The Miners House
I don't think I would ever buy a big house, if (and when) I buy one. Michael was just writing about the possible house bubble that's gonna pop sometime soon so I'm not making any plans. But this kind of house would make a good 'starter house'. Like training wheels for when I go balls deep in debt.
The idea of having a McMansion has never been attractive to me. I think that people live in houses that are too big and too cumbersome. They mistake square footage with comfort. This house is a perfect example that with the right distribution, a smaller footprint can be as attractive and practical as a bigger one.
What I think was a testament to their vision is the fact that they lived in the house before the renovations started. I have been to a kitchen remodel and a through a bathroom remodel. It's hell. Not even if my husband were an architect I think I could go through a whole house being overhauled. Especially like this one, where the whole back of the house was changed and an open floor plan added. I think leaving the loft upstairs and creating the light well were great ideas. So was the small green roof. So they basically ended with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a courtyard.
The idea of conservation is also one that attracts me. They are in a heritage conservation area and giving new life to a house that has that history seems pretty cool to me. I'd love that original little fireplace and I think that repurposing the outhouse as a laundry room at the end of the courtyard is genius. And who wouldn't love a courtyard? They even have a doggie.
He puts it very well: Nothing has to be given up to live in a smaller home. We just have need to readjust our thinking of what a contemporary home is.
XOXO
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We had a smaller house in Miami, about 1300 square feet, and we loved it.
ReplyDeleteThe house we bought in Camden is nearly twice the size but, again, we love it, and it is nowhere near McMansion, thank the goddess..
I think some folks go bigger because they think it screams success when all it really screams is excess.
I never thought a big house would scream success, but you may be right.
DeleteI just think about the taxes, and the fixes, and the upkeep and it gets complicated. So it would have been about twice what they have...?
XOXO
I like what they’ve done. I couldn’t imagine going up to what was attic space for bed. The original design had no bedroom so I guess the idea was to have a sleeper sofa? Obviously this must be a temperate area, I couldn’t see going across the courtyard in sub-zero weather to do laundry. But other than that I could see making this work.
ReplyDeleteXOXO 👨🏼❤️💋👨🏽
Oh, they did a fantastic job.
DeleteAnd the attic is where their bedroom was. They opened up the space and created their master bedroom and left the loft as a guest/office. And this is in South Adelaide, Australia. Remember you told me I could live here?
XOXO
It's fantastic. I could live there...mainly because it has so much light. Love the light well. That courtyard is absolutely lovely - just large enough. The overall size isn't going to permit large gatherings like we used to do (as many as 75 - 100), but those days are long gone. That's one reason I'm wanting to downsize. Or, as my wife puts it, "rightsize." XOXO
ReplyDeleteSame!
DeleteI loved the light wells. They totally opened up that space with the light. Loved the courtyard. It would be ideal for small gatherings...
And you have no idea how many people I know who have rightsized! LOL
XOXO
I have 1300 feet, it suits the dogs and I just fine.
ReplyDelete1300 sq feet for one person?
DeleteWell, I can imagine....
XOXO
Very clever use of limited space! I particularly like the curved shower in the first floor bathroom and the laundry shed in the backyard! Also, so many windows and open doors to let in light and fresh air! Marvelous!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about McMansions. Friends of ours have one deep in suburbia. They cost a fortune to heat in the winter. Consequently, they walk around all the time in a cold house, wearing like three sweaters each. I won't even go to their house in the winter. Too goddamn cold for me. If you can't afford to heat a house, then you've got too much house.
IKR?
DeleteThey put that bathroom there and it's perfect. He says otherwise the space would have gone to waste because of the shape. The laundry in the old outhouse was genius.
And huge modern houses are a money pit. You are right, if you cannot heat your house, you've got way too much house...
XOXO
I don't think I could ever live in a big house. I have been looking for property and it's mainly been condos. I also don't want o have to care for the outside area...or shovel snow.
ReplyDeleteSame.
DeleteI think that if I ever buy a house, it would be a two bedroom (maybe like this one). I do love the courtyard, though...
XOXO
I agree with you. "The idea of having a McMansion has never been attractive to me" Me either. Even if I was a billionaire, I'd want a bungalow sized house. Besides, most people I know that have huge homes, they are beautiful to be sure, but they never use more than half the house. Most rooms never see any action. What's the point???
ReplyDeleteOMG yes!
DeleteI cannot imagine having rooms that I don't even use. Why? It's just a waste of space. In the neighborhood where I live I've seen some very large houses I swear they look like B&B...
XOXO
Love tiny spaces. It's a challenge and a limitation in a good way - less crap. You have to pick and choose. You can't keep it all. I would accept that challenge happily.
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteIt makes you be smart with the distribution of the furniture and it does not let you hoard shit. You keep the things that you really love/enjoy. The rest is just window dressing.
XOXO
This is a beautiful house. In my opinion, a big or small house depends on what you have to put in it.
ReplyDelete