A Positively Perfect, Renovated A-Frame Home in Oregon
Name: Liz Nelsen
Location: Hood River, Oregon
“My husband Andy and myself along with our two daughters Penelope and Isabella moved to Hood River, Oregon about a year and a half ago from San Diego with the dream to buy land and our first home,” describes Liz Nelson. “We initially found our home in May of last year but it took several months before we closed after waiting for the subdivision of the property and a ton of contingencies. We moved into our house October 1st after closing mid-September and have been nonstop with home renovations.”
“I was driving out to Odell, which is another small town not too far from here, to bring my two toddlers to the playground when they were fussing and crying in the backseats. I pulled over in front of a Windermere sign and followed the road, which lead me to the most interesting little red house where I was able to take the girls out of the car and have them run around for a while (get them to stop crying really). It turned out this little red house was an A-frame on five acres (we bought two and a half acres).”
“I had never seen an A-frame in real life and it was in very poor shape with nothing inside but plywood floors, green shag carpet, dark veneer paneling and a very small outdated kitchen and a bath with a pink cast iron tub with matching toilet and sink but I was instantly in love! I get butterflies thinking about it to this day and it makes me that happy that it’s ours.
The transformation has been drastic for not doing much but adding wood floors, painting the interior and updating the kitchen. The only real renovation that involved completely gutting was the shower/tub area in the bathroom. It’s been non-stop but we’ve never been more tired or happier! We’ve done it all ourselves too, between both of us working and raising two kids. Not saying that to brag but to share that if you really want something and it’s been a dream, you will put all your heart, sweat and tears into it. It can be done!”
What’s the last thing you bought for your home? This wall art is my absolute favorite. It’s simple yet has such a powerful message that I strive to live by. Whenever I see it, it motivates me and inspires me to do just that, work hard and be nice to people.
Another favorite piece is this rug. It’s beautiful! I absolutely love the rich colors and it just has the best reds. It’s affordable too and it’s probably the first thing people compliment on when they visit. Highly recommended.
If you could magically change something about your home, what would it be? It would be the kitchen. It’s so tiny and all we did was get new appliances, remove a few cabinets and paint. But it would be nice to do a full remodel and new everything. Tile backsplash and farmhouse sink.
What is your favorite room and why? Oh boy all of them!! No seriously. Ha! Okay if I have to choose it might be the upstairs bedroom and king bed. It feels so warm and cozy at the very top of the triangle.
Any advice for creating a home you love? Go with your gut. Don’t cut corners and put your heart into every decision.
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