Are you ready for the final installment in our Sunnyside Manor introduction? Personally I think I’ve saved the best for last. I hope you’ll agree.
If you are new to the blog, you can catch up on the first two parts HERE and HERE.
We’ve covered the exterior and basement in Part One and the upstairs in Part Two. Today’s post is all about the main level … the “heart” of our home.
Won’t you come in?
Entry / Foyer
When you enter, the main stairway is to the right (left in the above photo), the dining area is to the left (right in the above photo), and the family room is straight ahead. The above picture is more current than the one below. You’ll notice a couple of things have already changed!
Dining Room
Looking from the entry into the dining room.
Looking from the family room into the dining room.
Family Room
The french doors go to the back porch. The door on the right, to the guest bedroom and bath.
Guest Suite
There is a wonderful guest bedroom and private bathroom off the family room. It’s not huge, but it’s comfortable and cozy. I’ve already started making this room special with a Vintage Dresser and a beautiful Postage Stamp Quilt.
Mudroom
When our realtor asked us for our “Top 3” can’t-live-without items, a mudroom was on that list. This space doesn’t have a whole lot of bells and whistles, but there’s definitely room to work with it. This room has a half-bath, the back stairs to the master suite, and the door to the garage.
Kitchen
I must be honest here … when we walked through the front door and our eyes fell on this …
… all we could utter, barely, was “SOLD” … which was quite difficult since our jaws were dropped and we were pretty speechless.
OH MY GOSH!
HOLY COW!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
insert shallow whistle …
UH-MAZ-ING!
It was that day, standing behind this island, rubbing my hand over the gorgeous granite, that the thought of “this would be an awesome house to blog about” popped in my brain.
Let me introduce you to our three new friends, “Frizzy”, “Fridgy” and ” Miss Jenny” …
They’re gorgeous … they’re mah-vo-lous, dawh-ling … and I need y’all to pray that they never, ever, EVER break and/or fall apart ‘cuz the thought of the cost to replace them makes me cringe. Like the Pottery Barn bathroom vanities, if I were building a new house, these babies would NOT be on the list of appliance purchases. But, thankfully, they came with the house and we are so incredibly blessed!
You can see in one of the pictures above that there is also a fireplace in the kitchen area. I wasn’t so sure that I was thrilled about the placement of it, but, as it turns out, it’s perfect. We spend a lot of time gathered around the island, especially in the morning when we really enjoy the heat on those cold days.
See the door to the left of the fireplace?
That’s a room …
probably my absolute, most favorite room in the whole house …
it’s a PANTRY!
And don’t ask me why, but for some odd reason, I don’t have a picture of this room. So you’ll have to trust me …
It’s 8′ x 9.5′ and does exactly what a pantry does best … store food! It’s the perfect spot for all of our counter-top appliances as well.
I’ve said it before and it will bear repeating again, and again, and again … this house is an absolute gift from God. We are so incredibly blessed and humbled to have received what, in our minds, is an amazing earthly treasure. We are not, by any means rich or wealthy. We would never have been able to purchase this house at it’s full market value. God brought extremely incredible circumstances together for all of this to happen. It was not by chance … it was definitely by His divine appointment. Maybe one day I’ll be able to share the entire story. But for now, all the glory goes to God and God alone.
Well, that’s it! You’ve seen just about every one of the almost 5100 square feet of our house. So, are you ready to come along and join me as we finish off a few things, tweak a few others, and make this house our home? I can’t wait to share it all with you!
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
… Romans 8:28
Sharing this post with …
Strut Your Stuff Saturday @ Six Sister’s Stuff
It’s a Saturday Sharing Day @ Pigtales & Quilts
Get Schooled Saturday @ Too Much Time
Show & Tell Saturday @ Be Different Act Normal
Overflowing With Creativity @ It’s Overflowing
Weekend Wonders @ Love and Laundry
Finding the Pretty & Delicious @ Your Homebased Mom
Your Great Idea @ Or So She Says
Saturday Show ‘n Tell @ Cheerios & Latees
Make the Scene Monday @ Alderberry Hill
Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House
Making the World Cuter Monday @ Making the World Cuter
The Stroll @ Cedar Hill Ranch
You’re Gonna Love It @ Kathe with an E
Pretty Things @ twelveOeight
Transformed Tuesdays @ PJH Designs One-of-a-Kind
Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Such a lovely home. We have been looking for a home and when I saw your foyer, I thought why can’t I find a home with a foyer like this. Most of the homes don’t have any foyers at all. But then when I saw your kitchen I thought you have found an amazing home. Congratulations! I hope you have many years of enjoyment in your new house.
Patty at Home and Lifestyle Design
Patty,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I was having one of those “Why did I buy this house … It’s too big … It doesn’t have enough walls … How do I decorate this space … etc. etc.” kind of days when your comment came through. I really do love our home and am having so much fun coming up with ideas to decorate it. If only I had the budget to do it all!
Looking forward to sharing for many years to come …
Hugs & Blessings …
Lani
Lani,
I have so enjoyed reading your amazing story and touring your new home! Congrats on the move. I was raised in Virginia before moving to SC in the late 70s. Your home is amazing! I am your newest follower! Look forward to getting to know you! Big Welcome Hug to Blogging! Christy
Hi Christy,
Thank you so much for your kinds words 🙂
I look forward to getting to know you as well!
Hugs & Blessings …
Lani
I’m feeling guilty. Guilty with jealousy! Your home is BEAUTIFUL! I made my way here from your guest post on Artsy Chicks Rule. I sooo look forward to seeing all the creative things you do with all that space! I have a link party every Monday that I’d love for you to check out. It’s still live right now. I’m your newest follower!
Have a happy day!!
Brianna
Thank you so much Brianna! You are too kind 🙂
I’ll definitely come for the party! Thanks for the invite
Hugs & Blessings …
Lani
Hi Lani, I just wanted to stop by and tell you what a gorgeous house you have! I look forward to following your home improvents and DIY’s! (came to you via Nancy at Artsy Chicks Rule)
Hello Dria!
Thank you so much for stopping by! I look forward to getting to know you and visiting your blog as well 🙂
Hugs & Blessings …
Lani
All I can say is WOW ~ your home is the house of my dreams ~ what a true blessing!
I just found your site from the Facebook Google+ share on Not Just a Housewife. I was curious by the name! Now I am TOTALLY COVETING you house! I love it! Must repent of coveting! Houses are a love of mine and my husband, but unfortunately we are in a less than 1000sqft apartment right now. We too are trusting God fully for our future and I know He has great plans for us. I hope it includes a house like this too!! I also dream about blogging from the house of my dreams however I think that may involve us moving to another state….just like you did, as we currently live in California….and that kind of real estate cannot be purchased with a Pastor’s salary!!!!
Looking forward to connecting with you….and seeing the house transformation…..not that it really needs it!
Hi Ruth,
Thank you so much 🙂 The purchase of this house was a total gift from God. There is no way we could have ever purchased it without His provision. Keep on loving your little apartment and God will continue to bless you abundantly.
Hugs & Blessings …
Lani
Your home is beautiful!!! I see why you love your appliances, too. Who wouldn’t? I found you through Diane at An Extraordinary Day, after only having found her last week. I started my first blog almost a year ago, for family and friends. What I call my full-time blog came into being about 6 months ago, so I still consider myself a newbie. I’ve enjoyed spending a little time here today, and I look forward to seeing your future posts about all the things you’re into. Love the vintage stuff!!
Blessings!
Kim
Good morning Kim!
Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such a nice note. We love our new home!
I’m looking forward to visiting your blog as well.
Hugs & Blessings …
Lani
I’m so glad you found this amazing house and you are sharing with us. My jaw would have dropped too!
Wow. It’s STUNNING! I can’t wait to see what you do with it!!!
Lani, your our most clicked link this week at Transformed Tuesday! Congrats and thanks for sharing.
Hi Peggy!
Thank you so much for letting me know! I’m honored 🙂
Hugs & Blessings,
Lani
Hi Lani,
Your home is beautiful and your kitchen is Ah-maazing! Love the fireplace in the kitchen and the island is to die for! Gorgeous floors and I love the french doors. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful home with us. I’m so glad you joined us this week at Transformed Tuesday.
Hugs,
Peggy~PJH Designs
Thank you Peggy!
We are really enjoying it here. So much to do to make it ours … don’t know where to start!
Hugs & Blessings …
Lani
Holy Cow! Your kitchen is gorgeous!!!!! Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off of the floor! Thank you for sharing this at the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
I’ve really enjoyed getting the grand tour of Sunnyside Manor. The home is nothing short of beautiful. After you shared the Pottery Barn, I kept thinking how God gives us the desires of our heart. I’m so glad for you! And I have to agree, that kitchen is jaw-dropping.
Thank you so much Sharon!
It is wonderful when He gives us our hearts desire, even when we sometimes don’t know what that desire is! This is so much more than we could have ever dreamed of.
Hugs & Blessings,
Lani
Wow, wow, wow! I can only repeat what you said about the kitchen — it is amazing!
Drool worthy. Love, love, love. I can’t wait to see how you decorate it!
How lovely! The kitchen would have sold me on the house as well 🙂
Oh you are right, Holy Cow, this is fantastic. I love that kitchen. Stunning. Congratulations on your new home. Hugs, Marty
Absolutely fabulous! Love the changes, and the kitchen is to die for. The new color choices are just so warm and cheery. You are truly blessed. Can’t wait to see more.
Ah-mazing!! I LOVE your kitchen. Anytime I look at houses for sale, the first place I look is at the kitchen and I would be sold on this one too!! Congratulations and I can’t wait to follow along 😉
Jamie ~ somuchbetterwithage.com
Lovely home!
Selene @ restorationbeauty.com
Bonjour!
Like you I think that chance had nothing to do with you getting this amazing gift.
I think that your house is so beautiful. Thank you for showing me not to forget that when we follow Him we are winning all the way.
(Can’t wait to see your pantry !)
Chantal
Is not our God just SO GOOD!? Am joining in your joy as I hear you testify to His goodness & greatness. What a beautiful place…and a mud room and pantry (especially one for all the counter top appliances to live in) is a very worthy goal. Looking forward to watching you put your unique stamp on this home.
I was impressed with the light thru the house before you led us to the kitchen. Oh my goodness. I did not think it could get better. What a wonderful house.
Hi Lani, your home looks beautiful and very big…I can;t wait to get updates on what you are doing…new follower..greetings from WA
Oh my!! your french doors are gorgeous!! well the whole house is! Can I move in? LOL
I love your blog! Hope you visit and link sometime-http://atozebracelebrations.com/2013/03/link-party-every-tuesday.html
Nancy
Sew happy for you and your family! Praise the Lord!
Thank you so much Lorna.
Yes! Praise the Lord!
Blessings & hugs …
Lani
I am speechless! What a kitchen!! I am going to have house envy now and can’t wait to read more. Take care. Chel x
Thank you so much Chel!
You have a beautiful home as well, and oh my gosh, the thought of living in England makes me tingle! I’d love to visit there … definitely one of my dreams.
Blessings & Hugs …
Lani
Yes your home is gorgeous, and that kitchen would sell me too! In fact… it did. Our new kitchen will be similar. I’ve order a similar frig and freezer, and range. The island is going to be big and with a similar countertop. Fab home. Yes God is Good!!
Oh Anita! How fun, fun, fun for you! I’m so excited to follow along with you. The countertops are not white. They are more of a tan with black, brown and a few red flecks. Oddly, it’s the same granite that we put in when we remodeled our kitchen in California the year before we moved.
God IS good … ALL THE TIME!
Blessings & hugs …
Lani
Love, LOVE your house, and especially your kitchen!! I’ve order a frig and freezer almost exactly like yours, and the range should be about the same too!! Is that white granite on the countertops? We’re getting white granite, so I have to ask. So do you just love
Wow! I would have said sold after seeing that kitchen too. I followed a link over here to see the window cornice. It looks like you are taking them down though. I’m looking forward to browsing through your blog.
Hello Marti,
You’re so sweet!
We did take the window cornices down. They were a bit to cottagey for the decor direction we’re working on. I have saved them, though, just in case! Our styles are always changing, aren’t they!
Blessings & Hugs …
Lani