Here’s What We’ve Been Up to in Arizona
I’ve been hinting for awhile that we’ve had a very special project in the works. I couldn’t figure out the right time to share all the details because, if we’re being honest, it’s been a surprisingly tough journey to get this project off the ground.
But, last week, I hopped on a plane to check on the project—and I was finally able to see forward progress. While it might not be at the stage I was hoping for at this point; it’s progress nonetheless.
So, what have we been up to?
My husband, Joseph, and I are restoring my grandparents’ home in my hometown! Eeeekkkk! While I have lived in Texas for nearly 14 years (that’s crazy to say!), I grew up in a small town in southeast Arizona. It’s always been in our plan to have a second home or semi-retire in Arizona, either out at our ranch or nearby. We’re not quite to that stage of life yet, but the idea came up to restore my grandparents’ house, which was still in the family.
The project is perfect for us because it accomplishes more than one goal. Once the house is fully renovated, we’ll have a home to get this girl back to the mountains and dry air. The even more exciting part? When we’re not visiting, we plan to offer the home as a short-term rental to serve the booming tourism in the area. If you don’t know yet, take to Google and look up Southeast Arizona wineries, Willcox wines, or the like. I would have never imagined as a kid that my sleepy little hometown would be so cool. Even better, the house is one block from all the wine tasting rooms. Adult me is super happy about this. I’ve preemptively planned several girls’ trips.
Back to the house.
It was built in 1919 by one of my grandfather’s relatives. She lived there until my grandparents (G.L. and Dorothy Moore) bought the home in the 1950s. The house underwent a renovation in the 1960s, and it hasn’t seen significant changes since. Translation: a big, fun project for us!
So, what’s the plan?
My plan is to do what I do best. We’re putting all the historic charm back into the home while giving it the needed modern upgrades. (You know, like HVAC). I spent a lot of my childhood in this home, and its walls are full of memories. I want to preserve the stamp my grandparents left on the home but also bring back some of the original details when it was built in 1919.
As of last week, we have a new roof! The siding, trim, etc., will see a major update soon. Any guesses on what color we’re painting the exterior? Spoiler: although I’ve never seen the house as anything but pink, we’re changing the color.
Original house, 1920s
Before renovations during our first walk-through, December 2021
New roof, 2022