Writings
Windows are in!!
We are just GIDDY over these windows!! When Jon mentioned adding the diamond grids to the mix-we were really torn on whether they would fit with the classic style of 980 Shady! Finally seeing them in place, I feel that they give the house a lot of character and keep it from being too serious. Jon and Mary Monson of Landschute were so patient as Jay and I deliberated on where to put the diamond grids. It took a little extra time, but in the end, we are really HAPPY with the final result!
Anxiously waiting!!
Exterior front
Brick turnabout
There is a lot going on at Mona Bina—so much time and craftsmanship went into building the front entry steps and the supporting wall. Brick by brick and stone by stone, the turnabout is complete-finished with a beautiful red brick and we are loving how the front entrance has taken shape! Now, I am anxiously looking forward to windows and a driveway...A girl can dream!
Wait! We bought a new house!?!?
Before we could sign on the dotted line, I needed to know what Jon Monson of Landschute thought of the home. I had so many questions to ask him; Could this home be restored or would he consider it a teardown? Was this a property that he would even be willing to take on? Could we get a new driveway that led right up to the front door?
Jon smiled—assuring me that this was a magnificent piece of property, and that it could absolutely be restored, and brought back to life! He acknowledged that the garage was going to be tricky, but I could see the wheels turning in his head, and trusted that he was the man for the job!
So, with Jon on board, Jay and I closed on Mona Bina with total confidence that it could and would be brought back to life!
The day of the closing was one of those rare Minnesota Spring days where temps reach into the 70′s. As soon as we got the keys, we headed straight to our new lake home. At every red light, grinning from ear to ear, we’d look at each other and say, “wait, did we just buy a new house?” I think we were still very much in shock! We pulled into the lot and eagerly walked up to the front door.
Jay put the key in and said, “ready?”
As we entered our new home, we were beckoned by the sun and the water to the best part of the house, the backyard. The water on Lake was calm and the Yacht club had the afternoon sailing team in full swing. The sailors drifted by in their 420′s and we could hear the kids giggling out on the lake—drifting across the water, it was sweet and songlike.
You know that feeling when you haven’t felt the sun in awhile? The way you lift your chin, and the warmth envelopes you? That’s what that day felt like. Joyful and warm, like the best dream you have ever had.
It’s a day I’ll never forget.
The House I Wasn't Looking For...
First, I love my current house! My neighborhood, my firends. I promised we’d live there forever.
I had no plans to EVER leave it. But just when I wasn't looking, I stumbled upon Mona Bina (Home For All.) Our friend,, Jennifer called to tell us about an historic lake home that had just gone on the market.
The details were that it had been bank owned for a few years, and needed A LOT of love. Being the curious houes lover I am, I convinced my husband that we should at least “take a look”.
When we pulled into the driveway, I was innediatley intrigued. The house reminded me of the home in the movie, "Father Of The Bride." Classic and charming—A favorite of mine.
As I turned the front door knob,I felt a feeling I will never forget. I had instant visions of myself turning that knob hundreds of thousands of times and shouting, "I'm home." I could even picture the groceries that I would carry in, and the table I’d set my keys on. It was surreal.
Once inside, I realized that this was a MAJOR renovation project, and I wasn't entirely sure I was up for the challenge..Until we stepped into the back yard.
Just like the visions I had at the front door, the backyard brought me to tears.I pictured my daughter, Emmie getting married, grandkids running around, and the quiet moments I’d share with Jay staring out at the lake.I kid you not—I saw it all. Crytal clear and real.
I looked up at Jay, and could tell that he knew— I was enamored with Mona Bina.
So, with very little warning, and completely trusting our instincts, we made an offer on a house we weren't even looking for.
