The House List

This is the list of things (some very specific, some general) that I want to have in our "forever home." Keep in mind that part of our criteria is a house on a large piece of land (at least a few acres), with the house centrally located on the property to ensure that our house doesn't wind up 10 feet away from the neighbor's house (or too close to the street, in case road noise becomes an issue in the future). We'd also like the property to be on a mountain, if possible. Ok, that said... on to the list!



1. An off-road trail (if the property is big enough)

2. Lots of mature trees, several of which shade the house- but not too old (as to fall on the house)

3. No standing water (like a pond) on the property (mosquitoes!), running water okay

4. Possibly a concrete home, or log home

5. Basement

6. Lots of storage space

7. Laundry area in basement or in out of the way area (not near bedrooms or living room)

8. Double-hung windows

9. Ceiling fans all over the place

10. Screened deck/porch with ceiling fan(s)

11. Fireplace(s)

12. 2 bedrooms- master and guest

13. 2 full bathrooms

14. 1-2 car attached garage or carport

15. Detached garage or barn

16. 2 areas for Scott and I to have our own space- a knitting area and a man cave

17. One of those instant hot water heaters (as opposed to the usual big tank type)

18. Large, eat-in/country kitchen or dining area next to kitchen, only one eating area

19. Generous counter space

20. 2 ovens

21. Pantry

22. Mud room between garage and house

23. Private well and septic system

24. Solar panels

25. Compost heap

26. Clothesline

27. Greenhouse

28. Chicken coop

29. Hidden safe, bolted in place

30. Fire pit

31. Brick BBQ

32. Giant garden

33. Metal roof

34. Bomb shelter/tornado bunker

35. Master bedroom on the North or East side of the house (afternoon sun = hot room!)



Of course, a lot of the list is negotiable; and the whole list goes out the window if we can get our hands on an old church with a cemetery on the grounds. Spooky! And there is a lot of crazy crap that I'd like to put on the list, but unless we fall into a few million bucks it's not realistic stuff (think secret passageways and moving walls).