This post is sponsored by Homes.com
Remember this cuteness?
The Gatehouse.
*sigh*
If I think about it too much I’ll start crying because I miss it.
It’s where everything started. I sat at this desk and wrote my first book. I spent hours sitting in this office planning and hoping and dreaming. So much of my blog life was spent within these four walls.
I’d greet it every single day.
Rain. Sun. Sleet. Snow.
I’d walk down the path from Thistlewood and there it would be just waiting to greet me.
(total aside: It always looked cutest at Christmas.)
But now we are selling it.
I wanted to keep it, but it’s not really practical because it’s in Kentucky and I’m here. So at the end of the month, the Gatehouse will have a new owner. Here in Texas, there are so many exciting things on the horizon for the blog. I’m going to be hosting workshops and design classes and photography sessions and I need a space to host everything.
So I’m currently searching for a new office.
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen my office search.
All thanks to Homes.com.
If you have been reading this blog for a while you know I have worked with Homes.com for over four years. I cannot tell you how much I think of the company and how incredible they are and how easy they make it to find the perfect home (or office).
And now?
IT JUST GOT EVEN EASIER.
They have this brand new website that’s state-of-the-art and so easy to use. It breaks everything out into different must-haves and like-to-haves. I put in the zip code where I was looking for homes and then filled out my wishlist and five minutes later I had 14 matches that fit my criteria. All the details were there—organized by a score that let me see which homes matched my specific criteria. I could take a virtual tour. I could see the property on a map. I could e-mail real estate agents if I had a question about the property or share it with my friends using the HomeShare feature. I could also see previous price-reductions and other property information. But there is SO MUCH MORE I love about the website.
Want to see the office choices I came up with?
Ready?
Set?
Search.
I love this house because of the backyard.
The color is cute. It’s move-in ready. There’s a large central living room and it’s 1023 square feet.
It’s a little farther away from my house, but it’s a good option.
First of all—it’s on Wood Street.
SERIOUSLY?
Could that be any more perfect?
It’s smaller at 672 square feet.
Here’s a look at the inside.
There’s a large central space that would work well for parties.
It’s updated and totally move-in ready.
And the price is amazing.
Love that little front porch and the color.
And the interior finishes?
Amazing.
And it’s right down the street from my house.
Way more space at 1334 square feet.
It’s been remodeled and the kitchen is incredible.
But it’s more expensive?
The Homes.com website made it so easy to find these options.
All I had to do was put in my zip code and add in filters to narrow down my search.
Here’s what a filter box looks like.
You can check Must Have or Nice to Have and that helps narrow your search to find the perfect property.
Here are some of other my favorite features:
- The Snap and Search feature—I can snap a picture of an existing home or upload one I’ve pinned on Pinterest. The website will search its databases for similar homes in my area. This feature was especially useful for me and saved so much time because I live in an area that’s full of so many different types and styles of home.
- Match button feature—When the app presents you with the homes that match your criteria—there’s a small icon in the bottom right-hand corner that tells you a percentage match with that particular property based on your must-have and nice-to-haves. It was so easy to see at a glance which properties were a fit right away.
- Home Share feature—When I started my search, the website let me save it for future reference. I could save different searches in different areas. Also, when I clicked on a particular listing—there is a button in the top right-hand corner that let me share the listing with my family and friends.
Now which office space did I choose?
I’m still in the deciding phase, but one of these has my heart.
I can’t give it away just yet, but I’ll give you a hint.
A really good name works well every time. 🙂
total disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Homes.com.
All opinions are my own.
Please see my disclosure page for more information.
Oh I loved the gatehouse too.. and you in KY. I know you are where God needs you to shine but heart still misses reading your blog thinking this gal is in KY too. Love all the spaces. How exciting! The Wood location is almost a God wink. But you know this bluegrass gal well so got to go with the blue. Can't wait to see your next adventure.. as I still decide what is the first picture I need to hang. Yep going on four years 😂
I CAN'T DECIDE BETWEEN #2 AND #3! Wood Street seems like it would be most nostalgic for you, but the blue reno, is so adorable. the color is perfect and the inside is large and beautiful.. I can think of a lot of cute names involving blue, so..........I'm gonna bite the bullet and say #3!
The one closer to your home and with more room. It will make your life easier being near your home and you will fill up the space.
Woods, but 3 being so close to your house would be tempting. Can’t wait to meet you at Haven!
Hmmmm.......I know which one you are serious about, but I vote the blue one down the street. I am thinking travel time, convenience to 'run over to.....', and beside, I like this one the best. I don't know if it snows in Dallas, but that might be a consideration.... anyway, I vote blue house!!!!!
What great choices! Miss that gatehouse in Kentucky....so adorable! Whichever you choose will be a perfect new start to a new adventure. I like 2 and 3...hard to pick.
Are you going to call it the Wood House or Wood Shed?
I think the one closer to home, it is always easier when you are close to home. I am sure whichever one you get will be great.
Ohh, how I miss the gatehouse [sigh]. But things change, and change is good! Can't wait to see where your next adventure brings you and us!! xoxo
I totally get grieving the gatehouse. :( There were so many beginnings there... so many memories made. BUT... because you're you... you'll make tons of new memories in your new office. Personally, though the petite house on Wood St. is super sweet and it's on Wood St., I do think that for hosting... #3 would be the better choice. It's almost an open layout and just being down the street is a HUGE plus. The kids will be more likely to drop by because of its closeness, too. Can't wait to see which you choose and how you'll put your creative stamp on it.
They are all so beautiful, I cant believe that you can get a home for that amazing price! Our house prices are insane here ,the average price is close to $450.000 that's a condo or a older starter home! I love the 3rd home, I can see the rocking chair on the front porch. You will be spending so much time in your new office space it should really make your heart sing! Best of luck !
Number 3 jumped off the page at me.... LOL.... it just looks so happy and welcoming- but ANY one of them could be transformed by your magic!!! :) I can't wait to see which one you pick! Good luck!!!
Definitely #3 for a new “gatehouse”. It’s close to home, the space will allow a slightly larger audience for your workshops, AND, if in the future you need to sell or convert back to living space for a family member, it will give you the most bang for the buck. You can christen this one a catchy name and include ‘Wood’ in it and it won’t matter about the street name. Whatever you decide, you will do an awesome job of it.
OH eeee! It's going to be fantastic. Good choice too. :) They are all so cute but #2 looks like you could really put your stamp on it. So happy for you! But sad to say goodbye to the Gatehouse. At least you have great memories of it!
I personally like the last house too, but as you said - it's more expensive! My son and his wife live in McKinney; they just relocated there from Plano - he is from Idaho and she is from Japan! They recently bought a house - they both commute to their jobs, he is an Architect in downtown Dallas and she is starting a new job and don't know much about it! If you're looking for new friends - look them up! They are a sweet couple; low to mid-30's and no children (yet) ;)! BTW, love following you!
Number three is the perfect choice because of the proximity to your home. That will make a huge difference in the long run(no pun intended). This could be a great place for visitors, whatever. You'll find great ideas for the space. Better to be that way that buy and then not have enough space down the line.
How fun! so how is this space going to be used? Will you open up workshops to non texas bloggers (hint, hint). laura in Denver ps I am a real estate agent and the Denver market is insane!
I say your clue indicates " Wood St.".. but... WOW!!! 🤩 I am lovin" the fantastic blue remodel!!! One more time... ALL TOGETHER NOW... I LOVE blue in a home!!! Whatever you decide, you know your comrades will support you.. 😉😚.
No. 3 since it’s so close to your home. I think that would be so valuable as the girls could drop by after school. Also on nice days you could just walk to work!
#2 reminds me of the original gatehouse. The backyard is pretty substantial, too.
Sounds like a hard choice, but I know that you will figure out the best one. Not sure where #3 is, but being closer to your home for work is a big plus, especially in the Dallas area. We live in McKinney as well, and truly love it. We are in a neighborhood called Tucker Hill where everyone has a front porch, and it is usually decorated, especially for the holidays. Drop by anytime for coffee on the porch! Can't wait to see what you decide, and welcome to the Lone Star state!
All would be fantastic after you put your touch on it! I'd make sure to check out any ordinances or HOA that might restrict you from hosting gatherings. It'd be a bummer to buy and then not do everything you dream of doing in the space.
KariAnne- My sister lives in Pilot Point, just a hop, skip and jump from McKinney, so now I have a dream of visiting my sister (I live in Florida), and (dare I dream this big?), attending a workshop at the new gatehouse! I have loved your blog, your style, your writing skills, your talent, and most of all your heart, since the first day I discovered you. I am a Karianne follower for life! I sincerely hope I will have the opportunity to meet you in person one day. You make me giggle, you make me dream, and you make me believe in all the beauty and wonder there is to be found in this world each and every day, if you just look for it! Thank you for the hundreds of times you have brightened my day, and my life. And whichever new gatehouse you choose, I know you will sprinkle your magic Karianne pixie dust in every nook and cranny, and make it simply amazing.....just like you for all those whose lives you touch...you have certainly done that in mine. Much love...
KariAnne, Number 3, it is a no brainer. Seriously, you must consider how convenient having the new “gatehouse” needs to be. Knowing you, what ever house you choose will work out just fine. I will leave this decision in your most capable hands!
How exciting that you have this decision to make as you are expanding your brand and business! Congratulations, Karianne-- and I would love reading about any of those houses.
My vote is the one on Wood street. It looks perfect for an office and you will put your magic touch on it for sure. Miss you in KY!.
The blue one closer to your home! In addition to being larger (and so nicely done already), it would be a perfect starter home for a (soon to be) college graduate (or two). They would be so close by, and in the meantime you can write, think and blog away!
Love the blue house. It could serve as a guest house if you have visiting “dignitaries.” It is cute and close to your house.
I love #3, and the proximity is a great feature. But.....it's more money. I suspect you are seriously considering #2 - it's an office and the extra cash "Wood" go a long way to making it exactly like you want it. Whichever you choose, I expect good things are going to happen there!
while all are adorable, #3 just has that look....it catches your attention with just a glance..
# 3 for sure!!! cutest and closest to your home. All the best....
I'd have to choose the one right down the street. But, of course, it's not my $$$. They're all adorable!
No brainer...the one in McKinney because it is closest to home. Good Luck.
Wood on Wood works for sure. (wink wink) Great choices - awesome website - congrats. xxoo
get a tiny house!
I have searched the blog and I’m not coming up with a post on how you did that fabulous frame wall at the old carriage house. Must have missed it first go round. Please share! Love it! Oh and I vote for the house closest to yours. (So many folks saying the blue house...they’re all blue! Think people!) love ya, bye.
The sound of possibilities flying fast and furious is what I am hearing......love it! And, thanks for the introduction to Homes.com~ real estate is where I spend my best time dwelling and dreaming....now I have a whole new sight. SO EXCITED for both you and ME! :) And, WOOD street is my guess. The house number is my Grandmother's birthday. She'd approve.