House Hunting: Urban Or Suburban Part 2

Architect Fred Langhorst, who trained under Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the suburban home that my husband and I are also considering. Unlike its urban equivalent the house is more spacious, offering 4 bedrooms, an office, 2 living room areas and 3 full baths (all of which need updating but completely functional at present). The conflict remains the same, do we take the plunge and head for the suburbs or continue enjoying the conveniences of a more urban setting. While we continue to ponder, take a peek at a modern suburban home:

House Hunting: Urban Or Suburban?

After finding out that this house was virtually inaccessible by a small rental car (let alone a mini van), my husband and I continued the search for an East Bay home.  Having spent 4 days combing the steep winding roads of the Berkeley Hills and the wide tree lined roads of Orinda and Lafayette, I'm conflicted on whether we should continue living in a urban situation similar to ours now, or to take that seemingly inevitable plunge and head out to the suburbs [!!].  We found  two great houses:  one urban, one suburban.  Each mid-century designed, one smaller , one larger.   One with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the other with a large private yard.  Take a peek at the urban dwelling we're considering, and later in the week I'll show you its suburban equivalent.

Are you currently living in an urban environment and if so, would YOU consider moving to the suburbs?

House Hunting: One With Perfect Balance

This may be the one!  I love how this house relates to its setting, striking a perfect balance between indoor and outdoor living.  Tucked into a hill with lots of level land surrounding it, it provides ample space for playing and entertaining.  The common area is large and open while the bedrooms seem cozy and comfortable.  We hope to see it next week!  So much a part of buying a house is "trusting" that whatever should be will be.  This house, while it looks perfect from afar, may not be so up close OR it may have sold by the time we're ready to purchase.  This whole adventure is about taking chances......Wish us luck!

Moving Mode: An Escape To NYC + Walking The High Line

The family took a well needed and deserved break from all the real estate preparation madness with a quick getaway weekend to NYC.   In between "open house" updates we walked  the High Line, something I've been wanting to do for quite a while now.   With original rail road tracks built in the 1930's, contemporary benches and modern walkways,  this 30ft high park strikes a perfect balance of urbanity and nature.  Take a look at the walk that both eased and inspired our minds:

entry and exit stairway

Many thanks to HK and KK for hosting us in their city!

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER OUR READER GIVEAWAY SPONSORED BY TWO TRICK PONY STATIONERY.  CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

House Hunting: Mid-Century Cool

California house hunting is revving up now that our house is officially for sale (check out the listing here).   My lastest MLS find is a cool mid-century home located high in the Berkeley Hills.  I love the views, the open floor plan and the internal courtyard.  The only feature that seems to be missing is a functional yard for the kids to kick a soccer ball around.  However, Tilden Park is located right behind this property, so we may not even need a level yard... If this one is still available when hubby and I travel to the East Bay in early May, we'll definitely check it out.

So, what do YOU think of this home?