It's December 3,
and the imposing holiday rush
can be felt here! Are you feeling it too?
Cannot seem to get my act together
just yet for some reason.
(Okay, there IS a reason.)
This year my decorating will be a little bittersweet
as memories of Christmases past
will flood my mind and heart.
You see we plan to
put this big old Polohouse
on the market in January,
so this will most likely be
our last holiday season here.
We have been here nearly 14 years and
as empty nesters, we are feeling
that it's time to pass the torch
and share this wonderful old historic home
with another family.
It is such a great house and needs to be filled
with little voices and running feet,
barking pups and frisky kitties.
Truly a fantastic home, neighborhood, and town to raise a family.
It has been such a passion and a blessing
to own and decorate and LOVE
this old polo barn house.
I love every quirky inch of this home.
It has become such a part of me
and my entire family for that matter.
It's just THAT kind of house -- it hugs you
each time you walk in the door,
super cozy and comfortable.
It leaves a lasting impression on your heart.
Not many houses affect people like this one.
It is special!
So I thought I would share my holiday decor
once again as I get my act together here.
It will be slow going but will pick up after next weekend.
Jenn, my antique business partner and I
take part in a 3 day holiday boutique.
We fill it with collected holiday inventory for sale
-- car loads of antiques and vintage pieces.
If you are in the Chicagoland area next week,
So stay tuned for new photos to come.
And let me know if you want to buy this house!
Would love to have it go to a blogging friend.
:)
20 comments:
What?! Say it ain't so!! However, I do understand the desire to move on. I know that you have lots of wonderful memories in this house: and I have enjoyed following along. I know that you will create new memories wherever you decide to go!
I knew this was in the future, but reading that the decision has been made has me feeling a tad sad, Alison. I can only imagine all the emotions wrapped up in this decision. Moving on to a new chapter is positive and exciting though. You will find another to make a new home that will be uniquely you. Oh, how I wish I could fly to Chicago and see the Polohouse just once. I love your description of how Polohouse hugs you the minute you walk through the door.
Have fun decorating this year. I know it is bittersweet for many reasons. Not having Hallie by your side being foremost. It goes without saying that I'm a fan of your style. Our home is a small 1930s, but it has a charm of its own too. I do think houses have a soul. '-)
All the best to you, dear friend, as you chart the new journey. Happy Holidays!
Oh, wow! What a journey you're embarking on!
I'm sure this WILL be a bittersweet Christmas for you and yours...
It's been SO much fun and so inspiring to peek into your lovely home with its unique and special decor.
Wondering what will happen next and looking forward to knowing where you "land".
Have a most blessed season. Treasure each moment.
And best wishes on your Christmas sales. I can imagine how beautiful your show will be ♥
I just finished a post, where I shared some photos from your home. I truly know how you're feeling, Alison. We moved on a few years ago, and downsized, but it was time. Knowing the right time to make a change is heartwrenching, but comforting too. A home, changes us and we leave something of ourselves behind, but we take the memories and love for that place with us. Many blessings to you and your family. I hope you'll share with us, as you make changes and grow in the near future. xo Debra
It's a bittersweet time, isn't it? We are in the same boat, having been here in this home 30 years now. It's hard to make changes..but who know what adventures are ahead! Your home is so beautiful...someone will be very blessed to find it. Looking forward to seeing your decorations!
Oh Alison, How exciting for you to turn a page in the book of life to find a new adventure awaiting! Yes, you will leave the home where your family grew but you will always have your memories. I'm sure you future home will be as exciting in it's own right as you put your love and soul into making it special. I look forward to your holiday posts. Happy December Alison.........
Oh wow! That is a bittersweet time you will have this Christmas Alison. I hope a loving family will buy it and enjoy it as much as you have. Keep us updated on what happens. Have a wonderful last Christmas in the Polo House. Blessings, Pam
I'm sure this is a huge decision and I wish you the best! Sounds like you and your friend have a lot of fun with the vintage and antique resale!
I so know what you mean on all counts...with lots of travel last month, I am a bit behind on the Christmas decorating and we are also ready to downsize....We actually have been empty nesters for a long time, but time to think about having a smaller place with less maintenance...Oh I am sure this will be so bittersweet for you...You have a most gorgeous home and property and so well loved through the years.
I look forward to your Holiday decor as always!!!!
Oh Alison, yours was one of the first blogs I started following. I just love your home and the fantastic way that you decorated it. I'm sure your style will help sell The Polo House quickly and "for top dollar". I wish I could come to Chicago for the event next weekend. I actually WILL be in Chicago visiting my son and his family for Christmas but too late for the event. I hope that you keep blogging so we can follow you in your new adventures!
Alison,
I know you will put your magic into any home, apartment, yurt, or castle you live in! Your taste and your belongings are so incredible. We, too, are putting our home on the market in the spring. Like you, we just have too much house for our stage of life. I have no idea what's next! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas season.
Linda @ A Toile Tale
Alison,
I love your home and if I lived in the area would be sorely tempted, but not really because we face the same possibility as we think of less maintenance. I know by your incredible style that wherever you move next, the same warmth and love will appear in your house.
Best to you during this bittersweet time...I hope you'll take us along with you when your move. I'm certain your home will sell very fast, anyone would be lucky to own it.
xo,
Karen
I wish, but I'm not certain I could survive the winters. Your home has always been one of my favorites in blogland. Good luck with the sale.... xoxo
Thank you for sharing your Polo House with us over the years, Alison! I've loved every photo and every blog, but mostly I've loved your warmth and graciousness that have made the Polo House the "home" that it is. You are an inspiration to me and to so many of us who appreciate and admire your style.
Christmas blessings to you and your family,
Charity
Oh my - so glad I read your post and did not just look at the pictures this time :-0 - I am shocked and saddened to have you leave your house - I understand and know you will feel the twin stirrings of the excitement of a new beginning along with the loss. But it just feels like there has been too much upheaval this year - I want everything to stay still and the same. but I guess that is impossible. So, of course - I wish you well - can you do a coffee table book of your interiors with the history of the house and farm? I would buy it!! Karen
Your beautiful home has always been one of my favorites. Thank you for sharing it with us over the years. I am sad to learn you are moving but I am also happy for you! Change can be good and I am sure you will make all kinds of memories in the new place! I hope you will continue with your blog and share your new home with us when you are settled in. I have always enjoyed your style and the way you make your readers feel welcome. Your lovely personality really comes through in your writing. Best of luck during this very busy time!
Cheers!
Shelley
I JUST found you, and now this....I'm so sad. Will you continue blogging? I certainly hope so, or if you are 'retiring', please leave it up for us to go back and read back issues. Best of luck to you.
Allison,
Your blog was one of the first I found after joining Pinterest a few years ago and it is one of my absolute favorites! You have done such an amazing job on your home - you have put your heart and soul into it, and it shows! Merry Christmas to you and your family and remember, the best is yet to come!
Oh my, it must be so hard thinking of leaving this beautiful home. You'll find another amazing place to put your special touches on.
Blessings,
Cindy
Whoa, you are going to sell this gorgeous home??!! Oh, my, but I truly understand the need to downsize and wish I could get my husband on board, but nope, we are staying and updating. I know you will truly miss your unique gorgeous home!
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