This time last week, Peter and I found ourselves unexpectedly packing for a last minute flight to Germany. While definitely not the primary reason for the trip, this gave us the opportunity to see our new home in person for the very first time! Going forward, I’ll be calling it the Zepfenhaus (Zepfenhan + Haus, get it?!)
Holy cow, does this thing need some love! The house was last renovated in the 70’s, and you can see that previous residents didn’t touch it after that. I like bold design elements as much as the next person, but I think this house takes it just a little too far. There’s a different patterned wallpaper in every room, and the flooring isn’t any better!
Luckily, my father-in-law has already begun work on the top floor and, beyond cosmetic issues, nothing is seriously wrong with the house. The light in the rooms makes me ridiculously happy, and I can’t wait to have a yard for Chimi!
Floor By Floor Tour
Currently, the house is laid out with a mother-in-law suite on the first floor. This includes a living room, bedroom, kitchenette and powder room. There’s a relatively new heating system in the house, but it was inexplicably installed in the bedroom on this floor.
The main living space is located on the second floor. A small, retro kitchen is surrounded by a living room, dining room and full bath. Unfortunately, the bathroom is not super functional but will definitely work as a powder room.
The third floor has a tiny full bath, two bedrooms and a small room connecting those three rooms. As I mentioned above, Peter’s dad has already started work on this level. I’m so thankful we’ll have a nice place to sleep and shower! I’m including the video he sent as a true “before”, but also the pictures from the remodel!
I’m proud to say I helped install the drywall in the in-between room! The work is ongoing, but you can definitely see that my father-in-law is making a TON of progress.
The house also has an attic, basement, murder mud room, barn and stalls for animals.
The Short Term Plan
When we move in June, our primary focus will be making the space livable. Since the third floor will be done, we’ll jump right into the second floor! We’re going to strip all of the wallpaper, install hardwood floors and update the kitchen. The bathroom will have to wait for now.
If you’d like to see what I’ve got in mind, you can follow along with my Zepfenhaus Pinterest board!
The Long Term Plan
Ultimately, Peter and I would like to move the living space to the first floor and turn the second floor into kind of a master retreat. This is a plan that is definitely a few years down the line, and it involves A LOT of work, but I’m so excited to make this place our own.
Have you ever done your own renovations? Do you live in an old house? What ideas do you have for our space? I would love to hear from you, so please let me know!!
Great post! Someone put in so much work on all that wallpaper. Almost makes me dizzy. But I love that there’s a space for your mom!
I know! It almost makes me want to keep the wallpaper 😉 almost. There’s always a place for Mom!
I love that there’s a space for me too- hopefully not a he murder, I mean mud room ☺️