After three years immersed in the Scott Street project–which at times felt like a full-time job–we finally finished the house. It was fun, painful, tearful, exhilarating, frustrating. . . But in the end, I’d say it was a success. Here’s a link where you can take a look at the final product: Scott Street. With a mixture of sadness and satisfaction, I sold the house to a lovely family who I think will truly appreciate it (although I’m disappointed that they will only be using it occasionally as a vacation home). I wish them years of happiness, love, and fun on Scott Street!

So now it’s time for a new project. Well, to clarify. . . I’m not so sure I’m fully recovered and ready for a new project, but dammit, I need a place to live. So welcome to Butterfly House!

Tucked on a winding mountain road just outside Calistoga, “Butterfly House” is a 1960’s-era cottage on an acre and a half of land. Named for the gorgeous butterflies always flitting about in the lush English garden, the house is surrounded by woods, pine-covered hillsides, and vineyards. And our closest neighbors are a flock of chickens and a pair of adorable goats.

But the house itself needs some work. “Good bones,” as they say, but those old bones need a facelift. I’m scheduled to close escrow on August 5, but we’re already hard at work designing a complete renovation of the kitchen and bathrooms, and some minor cosmetic upgrades all around the house. So follow along here with my adventures in home renovation!