qofcc
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Post by qofcc on Jun 15, 2011 10:33:10 GMT -5
So, I was thinking about Snerdley's comment: Just curious, but why do people have to live in a "dream house" anyway?Do you aspire to living in your dream house? Are you already there? How do you define your dream home? Do you even care? I like my house well enough, but it's not my dream house. I think about my dream house all the time, but I'm not going to start on it until we have the time & money to do it right. I’ve read every book in the library about home design, construction, house plans and decorating and I've participated in and helped plan 4 major remodels including one that included a large addition and one I did entirely by myself including installing a new kitchen and new siding. I’ve been designing my dream house ever since I was about 9 and my mom brought home a brochure of floor plans when they were looking at buying a townhouse. I had been reading decorating books and women’s magazines daydreaming about the home I wanted to make as soon as I was old enough to get married and have my own family (was probably a reaction to going from living in a nice house in the country with a SAHM to after my mom’s divorce being dragged kicking and screaming to NYC and dumped in a crappy apartment where people set cars on fire for fun and the school had bullet holes in the windows and I was left to fend for myself while she worked). All of a sudden, it clicked about how to define space relationships and I was hooked on drawing floor plans. I started drawing home plans and refining what I want and I’m still drawing floor plans 30+ years later (my dream home plus ideas for rental, resale and multi-family housing that I’d like to do someday if I can figure out a way to finance it). I was adopted, but there are quite a few architects in my birth family, so maybe there’s a hereditary architecture gene. My dream home is first and foremost something designed by me with materials chosen by me and at least some of the work physically done by me. It will be my largest accomplishment and my artistic expression, something that I can be proud of creating that will still be here long after I’m gone… and in the mean time I get to live in it and enjoy looking at it and living in it every day. It’s not an expensive or large home, but every little detail is well thought out and visually pleasing and balanced. There are elements of Greek Revival and French Country architecture. There is plenty of space for entertaining and plenty of private space. There are closets and cabinets and built-ins so that there is a place for everything and everything in its place. It is well insulated, energy efficient and has durable materials that will last a lifetime and be easy to keep clean and uses universal design and passive solar principles. It's located on a sloped wooded lot, preferably with a view of water and within a reasonable commute to work (if I build it while I'm still working), but also in a place where I want to retire. It has a first floor master bedroom with a view of the garden and a private bathroom and enough closet space. It has a kitchen with lines of sight to the living room and dining room so I can participate in conversations in those rooms while preparing meals and guests won’t crowd in the kitchen and ignore the living room, but the dirty dishes in the sink can’t be seen from those rooms. It has a guest bedroom with acoustic privacy from the master suite. My dream home also does not have some of the features of my current house that just can't be fixed without a teardown... too close to a road with 55MPH speed limit that recently became busier, 6.5' ceilings in some rooms, dirt basement crawlspaces and awkward attic crawlspaces with a stone foundation that settled unevenly so no original walls are square, awkward roof lines in some areas, no electric outlits in one entire original side of the house, small rooms and awkward placement of bathroom, oriented with the LR northwest and the BR southeast instead of vice versa. I can live with all of this stuff... and I have for over 10 years now, but it's never going to be my dream house.
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Jun 15, 2011 10:41:54 GMT -5
I found out that my dream house wasn't the large, posh house with all the fancy features - like the houses I grew up with and was always sure I wanted. I found out the thing that makes my house a dream is people who live in it, and the people who live around it. No wet bar, or walk in closet could replace the community we have here, and knowing I can clean my whole house in a short period of time and having my mortgage be low and manageable - well, that is the ultra-dream.
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swasat
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Post by swasat on Jun 15, 2011 10:53:19 GMT -5
I am not into houses AT ALL. We own a 2500 sqft home with 0.25 acre backyard. But its not fancy. We bought it primarily because DH liked the layout and I loved the closet space. I was too tired of stuffing everything into the so-called "closets" in town homes.
But.....I have zero interest in a dream home. I never planned for it, never dream of it. This house is sufficient (its actually "over" sufficient right now. I hate to maintain it) for us for a very long time and I don't care to upgrade. To me, a house it just for setting up a home with my family. I'd much rather spend the time, effort and money on traveling, sightseeing and enjoying life in general.
I've generally seen that for most of us Americans, life revolves around houses....People from other countries are not obsessed with homes as we are. I wonder why... Maybe because we grow up watching everyone house obsessed or because home ownership is so much easier in US compared to the rest of the world? I don't know.
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doxieluvr
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Post by doxieluvr on Jun 15, 2011 10:58:05 GMT -5
My dream house is pretty plain. I want a normal 3-4 bedroom brick rancher, with a two car garage sitting on 2-5 acres.
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midjd
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Post by midjd on Jun 15, 2011 11:02:47 GMT -5
I really like the house we bought in February - 2010-built, 4/3 Cape Cod on 5 acres. But my standards are pretty low... I could be happy just about anywhere. I liked our 800sf 1950s rental house, too. When we were house-hunting I had my heart set on a log cabin - still think they're gorgeous, but our house feels like home. No plans to move from this house - though it's not really built for older people, so we may end up downsizing when we start having trouble getting around. Hopefully that's a while off
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Jun 15, 2011 11:19:22 GMT -5
Right now my dream home is pretty much anything better than what I'm in now. And I think about it a lot... Better location, bigger (3-4 bedrooms, 2 baths), full basement with normal ceiling height, attached garage, better storage. I would totally take my current backyard though. You all are giving me ideas though. Qofcc--I like your kichen/dining room/living room ideas, and Tbird--I'm loving the idea of the patio that can be screened in during winter! Add a chicken coop (in the yard, not on the patio) for fresh eggs... Sounds ideal.
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trytofindbalance
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Post by trytofindbalance on Jun 15, 2011 11:28:39 GMT -5
I think my dream house is about getting the most out of my home, since we are home bodies and enjoy spending our time there. My wish list isn't too long either. My DH's focus was entirely about the property...something he enjoys every single day. He loves gardening, planting flowers, walking the dogs in the woods, watching wildlife, etc. I appreciate all of those things as well.
I guess I just want what we have updated. I wish we has more closet space, but there is no way to do that unless we add on to the existing house, it's just not possible. DH is also a collector so the attic, garage and his office are pretty packed. He knows that his "collections" need to stay in his "spaces"...I hate clutter. Things are a little tight and entertaining during the winter months can be tough with lots of little nieces and nephews and not a ton of room.
We don't do tons of entertaining (besides family gatherings) and I'm not concerned with impressing anyone else, but I do admit that I like what I like and an updated kitchen and baths are on the project shortlist.
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trytofindbalance
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Post by trytofindbalance on Jun 15, 2011 11:32:36 GMT -5
Oh, by the way, if we're talking "lottery winning dream house" then I'd probably look into a nice house, not too big, updated and situated on a beautiful horse farm.
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Miss Tequila
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Post by Miss Tequila on Jun 15, 2011 12:02:02 GMT -5
I built my dream home in 2002-2003...sold it in 2010. While we could afford the house and we were far from living paycheck to paycheck, I decided that I would rather take several two large vacations a year rather than pay $8K in property taxes for the "dream". I have downsized but live in a great neighborhood and have an awesome backyard for the kids...and we went on a 13 day cruise in November and just got back from a 6 day cruise last week...looking to book another vacation for October....life is good
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on Jun 15, 2011 12:51:59 GMT -5
My dream house would be an actual rock castle built on a big hill outside of town somewhere. Nothing too ostentatious though, just a small classic fairy tale looking job. I'm thinking somewhere around 10,000 sq ft should do it. An ocean view from my hilltop would be a pretty nice bonus, but rolling hills or mountains would work too I suppose.
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Jun 15, 2011 12:53:17 GMT -5
My "dream house" would be a high-rise loft in the middle of the city.
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april47
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Post by april47 on Jun 15, 2011 13:01:12 GMT -5
Cabin on a lake. ;D
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Formerly SK
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Post by Formerly SK on Jun 15, 2011 13:03:49 GMT -5
I am not into houses AT ALL. We own a 2500 sqft home with 0.25 acre backyard. But its not fancy. We bought it primarily because DH liked the layout and I loved the closet space. I was too tired of stuffing everything into the so-called "closets" in town homes. But.....I have zero interest in a dream home. I never planned for it, never dream of it. This house is sufficient (its actually "over" sufficient right now. I hate to maintain it) for us for a very long time and I don't care to upgrade. To me, a house it just for setting up a home with my family. I'd much rather spend the time, effort and money on traveling, sightseeing and enjoying life in general. I've generally seen that for most of us Americans, life revolves around houses....People from other countries are not obsessed with homes as we are. I wonder why... Maybe because we grow up watching everyone house obsessed or because home ownership is so much easier in US compared to the rest of the world? I don't know. Ditto this. I've never contemplated a "dream house" and am quite happy in my current house. Course, there are a few changes I want to make (functional) but generally speaking I'm not hung up on "house stuff." It helps I don't watch HGTV. ;D
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Jun 15, 2011 13:08:48 GMT -5
It's fun to daydream about something different though. DH and I were talking about the house recently. He bought it because it was a good deal, in his eyes. I'm required to live inside City limits and this house works for that. But neither of us saw/see this house as a forever house. It may turn into one though. The pros - 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, decent enough neighborhood and a cheap monthly payment. The cons - small lot, on an alley, no dining room (1300 sf I think) and I don't much like ranches. So our ideal house would have a bigger lot, a different floor plan and some additional space. I'd like something in the 1700-2000sf range.
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Wisconsin Beth
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No, we don't walk away. But when we're holding on to something precious, we run.
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Jun 15, 2011 13:11:00 GMT -5
My dream house would be an actual rock castle built on a big hill outside of town somewhere. Nothing too ostentatious though, just a small classic fairy tale looking job. I'm thinking somewhere around 10,000 sq ft should do it. An ocean view from my hilltop would be a pretty nice bonus, but rolling hills or mountains would work too I suppose. House on the Rock www.thehouseontherock.com/HOTR_AttractionMain.htmIt's really tiny inside the stuff the original guy actually built though. But the views are magnificent.
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moneymaven
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Post by moneymaven on Jun 15, 2011 13:12:05 GMT -5
Do you aspire to living in your dream house? Are you already there? How do you define your dream home?
Yes, I am in my dream home. My dream home has DH and DS in it. Don't forget the dog.
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telephus44
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Post by telephus44 on Jun 15, 2011 13:20:53 GMT -5
We bought our house in 2008 and plan on staying in it for 20+ years, until the kids are grown. Then we plan on building our dream house. I want a cave house underground, maybe 1200 square feet. I plan on looking for land in the next 5 years or so.
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on Jun 15, 2011 13:22:24 GMT -5
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ohmomto2boys
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Post by ohmomto2boys on Jun 15, 2011 13:41:27 GMT -5
I don't really have a "dream" house in mind......but I would love a 2000 sq ft ranch, partial finished basement (for the kids to hang out with friends) sitting on 4 - 5 partially wooded acres, with a hammock under a nice shade tree, close to the pool, but not too close so the leaves won't get in it. Oh - and no mortgage on this "dream" house would be a bonus!
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cronewitch
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Post by cronewitch on Jun 15, 2011 14:04:22 GMT -5
I want a ranch style with no stairs anywhere. I don't need large but would like a private bath for me and if I have a roommate one for him and a guest bath nobody uses so it is always clean but two baths is enough. I want a large master bedroom and a smaller guest bedroom and a room like a den that can be used as a bedroom when I sell the house. I want outdoor storage so a big barn or garage then several storage sheds plus a large attached garage with a pantry with tons of shelves for excess pots and pans and small appliances so they aren't in the kitchen.
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Jun 15, 2011 14:13:38 GMT -5
So many people include a level of isolation in their description.
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Post by dragonfly7 on Jun 15, 2011 14:25:31 GMT -5
3 bedroom, 2 bath with mature trees, where I'm allowed to have a clothesline, in or near DH's school district, with a yard bigger than a postage stamp or a local park would be good enough.
Dreams: no carpets, a basement, 1 more bedroom, a garage/outbuilding large enough for DH to have room for his projects, and less than 1/2 mile from the library, a grocery store, the movie theater, and a church congregation like our current one.
This being Texas, I can possibly get all of that besides the basement and the particular church. The movie theater might also be a stretch.
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on Jun 15, 2011 14:31:22 GMT -5
So many people include a level of isolation in their description. Eh... people are annoying. I spend a majority of my day having to interact with them, and it's fine, it's even enjoyable usually, but when I go home I really just want peace and privacy fairly often.
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qofcc
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Post by qofcc on Jun 15, 2011 14:33:06 GMT -5
So many people include a level of isolation in their description.Isolation = privacy, peace, quiet. I like being a short drive from the places I shop and the people I want to see, but I don't want them within shouting distance. I don't want to see, hear or smell anything going on in anyone else's house, yard or driveway and if you walk in my yard or ring the doorbell, I better be expecting you. The last house I owned was in town... never again unless it has an acre lot an 8' high wall with a gate and is completely covered in trees.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2011 14:49:14 GMT -5
When something lives in a house and doesn't have dreams, we call it the dog
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swasat
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Post by swasat on Jun 15, 2011 14:54:29 GMT -5
When something lives in a house and doesn't have dreams, we call it the dog When some lives in the house and doesn't have dreams about the house, but dreams about other things, we call them people ;D
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dancinmama
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LIVIN' THE DREAM!!
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Post by dancinmama on Jun 15, 2011 15:48:45 GMT -5
Wow, interesting comments. We purchased our current home when we relocated for DH's work a little over 5 years ago and bought it with retirement in mind. Although we hope to travel a bit, we'll be home most of the time. There were several things that we wanted: newer with no need to remodel, a larger lot with nice landscaping and a view, large open rooms with a lot of windows that would allow the outside to come into the home, etc. After 5 months of house hunting, we finally found what we were looking for. When we were younger, I never "dreamed" of living in a home like this. I was always happy with whatever I had. Now we are about to enter our retirement years and am happy that we took the time to really think about how we wanted to live in retirement and found what I think is the perfect home for us.
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Angel!
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Post by Angel! on Jun 15, 2011 17:24:59 GMT -5
My current 1600 sf american 4 square frame built in 1916 or so is good enough. Just need to gut rehab it now! Have you started this yet tbird? I remember your thread detailing all the work you were going to do on the house, sounded like a massive project.
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kgb18
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Post by kgb18 on Jun 15, 2011 17:34:44 GMT -5
Same here. My dream house won't ever be a reality for me ... unless we happen to hit the lottery. I would love to buy and restore an old Victorian. There are plenty in our area, but the costs of the house, plus the renovations, and then the upkeep costs are waaaay out of our budget. But it's nice to dream.
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Plain Old Petunia
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bloom where you are planted
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Post by Plain Old Petunia on Jun 15, 2011 17:48:12 GMT -5
<< Cabin on a lake. >>
Me too, April! With lots of windows and a deck, to really enjoy the view.
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