My life in homes

I was pondering homes earlier today, and it got me thinking of all the different styles and types of homes in which I've lived, and how each one worked (or didn't) for where I was in my life.

Late mid-century colonial

Born and raised in a 1969 colonial in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.  In 1984 my parents added on a great big, 80s modern living room complete with a second front door.  Over the years my folks also redid the kitchen to free us of the avocado green appliances and embracing while formica, corian counters and a Wendy's window.  As a kid it was fine, the large wooded back yard was brilliant for childhood antics.

Two-family 

In college, after obligatory dorm life, I lived with my girlfriends in a typical two story multi-family.  Prior to moving to Syracuse from Pittsburgh, I didn't know these structures even existed.  Now in New England, well we all know.  We had the benefit of having both apartments in the house.  It was old and drafty, but the space was well laid out and practical for 6 girls. Amazingly when we returned many years (and kids) later... the house was just as old and rickety as I remembered.

Apartments (variety of flavors and locations)

Following college, I lived in a series of apartments, a one bedroom in a small brick building in Arlington probably dating from the 50s, at the time, it still boasted it's metal casement windows and pink bathroom.  It was a great apartment.  From there, a studio in an elevator building in Coolidge Corner, Brookline.  Small, but location-wise amazing.  And I always knew if the T was running on time.  And then back to Arlington, to a two-bedroom first floor of an old renovated Victorian.  It had character, but it was also awkward.  I don't remember if the kitchen even had a counter.  They were all unique and all had their ups and downs... but renting is tough. You can't make it your own and in the greater Boston area, it's also not an inexpensive proposition.  

Townhouse condo

My next move was to a fabulous 1890 (ish) townhouse condo right near the Arlington high school.  It boasted a whopping 1200 sf ft of contractor renovated living space, with 2 beds and 2.5 baths.  Narrow curvy staircases and freezing cold kitchen, but amazing windows, lots of light, and a yard. I had my own yard. Confirmed,  I don't have a green thumb, but were able to build the most amazing partio out back.  

Early 1900 Four Square Victorian

Once I got pregnant, it was time to move.  The idea was that we needed something bigger for in-laws and family and well for the kid to have some space.  We searched for over a year and got outbid on any number of places (I remember most of them).  It sounds pretty much like today's market for sure.  We eventually landed in a stunning Four Square Victorian over by the Mystics.  the previous owners had done a beautiful kitchen (although neither my taste nor layout preference) and the baths.  We had a bunch of exterior work to do and lots of painting.  

Brick Building (Harlow, walkup)

Not long after moving in, we separated and it didn't make any sense for me and a 2-year old to live in a huge house.  So we moved to a brick building in Cambridge.  See my post on this one.

Acorn Deck House

And now, I'm in the country, in a deck house.  True to my belief that smaller is better, it's one of the smaller ones out there at a mere 1900 square feet... more on that another time.