage – more on this to come
And the piéce de résistance…
We were probably there for an hour. The conversations went quickly as we flitted from room to room. What is happening?! I asked, as I started to cry. Is this the house?! It was unintentionally everything we really wanted. And it didn’t make a bit of sense. And then Dondi teared up, and then Jamin. There were hugs and tears and laughter.
We realized a few moments later that Jamin and I had driven through this very neighborhood a year before, and wistfully said to ourselves, “We should try to find a home in this neighborhood. Somewhere just like this.” And here we were.
“What school is this zoned for?” I asked. While we’re definitely keeping our options open, this is also the very school multiple friends of ours send their children to. The very school {of all the schools we could have seen} we toured last year and had a nice talk with the wonderful principal there about well, everything. He’d had all the time in the world, and that meant everything to us when trying to decide on our children’s futures. Again, keeping those options open and we haven’t even decided yet between that and homeschool… but what were the chances? We hadn’t even realized.
I face timed my family, and walked them through it.
“Ashley. Five hours ago, you were like, Nashville sucks. I hate my life. And now this is your house? What is happening?!” my brother laughed.
I don’t know! Was all I could muster. It made absolutely no sense, and was absolutely perfect all at the same time.
We’d promised ourselves we wouldn’t rush in. And here we were, putting down an offer like two kids in love. Likened to that feeling in college when I realized I wanted to marry Jamin Mills but I wasn’t sure if it would work out or where the future would take us. Except with a little white house that we unexpectedly fell for, and it just felt right.
When negotiations were finalized the following day, we brought some of our good friends to the house the day after, with our family. “It needs some work for what we want,” we explained. “But this is what we want to do…”
And Kristy, one of my favorite people in the whole world and a good friend from college stopped me in the hallway. “It’s going to be a lot of work,” She said, her tone serious. “But you can do this.” And then she added, this visionary to the core: “You know what I see? Do you remember that scene from that movie, Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day, in the end? With the Australia party by the pool? Where everyone is crazy and it’s the perfect day after all, even after they get through the bad? That’s what your life is going to look like.”
And it was all she needed to say.
We came back a week later, and had to get through a few inspections. We brought up the kids to see the house, and when we saw them on the swings it felt like home… in a different way. Admittedly, it’s hard to let go of our house in Montgomery. And we had to ask some hard questions because life isn’t rose colored glasses that you buy in a gift shop frenzy on your way out of Disney World when your entire life is about to change. Go figure. We almost walked away when we got cold feet after a few things came back not so rosy, as they always do with older homes. I cried myself to sleep a few nights, trying to figure it out. There was more behind the scenes that we worried about, wondering if we’ve lost our everlovingminds.
Purchasing a home and making a move is never easy. We had to sit down and decide what we really wanted for our life and family. And at the end of the day, we realized that this is our fresh start. This house is exactly what we’ve wanted, all this time. It’s a wonderful chance for our family. And it won’t be easy. But it’s our second act.
This little house, the one I almost didn’t want to see that had been sitting there empty, waiting for us… it’s our redemption house. Something we want to make a part of our story. Something we can’t wait to begin.
So with lumps in our throats, exhaustion, hysterical laughter and all the emotions under the sun in between… we’re moving forward.
Because sometimes, falling in love doesn’t always make sense. But I see I see a white picket fence and a fresh chance. That pool party. In all its imperfect chaos and what we’re doing for our family. And we know that in the end, if we can just get through this part, it’s going to be a great story. Stay with us, because we’re holding our breath and diving in. And we can’t wait to share all our plans with you.
Here we go.
Geronimo.
Pssst: to follow the renovation go here and scroll to the bottom.
Beth M. says
It looks perfect! Can’t wait to see what you do! Of course Kristy had vision and pulled out the perfect literary reference! (We went to middle and high school together!) You can’t go wrong with any of the schools in Franklin. We all say it’s like getting private school for free!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Yes – of course she did! Thanks so much Beth! ;}
Anna says
This is perfect. So excited & can’t wait to see you work your magic!
Laura says
We serve a good God, don’t we?! He remembered your dream list, even when crazy real estate, post-vacay, I hate Nashville-itis had driven the dream from your tired brain! I’m excited to see how you hand-make this house into your home. And how is it that your baby girl looks so grown-up? She is lovely!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks so much, Laura! So true. No I have no idea what happened! They all shot up over night and we’re in that sweet spot where they’re not moody teens and they’re not babies either… and it’s this mixture of happy sadness. ;} It’s true what they say. Don’t blink!
Tracy says
I have been reading your blog for years and I am very happy for your family! Fresh starts are difficult but always worth it. I am looking forward to seeing how you transform this house into your next handmade home. Best of luck!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Tracy! You are too too kind! It always makes our day to hear about amazingly sweet people who have stuck with us this long. You seriously need a crown for putting up with us all this time. Hugs you you sweet lady! ?â¤ď¸? Thank you – we are excited and ready to make the transition & get the kids settled!
April says
Looks like a great house! Welcome to Tennessee…and Franklin. I work for a consulting firm in Franklin but I live 2 hours from there. đ The house is adorable and looks like a very decent yard.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you April! Can’t wait to get started and just enjoy life a little once we’re settled – it’s time to feel settled again ?
Elizabeth Byler Younts says
This adventure will be a great one. We moved 2.5 yes ago & had a very similar experience. We love our home & so does everyone who walks in…but not bc it’s perfect but bc we love it in that “this is our home not just our house” sort of way. ?
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thank you Elizabeth – so happy for y’all too!
Jenn says
How exciting! I can’t wait to see what you do with it!!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Us either! ? Hugs to you sweet friend!
Leslie says
Congratulations! What an exciting time for your family. I’m so happy you found the house that needs all the love you can give it and I know it’s going to be awesome!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much Leslie!
Julie says
Congrats! I live in Ohio, but Franklin, TN is my favorite place to visit. You will love living there! I can’t wait to see what you do with the house. Enjoy your new home.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much, Julie!
Bets says
So happy for you!!! Congratulations!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks, Bets!
Lynn R. says
Congratulations, Ashley & Jamin!! Don’t you just love when you get to see answered prayers up close and in living color đ You could probably hear me laugh out loud when I read “Nashville had crap houses and I hated it.” – because I could actually hear you saying it (not implying that I agree you’re a little dramatic or anything, hahaha!). Forget a burrito – sounds like you needed a cupcake!! But I also cried a little (okay, maybe a lot) when I read “Jamin, look at the yards!” because I could hear that too, and see the light in the eyes of both of you. The house is so cute – and will be absolutely lovely by the time you make it your “handmade home”! Can’t wait to see đ I’m praying for many, many blessings in your “redemption house”. I love you and your sweet family – and hope Nashville won’t be too far for the Mills to make frequent Auburn tailgate trips!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe Lynn your comment made my day. We love you too! Maybe you should come up here for a flea market weekend and I’ll show you the ropes and you can stay with us when we have the toilets in guest-worthy order and we’ll make mock-Ritas… Actually forget the guys-lets make it a girls weekend. And eat cupcakes. ? And we definitely plan to make some trips to Auburn!
Sara Beth says
Ah! I hope I can make the yard sale, I’m going to the lake next week! I’m not above bringing a trailer with me and making a pit stop in the gump!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks Sarah Beth!
Sandra Warthen says
You always know it’s the right house within a few minutes. I love an older home with character, LOVE the kitchen. Can not wait to see what you do to “make it yours”. I am so excited to share the journey with you. Congratulations
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you Sandra! I guess that’s true – I haven’t done much house hunting in my life so now that you put it that way, it gives me perspective for sure âşď¸
Rose L. says
I am so glad you found the place that fits your heart. I can see flooring replacing carpeting in some areas. I do not know the housing market there but do hope you negotiated a good deal! Moving is not easy. I have done in-state moves and one out of state move, and all are hard work!
ashley @ the handmade home says
We did thank you Rose. As best we could ?â¤ď¸ We’re excited!
Clare says
I cannot wait to watch this transformation! We just bought a little ranch home as well and will be slowly updating it . I for see myself stalking your blog much more intently for inspiration now!! Congratulations!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you Clare! Anywhere I can stalk yours? ? I’m so curious about others as well! â¤ď¸
Jennifer says
It is a truly wonderful thing when you find a home, a house is just a house til you call it your own. Congratulations!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Jennifer
Summer says
This is the best house story ever! So happy for you guys! It’s perfect and I’m definitely headed to Nashville soon! It’s on the bucket list… đ
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks Summer! â¤ď¸ Hope to see you there!
Shae Morris says
Congratulations again! Can’t wait to see all the changes you make to this sweet awesome little house. I only wish we lived in the same area let alone the same country, what a great yard sale that will be! Good luck!! looking forward to all the future posts…..
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thank you so much Shae. I wish so too! ?
Kim B. says
Our family of five went through a similar scenario last year, except our house sold on day one and we had no where to go. Four offers later (on the same house) and God brought us our “dream home” so to speak. It checked every box on our list, but needs to be updated. We’re working on it, but it’ll be another couple of years before it’s perfect. The first time your toilet floods the bathroom or your master shower stops working, or you have to repair your ac 4 times, just keep in mind that God brought you to this home and He’ll always provide your needs. I have to keep reminding myself that a brand new kitchen and hardwood floors aren’t needs. đ Good luck on your new adventure!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Oh my goodness Kim – love that. And you’re right- they certainly aren’t – and I know I’ll be reminding myself that ??? love this – thank you
Amy says
Welcome to Nashville! And because this Welcome to Nashville video sums up Nashville perfectly: http://youtu.be/8A__mpnWBT8
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hahaha our friends in Nashville have been posting this one. Hilarious! & thank you – we’re excited ?
Renea says
Selfishly, I can’t wait to see all you do to the new house—All the tutorials. Yes!!!! Congrats.
Laura @ The Turquoise Home says
Oh, I am so glad I found this post. I’m a Franklin girl living in Alabama and someday, maybe, I’ll make it back to Franklin. I know you will no regret it! It’s a creative super community, for sure. đ
Amy dangelo says
I’ve been following you for a while and love that you’re moving to town – well, sort of (I live in Nashville). I can’t wait to see what you do with the house!!! Welcome!
Maureen says
I’m a little late on this one, but congratulations. And hey, this is what you guys do! I can’t wait to see what it is you do. .. “Faith, hope, love, these three…” 1Cor 13:13