Our first year at the Thistle Hill Ranch has just passed. It's been an amazing year here. There's so much we've accomplished, and so many projects we've finished. I'm so happy we made the desicion to move here, even though we've had so much to learn, in a short amount of time. My Grandpa used to say, "If you Love the Place, It Doesn't Feel Like Work"!
The before and after of the property is shocking!
Here are a few before and after photos...
The House~
I love this little '80's ranch home, but being on "the ranch", it doesn't quite fit in with the overall plan we have for Thistle Hill.
The plan is to have this home, and the new home blend. Not to mention, all of the out buildings too.
Let's Start With the House...
The brick, and black shutters, (shutters on the large window also, not being quite to scale), give a colonial feel to the home.
Here are some before pictures of the house.
{Side Note:My Father-in-law helped us with tree trimming, fan installations and shutter removal and building new ones! Poor guy came for a visit and we put him to work!}
I couldn't get over all the mud robber nests behind the shutters...YUK!
We capped the black turned posts with cedar. We will clear coat them to protect them from the elements, but keep the color.
You can see a glimpse of the new shutters.
You will also notice in the before picture the large bushes in the right front corner, are . It really made the house seem larger.
Our new umbrella on the back patio, to cut out the intense sun and heat. The patio deck will be getting a paint makeover too.
The painting of the brick, shutters, door, and deck start tomorrow...if it doesn't rain. It's like Christmas! I'm so excited!
The Pond~
This was the pond last year. Overgrown plants draining the water, an old dock, and a several year drought, took its toll on this 1/4 acre pond.
What a difference a year makes!
Look at the fence line in comparison. The water is almost to the top!
We have plans for a small dock, and fishing shack for fishing tack, and a little more shade. Maybe in a year...
The Barn & Corral~
It was full of snakes, and bunnies!
Recently, as of a week ago, barn fans installed!
Don't judge the mess, HA! This is also part of our storage until the house is built.
The end result...Sandy & Baby Koa enjoying the breeze!
I sure loved seeing the new barn sign in the winter too...Goose Bumps!
Next was Tree Trimmming...
We now understand, that this ranch chore is never really finished.
The picture below is showing the overgrown juniper bush, ivy, and other bushes. From what we could see, it had railroad ties on one side. We later discovered, they were all the way around.
Three hours later, all 4 of us, a tractor and a chainsaw later, it was all gone! Glad the boys are old enough to help...it sure went by fast with them.
Inside Our Home~
Not the greatest lighting in the pictures, but it's a peek inside.
If you follow me, you know I'm compelled to change in my decor. So this is the latest change. I moved the shedding plant to my patio. I was tired of cleaning up leaves. You can catch a glimpse of the before, in the above photo.
Entrance~
Dining Room
Preston's Bedroom
Landen's Bedroom
Not a fan of ceiling fans, but it's staying. Notice the printer in the corner, that's on my desk/ side table. We were really pleased at the size of this master bedroom. It's very comfortable and has an ensuite bathroom.
So what's next?
There is just so much on the list! New house, arena, and barn to build. Not necessarily in that order, but that is on the top 5 of the triage list. We just keep plugging away!
The Summer includes homeschooling a bit this summer with Math, and workbooks to keep their minds going. Horseback riding lessons continued, and fishing, fishing, fishing.
This was during Grandpa Ralph's visit...can you say "Boy Heaven"?
My Favorite!
Hope you had a great 4th of July! Last year we celebrated at The Whitesboro Rodeo. This year at home, at Thistle Hill Ranch.
Check back soon for the pictures of the AFTER on the house!
Have a Great Week!
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