October 13 is closing day. After feeling like the whole purchasing of this new home was a dream, we are now down to two and a half weeks to access and moving. It does seem unreal. And I’m feeling a bit of seller’s remorse!
Since it’s still dismal here ( Ophelia lingers) I am sharing random photos of Fall. Some are here, others from previous homes.
I changed the name of the blog.
Now if I could just remember how to change the cover photo!
This will be the last official “Cove House” post. On Wednesday evening we listed this house officially for sale. Thursday morning we had two showings booked for Thursday afternoon. During the second showing, the first appointment submitted an offer. This morning we accepted it. So it’s official. We are on contract for the new house. We have an inspection here on Sunday because our buyers do not want to lose this house. I expect the Cove House will be in contract early this week. Talk about “one and done”!!!
So now it’s time to rename this blog. I am still thinking “Bella Blu by the Bay” in order to honor my farm. Of course, there isn’t any blue in the new house. Yet.
But I’m feeling I can begin to share photos of the new house. And share design thoughts. Not sure if I can share many photos during the interim as I only have a limited number. But I will see what I can do.
We offered on the house by the bay this week and the offer was accepted. Yesterday, we did the inspection. Today we put the Cove House on the market. Yeah, we really did.
The villages and hamlets that encircle the Great South Bay on Long Island all have rivers and man made canals where homes have been built for residents to boat and fish from. So the above picture is a good example of what the homes that hug the bay offer. Depending on the length of the canal you are on the bay in less than a minute by boat. And many canals offer deep water for larger craft. But you can kayak and paddle board safely right off your backyard as well. I’ve noticed that on the South Shore motor boats definitely preferred. But there are plenty of sailboats as well. I love the beauty of the sailboats. As you drive up and down the canal neighborhoods and pass by the marinas it astounds you just how many people have boats!
Once we are on contract I will share more photos. But here’s one more tease.
I am considering a new new name for this blog. The front runner is “Bella Blu by the Bay” in honor of my farm that I sold this year. But we will see.
So we took a couple of steps closer to moving again. Yikes!!!!! We went back to the house by the bay for a second look. We checked out listing agents for the Cove House.
In the meantime, I planted more hydrangeas anyway. I’ve got the garden bug fairly badly this summer. If we stay, I will have a good dent into my “ look” for the property. If we go, I’ve created some curb appeal for selling. Either way, I get to enjoy, right?
So I will give another tease on this house that we are much more seriously considering.
I went down to Florida last week to oversee the closing of a permit and the startup of our new generator. I was also checking on the progress of our pool restoration. While I was away, my husband was perusing Zillow. This is ALWAYS dangerous. Can’t leave that man alone with waterfront listings.
We have wanted to be on the water our entire married life. We had a few lucky years on Fire Island with a difficult to get to cottage. As we age, difficult to get to cottages don’t cut it anymore. And truthfully, we want that lifestyle regularly, not just odd weekends. When we chose Cove House, it was the closest we could find near the water that would work for the plan of my daughter and son in law sharing our home during the pandemic.
That plan shifted as our daughter made a great career move! But it meant she would stay put in their home in Westchester County. So we decided to stay in the Cove House despite its very large size. And we have been loving it. But the call of waterfront living has often raised its seductive siren call over the last two years. We have gone to look at properties a few times since moving here. Each time, the property in question either didn’t quite meet our criteria or the sale just didn’t happen.
So here I am, home from Florida, actually indulging my husband’s latest foray into the real estate listings. And I’m not so surprised or stressed about yet another move. Even as I am doing work inside and outside our home! And we have literally checked out a house on the Great South Bay of Long Island. Twice. I have to say, we are seriously considering the move.
Aside from the waterfront opportunity, this house is quite our type as it’s a shingle style house. ( I’m a real sucker for a cedar shake house). This a real coastal house, somewhat smaller that the Cove House with less yard to care for. But with great amenities including a bulkhead for a boat. That’s a real bonus. We’ve often fantasized about getting a small one. And the kayaking and paddle board opportunities abound as well.
The layout of the house flows well for entertaining and the kitchen is rather super. There are fireplaces. One is wood burning! Yay! The gardens are beautiful. And of a size that I can manage. there’s a potting shed and a raised vegetable and herb garden. The fencing is in place for the dogs. The existing landscaping has been well tended. Add an easier commute for my husband, who has never truly retired, close proximity to friends and family, and access to Robert Moses, Jones Beach, and Fire Island and suddenly, I am strongly tempted.
There are many pros and cons to be weighed before this could happen. But we are talking. Which means I’m going to be reassessing the title and intent of this blog. I guess the quest for the forever home isn’t quite over yet.
Bella Blu by the Bay 