I have a house!

Well, you haven’t seen much of me lately, because I’ve been buried in selling my house, moving, and subsequent house-hunting. Mostly the latter, lately, since I’ve gotten to Olympia. I knew that the perfect house for me might be in a popular area and a good price range, so I’ve been making it a point to jump out and see houses on the very first day they’re listed, if possible.

And here its (details of the listing here):

Yes, it’s an odd color, but that’s totally normal for this part of Olympia :D I have seen bright red, purple, black, bright blue, and all kinds of other interesting colors in the neighborhood (I’ll change it sometime this summer to colors I like better).

This is one of those rare houses that actually looks better than its pictures when you get there. The garden is beautiful, with mature trees, shrubs, herbs, and bulbs all just coming into leaf and flower. Yet, there is still room to add some things of my own, like rose gardens, and there are already raised beds just waiting to tempt me into food growing, something I’ve always wanted to try. The garden has nice spaces, like a circular paved patio and a grassy private area.

This is “technically” a small house - 760 sq ft - I say technically, because it has clearly been added on to in ways that aren’t counted, and there is an additional 200 sq ft of storage and a 200 sq ft studio apartment in what was the garage, none of which are included in taxes (which keeps the payment down). And for a small house, it has a HUGE and completely beautiful renovated kitchen. The little eating nook in the corner has a perfect view of the state capitol and the city.

The living room and two bedrooms are nicely renovated with new paint, refinished fir floors, and radiant heat (yay!). The bathroom (not shown) is as nicely done as the kitchen with tile floors and shower. I will probably change the purple before I move in :)

Around to the right of the garage is this separate entrance to a finished studio, with full kitchen, 3/4 bath with shower, and sleeping loft (which also has wonderful views). It has its own parking, garden area, and small deck. I could sublet this for extra money if needed, but in the meantime, it will make a wonderful mediation space once renovated.

The interior needs a little TLC to look professional, a new carpet, paint job, and painting over the kitchen cabinets should go a long way:

There are many wonderful things about this location that just add benefits - I feel like it will really support both a healthy and economically self-sufficient lifestyle that I am hoping for. It is quiet and peaceful, yet only two blocks from the main street where there are many professional offices. This makes this location as a mediation office ideal.

Also, I can walk to a yoga studio, hair stylist, vet, and just about any other service I might need. On top of that, it’s only 4 blocks to the bay, and a short bike, bus, or driving distance to anywhere in Olympia. While it was a little out of the price range I was initially considering, the payment is about the same since its size keeps the taxes low - and being in a very desireable area of Olympia it should hold its value well. Plus the potential for extra income from mediation or subletting really gives me a sense of safety and relief.

The Universe is smiling on me :)