Monday, February 1, 2010

Guest My Nest: Upper Kingston Road

Do you love getting sneak peeks into other peoples houses?

Have you ever stumbled across a house listing online and made an appointment to see it even though you didn't have any plans to move any time soon?

(Union Springs, AL- click on the photo for more!)


Have you ever taken "the long way home", just so you can stare at a beautiful house you admire?

(Prattville, AL- click on the photo for more!)


Have you ever saved up all your pennies just so you could spend a couple of nights in a secret little place by the sea?

("Nido Aguila"- Seaside, FL)


Have you dreamed about escaping to a primitive little place in the mountains?

(Bear Creek Log Cabin- Fort Payne, AL)


If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you might dig our new feature. We're calling it:

Guest My Nest


We've been invited to review and photograph a lot of great places around the South lately, so we thought- why not make a regular feature out of it? Our "Guest My Nest" posts will give you an inside look at all sorts of heavenly houses. We'll be visiting and blogging about homes that are for sale, homes that aren't for sale, some of my clients homes, and even some B&B's and vacation homes around the south too!

We "guested" our first nest this afternoon.



Isn't it spectacular?

It's owned by a very sweet lady by the name of Jamie Robison. She shares the house with her daughter, Elizabeth, and their two darling doggies...



It was built in 1912, is approximately 5600 square feet, sits on just over three acres of land, and is currently on the market for $415,000.

It's got six bedrooms:



Four bathrooms:





And six fireplaces:



It also has a large living room, and a large formal dining room:





One of my favorite parts of the house was its magnificent foyer- complete with craftsman-style staircase that leads up to the second floor:



Jamie has painstakingly removed a lot of the old paint from the staircase, and I couldn't get over how beautiful it was...





The kitchen has been completely renovated. There are windows on three sides of it, so the entire space is sunkissed. It almost feels like you're outside- it's incredible. As we stood in there and chatted- I was secretly picturing myself walking in there every morning. :-)












The butlers pantry has also been renovated, and features a brick floor and the original cabinetry and hardware:









There were so many pretty details throughout the house. I loved all the old doors and door knobs...









Outside, there's an old, tumbledown 2-room house, an outhouse, a two-car garage, a porte cochere, a concrete swimming pool and the deepest wrap-around porch I've ever seen.








Here's a link to the listing.

And here's the video we shot while visiting the house today...






Hope you enjoyed our first "Guest My Nest" post!
We look forward to sharing lots more of them with you in the future.
:-)

Happy Monday!
Layla


PS- If you'd like to have your home or vacation location featured on "Guest My Nest", please drop us a line at LaylaPalmer@aol.com!


The winner of the $50 Queen Bee Designs by Amanda gift certificate
is...




Congratulations!

Contact Amanda at queenbeedesigns@cox.net to claim your fabulous prize!


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76 comments:

Bethany said...

Such a great idea! I'm excited about this!!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Love the idea and the listing!!!

First may I say that mother and daughter are both cute as buttons and look so much alike!

It's a wonderful home! I'll take the kitchen sink and the butlers pantry. That is all that I can possibly find room for at this point in time. Who do I contact to make arrangements to pick those things up? ;)

Lynn Kellan said...

You're right - I love to peek into other folks' houses; and this one didn't disappoint!

Jessica @ Lavender and Lilies said...

The details in that house are amazing. The doorknobs and details on the stairs are so unique.

Anonymous said...

and i thought one fireplace was a dream come true! WOW! What a beauty! Here in Fl,,,that house would easdily be $1million....what a DEAL! BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Christine said...

Very beautiful! I love love the kitchen and the sink!

duchess said...

What a house. It's out of my price range & no where near where I need to live - but I'd love to have that house.
Thanks for the tour.

Ginger@cottageonrosewood said...

I am one of those guilty parties who stare at other people's houses and wonder just what it looks like inside. In fact, there is one across town my kid's lovingly refer to as my house because everytime we drive by, we go very slow. What can I say, I'm a house stalker.

Anonymous said...

What a great idea for a series! This is a great home and that kitchen is fabulous! I love that it has a brick floor. It adds so much character to the space and it's definitely unexpected which makes it even better.

Jenny E said...

My mom used to take us to listings when we were little...we're so nebby (Pittsburghese for "nosey"). Great idea. I only wish you post a new one everyday! Wouldn't laundry be a dream with those windows? Now I am way out of the music loop, but that firefly, earth turning slowly song is great! What rock do I live under? Thank you for posting this!

Tricia said...

What a wonderful home, with so much possibility! The butler's pantry, I think that I could live quite happily in there. ;)
I adore the idea of this feature! Thank you so much for bringing us along.

Renee' said...

Layla, Kevin I so love this house. My house is 107 yrs. old. Ya'll did a great job loved the pics.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful new feature! Can't wait to see more!

Jessica said...

what a gorgeous home!!! I would love to live there. I need to get out of miami, FL. That house would cost at least a million here. There is actually a house down the street from mine on the market for $415,000 also but it's its a 3-2 on a tiny lot :/

kuestermom said...

what a cute idea. love being able to look at a house like that-and you guys make it so fun with the great background music too.:)

Decor To Adore said...

Sweet happy sighs! Such grand details. Thank you so very much for the fabulous tour!

Design A-Peele said...

what a beautiful house! I love the farmhouse sink. I covet it just a little bit!

GeNell said...

This was great....I love the kitchen and butlers pantry....unfortunately wrong state and wrong price tag...bummer.

Christy @ MCH PHOTOGRAPHY said...

so neat. I love the brick floors and the farm sink!

Treasia Stepp said...

What a gorgeous house it is, even with the updating it still needs. Just beautiful. I am excited and look forward to more of these sneak peaks.

Cathy said...

Loved, loved, loved touring this home!!! If there were a job for an official "house tour-er" in my area, I'd be right on it!! I'm always checking the realty section in the paper. Never with an intention to buy, but soooo fun to look! Looking forward to seeing more from you!

Shannan Martin said...

You had me at "original hardware"! What a gorgeous home - it's the perfect mix of entirely perfect (kitchen!) and room to add some touches of one's own. You did a great job highlighting the best parts!

Anonymous said...

yea!!! i LOVE this idea! when i was a little girl i wanted to be an avon lady (this was back in the 70s) so i could go into peoples houses to see how they were decorated! so, you are letting me live a dream! cant wait to see more! i cant believe the price of that big and beautiful home! i am hosting my very first giveaway! stop by for a visit!

Mrs. Thomas said...

I am not really sure how I stumbled across your blog. But I admit I have been stalking it for awhile and had no idea you guys were in AL. I absolutely love the work you have done to your home. Keep it up, its beautiful.

Greenville, AL

Anonymous said...

I'm guilty of going to open houses when I am in NO way looking to move. I always feel a little guilty - like I'm wasting the realtor's time though :) I have so much fun walking into ANY home and pretending that we HAVE to move there and I mentally position my furniture, pick out paint colors, figure out who gets what room and where all my kids toys are going to go :) It's been a secret till now - but somehow, I think you all understand this!
Looking forward to more sneak peeks!
Christen

Cindy @The Flipping Couple said...

Beautiful!!!! I LOVE the natural lighting in the kitchen. Amazing!

I'm so excited about this new feature, too. I'm a total house fanatic and can't wait to see the gorgeous houses you'll share with us!

Amber said...

Great idea! I do love looking at real estate listing, just to peek inside others' houses--so this is perfect!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I love to tour homes and see all the gorgoeus architecture. Great post. This home is just gorgeous. Hugs, marty

Folkman's said...

I love that you are going to do this! I have spent countless hours looking at realestate! One of my favorite things to do! Great house!

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

What a wonderful idea! I love looking inside houses, expecially restored homes! This home is just stunning, love the kitchen, exp that pantry! Have a great day.

Kristy Mize said...

When I saw that house I couldn't believe it! I go to church with the family and was in Sunday School with Elizabeth until I got married last year. Such a sweet family and I loved seeing the house.

Michelle Hughes said...

Great plan! we are looking for a home in the next few years but want to leave our area. If the homeowners that you are interviewing give a little info about the town that they are in (if they love it!) that would make my day!

Michelle

Anonymous said...

Ohhh, I am looking forward to these posts! I take the long way to work just to drive down a historic drive with beautiful homes near Duke University's campus! Which, if you wanted to come to Durham, there are many homes on the outskirt of campus that I would love to see inside of!

annie said...

GREAT idea!!!
I've been known to walk in the evening with town friends, so we can peek into windows with the lights on!
annie

asouthernsunset said...

You have such an interesting blog and I so enjoy the home tours. I am an Alabama lady, myself, and will return here often.
Yaya

Ruth H. said...

I likee! What a fun idea. I can't wait for the next one!

Jenn said...

Wow! What a gorgeous house. I can't believe the price! I live on Salt Spring Island, BC and a house like that here would definitely be over a million! I think I need to move...
Great idea for showing other houses. I love your blog Layla :)

vignette design said...

This is a great idea! I love the house you featured. That brick floor just about killed me! Such a gorgeous house! I'm amazed at the difference in pricing for houses across the country. My house is circa 1906, 6000 sq. ft. and would sell for 3.8 million. The house you featured would sell for at least 5 million in my neighborhood. What a great post!

Sharon@Sharon at Home said...

What a great idea. I love this first tour. We are all obviously voyeurs checking out what everyone is doing in their homes via blogs ... so tours are a great extension of that.

I love going on MLS and just checking out listings anywhere ... USA, UK, Canada. When you showed that house in Union Springs you toured, I checked out the real estate there. Might be a bit of a commute to my job in Toronto, Canada!!!!!

Anita@Theycallmejammi said...

Okay, you got me...I'm hooked. Just became a follower and looking forward to getting to know you. Love the pictures and you're video is just too cute with the personal touches, it was like I was right there with you. Going now to spend somme time looking around at your older posts.

Ally said...

Ugh! Why do I love houses so much? Thanks for feeding my unnatural obsession. They are beautiful!

Nancy Hood said...

Layla, I have ALWAYS wanted to see the inside of this home and it is way more than I ever imagined! This idea rocks and I am going to love these features! Thanks for choosing this one this week! Have an awesome February!!

Sami Jo said...

Congrats Red Door! Lucky :). LOVE the new feature Layla and Kevin - I LOVE that kitchen with the butler's pantry... the floor and that sink were screaming my name!!!! They want me! They need me! too bad my bank account isn't screaming it's name :(

Jennifer said...

Great idea! I love this home you shared today. I would rather have an old home over a new one any day. That personality just can't be found today.

Thank you for sharing,
Jennifer

frillsfluffandtrucks said...

Wow, that price is amazing for that house--that house would be worth 3x that amount here...and even more than that in the expensive area of the state!

~ Sarah

Little Oak Table said...

Gasp! Opening your blog today was like opening the best package on Christmas morning. What a GENIOUS idea-can't wait to join your blog and see what other treasures you uncover!

Cindy said...

Layla, what a pretty house. So much character in this old house. I can't decide if I like the fireplaces, butler pantry or staircase the best. Thanks for sharing and I'm looking forward to this new feature on your blog. Which is awesome btw.

Hugs,
Cindy

kanishk said...

I so enjoy the home tours. I am an Alabama lady, myself, and will return here often.

Work from home India

Megan @ Megity's Handmade said...

Sooooooo, sooooo beautiful! I would love to have the crisp kitchen. Yum, yum!

Cricket said...

Love that house! We pass it all the time. I grow up not far from there and my in-laws live around the corner! Beautiful home! So much character!

S. L. said...

sooo in love with your new idea and MADLY in love with those brick floors and that staircase!!! now all i need is $400k.... hmmm... if only money grew on household plants :)

eva said...

I like the idea of featuring houses, I'm sure that'll inspirations for all of us. Love the kitchen as I love white interior.

Greetings from Indonesia,

Eva

Bethany said...

This is such a beautiful home!! I can't wait to see more homes!!!

jake said...

That is easily a $2 million dollar home in Southern California! Very impressive house indeed.

-1916home

Olivia said...

Oh my gosh, that claw foot tub and farmhouse sink! **drools**

Katy said...

I love "Guest My Nest", what a fabulous idea.
That house is magnificent, 6 fireplaces...Heavenly Angels!!!! Oh, and that staircase (with the long bench seat)and the kitchen (love it) and the pantry with the brick flooring....I want want want brick flooring, esp. old bricks. Man, neat neat house!!

Todd and Randi said...

If you keep featuring these kinds of homes I might have to move to Prattville. I was dying to buy the house on Maple Street when you featured it.

Carol in Indian Springs Village said...

Wow! Love the home and the idea of looking inside homes like that. Can't wait to see the next one! I love the older homes, especially craftsman designs so this was right up my alley. I we were retired I would be bringing DH to look at this one!

Roeshel said...

Great feature - I look forward to seeing more! What fun! That house is a dream come true. I LOVE it! Thanks for the tour! I really enjoyed it!

Roeshel

Sara said...

Even my young children groan when I say I want to go for a drive. They know that translates into mommy wants to look at houses! Love the idea and can't wait to see what you showcase!

cait said...

Oh I love this idea! I can't wait to read more "Guest My Nest" posts. My heart jumped when I saw your picture from Seaside! I adore that place.

Unknown said...

We don't have beautiful homes like that in Las Vegas. But being a former New Englander I actually prefer them over the boxes out here.
My favorite is the first house. I could so see my family living there.
Thanks for the house tours.

Anonymous said...

Love the old details! Beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Amazing post!! I loved it!! What a super idea. And your video was super cool too. Keep it up!!
AK.

angela | the painted house said...

LOVE those brick floors. I hope my next house has some interior brick element--uh, besides a fireplace.

I think I know a heavenly place you can visit... :)

Anonymous said...

Wonderful addition to your blog! I enjoyed the tour, especially the butlers pantry with original cabinetry!

Deborah

Anonymous said...

OMG!!!! I'm trying to talk my husband and 8yr old daughter into moving to Alabama...love the Upper Kingston Road house, it brought tears to my eyes, the thought of such an adventure (excited, good tears) but I'm afraid my husband is firmly rooted (for now at least) here in KINGSTON, Washington. (I tried to tell him the kingston road part was a sign...it didn't work.
love, love,love your blog . I've been following you for almost the whole time...your my favorite..xo loreli

Crystal said...

This is such a wonderful house. I am not even sure house descibes it. It looks like an Estate from my view. Absolutely gorgeous, too bad I am not moving south anytime soon.
Congrats to Red Door Home for winning your great giveaway.

Rachel Cotterill said...

A great feature for nosy bloggers like us ;)

I love that house - if you could get that in England, for that price, I'd definitely take a second look!

geri said...

There is nothing more fun than going through houses that "speak to you".( That is excatly how we found our very,very, old farmhouse that needed a Vision. hehe.)

I love it so much I am taking the real estate course as we speak. Hate the course, but love seeing people excited about finding the house that "Speaks to them".
Love your posts Layla.
Have a great time doing Guest My Nest. I know I will love seeing them all. geri.

Holly said...

Oh my goodness! That's a fabulous house, but the kitchen takes the cake! Serious jealousy here.

Unknown said...

what a great post! it's funny that's what i did with our home. i spent years driving by and admiring it, somehow it's my 120 year old farmhouse now. even after 10 years i still feel so lucky that it's mine :)

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

It's like you pick out the best places and then take us on a tour with you...great idea and sooo fun!

Red Door Home said...

Thank you for the wonderful house tour. A big thank you also for the gift certificate and for letting me know that I won. I am so excited!

Rue said...

Love this house! I'm so happy I finally found another old house that had almost the same openings above the cabinets in the kitchen that we do. It makes me feel better about the decision. Loved seeing what our butler's pantry could have looked like to.

rue

Rachel Elizabeth said...

This house is painfully beautiful. Oh how I wish we were in a place to buy a home or our own.