For me, home is a very special place. Though it probably won’t be forever, my parents still live in the home I grew up in, nestled in the hills and forest of a very, very small town in Connecticut. It’s where my heart is but is also a very specific place which will remain in my heart even when it is no longer the place I come back to.
The house, well over 200 years old (which, for us in America is quite elderly), has been a labor of love since my parents moved in years before their first-born (moi) was even a thought. They took a little old primitive Colonial home and spent all my lifetime making it a magical and warm place to be a family. The original house still stands with all the features that it itself was ‘born’ with…the hardwood floors, ceiling beams, massive stone fireplaces and a uneveness that gives it all its charm. Around the original house, my parents have painstakingly expanded but unless I told you, you would never know what was old and what was new.
The house sits on acres and acres of land with one of the most beautiful views I know I will ever see. And the home itself has always been another child in the family, probably taking twice as much work as my brother and I combined. Though my parents may disagree at times as the ones who have put their blood, sweat and tears into the home, it is perfect.
So perfect in fact that it was featured in Connecticut Home & Garden Magazine a few years back and has now very recently been featured in a book, ‘Early American Country Homes’. A study of homes across this great nation, I could not be more thrilled for our home to be featured and I wanted to share it.
'The Neary Home'
A bowl of stone fruit. (I used to use the banana as a pretend telephone)
My mom's childhood doll, 'Skinny'.
The corner chest which holds our first CD player. I would sit in this room for hours learning lyrics listening to songs on repeat.
Marks on the wall where we measured our changing heights. Including the cat.
The view in the snow.
The bar. Seriously.
Framed Victorian valentines.
In the summer.
Mom, Dad, Kate & Tucker
The book is full of really beautiful homes that tell a beautiful history of the States. And I just like to nose around people’s houses anyway :) You can get the book here. (Oh, and my bro and I get a little mention in there as well which is super cool.)
Oh how sweet! Had no idea you had this in mind…Lovely blog today.
Wow! This is beautiful! Your home is so warm and welcoming.
What a sweet sweet blog!!!!
WOWZA. The home you grew up in is brimming with charm and character, the perfect fit for such a book title.
I love that you played telephone with the banana. So cute.
Whoops….that comment was published under my test blog moniker. Trying to figure this WordPress backend out and opened up a WP blog to play with.
Might need your help figuring it all out, missy!
-Kirsten @ Triple Max Tons
Banana phone! I still answer it sometimes when we have dinner in the dining room
You know I’m around if you have any questions!
Kate