My cunada has joked over the years that she and my brother seem to follow me wherever I go. Not really true, but there have been times when they have. Two years after I bought my house on the Hudson, they purchased a home two miles down the road...with the most spectacular view of the river I've ever seen. It's comforting to know that they're so close. Especially now that most of our family is gone.
They joined me on my trip in May. It was not the most restful or comfortable one for sure. We were working on the house with no fans or AC and the temps hovered around 98º. My brother spent a day in the hospital and his wife had to make a trip to the pharmacy. I worried that they might be having a miserable time.
Well, a funny thing happened. While I was busy measuring square footage they fell in love with Merida. Who knew?
They approached me a few weeks ago with the idea of building a second floor on the back of the house. They're nearing retirement and it would give them a place to stay while visiting without us getting into each other's hair. I purposely looked for a two bedroom house to accommodate guests but this idea seems like a good one.
Fish and company start to stink after three days...or so they say. I live alone and enjoy my quiet time. I'm a very early riser and don't like the sound of a television mumbling in the background. I have two dogs. My brother and his wife, on the other hand, have been married for over 37 years and are very social people. They like to sleep late and the television is usually on (even though it's not being watched). They like dogs...but not those with a combined weight of 160 pounds.
Their idea was starting to make sense.
It would be nice to have them stay for extended periods without having to "dance" around each other and the additional space would bring in more rental income when the house isn't being used. In exchange for "air rights" they offered to finance my renovations which would help speed things along. As I mentioned before, my plans to make some repairs and changes to my Merida home are delayed due to repairs needed NOB.
Oh, and then there's the pool. They would want a pool. Who am I to complain? They twisted my arm.
The writer of my favorite Merida blog wrote about the strange shapes of properties in Centro. He included what appeared to be a bar graph on LSD... when in fact it was an illustration of the inconsistencies that make up Merida real estate taken from Google maps. As with most homes in Centro, mine is not rectangular...it's more like a trapezoid. I like the quirkiness of my house. Walls slant and taper. The footprint zigs and zags back and forth. The three of us have been talking about how we could configure the upstairs to make it functional and fit with the odd space provided. We're having fun with drawings and dreams but try as we may, it's been very difficult to see how this project is going to be achieved. Fortunately, the architect has more ability and experience than we do. He's from Merida, has worked on many homes in the neighborhood and we like his work so we have faith.
They approached me a few weeks ago with the idea of building a second floor on the back of the house. They're nearing retirement and it would give them a place to stay while visiting without us getting into each other's hair. I purposely looked for a two bedroom house to accommodate guests but this idea seems like a good one.
Fish and company start to stink after three days...or so they say. I live alone and enjoy my quiet time. I'm a very early riser and don't like the sound of a television mumbling in the background. I have two dogs. My brother and his wife, on the other hand, have been married for over 37 years and are very social people. They like to sleep late and the television is usually on (even though it's not being watched). They like dogs...but not those with a combined weight of 160 pounds.
Their idea was starting to make sense.
It would be nice to have them stay for extended periods without having to "dance" around each other and the additional space would bring in more rental income when the house isn't being used. In exchange for "air rights" they offered to finance my renovations which would help speed things along. As I mentioned before, my plans to make some repairs and changes to my Merida home are delayed due to repairs needed NOB.
Oh, and then there's the pool. They would want a pool. Who am I to complain? They twisted my arm.
The writer of my favorite Merida blog wrote about the strange shapes of properties in Centro. He included what appeared to be a bar graph on LSD... when in fact it was an illustration of the inconsistencies that make up Merida real estate taken from Google maps. As with most homes in Centro, mine is not rectangular...it's more like a trapezoid. I like the quirkiness of my house. Walls slant and taper. The footprint zigs and zags back and forth. The three of us have been talking about how we could configure the upstairs to make it functional and fit with the odd space provided. We're having fun with drawings and dreams but try as we may, it's been very difficult to see how this project is going to be achieved. Fortunately, the architect has more ability and experience than we do. He's from Merida, has worked on many homes in the neighborhood and we like his work so we have faith.
After a few weeks of mulling this over, I've decided it's a good idea. Financial benefits aside, it's very comforting to know that my family loves me enough to want to keep following me.
Our mother would be thrilled to know that her children will be under the same roof again...and playing nice.
Our mother would be thrilled to know that her children will be under the same roof again...and playing nice.
It's nice when family plays nice. Your mother would be not just thrilled but proud.
ReplyDeleteI'm also glad you found a good architect because it's so true about these tricky shapes. Pay for someone with experience. Even our experienced pros get a little flummoxed with shared walls that bow out or rocks that exist right where you needed to put a tree.
I have a friend who's an engineer in the City. He comment was ALWAYS use a local architect. You'd be starting off with two strikes against you if you don't.
ReplyDeleteClaire would be proud...and she would be reminding us to take our "medicine". Gin and tonic for the us and and an extra dry vodka martini for her!
Lucky you, we've been here almost ten years and we have gotten minimal company. I miss my family,so I migrate north like the butterflies but less often to see them.
ReplyDeleteGreat plan, plus a 2nd story will also keep the ground floor cooler! They will have the advantage of the nice breezes and if your foundation and roof is strong enough you might ever put in a small roof terrace!
regards,
Theresa
I hear from so many people that they have fewer guests than expected. Case of bringing the mountain to Muhammed.
DeleteThe monarchs fly past my house and stop by the butterfly bushes each Fall. They're so beautiful!
I mentioned a rooftop terrace. I think they would love it.
Next time I'm down we'll have to meet. Cocktails at my place!
Muy cool...I would love it. I read that the monarchs have arrived in Merida, I am looking for them in my yard
Deleteregards,
Theresa
Don't know when I'll be down next but a cool cocktail will be waiting for you!
DeleteThe monarchs float along the banks of the Hudson. Every now and then you'll see them "overnighting" in a tree.
Carlos and I are testing the waters when we are there this December... we have his sister, her husband and two kids who already bought their tickets and some friends from CA who said they are coming too! So we have gone ahead and built the casita...but now it will be a master bedroom and the guests will stay in the main house! I hope we do have lots of visitors...I have 4 sisters and they all say they are coming....
ReplyDeleteI've been following your projects...so wonderful. While we may not have as many quests as we like, at least we won't be getting in each other's way!
DeleteYou're getting down to the wire. Must be exciting.