Some quick spring weather shots of the nearly complete house and yard.


Front yard sodded, landscaped, and irrigation.

Backyard seeded and fence is in.

 

Absolutely beautiful house! Can't wait to see the backyard all filled in. Did you fence in the whole backyard? Also, what are the stakes for?

 

I still love your definition of "downsizing".
Beautiful home.

 

Yeah we fenced in the whole backyard. It was a lot of money but totally worth it to have a huge area for the dogs to run free.

The stakes are marking a drainage swale through the backyard. There is still a little tweaking needed to the grading to resolve some saturated ground issues at the very back of the house.

 

I do too!

This place is much cheaper to run than the old one from a monthly utility point of view even though overall it is larger.

 

Very nice! Leaving the back patio uncovered?

 

Yes, for now. Someday I might put a pergola over it.

We have a covered patio under the screened in porch. I was standing on it for the backyard shot.

 

I went back a few pages and caught up...looks great Mikey and thanks for sharing so many pics!

Is there a reason you did a full reverse osmosis system, and then another one at the kitchen sink?

 

The reverse osmosis system just feeds the tap at the kitchen sink and the ice/water in the fridge. There are no additional filters at the sink or in the refrigerator.

 

Damn, beautiful. The front lawn is amazeballs. Now I understand the need for a new mower.

 

We have the same, but only for the kitchen sink. And a whole house water softener.

 

Thanks, I must have read it wrong.

 

Yeah we have the whole house chlorination and water softener. Straight well water goes to the irrigation system and one hose bib.

I have treated water to the two hose bibs that will be used for washing the car and the deck.

 

I was thinking the same thing

Your house is absolutely beautiful. I love the backyard.

 

my house is shit.
this one is nice.
super nice.
i wish i was one of your dogs. they have the life.

 

Absolutely gorgeous Mike! That front yard sod looks so lush to just dive on and lay down. Can't wait to see once the backyard has grown in. Enjoy!

 

 

damn, not only would i be a good girl. I would be beautiful!

 

That is one of the boys.

 

Jeez J - way to assume a gender...

 

Is it odd that I assumed what gender I would be if I were Mike's dog?
Strange times we live in.
Plus, I don't want the whole awkward red rocket thing to happen every time
he pets me.

 

You do you.

That particular dog used to always get the red rocket (I think it was volcano red) when he would get in the car to go to the dog park.

 

and somehow, I get into his red rocket to drive to work every day.

 

Porch is furnished. Still to come.. some simple drapes, rug, and accessories like lamps, speakers.

 

Looks relaxing! Love the view. Very jealous!

 

I like how you put a book out for the picture...
as if you're not just sitting there hitting wesley pipes and rubbing one out usually.
What a gorgeous home, Mike...I loved watching this thing come together.

 

That is the wife’s book. No staging was done.

The dogs are confused because all of a sudden there is a use for that room.

 

Looking good. Such a great view.

 

Looks great.

 

what flooring was used for that room?

 

Luminations waterproof flooring. We also used it in the upstairs bonus space.

https://www.luminationsfloors.com/

 

I have the same furniture in my lanai. Great view, and looks awesome! I can't wait to sleep there next week!

 

Enjoy your stay. Take a look at the restaurants I listed in the Weekend in Chicago thread -- you will be an easy Blue Line run away from downtown too.

 

Sweet! Thanks. I hope I don't get shot, and will stay away from the South Side.

 

Walk the Mile. Lots of great eating and music there.

 

Gorgeous house, Mike.

 

I have serious barn wood door envy. You guys did a beautiful job on all of it. Wow. And the grey tones are just right. Not too blue or too brown. Very soothing and earthy. Are you pretty much settled in and able to just enjoy living there now?

 

Kind of. We have finally sold the old place which is a huge relief, but still working on the new. I still need to refurb my grill and set up my woodworking shop.

 

Congrats on selling the old place. I never ever want to do that again.

 

Knock knock Mikey!