THE HOUSE: The 2025 Year End Report
2025 ended vastly, profoundly, and spectacularly different than it began. And in a manner I wholly did not foresee.
It all began innocently…
January. The new fridge…
…and range arrived. Counter is also new and was chosen so that my laboriously restored wainscoting would be visible.
Relocated door frame installed in Carriage House master closet, looking to Turret Bathroom.
Faux marble installed in shower of Turret Bathroom in Carriage House. Other work, too. See three doors to right? The two right most are from the circa-1921 conversion. The door opening in, kinda center, is new and opens into the new Master Suite foyer. Note how I made sure that the top trim aligned all the doors. Nice.
The new Master Suite foyer, looking at original relocated door frame and transom.
AN EXPECTED GIFT
Susan and Harrison Cross built the Cross House. Their granddaughter, Mary, lived with them. She was nine-years-old when the house was finished.
Mary later married, and moved to Seattle.
In January, 2024, the great-grandson of Mary, Peter, reached out to me. I was thrilled! But it got better.
After moving to Seattle, Mary purchased a 1892 Mason & Hamlin upright piano. The family no longer had room for it. And Peter wrote:
“My sister, Karin, thought that maybe offering it to you for the house might be a way to honor the piano and add to the decor of the house. I would be responsible for shipping costs, and plan to have it tuned soon.” Peter’s brother, Scott was part of this family decision.
Golly. I replied: YES!
Then I gave it no more thought. Until Peter emailed in July: “It’s on its way!”
Golly.
Peter’s mother, Liz, took over the shipping arrangements. She wrote: “I am delighted to be sending Mary’s piano to you. It belongs there.” Liz has had the piano since she was seven-years-old.
So, what began at the very beginning of 2024 concluded on the very last day of 2024 when, at long last, a part of Mary returned to the Cross House:
A few days later I move the piano to the parlor, bringing the story into 2025.
The restored mantle in the Octagon Bedroom, Cross House.
April. Cody alerted my to a fabulous Jadeite towel holder. Me, being wise, purchased it.
Barry then gifted the perfect hand towels.
In 2025 I began stripping….
…the paint on the brick in the Cross House kitchen.
And stripping.
But I have not yet finish sealing the brick..
And stripping.
A project which greatly excited me in 2025 was recreated the lost “extensions”in the South Hall. In 2017 I discovered the 1894 trim bits the basement but they looked…poorly.
Alpha though came to the rescue. ZOUNDS!
The trim is not yet restored but is at least tacked back in place.
Looking south.
Looking north. All painted. SQUEE!!!!!!!!
I invited my family of choice to my 68th birthday dinner in February. Everybody will return, save one, in 2026.
I began to restore all the trim in the South Hall.
No more dog scratches!!!!!!!!
After pondering and pondering and pondering for years, I finally ordered a custom soapstone sink for the kitchen.
Linda and Paul graciously brought the sink from Colorado to the Cross House!
Y’all remember the world famous Stairhall Niche? I had hung an incredible serpent gas pendant that Bo brought to my attention. But I kinda ached for a period-correct gas/electric pendant, which I found and installed. I sold the serpent for $$$$$$.
Gratuitous stained-glass porn!
In the South hall I worked to get the Lincrusta restored.
And the glorious after. You can see the dark brown unrestored Lincrusta, left.
South Hall, looking south. See the tall, thin radiator? I put the there in 2014 after removing a non-original entry to the library. I placed a new entry where the thermostat is. Then I removed that and recreated the original 1894 entry several years before.
In 2025 though I was able to reinstall the Lincrusta and trim I removed to create the 2014 opening.
Derek and his mother, Margaret. My only 2025 visitors!
In August I learned that I needed new boilers, a terrifying expense and one I could not possibly afford. At first it looked like the bank would simply re-inflate the original mortgage amount. Then weeks passed with no confirmation from the bank which I belatedly took to understand was their answer.
This sent me spiraling into a dangerous funk.
So I…drum roll, please…posted my shocking decision to stop the Cross project and put the properties up for sale.
After an agonizing few weeks I rescinded this decision, and decided to put the Cross properties on hiatus for a year so I could focus on selling my 2021 Toyota Sienna (since sold) and resume work on my long abandoned house in Strong City, and yet another house in tiny Matfield Green: the Tin House. I am actively working on both with the plan to sell the latter to help fund the completion of the former. Once Strong is mostly done, I will then move into the Cross House, finish some remaining work in Strong, and then list Strong for sale.
What changed my mind was the idea of:
- Spending my remaining years in the Strong house and its speck of a town.
- Spending my remaining years in the glorious Cross House.
The answer seemed a no-brainer.
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Loved the year end report
It’s so nice to learn about the progress and all that you’ve accomplished in the Cross House!
Also, I was so heartened to understand that you put the cross house marketing on hiatus for year. It was so good to learn about that decision.
It has been quite the ride this year. I’m glad you’ve finally settled on a decision that makes you happy. I think you will be happy living in the Cross House for your remaining years, whether you finish it or not.
I reached a similar crossroads a few years ago and I will be remaining in my house. The decision to move into my parent’s house and renting my own house was taken from me. I decided rather than sell my house and move into a senior living complex when I am in my 80’s would cost me more than staying in my home and hiring help to remain there so I am not in the process, as you are, making upgrades, repairs and improvements so i can not only stay in my house but relax and enjoy it. And maybe finish some projects just for fun; crochet, knit, quilt, leathercraft, gardening, baking, cooking, reading, etc.