(In writing this post I realized two crazy & amazing things: one - I have been writing this blog for EIGHT YEARS now, and two- this is my FOUR-HUNDRED-AND-ONE post! Thank you to each and every one of you who have followed our journey for years, to the new people who arrive each day and to that group of crazy ,wonderful readers (you know who you are!) who have told me they've gone back and reread the WHOLE blog from the beginning. A couple have even done it twice!!! I swear some of you know more about the house and the renovation than I do!! You are all so dear to me (and Dan,) and you are probably tired of hearing this, but I am just so grateful and thankful that you are here and are part of our journey. I so appreciate that you are interested in our house, our life and our rescue pups and that you allow me to share it all with you by reading, following and commenting.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. xxo
Since I showed you fall "outside" the farmhouse in my last post HERE, I thought you might like to come inside and have a look around.
Welcome, come on in...
The entry chest has a collection of antique and vintage Italian alabaster fruit. The large apples and pears are a rare find. I found one of the large pairs at an estate sale in Dallas many years ago. They were some ridiculous price and I carried them through the whole sale knowing if I put them in a "save-pile" at the checkout someone would grab them- they are super heavy and I remember my arms ached for days from carrying them all around the sale! The things we do for love!!
Antique alabaster pendant fixture found at the Paris flea market.
And, this wider view which shows the fireplace lit.
I had lots of "assistants" helping when I was taking photos as you will see:) This is Louise.
This is a great shot to show how beautiful Benjamin Moore's Pearl finish is on ceilings. To read more about this favorite detail of mine HERE.
Photo assistants Louise and Ella taking a break:)
Sweet Louise
Sweet Ella
Sweet, and oh-so-funny & silly, Magnolia
I changed out the fishing floats for the season for my beloved piece of Colorado forest wood- story HERE.
The reading room is such a cozy fall room. The feathers in the plant in the antique urn were all found over the years on the property.
Slightly different angle showing the antique Italian case piece.
Closeup of the bookcase. Story of the antique door HERE
Several pieces from our collection of antique tortoiseshell.
As I was taking photos for you the sun started going down. This is how the reading room looks in late afternoon on a sunny day.
Love the shadows in this photo taken a bit later. The light draws you in and you just want to sit here at this time of day.
A closeup of the antique and vintage Italian alabaster fruit on the entry chest of drawers.
Miniature white pumpkins on the kitchen fireplace mantel.
I kept the island cleared off for the summer, but once fall arrived and I started cooking more I felt the need to have "my things" back on top! Usually there is a puppy in the dog bed (and no, I am sorry I do not have a source for it, as I've had it for probably 20 years now. It belonged to our first rescue, Kelsey.)
I've replaced the natural linen sink skirt with a pea-green ticking stripe which I love!
View from the kitchen through the courtyard to the front meadow.
"And that has made all the difference"
Iron bird in the original stall window in the barn mud room.
Thank you for visiting; I hope you come back again soon;)
Joan, So thankful that you started blogging eight years ago! Your my absolute favorite blog. I honestly say this out loud at times when trying to make a decorating decision...."I wonder what Joan would do?" Ha! Happy Fall! Robyn
ReplyDeleteI think I can be there in about 11.5 hours! I sooooo love your house and your touch with accessories. I think your parrots are my favorite. After the dogs, of course. Thanks for showing us around and happy blog birthday!
ReplyDeleteHi Joan. I am a faithful follower of "For the Love of a House". It is my favorite blog and a treat to read and view. I do have a question. It appears that maybe there are window treatments on the living room, dining room, and reading room windows. I have tried to enlarge the image and check it out, but to no avail. I am especially curious because at the moment I am in need of something that is simple and unobtrusive, yet can offer privacy. There could be a blog post here - what you recommend for window treatments. Thanks for blogging. Deb
ReplyDeleteI have the same question about the window treatments!
Deletehi Deb/Anon- Good eye- yes, I do have window treatments in those rooms. I don't need them for privacy, and in fact don't used them all summer, but need them in winter for keeping the heat in the house, since the windows are the original antique windows (with storms on in winter, but still not 100% energy efficient.) I pull them down every night when the temps turn really cold. Like you Deb, I wanted something simple and unobtrusive. I chose the honeycomb shades that allow light in, but offer some energy efficiency. These have the string pull since the ceilings are tall, but I do have the cordless type in the barn half bath that you simply reach up and pull down. I have been very pleased with both types for how they aren't noticeable but yet offer privacy (barn bath) and hold the heat in.
DeleteThanks so much for taking the time to answer all the questions that arise in the comment section. Last year we had soapstone counters installed in our kitchen and that was partly due to your informative posts on the subject. I also went through all of your responses to the soapstone comments and it helped me feel secure in making that decision. So now I'm deciding on window treatments and I appreciate you sharing about your honeycomb shades. Oh - and I do love our soapstone counters! Thanks again.
DeleteYour home is gorgeous. It looks like a magazine spread- except better because it looks well-loved and lived in. I wish I could be transported into that stunning reading room and while away the hours admiring all your treasures. I also love that your dogs roam free throughout every room and hang out on the furniture. I am considering adopting a dog after reading about your furry family members. How do you keep your home and furniture so clean and intact with dogs? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
ReplyDeleteThank you Danielle for your lovely comment. I am thrilled to hear that you are considering adopting!! It is such a wonderful experience for you and the dog. These girls fill our hearts with joy every single day. In regards to your question. I have a vacuum on each floor and one in the barn room! The dogs are only light shedders but that said I do get hair in all the usual places on the sofas/up the risers on the stairs. I simply vacuum, maybe twice a week and vacuum the furniture they sit on (I also vacuum the coverlet on the bed since they all like to hang there during the day.). I dust using a Swiffer hand duster which picks up the hair instead of just moving it around like a feather duster does. We also keep a towel at the door and wipe their feet before they come in if it is wet/muddy/snowy outside. When we first adopted Magnolia and Louise didn't understand what the heck THAT was about;) but quickly learned the routine and now wait while I call them one at a time to wipe their feet wiped and let them in the house!
DeleteIf you have any other questions Danielle, please feel free to email me (email on the sidebar) as I am happy to do anything I can to assist in getting a dog adopted!!
I just love your home! It just feels like I could move right in and feel completely at home, cozy, beautiful, relaxing and some place I feel like I could put my feet up with a cocktail.
ReplyDeleteI have been a follower for several years (and I am one of your readers who has gone back to reread all your posts). I love your sense of style and your love for rescued dogs. I refer to you as "the woman who lives in New Hampshire whose blog I love" when I tell my friends about something you've written. Your pictures and posts are a ray of sunshine every day.
ReplyDeleteYou have a simple and natural touch with bringing autumn in, Joan, and I love that. This enhances your home and makes it warmer and cozier. The views outside your window are so lovely! And the pics of your furry friends...you got me!
ReplyDeleteJane
This Robin is also so glad you started blogging- I have followed from your beginning, and your renovation has coincided with ours'. 8 years- wow- congratulations. I am one of those readers who have read and reread every post. Your version of fall is breathtaking, inside and out. Indeed, Happy Fall to you, Dan and the girls...
ReplyDeleteYour are part of my daily reads for many years. I always love reading about your sources, as your home is so warm and inviting. I recall buying those beautiful candle dip bulbs and the dimmer! (now where did I put that? lol)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your "fall" home. It's making me feel warm and "cozy" on this Friday :)
Hey where is the barnroom!?!? ;) I love your house! Every little piece of it, and I am in awe of how you can capture in photo the warmth and inviting nature that it has in person! Stunning in every way, Joan, as per usual! Love the table in the reading room and remember the story that goes along with it, really wishing that I hadn't sold my caribou antlers now, and jonesing (jonzing?) (JOAN-ZING!!!!) for a trip to NH.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
A
hi Artie, As Nathan noticed on IG I was late switching out the barnroom to its winter wardrobe;) and just a couple of days ago got the rug switched out so it didn't make the photo cut:):)
DeleteCongratulations on eight years of blogging! I have enjoyed your blog so much and reaped the benefits. ;) Your fall decor is beautiful inside and out. Those alabaster pieces in your entry are fabulous. What a find!! As aethetically pleasing to the eye as your house is, it is your stories about each piece that makes them lovelier. And of course the people (and fur people ;) ) who truly make it a home. Your love for life and beauty comes through each post. :) Thanks for continuing to share with your readers.
ReplyDeleteYou have such a beautiful home! I love your sense of style and the warm inviting feel to your decorating. It felt like I was visiting someone special up in the Northeast during this beautiful time of year. I wish it looked like that here in the south. It's not near as colorful here!
ReplyDeleteAs always stunning, hope all your feathers are from a turkey and not raptors. Congratulation on eight years of blogging. I day dream of sitting in your home and chatting. You photo assistants are always... adorable.
ReplyDeleteYours is the antithesis of today's one-note, theme driven decorating that we see all over blog-land. I love stopping over and resting at your house. It brings back such longing for my beloved New England. There is no place like it. And your home does it such credit. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYour home is so warm and welcoming! I love that your dogs have the run of the house!! Looking forward to your holiday posts!
ReplyDeleteI love getting that email telling me there is a new post up from you. I guess because it is always such a treat to see your home and your pups! Your home looks wonderful...as usual. And, love the stories that accompany many of your finds. It makes a home come alive! Next time, maybe you could show us the barn room? Enjoy your day! ;)
ReplyDeleteJoan, I'm always amazed at the new details I find every time you publish photos of your house. It's as if the very best design book has come to life. I'm also one who rereads the blog on a regular basis. Whenever I have a design dilemma, I go back to your rooms that correspond to mine and there is always inspiration to be found. Thanks again for sharing your road less traveled. Debi
ReplyDeleteamen to all the above.
ReplyDeleteI love your home in any season, Joan, but especially in Fall. Now that I no longer live in the Hudson Valley, I have to enjoy Fall decor through your beautiful taste and always elegant choices. I fear most Fall decor would look inappropriate in SW Florida no matter how elegant it is so thank you for sharing your always "pin worthy" home.
ReplyDeleteI love your design style and home, but most of all I love the fact you let your dogs on the sofa! You are a person after my own heart.
ReplyDelete...as always so so lovely...inside and out...still love thinking..."this is how the light streamed through these very windows for the farmer at the end of his day"...so happy to have taken the road less traveled with you...blessings...and love...laney
ReplyDeleteThis is just so beautiful, Joan! Congratulations on your blog and thanks for the perseverance to keep it going. I am one of those who always enjoy your posts and have been around for a while. I love your style - your use of antiques from various sources and eras, your display of natural foraged elements, the textures, the subtle colors. It's never too much or overwhelming, yet it does make a statement. Your antiques are not stuffy, nor are they so precious that they are intimidating (and you're great at finding a bargain!). Yet they have a graceful elegance. There is so much in decorating blogland that is repetitive and derivative, or either a more trending modern garish style that does nothing for me. You have remained true to your style. I love your old house and the beautiful nature that surrounds it. Your house speaks of serenity, love, and happiness. And of course I love that you share your life with rescued dogs. My house in any way doesn't look like yours, but I find inspiration here. My little log cabin in the woods in the mountains of NC has some grace notes that just may be influenced by your eight years of blogging. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI just love visiting your house in any season. Thank you so much for asking us in. xo Dianne
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love reading your blog so much so that I tried to convince my hubby to move to your State. As much as I love your blog, I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE reading about your dogs. Someday I will send you pictures of our two rescued pit bulls that are the loves of our lives. Patty
ReplyDeleteJoan did you ever read Dee Hardee's "View from Thornhill Farm" in older House Beautiful issues? You are our Dee Hardee today!
ReplyDeletexo Dianne (again)
My heart skips a beat when I see a post from you in my inbox! I absolutely LOVE your amazing home, evvery single detail. The iron bird in the stall window is perfection. Your antiques are also amazing. I wish I had known you way back when I was a young bride and trying to figure out my "style". I would have looked for antiques. But, I am SO fortunate to have inherited so many beautiful things from my in-laws. They are MY treasures. Have a beautiful day, Joan. Happy blog birthday too!!!!
ReplyDeleteJoan & Dan and girls,
ReplyDeleteI love your home year round, but there is something so cozy and inviting about your autumn house. My favorite room is either the reading room or the kitchen, not sure which---oh, but I also love the barn room. :-)
The sweet dogs just melt my heart with their darling faces looking so earnest.
Enjoy the weekend and thank you for letting us visit your home indoors and out!
Karen
I couldn't agree more with all the previous commentators.... In every single one of your beautiful photos I find something to praise, to cover, to simply enjoy, to ask questions about.... (THAT would be annoying for you, wouldn't it? - Like, why are those sinks always larger than any other kitchen furniture? Would drive me nuts - and I too have a huge sink but not in the kitchen - in the basement bathroom.... ) I love, love, love your dogs and the freedom to road about and take possession of your 'furniture' - you MUST be a good person. I love your style, your thoughtful and loving deco, your furniture, the green bowls, the 'everything'. I love your photography and send you a very big hug of congratulations and love and thank-you for your 8 yrs of blogging - I have more than seven years to catch up on - ain't I so lucky????
ReplyDeleteLove your blog posts and your beautiful home. I have recently tried your Fabulous Pot Roast and the Italian Sausage soup - both were amazingly delicious especially since there is a chill in the air in Virginia. Please share more of your favorite recipes.
ReplyDeleteI feel happy whenever I see pictures of your beautiful home! All your rooms give off such a cozy vibe and those assistants of yours are so precious! Every home needs a dog...or two...or three...
ReplyDeleteShelley
Lol! I always say- Dogs are like potato chips, you can't have just one.
DeleteJust stunning. Here in Australia we don't "dress" for the seasons, apart from Christmas. But it is nice to be bringing in the first roses at the moment.
ReplyDeleteHappy Autumn - Thank you for the walk through, I love to see your pups relaxing all over your home! Thank you for the Butternut Squash recipe, the soup was wonderful!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely, thoughtfully designed home you have Joan! I can tell every detail was well thought out and reflects who you are. Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI meant to mention on your last post that like you, I thought the drought would cause the leaves to not be very vibrant this year, but it turns out the opposite is true. Who knew??
I loved every single photo in this tour! Now I would like to go back and linger over each one for just a little bit longer!
ReplyDeleteI think I have read all your posts, although I did not comment in the early days. Love your pics and your carefully chosen decor. So happy Ella has playmates and her life, as yours, so blessed. Happy 8th anniversary. Bravo and he's to another 8. Much love Lillian aka starched linen xxx
ReplyDeleteThe way you were able to catch the light in those photos is spectacular. I could just envision myself setting in those rooms. Lighting can truly make a room. And your home is both bright and cozy at the same time. Elegant yet inviting. Rural yet sophisticated. And most importantly, full of love with those sweet girls. Those faces! They melted my heart! I have one question: the basket of what looks like oils and vinegars next to your stove. I've noticed these before and wondered if you had any favorite cooking tips or ingredients or recipes to share. It sure looks like you could whip up some cozy fall meals in that kitchen.
ReplyDeleteThank you Michelle for your beautiful comment. I have only started posting a few of my favorite "go-to" recipes, and want to post more. To find them you can always go to the sidebar and under topic of interest click on "recipes." Here is the link.... https://fortheloveofahouse.blogspot.com/search/label/recipes
DeleteI like the idea of doing a kitchen/cooking tips/ingredients post, so I will work on that, thank you!
I've been following your blog for five or six years (and have read all your posts from the beginning). Last week I saw a photo of your kitchen on Facebook (on some design magazine's page) and recognized it instantly. My first thought was, "Oh, that's my friend Joan's kitchen!" Thank you for inviting us into your exquisite home and making us feel like we are all your friends. Much love to you, Dan, and the girls.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love that! I feel like we are all friends too. Thank you!
DeleteAbsolutely love your home. Such a welcome change from all the fly by night disposable design all over the blogosphere and on HGTV. A home that is built over time and full of love and memories, and where each piece tells a tale is the best kind of home.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen your home look lovelier. I am so grateful that you write this blog and share your life with us.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how you feel like you know someone just from following their blog?! I've been a part of your journey for about the last 5 or 6 years and love seeing your beautiful home. The fall decor is just perfect! Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteJoan, your home is absolutely stunning and I'm so glad you are continuing to post and blog. I started following you about a year ago and am so happy you continue to post! Thank you for sharing paint colors and other sources of inspiration. We recently updated our kitchen and I used your beautiful home to provide creative ideas. Thank you and I look forward to seeing more.
ReplyDeleteLove hearing that Barbara, thank you!!
DeleteSeeing your home in photos is like visiting a friend's home that you've been to many times. I feel as though I've walked through your rooms, sat on your sofas, petted your three sweet pooches. I am one of those people you mentioned who has read through your blog from day one. It was a pleasure to do so. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with all of us, Joan. Kisses to Ella, Louise and Magnolia.
ReplyDeleteClaudia
I have looked at these exquisite pictures over and over. Your attention to detail is simply amazing. Thank you for sharing your home with us. Delightful!
ReplyDeleteI just found your lovely blog from Cabin & Cottage. Your home is amazing. Love it! xx Jo
ReplyDeleteWelcome Jo! Lovely to have you here!
DeleteHi Joan. Photos and home are beautiful. And as you know, I enjoy the same as you here in Vermont, seasons that is. I love my home, but yours is to die for. That being said, what struck me this time was your quote about the road less traveled. Joan, I honestly feel that way, too. I just returned from traveling in the south and I was so enjoying the weather where I was and the lovely home of relatives, and part of me says we're going to retire here. But when I returned home to Vermont, something always, always pulls me back here. What is it? Sometimes I feel like everyone else is retiring to the south, maybe we should stay north?? The road less traveled. Anyway, any comment you could help me with on that would be much appreciated, either here or private. You have my email. Thanks so much, Joan. Bev
ReplyDeletehi Bev! The south IS wonderful filled with beauty and history and gorgeous homes. Knowing that you live in VT I would just make sure you visit the area in all seasons of the year and for several weeks in a summer! The weather is extremely different and not something you might like after living in VT. You might though, so I would just experience it and weigh the pros and cons of summer vs. winter in both locales. It's a truly personal preference and thankfully we are all looking for something different or we would all live in the same place! lol!
DeleteYour home is stunning, Joan. The love and care you put into it is well represented. I love the lighting in all the photos, too. All the beauty so well captured. I also have a question about the basket of oils. I find that my bottles collect oil rings on the bottoms which of course transfer to the shelf they sit on. I now place an old plastic measuring cup or paper cup under the bottom to protect (now the floor of the pantry) where they sit. Does you basket have a lining to protect it or do you encounter this issue? I've wiped the bottles clean before putting away and I think the issue comes from the caps. Thanks for sharing your home. It all reads Happiest of Fall.
ReplyDeletehi Nicole, I don't have that issue and the bottles sit directly on the basket bottom. In thinking about how you are getting oil into the cap I am wondering do you shake the bottle before using? Otherwise I can't think of how oil would get into the cap??
DeleteHi Joan, That was just a guess! I really have no idea how the bottles become oily. I don't shake any of the oils. :) ~Nicole
DeleteMy comment was swept away before I added my name! (I asked the question regarding the basket and oily bottles.) :) It's Nicole.
ReplyDeleteI have read your blog from the beginning also and am also thrilled when you post. Your house and property is so incredibly beautiful and full of the most wonderful treasures. I'm so glad I found your blog. Best Regards, Wenda
ReplyDeleteI don't even know what I like best other than the pups and they are always so sweet to see in your photos. Our kitchen does that lovely light progression in the afternoon and I love it, too. Here's to another eight years!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tour, thanks so much for sharing. The 3 pups look so happy to be "assisting"! :) The pearl finish ceiling is a detail that brings a surprising amount of charm & warmth to the room. I hope to replicate that finish on our ceilings in the home we're currently remodeling (if we can get the plaster smooth!). Your blog is really special to me and has been quite influential on my design choices!
ReplyDeleteI painted the ceilings of my library, dining room, and now foyer (my One Room Challenge, pics up Thursday!) based upon your home. Never would have thought of it myself, but everyone who comes notices the glowy ceilings! You are a genius!
ReplyDeleteDo you sew your skirts for under your kitchen sink yourself? I've been looking for one.
ReplyDeleteI do! Super easy. Just remember to wash the fabric prior to sewing, so when you go to wash later it won't shrink. I do about 2.5 times the width of the opening and it is mounted on a spring rod.
DeleteCan you show me a close up shot of your crown molding? Did you buy or make it? Also did you use plinth blocks at the base of the door trim? My wife and I simply love this house. We are remodeling ours and we decided to use the Grey Owl color. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteJeff, send me an email at fortheloveofahouse@comcast.net and I can send you photos. I'm assuming you are talking about the molding in the living room/reading room and not the kitchen?
DeleteThat is original and is hung down from the ceiling.They would then attach brass clips to the molding and hang artwork/mirrors/etc. from the clips using cording so that they wouldn't have to damage the plaster walls.
Oh, and no... no plinth blocks at the base of the door trim.
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful home! The combination of marble and soapstone in the kitchen is just perfect!
ReplyDelete