Home again...

So, terrible pictures I know (getting a better camera in the mail soon!! I hope) but this is our new home for a long while anyway. It was not easy to get here. We found what we thought was the perfect rental house for us, late 19th century, 15 foot ceilings, ornate moldings, marble fireplaces, everything painted white, very well worn and a bit shabby, just how I like a house. What we didn't know was that the smell that pervaded the house was not something that would go away with some bleach and a good airing. It had a terrible mold, mildew problem, not uncommon here I've since found out (there is no air conditioning anywhere and it rains alot, go figure), and we had to move out after 2 nights.

It was sort of a difficult time, worried we had made a huge mistake, etc. But, even then, I knew in the scheme of things it was not that big a deal. We found this house, it smelled good, though sort of like a grandma (I love grandmas and their smells don't get me wrong, but after the last disaster I'm just very cognisent of smells) but it took me a while to warm up to it. I love old houses, I love the old house we still have in the states, so much in fact we decided not to sell it but to rent it out, but I had to get used to the darkness of the living room and all the color of the painted ceilings, wallpaper and tile floors. I'm just used to white and light so I'm adjusting, I'm really digging it now that I'm thinking of the living room more like a library, I feel really kind of a warm embrace when I'm sitting in there reading a book at night. I'm starting to understand the darkness of Victorian interiors I think. The house is definitely calling out for some treasures from the Paris flea market though (just 2.5 hours away) and I'll just have to oblige I think.

Anyway, bla, bla about the house, Belgium is lovely, very rural where we live in the French speaking part. Lots of giant cows, stone farm houses and fields. The Belgians are the absolute nicest, most lovely, and helpful people. The kids love the big yard with the ancient weeping willow and are starting to learn some French in school. They're happy, my husband and I are happy, it was the right decision...

xoxo
Tanya

Comments

[Marsha]

Best wishes to you and your family in your new home.

S.W.A.K.

[Sweet Baby Jamie]

Tanya, your house is soooo cool! I love that entryway, the black and grey rug, the chandelier, oh my!!!!

[elizabeth]

That house is so amazingly elegant...it will be interesting to see how this new living experience may be reflected in your designing.

[Dawn]

Sorry to hear about your first try house... glad the second one is an improvement... mould is not only a bad smell but really bad for your health too.... better colored ceilings than sickness.. Have fun decorating with all that French Flea Market stuff you will surely purchase... I know I did when I was in Paris a few years back. Continued happpiness to you all on your adventures in Europe!

[Yvonne]

We almost have an identical house!! I have the same layout, doors (only mine are not that beautifully painted) and the second picture is identical to my home office only they took the fireplace out years ago. How odd!

So good to hear that you're happy and settled. let me know when you have time, only now I want to drive up to your house so I can get some inspiration as the house is so preserved and ours is so demolished. Yay for old houses.

[Rosalie]

So glad it's all good for you and your family. ENJOY your new adventure!!!

[Rebecca]

The house looks beautiful, Tanya! And the area where you are sounds so lovely! I'm sorry to hear that there was such trouble getting there - I can only imagine how frustrating that was!! I hope things continue to go well now!

[Karla]

Looks like a lovely home. So happy that you are finally getting a bit settled and feeling at home.
Karla

[Laura]

Oh my gosh, this house is remarkable. I love all the black punctuation here and there. I'd love to see more photographs!

[Zita - Mlle Magpie]

Tanya, it may not be white, but your new home has a lot of that European charm. I'm glad you're settling in - it's definitely a big move for all of you. Hey, I heard the Belgian flea markets are fabulous too!

[Modern Crush]

Yay! Happy news from a far off land<3

[beki]

All I can say is "wow".

[amy]

Enjoy this new adventure, opportunity...blessing.

[happy zombie]

I'm so glad you were able to find a new place! I'm with you on the smell thing. Our last home - that we lived in for 3+ years... I was never so happy to sell it and buy a new one (not exactly in that order)... because of the must/mold smell was too much for me. Before we bought the house we own now, my first question was "does it have forced air heat?". I ramble.

I love seeing your photos and reading about you new life in Belgium. Happy nesting! xoxom

[Virginia]

You house looks amazing! I love it. Enjoy.

[Kim McBirnie]

It's really hard moving somewhere new, starting again with finding friends, favorite shops and putting your identity on a place. We've done it several times now, and what I have learned is that for all the initial unsettlement and unease, each place becomes home in a different way, and each step of the journey gives you some wonderful memories to carry with you for the future. Keep your chin up girl!
Kim xx

[Jona]

Tanya,
It looks simply dreamy. I'm glad you are settled and your family is happy there. And now the adventure begins!

[Firefly Hill]

Oh I love it and I am so happy that you all are happy and settling in...

xo,

annie

[Erika]

How funny you describe the darkness and the paint. Although I think it is lovely in its own way I was thinking,"this is her house?":)

Enjoy your adventure and make wonderful memories!

[Beata]

So happy to see you're settling in... I'm very, very jealous!!

[Debbie]

sounds beautiful, serene and just the place to to harness more of your amazing creativity. Wishing you much happiness there!

[Stéphanie]

Hi love your fabrics!I used them in my stand display for the Country living Magazine fair in London last year.
If you are in Belgium there are some brilliant shops ( I live in Northern France and I know how hard it can be to be in a new country!)
check out this one the best for house knicks knacks and they stock lots of greengates products:
http://www.slotsdeco.be/
It is visited by lots of french parisians because it is much cheaper than french shops!
For the best gardening center, and they always have tons of things for xmas decorations (around october month) check out this one:
http://www.floralux.be/index.cfm?taal=fr
Anyway welcome to Europe, and if you need any tips on good fairs or things to visit don't hesitate to ask.

[Yolanda]

Tanya,

Good afternoon. I love, love, love your new house. I am glad that you and the family are adjusting. Good luck on your new adventures.

[Simply B]

Wow, I love it! And I just found your fabric in my local HobbyCraft; woo-hoo. So I got myself a 'Darla' fix :O)

Good luck in your adventures,

B x

[Baby Registry]

Whenever I go home, I always ask my wife for a home cooked meal and stuff.