A few more weeks at the Sullivans saw all family members, a new truck, a Jesus cake, a Christmas light short, a Christmas tree spectacle, a first birthday and a new year. Whew. Yet after all that, tears welled as we packed our suitcases to move down the hill.
A quick backstory: nearly as soon as we decided to move, we agreed to purchase the home for sale adjacent to the Sullivans. It was a big decision for us, but the proximity to Cinda and Craig, the beautiful land and the relationship to the owners made it feel right.
The gambrel style home sits on a pinnacle of 25 acres in Northfield. The dirt driveway winds steeply through birch and maple trees and curves sharply onto the precisely level lot. Ron Tucker bought the land his dad owned, logged, camped, hunted after high school. Pridefully he logged and maintained the land until the late 70s when he and his wife Anne used the timber to build their own home. They raised three fabulous kids here, one of whom became the Sullivan’s beloved babysitter and Matt’s first crush. The Tuckers, nearing retirement, are moving to their home on Lake Champlain and felt it time to pass along their Northfield home. It’s been emotional for them, but the month we’ve spent cruising the land together, telling stories and watching Ev sled in their our yard has softened the experience for all.
It’s hard to imagine zen in someone else’s home amidst 50 years of their belongings. Our gut reaction was to clean and gut, but when it finally emptied, Matt and I were struck by the huge wood windows streaming light all day, perfectly aligned with the sun. We saw beautiful cedar closets, top of the line (1970s) appliances and a glowing Hearthstone wood stove. The house was built exceptionally well. We’re excited to do some cosmetic work and convert to natural gas with the guidance, expertise and craft of local contractor/norwich hockey coach extraordinaire.
One of the first decisions to be made is re. wallpaper. The second floor is a floral explosion, but totally charming.
Ev had a gleeful moment when I pulled “big teddy bear” (yep, I am a creative genius) out of a box. Big hugs, squeals and un unprovoked kiss on the nose ensued.
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