All My Dream Homes
I talk a lot about building your dream life on here and share inspo of what that looks like for me personally. And for me at least, that includes owning and renting out certain themed homes in certain places. It’s part wealth building, part daydreams, part necessity.
Story time…
When my mum passed away in 2020 we inherited the entire contents of her 5000 sf home + things in storage…but not the home. We had just purchased our first home (no where near that size) we have it all just sitting in our basement & in storage(costing us so much money) and over the years I have widdled it down to the most important and valuable items. We have some truly gorgeous antiques and art…So we need a place to put those things. Yes we have a home but we want to be able to build a color of furniture together and not just have my mothers (albeit beautiful) things. So we formed a plan.
Our plan is to snap up a sad little gems in all our favorite places and renovate them back to their most glorious state. Fill them with beautiful furniture, rent them out at boutique luxury vacation rentals, short term rentals for photo shoots, possibly even as event spaces for bridal showers, baby showers, etc…and have a place to go visit whenever we want. This way we also get to live in all the cities we really want to live without having to justify it to our lives or ourselves to anyone else. It will just be part of our side business. …and I have since come up with a list of “dream homes” (read *goals) that we would love to design.
When I say “dream” I mean we’re actively planning to start in 2025 with our first one in Orlando. We’ll sell our current home and move. But I think it’s important to start any plan with a big dream (or goal) The plan is to give ourselves two years to buy and renovate (while enjoying living in and exploring Orlando as locals) then move onto the next home and next location on our bucket list.
So here’s my list of where and what I’m hoping to do with our lives:
🏡Themed vacation home in Orlando (I have a more detailed concept in mind but I’m keep that to myself for the moment)
🏡A modern moody colonial in Williamsburg, VA
🏡An ultra feminine shabby chic, cottage-core shack somewhere in New England or Charleston
🏡A moody A Frame in the mountains by a lake…no idea where yet I have just always LOVED A Frames. Very inspired by @ChrisLovesJulia A Frame (RIP-photo not of theirs) How gorgeous would it be for Christmases?
🏡A cool low key beach shack on Sanibel ,St Simons Island , or Folly Beach
🏡A flirty classic palm beach inspired bungalow (another idea for Charleston)
🏡A 20s style Tudor bungalow in Carmel or Indianapolis -my husband’s company is headquartered between these cities. He is a young executive there and travels there often. He plans to spend the rest of his career at this company so having a small home base as he spends more and more time there will be so much more comfortable than staying in the quite limited options close to the office. They have such gorgeous little quirky tudors with original quirky details. I’m actually really excited about this one
🏡An industrial post in Atlanta -we currently live in Atlanta. We have a great group of friends who live here and want to to continue living here. My husband want to college here. We will be back on a seri regular basis once we live. So eventually having a home base here will be really helpful. Plus I have ALWAYS wanted an industrial loft. There’s no shortage of them here and would be a perfect short term rental when we’re not in residence
🏡A townhome in Washington DC -our ultimate goal for our “forever home” where our kids will grow up. Our home base. But we have to wealth build to get there. These are all part of the plan to get here.
#Lemon8Diary #Dreamhome #dotsonsdoorlando #storytime #lifegoals #financialfreedom #moneymaking #passiveincome #vacationhome #exteriordesign
What does your dream home look like?
Creating your dream home involves turning aspirations into actionable goals. This article reflects on the journey of designing unique vacation homes across various locations, focusing on tips for effective planning and execution. For instance, starting with a clear vision is essential; consider the character of each location, whether it’s the coastal charm of Florida or the historic elegance of Virginia. Collaboration with local craftsmen can enhance the design, making each space not only appealing but also culturally resonant. Renovations should balance aesthetics with functionality to cater to both personal enjoyment and rental opportunities. Moreover, understanding local market demands will optimize the use of each property as a short-term rental. Consider trends towards themed rentals that capture guests' imaginations while providing comfort. For example, a coastal shack might incorporate surf culture, while a colonial-style home could reflect historical elements captivating a different clientele. Financial planning is crucial; establish a budget that accounts for both renovation and maintenance costs. Engaging in market research to assess potential return on investment fosters informed decisions that align with your wealth-building goals. Moreover, ensuring the home’s design appeals to travelers can elevate its attractiveness on rental platforms. As you embark on this journey, don’t forget to document each step. Sharing your progress not only motivates you but also connects you with a community of like-minded individuals pursuing their dream homes. What themes or locations resonate with you? Explore these ideas further to craft not just houses, but homes filled with stories and memories.
