The other day I was chatting with a co-worker and we were talking about houses and where we wanted to live. Of course my first response was Minnesota, but she stopped me. What sort of house would I have if there were no limits? Money, land, space, location...no limits. The perfect house in a perfect world. I have thought about this over and over. My mind has gone down tree lined back roads and along coastal highways. Up mountains, across oceans and around the corner here at home. I've learned that I am not a particularly good dreamer. No limits is harder than it sounds. For me.
As to location....I really don't know. Minnesota still has my heart, but there are so many places I haven't experienced that it's possible that my perfect location is somewhere I have never been. I can say with confidence that near water is a must. Lots of trees and lots of land.
The house must be big. Huge. Gigantic.
Like Downton Abbey? Well, maybe not that huge, but I love it just the same. Might be a tad drafty in Winter.
Hearst Castle? I've visited Hearst several times (all in one week. It rained a lot that week) I fell for Heart in a big way. It's certainly big enough and it has the required water. But no...neither of these. It has to be warmer, more rustisc, more welcoming, though I would not say no to an indoor pool.
Before you think I'm all snooty pants, I will tell you my dream; that my my children and their families could live with us. All together in one huge house with private family wings to hide away when privacy was desired and lots of common areas for us to gather. A viewing room for movie nights. Game room with a pool table, library filled with books and a fireplace and overstuffed chairs. A pool is a must with an honest deep end. A HUGE kitchen with a giant island where the kids could gather after school and share their days and snacks and love. Lots of love. Space to dine together if we felt like it, or not...no judgement. A HUGE craft room with great light, a fireplace (I am quite big on the fireplace), loom, yarn and fabric storage. Space for art supplies so the kids could paint or draw. Music room with a big piano. Oh...yoga room! How cool would that be?
Space. Space to live and love. Miss C and all the other grand babies to come could invite their friends over and there would be laughter all through the house. (Remember, this is a dream. ) There would be woods all around and a big tree house. Tire swings and picnics in the meadow. There would have to be a meadow. A meadow by the lake where there would be canoes and loons and swiming any time....except in winter.
Space to be there for each other. Baby sitters, chauffers, shoulders to cry on, hands to hold. Someone there to tell the exciting news or ask that tough question. A house full of cheerleaders and also those to lovingly keep you in check. Space to be together or space to find alone time.
And, since this is my dream, there is every chance that neither of my children would even be remotely interested in living this communal life. If that is so, maybe I could still keep the library and craft rooms....and yoga room...maybe the pool..........
Love that. My dream is your dream... I've always thought of it as a compound -- together and yet separate, close, supportive, loving. I always said that I couldn't choose just one place -- that I'd want a place in a bunch of different locations -- but now that I've been to Scotland. I dunno... I think there's some ancestral something going on because I LONG FOR IT SO! In dreams, eh? ;)
Posted by: Vicki | January 16, 2012 at 06:47 PM
If home is where the heart is... then the perfect house could be any where. But as far as buildings go? I drool over Dwell magazine and mid century moderns. And yeah... separate spaces for all my activities. WITH A MAID!!
Posted by: DanaSWhitney | January 17, 2012 at 12:19 AM