One Year, One Acre, One Journey

Over a year ago, we embarked on a massive journey, purchasing an older home on a sprawling acre of land. The initial allure of the property, with its “minimal repairs” and the promise of abundant outdoor space, was soon met with the stark reality of unexpected challenges. What followed was a year filled with daunting tasks, rewarding milestones, and invaluable lessons that will shape our future.

Discovering the Hidden Challenges

When we first walked through the house, we had grand visions of how life would look here. The homeowner’s Realtor and the home inspector assured us that only a few repairs were needed, which gave us confidence. But reality set in only days after we took possession. We quickly discovered that the house and property required far more care than we initially imagined.  

Electrical issues cropped up early, followed by problems with the solar system and security features. The neglect was undeniable on the property—overgrown trees, bare dirt, and landscaping awaited us. Every new challenge reminded us how much work goes into preserving the charm of an older home and its surrounding land.  

Rolling Up Our Sleeves  

Despite the shock, we were resolute in transforming this house and its surroundings into a dream home, one step at a time. Our first significant achievement was indoors, where we repainted the interior and replaced the old carpet with elegant hardwood floors. These changes breathed new life into the house.  

Outside, the transformation was just as dramatic. We spread dark mulch over unsightly dirt patches, creating a clean and polished look. We planted trees and gave some much-needed TLC to the ones already on-site through pruning and care. Cement walkways were added, making the outdoor spaces more functional. And, in one of our most exciting projects yet, we built a greenhouse, a large gazebo with an outdoor kitchen area, and a smaller adjacent one. These additions turned neglected areas into inviting spots for enjoying life outdoors.  

It’s been incredible to watch these changes unfold—not all at once, but as a series of meaningful small wins over the year.

Highs, Lows, and Growth  

Emotionally, the past year has been a rollercoaster. We started hoping for “minimal repairs,” only to be quickly confronted with unforeseen maintenance and projects. The stress of the unexpected would often pile up, but the triumphs along the way, as we saw our spaces transform, gave us a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to put into words. It’s incredible how much a place like this can teach you about persistence, patience, and prioritizing what truly matters. We hope our journey inspires you to embark on your own transformation.  

Lessons Learned  

If there’s one thing home ownership on a property like this has taught us, it’s that preparation is everything. Looking back, here are a few more lessons we’ve learned—and hope to share with others who might find themselves on a similar path:

1. Always “Get a Thorough “Home Inspection. Even homes with “minimal issues” can hide big surprises. A deep inspection could save you from the shock of discovering problems after purchase.  
2. Budget for the Unexpected—Older homes aren’t always “Money Pits (see note below),” but often, they have challenges that aren’t apparent until you’ve moved in. So, creating a contingency fund for surprise repairs can help alleviate some financial stress.
3. Prioritize Safety and Security—Tackling electrical and solar issues early on ensured our home’s functionality and gave us peace of mind.  
4. Be Flexible – Renovations rarely go as planned. Building flexibility into your timeline will help you manage stress when unexpected challenges arise.  
5. Regular Maintenance is Key. Tending to the property (especially landscaping) on an ongoing basis can save you considerable headaches later.  
6. Know When to Call in the Pros—Some projects, like potential kitchen remodeling in the future, are best left to professionals. Expertise benefits complex work and saves time and effort.  

Note: The term “Money Pit,” which I used to refer to an older home, is actually from a movie of the same name I saw many years ago, which I might add was very funny!

“The Money Pit is a 1986 American comedy directed by Richard Benjamin. It stars Tom Hanks and Shelley Long as a couple who attempt to renovate a recently purchased house. The film is a loose remake of the 1948 Cary Grant comedy Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House. It was filmed in New York City and Lattingtown, New York, and was co-executive produced by Steven Spielberg.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Money_Pit

While we’ve accomplished so much this year, there’s still work to be done. Our kitchen, for instance, feels overdue for a remodel. We also have plans to further enhance the landscaping and outdoor living spaces. But for now, we’re focusing on enjoying the spaces we’ve rejuvenated and finding a balance between maintenance and personal enjoyment.

Would I call this experience easy? Far from it. At times, it felt like the previous owners had minimized just how much renovation and repair work this house needed—a realization we came to while navigating repairs ourselves. But despite the bumps in the road, this home and property have given us so much to be thankful for. Beyond the improvements and transformations, it’s taught us to appreciate hard work, adaptability, and the sheer joy of seeing a vision come to life. We hope you can experience this as you transform your home.

From House to Home  

Our first year in this home has been an adventure—sometimes testing our patience and resources but often surprising us with how rewarding the process can be. What began as a daunting list of repairs and projects has become a collection of spaces where we feel truly at home. This sense of homecoming and creating a space that reflects our personalities and values is a feeling we hope you can experience as you embark on your transformation journey.  

To anyone considering a similar one, know it won’t be perfect. It won’t always be easy, but the pride you’ll feel when you look around your transformed home will make it worth every step.

References:

Classic YouTube Videos, Movie Trailers, TV Commercials: The Money Pit – Movie Trailer (1986). https://www.retroyoutube.com/2011/08/money-pit-movie-trailer-1986.html
Ludflicks – Sat 28 Jan – The Money Pit. https://us13.campaign-archive.com/?e=%5BUNIQID%5D&u=10ce2c4bcad075a45846867a5&id=ddb82fb16d