As regular readers of this blog know, selling the Frog & PenguINN has been a very long time coming, nearly 6 years. It was a wonderful home, circa 1902, that we updated and enjoyed for the 12 years that we lived there. And, it was located in a great neighborhood with lots of friendly neighbors.
But,when it comes to selling, it came down to that well-worn phrase: location, location, location (somehow it's always repeated 3 times, not sure why). As many times as we showed photos of our house to other, we would get the same question? "Why hasn't it sold yet?" Then, we reminded them of its location. The small town of Onley, VA (pop. 500) was located near many amenities such as a YMCA, Walmart, and a recently opened brand hospital. But it was definitely not a bustling metropolis. The closest major cities, such as of Virginia Beach, VA or Salisbury, MD entailed a 90 minute drive, north or south.
We thoroughly enjoyed the slower, relaxed lifestyle for the dozen years we lived there. Our original plan after buying the house was to make it a permanent home and we spent the years renovating the house and yard. We also enjoyed sharing those experiences on this blog. We met nice folks, shared fun times, and made good friends who we will miss.
But, 2-1/2 years ago we decided we needed a change and new experiences. We relocated to Nashua, NH, which was closer to family and grandchildren already living in New England. Not only did this include a 10-hour drive from VA, but an entirely new lifestyle. We went from home dwellers to apartment residents (even though we still owned a house). Instead of a single-family residence, we live in a former textile mill (Nashua Manufacturing Company) which has 325 apartments with nearly 900 residents. That's nearly twice the number of people than in the entire VA town we formerly lived in.
Is it working out for us?
In a single word, Yes. Sure there are many differences but also lots of positives such as being close enough to walk downtown to the public library, numerous restaurants, shopping, and medical facilities. For us, it's been a positive lifestyle change.
Folks have asked us if we have any future home-ownership plans. As of now, that answer is No. For now, we're glad to no longer be responsible for a house and consider ourselves house-less as we're certainly not homeless.
The usual Friday Funnies was pre-empted to share this "news."
Enjoy your weekend, Everyone
22 comments:
Congratulations, I am thrilled for you.
Congratulations! Well done.
Very clever move with many advantages: close to family, within walking distance from vital points, life simplified by moving from a house to an appartment.
Most people don't realize that at a certain age, one has to simplify life and put oneself at the top of the agenda (no garden, no heavy furniture, even no critters). These people insist on going on living the same old style which requires dependance on other people and on cars. Dependance is bad from any angle you look at it.
We are SO happy for you! The journey was long, for sure, and you two showed much more patience than I could have. We love your new dwelling! Living within walking distance to all you have would be welcome. (For me) But my hubby likes more space between neighbors ;-)
Hi, its been a while since visiting. I am so glad you finally sold your house. It has been a long haul for you. No longer the expense of two places, I am so happy for you. hugs, lj
congratulations, it has been a long long time. so glad you are houseless and not homeless...
I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU TWO!!!!!! I have followed all along the way and really wanted you to sell the place. I know your new move was a very positive one and being closer to family is great. My wife and I moved from our old place to a newer house and we don’t regret it at all. We lost on some things but the newer things have improved our life so much. I now don’t have to worry about your house on the coast overtime there is a hurricane. I am happy for you both.
Well done. I can see happy years ahead brought about by your relief at selling the old house.
A big joyous congratulations. Now you can both rest easy without this hovering over you. I will find a suitable way to celebrate in your honor.
Congratulations! I know the thrill and the agony of selling a house that was a home for a good long time. Hope the thrill and all the pleasant memories are permanently yours!
Congratulations!
Hurrah! That is good new 👍
Phew! That was a long time in coming. Congrats.
Hurrah! That is good new 👍
Congrats! I know we had a house that we thought took a while to sell. So I know the feeling. I know it's a relief and life can now go on as you wish w/o that burden!
It is a beautiful house, nicely painted, and I love the veranda. However, it's one less headache for you, so all's well that ends well. Congratulations!
Wonderful news! I'm so happy for you and know that it is a huge relief. Where you're living sounds ideal to me and you have a lovely view, too. Enjoy your week! xx Cheryl
I'm so happy for you! Congratulations! That's wonderful news.
Great news. It must be a relief. Someone else must have wanted the quiet life. It sure is a beautiful looking house. I'm glad that you have settled into your new life and have no regrets. It does sound a different kind of life style and a good one. We have friends who wanted to move into our village. Their house was on the market for 24 hours and a buying came along. Can you believe that? As you say Location, location. location. They lived close to a rail station and shops but it is also an asian area and others were keen to move into that district.
I can imagine your relief dear friend!!!
Congratulations for being free from huge responsibility of house selling process .
My younger sister who has U.s.a citizenship bought a big house in the surrounding area of capital city islamabad which was though very comfortable and banglalow but away from city 's facilities and just like you she sold it after some years but in a half price just because of it's location.
i think in big cities so so many people live in flats and apartments without having personal house and it works for them so well .
enjoy your new lifestyle and being close to your loved ones:)
Glad to hear you sold your home it is such a cute home , but glad you are happy where you are now . Our valley village that is spread out has about 1200 in it and we have the city thats 40 min away and two towns thats 20 min away , each have everything we need and just a 6 min drive south of us is lake Erie with all kinds of lovely port towns along the lake shore we are blessed to have it all and still enjoy the country valley life . Thanks for sharing , Have a good week !
Congratulations! A relief, I'm sure.
I would love to live in a setting like your apartment on the river - it's awesome.
Very happy for you. I know it was a long wait. Glad you are happy in your new home and no longer have the long drive to check on your former home.
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