September 2015
We fell in love with this property the second we saw it. We knew this was IT for us. We closed escrow and moved in a little over 2 weeks ago and we are still pinching ourselves to make sure we’re not just dreaming this. We can’t wipe the smiles off our faces because we are so happy to be here, to enjoy this comfortable home and soak in the beauty that surrounds us every minute. I’ll be sharing a lot of pictures, but I have to say that a picture alone cannot capture the entire experience. To breathe the fresh mountain air; to watch and hear the hummingbirds coming up to our feeders just a few feet from us, robins, blue jays and other little birdies flitting from tree to tree; to feel hypnotized by the gentle breeze blowing through the pines, aspen, oak and maple trees; and to see the deer grazing out back, the groups of wild turkeys just passing by, the chipmunks and squirrels playing in the trees. I can’t take a photograph that activates all those senses. (Although some people I know can do that.) And to be honest, I haven’t really even tried. I’m so thoroughly in the moment here that taking pictures doesn’t even enter my mind. So here is a collection that will give you a little tour of our new home which we have named “Happy Ours”.
Welcome Friends!
The sellers, whom we adore, are from Texas. Can you tell? Throughout the escrow process, we formed a warm friendship with Linda and Sandy that I know will last a lifetime. They are moving into an RV to do some traveling. We switched lifestyles!
Our driveway enters from the side street. We have a wishing well and a front porch! I love it.
Splitting to the left is the driveway to our little office building and an extra garage. We parked the Bear on that side, until we can sell her.
This is only a portion of the firewood that came with the property. We’re ready for winter!
This picture shows the office building without the Bear in the driveway. You can also see the garden tool shed behind the office building.
Standing on the back deck of our house, Lucy gazes at our three additional structures. The office, the garden shed, and a little barn for our toys (bikes, kayaks, whatever).
A separate driveway leads to the toy barn and shed.
Sitting on the back deck is our absolute favorite place. So peaceful!
We get lots of little curious friends on our property.
Sometimes they come right into our fenced yard area. Jumping the fence is easy for them. We own several acres all around us.
Our little stone patio is so charming. We are so delighted that our home was completely furnished, inside and out!
Previous owner Sandy certainly has a green thumb. I’m going to do everything I can to keep it looking like this each year.
Mike hasn’t had to do this in years!
Let’s being our house tour entering from the front porch.
They are definitely from Texas.
The living room. Not pictured (on the right) is a TV cabinet with a large flat screen on top.
Mike and Lucy relaxing in the dual motorized love seat recliner.
The dining room table was handmade by a local artisan in Durango.
The dining room is open to the living room and the kitchen.
Love that massive refrigerator. I love so many things about this kitchen.
Instant boiling hot water at the sink. Cupboards that won’t slam. Get what you need, give the door a shove and walk away. It gently closes itself.
Kitchen nook on the right and door leading to the laundry room, and then to the 2-car garage.
Counter height table and bar stools with bay window to the backyard.
BIG energy efficient washing machine and dryer. And a laser printer (1 of 3 printers left to us).
The master bedroom bay window and door to the private deck with spa.
Lucy loves to curl up here and watch the deer grazing.
Mike figures out how to start the electric fireplace.
The master bedroom and spa deck is on the main level, but it feels elevated because of the sloping property.
It’s a 3-person spa and my seat has 10 jets working on me. It’s fantastic!
We sit in the spa and enjoy sunset.
We each have our own walk-in closet.
I need to go shopping! Yippee!
The master bath is nice and big with his and her sinks, a soaking tub, and a big shower with two shower heads.
Upstairs is a guest room with queen size bed and another full bath.
Also upstairs is our exercise room with treadmill and elliptical machine.
With the little DVD monitor they left us I can play my yoga, pilates, and tai chi DVDs. Feeling good!
Taking the walkway from the back deck to the office building.
Lucy says “I’m waaaiting!”
Gosh I love this place!
The office was left fully furnished, with all the office supplies, too. (That’s Gabi Bergstrom, our fantastic realtor)
This room has a thermostat controlled propane heater for those cold winter months.
I had no trouble getting all moved in to my new office!
Even the garage was left furnished for us.
At close of escrow, we arrived at our new home to find this …
Champagne and organic strawberries (as well as some Lean Cuisines in the freezer in case we weren’t prepared to cook dinner).
Real maple syrup and Durango olive oil in the pantry.
Fresh flowers and candles everywhere!
We then began discovering all the treasures left for us in every room, in every cupboard and every closet, and we were speechless. For several days, we continued to discover amazing things. We would hear the other exclaim “Oh my god!” from another room and realize something new was discovered. And once again feel overwhelmed by their generosity.
The next day we took a walk to the pretty lake near our home.
We took the long way back home. It’s so beautiful here. It’s so right for us.
Our little piece of paradise. We couldn’t be any happier.
Life is good! Cheers!
Bear Tracks 