...and the Vintage Architect adds 3 cents:

*stay where you are until Bryan finishes schooling, but continue to look around at Cleveland area options.
*using the not-so-big house ideas, see if you can buy into one of the nicest cluster housing communities....BUT have some custom features incorporated [3 car garage, floor plan mods, etc] "Money talks/ nobody walks"

It's funny to see this thread b/c I pulled out my ancient drafting board a few days ago and started conceptual planning for a possible 'empty nester' new house on the vacant side of our double lot. A design has just started to 'come together' and I'm getting excited about it. OTOH, my +1 is not at all sure that she likes the idea of 'building a house on our lovely landscaped 1/4 acre hillside'....

 

[QUOTE=paS2K,Dec 26 2005, 02:28 PM]It's funny to see this thread b/c I pulled out my ancient drafting board a few days ago and started conceptual planning for a possible 'empty nester' new house on the vacant side of our double lot.

 

Thanks for all the comments folks! Keep 'em coming. One thing that I keep reminding myself is that no decision is permanent. I remember when I was laboring over the decision to build this big house or not, my business partner told me, "if it doesn't work out, you can always sell it". That sealed the deal in my mind for me. It's the same with this decision. If it proves to be too small or if the neighbors insist on blasting old Carpenters songs then we can always move. There are lots of big houses in NE Ohio.

Someone did bring up a good point that I failed to mention in my original post and that is when Abby goes to school we are going to have to make a South Carolina vs. Ohio decision...at least for the 9 months of the school year. Unless we home school.

 

Houses and cars are similar. What you're trying to figure out in terms of your house is what I wrestled with in terms of my car a few weeks ago. I've been driving our Acura TL TypeS for the last few months as my every day driver. It is the most luxorious car I've ever owned, but also the heaviest and hungriest (except for my 4Runner). When I went looking for a new daily driver I had to decide whether I wanted to buy something similar or if I maybe want to downsize and simplify. I decided that at this point in my life, I wanted a simple, easy to own and fun to drive small car. I opted for a Civic.

I think that is the key for you too. You (and of course Suzanne) have to decide what fits you now and in the foreseeable future. Whether your current house was your dream house in the past is irrelevant. What fits you now is what you should do. That is all that matters. The past is done, plan for today and tomorrow.

You only have to consider Abby, Brian, Suzanne and yourself. If a smaller house appeals to you and works for you, that is what you should do.

The key is the "fit". Not only the physical fit, the emotional fit too.

 

You will probably find that you will spend less and less time in South Carolina as Abby continues to grow. We found that out with our house in Woodstock.

Aside from school, you will find that Abby will prefer to spend her time with her friends than at the beach. Birthday parties, soccer games, school and social activities will all become more important than going to South Carolina.

 

Orrrrrr, Abby could be like my daughter. We took her friends with us to the beach. Prepare yourself, OR. There is NOTHING like taking a gaggle of teenage girls to the beach. Last year was the FIRST time that +1 and I had a trip to the beach alone. Oh, yeah, it was nice, though. My daughter's friend who came over Christmas Eve (see post on how I spent holiday thread) was one of the kids who took several beach trips with us and she'll never forget the fun we all had.

 

Val,

I'm sure that does happen every now and again, but in general, the conflict becomes deciding whether to go to the vacation house or letting you kids play with their friends. The kids win almost every time.

 

Last time I took a gaggle of teenage girls to the beach, I was 19. Even then, I had a hard time determining if we had enough to qualify for a gaggle.

 

I take a gaggle every year, although there older now so its not that bad. But damn college kids can drink alot of beer.

Edit....IMHO a gaggle equal's 6 or more that dont belong to you.

 

Our two kids (now 22 and 32) both have a special place in their for our summer cottage....modest though it may be. We've been going there since 1974 (10 years before moving to the current 'big house') and expect to own it until bequeathing it to the two of them

Although the factor of a summer cottage along a stream in the woods has waxed and waned with their age, it has mostly been a popular place with their 'outdoors' oriented friends.....1/2 hour from the Appalachian Trail and many state parks. An advantage is that it's only 120 miles from home....much easier trip for a weekend....compared to Carmen's 'hike'