New Home - First Looks

This photo just screams "Hi, I'm a homeowner!" -- if Richard ever decides to go into the real estate business, I've got the perfect publicity photo. Can you guess what's in the mysterious red folder?

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Outside view -- to the left is the house, to the right (out of view) is an identical unit. There are three smaller townhomes at the bottom of the driveway (which leads to the back of the house and the 1 car garage). For a sense of perspective, the top (maroon colored) level is the master suite / office level, the middle level is the living space (hardwood floors)... and the fence shelters the small, but reasonable yard area.

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Another view of the house from outside / front. Note the other townhomes peeking out in the right side of this photo and the driveway running toward the back. The home was just finished and didn't last long on the market... Oh well.

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Not really the most exciting view from the back... but I guess that'd be the neighbours problem, ehh? The garage door is open and fits a one car garage. The main entrance is the white door on the left. From top-to-bottom: Office window, powder room window, garage / entry.

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We're now on the bottom level, outside in the front yard. This is the sliding door that leads into the guest room on level one. Eventually you'll see a hot tub in the space to the left in this photo... but let's not get ahead of ourselves. For now this area is nice, simple, yet functional. If you look through the door you can get a sense of perspective for the guest room. Inside and to the left you can see the closet door open and directly ahead is the door leading to the rest of the house. Potential concern: Will guests be TOO comfortable? :-/

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Inside the guest room, facing back and to the right.

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Guest room. The door on the left is for taking care of business the door on the right is where our mothers will store their crap. What's the going rate for rent on a heated closet these days?

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Guest room closet. This photo is upside down. sorry. and of course, I could flip it... or you could tilt your head 180 degrees. You'll look silly, but that's not my problem. I promise you -- the closet is right-side-up in reality.

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Here's the bathroom off the guest room. There's a tub in it too... perfect for guests. This bathroom has an extra bonus feature: It stops working after a guest has been there 3 days... crazy!

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Another view of the guest bathroom from above. I need a wider-angle lens... (another gift idea!) WAIT-- there are more photos... click the ">" below to go to page two. :-p

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Leading out of the guest room toward the entryway. Watch your step...

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Stairs leading upstairs from the entryway... please hold the handrails and hold small children by the hand.

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These are the stairs on the south side of the living / dining / kitchen floor (two). To the left (and out of view) is the kitchen, to the right (and behind) is the fireplace / living room.

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Bar goes here. When we first saw the house on Friday -- the doors were off. In other words, they're removable! Figure a mini-fridge, a small sink (ideally), storage for wine, liquor and stemware. Once the bar is complete, there'll be a "stock the bar" party. Or a drive to the nearest California Costco... both?

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This is Richard's room... err, the kitchen. The kitchen will need a refrigerator (to hold the mixers, of course) if anyone knows anyone with a Home Depot discount or that is itchin' to buy an expensive housewarming gift? The gas range will get lots of use by the master-chef owner, and there is sufficient counter space and lots of storage. Add to the wishlist: barstools. There's a dishwasher to the left of the sink... can't remember if there's a garbage disposal or not -- but it'll be an improvement over either of our current kitchen sinks!

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Fridge goes here. duh.

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Fridge goes here. (again, duh)

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Kitchen close-up. Spacious work prep area and gas range. Lots of outlets.

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Here's the amazing living room shot from the kitchen. The front of the house is out the windows ahead. As you can see, there's plenty of room for big-screen plasmas and comfy furniture. Shopping spree!!

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Close-up of the fire place... wanna bet it never gets used? ;-)

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(not-so-secret) Agent Alex and Richard review paperwork in the kitchen while Brian takes more photos. Note the fashionable floor-protective runners along the right side. To the right is a set of fanfold double-doors... that'll become the bar (Brian's room). A closeup of that area when you click on the next photo...

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Sink and view out kitchen window.

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Now we're back upstairs (level two) on the small patio (for a small BBQ?) just outside the living space. It took awhile, but we found a balcony Brian isn't scared to go out on.

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Future home of washer and dryer. Sponsors welcome!

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Master bedroom. His and his closets. One for my clothes and one for my shoes. (Not quite sure where Richard thinks he's storing his clothes... but that's another story.) Cute little balcony for watching sunsets and stuff, and a skylight that you can see the light from. (right under the "b" in the watermark that I don't know why is even there...)

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The other side of the Master Bedroom. Fun, huh?

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This is the pass-through bathroom. Going left-to-right: doorway from the office, linen closet 1 (of 3), sink 1 (of 2), mirror... the photo was taken from just inside the door that leads from the master bathroom. To the left (out of the frame) would be the bathtub, linen closet 2 (of 3) and the toilet. In case you wanted to know.

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Inside the office (still on level three in case you have a short attention span), there is a closet. This is that door.

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More office. Mostly a useless photo, but oh well.

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Better photo of the office windows.... There's a lot of carpet to be vacuumed. :-/

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Another office pic. I think I was trying to get a sense of perspective.

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This is the view out the office window. Not too exciting but also not a million dollars worth, either. :-)

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This is the powder room down just off the kitchen. Don't forget to wash your hands!

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Is it me, or did Brian ALREADY fall asleep in the master bedroom? (I'm 5'12" if you were wondering, the opening under the window is slightly larger than that. Perfect for a bed.

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Side of the house. Not very useful, but it's there. :)

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