And now for some news that falls in the “big” category: we’re in the market for a new Casa Petersik.
That’s right, after tons of thoughtful deliberation we’ve decided that it’s time to sell our current home after four and a half amazing years spent here. Why? Because we love a project and we’re can’t-sleep-excited about the prospect of taking on a new home makeover and sharing every moment with you guys. We know it’s a sickness, but we actually crave remodeling and painting projects, so instead of feeling overwhelmed at the idea of starting all over again we’re actually pretty psyched about it.
Of course it’s bittersweet to leave the place that we love so fiercely, but as John put it best “we’ve enjoyed transforming an old dated house way too much to stop at just one.” And there are definitely some old houses out there that could use some love. At first I was in denial, making statements like “I’m never leaving- this is our forever house!” but John knows me too well. One day I just woke up (a few months ago) and was like “maybe we should look around at some open houses, you know… just for fun.” That sentiment soon turned into “oh my gosh, if we got a new place we could do this… and that…” and my mind nearly short circuited from all the possibilities. It was like someone turned on a light or opened a door and I suddenly couldn’t wait to explore.
So we mulled it over for a while to be certain it was what we both wanted (there’s no sense in being rash about matters of the heart like leaving your first love, er, house). We also discussed the idea with both of our parents (who are all so wise beyond their 35 years, har har) and they were amazingly supportive and excited for us.
So it’s official. We’re about to put our house on the market and we’re actively looking at other homes for sale. For any interested locals (wanna buy our house?) we figured we’d share the news here before it hits MLS. So feel free to email us if you’re seriously interested and ready to move (we’re in Bon Air which has awesome schools and charm to spare, and well, you can essentially take a virtual house tour here).
As for where we’re going, we’re planning to stay in the Richmond area, and we’re definitely in the market for another older dated home that could use our help. So we’d welcome suggestions for areas with great schools and charming older neighborhoods beyond our beloved Bon Air (which we’re definitely still considering, but not limiting ourselves to).
Oh and it’s probably fairly obvious that this won’t happen overnight. Finding a house to love as hard as we’ve loved this one definitely isn’t something we expect to do in a day (plus the act of selling our current house could easily take a few months or even longer). But we’re already actively on the hunt, and we plan to keep you posted about all the projects that we’re tackling to get our house in prime selling condition. We’ll also take you guys along on our journey when it comes to touring other houses, considering other areas, and figuring out exactly what we’re looking for (and what we’re not) before signing on that dotted line and grabbing the keys to our new casa. Of course with the holidays coming up we’ll still be taking on a lot of seasonal decorating projects along with whipping up gift guides, and serving up the regular blog fare like mood boards, House Crashings, Reader Redesigns, and more. Can’t wait.
Jenny @ DIY Newlyweds says
Well color me surprised! I was wondering what you guys would decide to do once Clara came along, but it’s still a surprise to hear that you’ll be moving from the house you love and your readers have grown to love. Best of luck as you find your next house love (my suggestion for the name of your next house)!
Any chance you guys will want to pursue a career out of house flipping? I would definitely watch you do a reality show out of it too!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jenny,
We just don’t have it in us to flip houses, but we’d love to lovingly restore rental properties one day (that’s actually how John’s dad sent all of his four kids to college). Of course we’re not financially able to take anything like that on for a while, so we’ll stick with one house for now!
xo,
s
Lise says
I was wondering how you were going to keep the business/blog busy now that the house is basically done and just in the tweaking phase. It will be interesting to know if your improvements paid off in the traditional sense of increasing home value and if so what percentage you recover that way. Of course value can’t be put on the enjoyment you get out of the project or the enjoyment we all get reading about it. Congrats on the big move.
Mary @ stylefyles says
I figured this day would EVENTUALLY come….it’s going to be so fun to follow you on your (next) new journey. Good luck!!!
Christen says
Yay!! I can’t wait for some new posts about bigger projects. Very exciting!!
K (Barking BabyMama) says
I knew when I read your post about the roof that this was coming, but I didn’t know it would be so soon! Congratulations just on making such a hard decision – can’t wait to follow along on the house-hunting journey! And of course, the next great transformation! :)
Katherine says
And here I thought you were going to plans to paint the exterior of your house white! I mean you painted most everything else white :) Excited for your family!
kelly says
CANNOT WAIT for new and exciting posts from you four and the new addition – your new home!!!
Joy says
How exciting! I have been a long time reader of your blog as well and I do love your house, but I’m excited with the new projects you guys will be taking on with your new house! And looking forward to following you along on your househunting as well. Congrats and thanks for sharing your life with us ;)
c illian says
we live in rmond and love church hill– lots of cool old houses.. we have two kids and think the schools are pretty good.. less yard to keep at least! and maybe a bit more interest in terms of the house bones..
Alondra says
I am one of the surprised ones too but am very happy for you! I like your house so much and would move there in an instant if it were up to me. Anyway, I can’t wait to see what you do to your next place!
jbhat says
So exciting! I saw this coming, I have to say. There is not much more you can do to your current casa to immprove it. And it’s such a passion of yours–I’m glad you’ll be able to enjoy more of your diy-ing in new digs.
The best part is that you have documented every inch of your home that memory lane will just be a click away. And my goddness, the new homeowners are going to be getting one sweet deal. Turnkey indeed! Congratulations on this decision, Youngsters. I love it.
jbhat
Pam says
Wow – very exciting! Congrats on a big decision! We’ve only been in our house for a year, but we’ll be facing down that same decision soon enough.
MissCaron says
YAY! Good for you. My parents moved us every 2-4 years when I was growing up in Northern Virginia. My dad is a builder so we would either buy an old house and renovate and flip it or we’d build a new house and flip that one. It was interesting and frustrating at times but I wouldn’t change it for the world. We always called the home by the street name and to this day we’ll say things like, “Remember how Claymont had that weird half-bath?” or “I think I might do the ceiling like we did at Rockland.” LOL. It was super fun to renovate and make things better and I know that y’all will do it again and again because once you catch the bug you can’t stop! :-) Can’t wait to see where you end up!
Kari says
I agree with luckyjayne! You are so classy handling those few negative comments. Thanks for reminding everyone that it’s okay to reevaluate your life/situation and make changes as needed.
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
I LOVE your blog and that you are so willing to share your lives with us. I have learned so much from you guys!Seriously, who are we to judge? It’s a PRIVILEGE to watch your family and home change and grow!
Keep up the good work!
sarah says
WOW! Congrats on a huge decision and good luck! Hey- us readers will really benefit too from the sheer mass of projects you are sure to tackle in your new digs!
Jason says
I saw this coming too and was hoping it wouldn’t happen for reasons I posted earlier…
Just to make it clear I have a huge appreciation and think highly of YHL and J & S or I wouldn’t be commenting about it…don’t be mad at me or others because our comments are a Nay when yours may be a Yay it’s all relative….
J&S are still smiling and if I didn’t think they could handle my nay or didn’t think they valued my opinion I wouldn’t say so, they do value us that’s why we read…or I do…
I never once commented and didn’t get an answer, including today and that is obviously to their credit…see I get nicer as it sinks in…like when they took the old bathroom tile away…I’m not that mean really people ;)
Rabbit says
While I’m sad at the negative comments that have sprung up over the past few months, I do have to give you guys a HUGE pat on the back for being SO gracious and polite in your replies.
In fact, a few minutes ago I got a strange email from a potential customer, and I found myself channeling Sherry in my reply. I *almost* signed off with “hope this helps!” but changed it to something a little less “familiar.” ;-) And whaddya know, the guy wrote back and was happy with my email.
Kindness matters, kids.
Kele says
I kind of thought you guys would be moving on soon with Clara coming into the picture the whole office / guestroom seemed a little crowded for two working people. I love that you made it happen though. I also started to think you guys might need another house to keep your blog going since you were sort of running out things to improve on in your current house. I do like that you are planning on getting an older house though- you really wouldn’t have to do THAT much work on a new one besides decorating. (Less of the renovating stuff would be needed). I think it makes the blog that more inspiring and the projects more attainable that the house isn’t newer. After you painted your sun-room floor, I had a feeling that you were stretching for things to do so this makes sense…
Livy says
Wow! I can’t believe it!
My mouth literally dropped when I saw the “house for sale” photo (yes, I saw the picture before I read). Actually I still haven’t read it.. I’m too shocked. Not that it’s a bad thing. I’m getting excited to hear about your next steps. Still.. like everyone else, I loved that house. I’m gonna go cry a little now..
;)
Mish says
oh my gosh! I thought I was going to scroll down to see that it was a joke too! I swear I remember in a post a long time ago that you said you would never move! Congratulations, every next step is always for the better and can’t wait to see the place you pick!
dinah says
I’m in complete shock! I’m sad and happy and shaken at the same time! Congrats and I wish you the best!!
Kayakgirl73 says
Congrats and Happy House Hunting. Any chance you guys might buy and fix up a raised ranch or what I would call a split level, i.e. one where you have to immediately go up or down stairs when you come in the front door. These are mostly what’s available in my price range in NOVA so I’d be curious what you would do with one.
YoungHouseLove says
We’re definitely open to it! Who knows where we’ll end up! It really will be all about comparing available homes and seeing what we think will work best. We’ll share all those details as we go!
xo,
s
Polina says
I know some readers are tunning in for renovations and home improvement projects, but i personally enjoy anything you write. Its something to look forward to every day, i know i can turn to your page to find some inspiration.
Best of luck with finding your new muse! With all the knowledge you have gained with remodeling your first adobe, the second one is bound to be even more exciting.
Rachel says
WOW! I’m so excited for you guys! You’ve put so much money-smart “eye candy” into your beautiful “casa;” that you’ll get HUGE pay back for!! Way to be smart! CONgratuLATIONS!
Sarah says
I was completely surprised when I read this post, but I am completely excited to hear about your journey!! I mean, it is the whole reason I read this blog, to get inspiration from you both :O) I cannot wait to hear more!! I believe you will have NO problem selling your beautiful home…it is famous afterall!!! If I were in the market, I would buy your house in a heartbeat!!
Joanna says
I’m so excited for you guys and to read about your homebuying/rennovating process! When you said this was your forever house, I kept wondering where you would put the future kiddos! :)Best of luck- you blog has been a source of inspiration that I will definately use to hopefully improve our new place (a rental).
meredith says
congrats! we’re selling our house in the next few months and will be on the hunt for a non-suburban house that we could fix up/ make our own. sooooo this is perfect timing! i’m hoping for lots of posts that i can learn from! good luck!
jess125 says
OMG!!!!!! I am so shocked, but truly thrilled for my favorite bloggers. I have to be honest though in the back of my mind I wondered what would be your next DIY project. I look at your blog every morning( on the dl, cuz I is suppos’d to be working, lol)and I couldn’t pick out a project in your home that needed improving on. So with that being said, I look forward to going on this new adventure with yall be good now and until tomorrow. Smooches.
Katherine says
Congratulations!! After garnering a massive amount of inspiration from your current digs, I can’t wait to see the “next installment”!!
Claire says
Very exciting! There are a lot of great opportunities over in my neck of the woods: Woodland Heights/Forest Hill/Spring Hill that you might consider checking out. It’s a wonderful neighborhood with a lot of older homes (many in need of some loving updating). And sections are in the historic district while others are trying to obtain historical designations if you wanted to add that challenge of working within those constructs haha. Best of luck on the house hunt! Can’t wait to read all about it!
ErinC says
I too thought this was a joke at first (a la the huge fountain in your front yard). SOOO exciting though! I totally want your house! Too bad we aren’t looking to buy again for another few years though. :sigh:
beabee says
I’m super sad! I hate change, and I love your house the way it is!!!! :( But if you love it and fixing up houses is now closely tied to your jobs, that’s what you should do. Of course I’ll keep reading, but the thought of starting a new house all over again, exhausts me. Glad I’m *just* reading!
Jamie says
Wow! I have to admit my jaw dropped and I too scrolled down to make sure this wasn’t a joke. I guess I wasn’t expecting this until maybe you started thinking about another child, but best of luck in your house hunting!! I hope someone wonderful buys your home and loves it as much as you do. :)
Newlyweds on a Budget says
That is VERY exciting stuff but still I am sooo sad! It’s your first home, it’s where you got married, it’s where Clara was born!…i hate change… but I hope your new home is fab! I guess you need stuff to blog about, right?
Sunny says
Congrats and good luck! I love your blog and I’m looking forward to seeing you fill a new home with wonderful projects and ideas!
Kristie says
Congratulations on making such a big decision for your family! Enjoy every second of this process! This is a big time for you guys!
I know the market is not ideal, but here is another reader’s experience: We put our old home on the market 1 year ago and it sold in 2 weeks for our asking price, despite everyone telling us that it would never sell.
You never know what will happen, so good luck and I feel like your next perfect house is just waiting for you!
Alyson says
I have to say, I’m not surprised. Well, maybe surprised at how soon; but even with your remarkable organization skills, you’ve mentioned Clara’s future siblingS in a couple of places, and I remember back when I had just one and the baby stuff started to accumulate and I thought, “What will we do with #2?!” We’re up to number seven, and our house has grown with us. We’ve made bedrooms out of closets, offices, and family rooms. It’s perfect for us.
I hope you find a place perfect for you! :)
Kristie says
Congratulations on making such a huge decision for your family! This is a big time for you guys, enjoy every second of this process!
I know that the market is not ideal, but here is another reader’s perspective: we put our old house on the market 1 year ago and it sold in 2 weeks for the asking price, despite everyone telling us it would never sell.
So I say go for it! I feel like your next perfect house is just waiting for you! Best of luck!
Lara says
Congrats! We bought land in Powhatan a few years ago and love that part of the area (closer to Cville for UVA alumni events but close enough to work in Richmond, lots of land, close to the river, super cute little town center, the list goes on). Shameless plug – we used Jim and Fran Brooks and had a fantastic time with them – we actually started the purchase while we were deployed to Iraq with the Army and finished it very quickly/smoothly during R&R. It’ll be a few years until we move back and live there, but you should be able to find tons of fantastic things near Richmond. Have a great time house hunting (and good luck parting with your first love)
Angela says
So excited for you guys… but I must say that it is sad to see some of the naysayers our there (like “R”) that feel that they are open to write so harshly about a decision that they have no part of. I know that we all love your blog and feel that in a little way we know you but no one has the right other than you to say what is right for you and your family.
I wish you all the best of luck and can’t wait to see what is next! :)
KKM says
Yay! I predicted this…like another reader said, there wasn’t too much left to do on this one…and what a great time to buy, too!!
We are in Richmond too, on our 2nd house and now I’ve learned that realistically you can never say you’ll be in a house forever. In fact, just as we finished renovating our bathroom we purchased a lot in a beautiful part of town among older houses!! It will be awhile before we move however…we still love our house and want to enjoy it awhile longer.
Not sure if anyone asked already but will you be looking for more space?
Also, look in the Westham area–you have Henrico county schools, it’s a hugely popular neighborhood and there are a lot of old homes that need some tlc. Have fun, I always love a good open house!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey KKM,
Ideally we’re looking for a smidge more space (just an extra room or two) but nothing too monstrous since we love older modest homes in charming wooded neighborhoods! We definitely plan to check out the Westham area- thanks for the advice!
xo,
s
Fernanda says
wow! that’s such exciting news!!! I am still looking for the “just kidding”.. I thought you would grow old in this house! But change is always good! And I cant wait for the posts about the moving, how to make an easy moving, how to pack… As organized as your are, I’ll bet you have great advices for that! :) good luck!!!
Jules says
Awesome! Congrats! Can’t wait for the next chapter. This will only make the blog better, if possible! Congrats again guys. We too said we would never move from our (under 1000 sq ft) condo when we had our baby, but the real thing tha tkicked us out were the guests that came along with having a baby! Good luck on the hunt and am so happy you’re going to share it with your fans.
Shannon says
I was wondering when you would move. Despite all the love that goes into making a house a home, it can begin to feel like a completed project and the urge to start over again, somewhere new is there. I’ve felt that way in the past. Once I’ve got my apartment perfectly decorated, I stay for a while to enjoy it and then find myself apartment hunting, looking for my next challenge.
I am looking forward to the transformation of a new house.
Melissa says
I’m not sure why those few people are being so rude. You’ve often referenced the fact you wanted to continue to grow your family, so obviously you’d need a bit more room to make that happen. It’s not like you’re going around flipping houses every few months. This WAS your forever home when considering your needs at the time, but your needs have changed.
Congratulations on the decision and good luck with house hunting and selling! I can’t wait to see what you end up with and what you end up doing with it.
Rhiannon says
I knew this day would come nonetheless, it was still a shock to see this post. Good luck, I’m sure you guys will find a great new house. I only found your blog a few months ago, so I’m looking forward to seeing you guys change a different house from top to bottom! Still it is bittersweet!
Holly says
I am in a similar position; our house is on the market and we have to wait until it sells to buy, since we can’t float two mortgages.
Maybe you have already addressed this question, but here it is anyway: do you anticipate living in a rental for a period in time after selling and before buying?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Holly,
We’re hoping to find a house that will accept a contingency so we can sell our house and move right into the new one, but you never know! It’s definitely something we’re working hard to work out thanks to Clara, so we’ll keep everyone posted as we go!
xo,
s
Dating is My Hobby says
Oh man! I’m so sad, but excited for you! What a lucky family that gets to move into your newly awesome modern house!
Leigh says
Wow I missed a lot today! Congrats guys! I know there are tons more projects to come when you move into your next home.
laurajane says
Wow- congrats! I figured the big move might be in the cards now that you have one adorable little baby, and have always mentioned you would welcome more. I wondered whether you would do a large-scale renovation, but really moving seems like a better option if you can swing it. Can’t wait to see what you do next, and am very excited for you both!