Life's a Hoot: Idaho Bungalow

We are officially moving to Idaho!!! Okay, I'm kidding just a little, we are moving to Idaho Avenue in Crystal. Evan and I signed the papers tonight and we officially first-time home owners! Use the front door and come on in…

Here is a little history to our bungalow. We put the bid in on 10-11-12, which that same night the townhouse that we are renting was foreclosed on. Basically we took it as a sign that this was THE ONE. It took about five months to find this one. We looked at Squatter Houses, townhouses, cottages, sketchy neighborhood houses, and sleeper houses. But none even came close to this one.

When we first walked in we thought… hmmm it reminds us of our grandparents. As we stood in there longer we realized how much of a gem this was and the potential it held, and most importantly it met our qualifications. Soooo without further a-do, here is a picture story!

In 1956 Frank and Jean built this walk-out rambler in Crystal. At the time the community was known as a 'teacher community' because it was where all the teachers settled for the Robbinsdale and Crystal districts. They lived in the house until it was their time to move on. FUN FACT: Frank was from ND and Jean was from SD!!!
It has such good curve appeal and a .37 acre yard!!

Jean lived in the house until she was 91-years-young. It was crazy because we met Jean's family at the estate sale, as well as the realtor who was the niece-in-law. They talked about how Jean in the last 10 years put a lot of effort into keeping the house up-to-date and landscaped well. You can tell because everything was hedged, clipped, and well maintained! I had to buy a hedger because now I will have to live up to the Jean legacy. It is a walkout rambler and has a fantastic backyard and patio! And look at that huge window for the upstairs living room!

The family also had an estate sale, so we went and the items in the pictures were what was left or we bought :) Retro is sooo in too!!

Here is the basement. There is brick on one side, wood on the other, and back there behind the wall is a non-conforming bedroom and bathroom. But wait, what's that in the corner?! Check it out...

Yes, it is the best looking green, yellow, red, white, stuffed couch!!!

The basement is an open concept, which is amazing!! There is a real fireplace there too… but look at that chair set… lushy and plushy. Retro is back!

Check out the rest of the basement…

Saloon dooring into the in-law suite that contains a gas stove/over, washer/dryer, fridge, and deep freeze!

What, what… we don't have to live European anymore! I think we are both looking forward to not having to play the packing game each time we go into the fridge.

The non-conforming bedroom. Fact: the reason why it isn't a real bedroom is because of the window. If we put in an egress window then we will all of sudden have a legal four bedroom home!

The basement bathroom that has been updated!!

Now moving to the main level… it is the kitchen!

You are seeing right… wallpaper and carpet in the kitchen. We are blessed to have some upcoming projects!

Look at that living room… a fireplace and a ginormous window with kick butt window attire! But wait… what's hanging on the ceiling?

AGGGH I LOVE IT!!! A chandelier!!!

There are three bedrooms on the main level and a bathroom. We are turning one of the bedrooms into a library. I forgot to take pictures of the bedrooms, so it is best if you come visit so you can see them :)

Here is the bathroom. Peachy pink? Yep, but at least our brown and cream towels will go with this bathroom and the green and purple ones will go with the downstairs one! Someday maybe we can update… dreaming big.