Saying Goodbye To Heil House

NOTE: I wrote this post two months ago and forgot to post it! I couldn't resist sharing it anyway. . .

Monday, September 26, 2022

I said goodbye this morning to a wonderful 1850s historic house, a Ghost Lady, and maybe to the Ghost Cat, too. . .It's been bittersweet. . .for I had grown to love every inch of the dwelling. . .as well as all the quirky happenings that it brought. . .

It was a typical day in the neighborhood. . .Downtown began to awake from its night's sleep. . .One by one neighbors began to appear. . .Some walking. . .Some jogging. . .Some just drinking their coffee. . .I had plans to begin the change in decor inside Heil House from primitive to. . .colonial meets farmhouse. (See:  Marrying Colonial Decor With My Farmhouse Style)

But first I checked out the real estate offerings in town, just as I do every morning. . .No one was more surprised than me when I found a favorite historic home here in Ste. Genevieve on the market. . .Older. . .Larger. . .Only three blocks from Heil House. . .It was one I've all but coveted owning. . .and there she was. . .for sale. . .but how could I give up my little cottage on Main Street?????

I resisted calling the realtor for about a week. . .Then I could not stand it any longer. . .I'd been promised years ago that one day I would have the house of my dreams. . .It would be historic. . .and an I-house. . .preferably a stone I-house. . .Was it this one?

The plan was to tour the one for sale and find all the things wrong with it that I could. . .and then forget it. . .

The "best laid plans of mice and men" didn't work this time either. . .I loved it from the moment I walked in. . .It was mine. . .Now all I had to do was convince the sellers and John. . .No problem. . .I had a super realtor (Cheryl Grither). . .and a wonderful man who loved the house as much as I. . .Before I knew it, I had the home of my dreams. . .

But, as I said, today was bittersweet. . .I signed the papers on the sale of Heil House. . .It had been my summer home for four years. . .and I had loved it. . .but Life brings changes. . .in this case, for the good. . .I was moving up the hill to my dream. . .leaving with good memories and a happy heart. . .and just a few more pieces to load on the truck. . .

So. . .with only a few tears in my eyes. . .I take a last look. . .smile. . .and close the door behind me.

(P.S. We think the Ghost Cat moved with us.)

Purple Finch Is Moving. . .And So Am I

Yes. . .Sad but true. . .our neighbor the Purple Finch is leaving Ste. Genevieve soon. . .for Main Street in Jackson, MO. . .I will sure miss her. . .

Last day the Ste. Genevieve store will be open is September 9th. . .So be sure and come by and wish them the best of luck in their new business endeavor. . .

So many changes happening. . .Carla is the last of the original people who were here when we first moved in four years ago. . .Except for Sam and her three shops. . .they have all moved on.

I never thought I'd be saying this any time soon. . .but we're moving, too! . .All came about very quickly. . .I always said we'd be in Heil House for about four years, while looking for a larger home. . .Well. . .almost to the exact date, four years later we have bought another house. . . larger and older. . .but still in the historic district of Ste. Genevieve. . .

That means. . .Heil House will be going up for sale soon. . .We have a little maintenance to do first. . .but it won't be long. . .Many have wanted us to keep it to rent out or offer it as a B and B. . .but we've decided we would like to have more time to do some things we have always talked about doing. . .And there's the farm to maintain, too. . .

Times they are a-changing. . .

But that's a part of life. . .isn't it?

It has been a WONDERFUL four years. . .but now we begin a new adventure. . .

Denim In A Colonial Setting?

 Why not? 

It isn't quite as folksy as most make-dos. . .Less is more. . .Simple lines. . .bringing some farmhouse style to a traditional setting with a nod and a grin. . .

I almost dreaded covering the chair John made for me. . .It seemed like a daunting project. . .but one day while in Ste. Genevieve I finished my "chores" early and decided this would be the day. . .I have never done anything like this. . .but it was pretty simple. . .

If you like it and wish to make one yourself, there will be a DIY article in the coming Winter Issue of  COUNTRY RUSTIC MAGAZINE . . .Also a separate article on Make-Do Chairs with lots of photos. . .Watch for it this Fall. . .

Antique Mall Coming To Ste. Genevieve Soon!

Ever since the very first time John and I visited Ste. Genevieve, I have said and suggested, "This town needs an antique mall!". . .Not out of criticism. . .but only an observation there was just about everything else a visitor could want to do in an historic town. . .

HISTORY. . .ANTIQUES. . .SHOPPING. . .FOOD. . .would be the best of all worlds. . .They had three out of the four. . .

You can imagine how excited I was when I returned this summer and found it was finally going to happen. . .On top of that. . .it is only four blocks from our house! 

How much better can it get? 

Located on Market Street, literally across the railroad tracks downtown, work goes on everyday. . .The first phase is almost complete. . .and they are hoping to open sometime in July. . .

To follow the progress and for more information, go to: 

THE ANTIQUE MALL STE. GENEVIEVE

The Unique Downtown Shops, Restaurants, and Lodging

 

I have featured the well-known historic attractions available here in Downtown Ste. Genevieve many times. . .but when talking to friends, I often am asked what else is there to do? . .Where can we eat? . .Sleep? . .Shop? . .Well. . . in the downtown area there are numerous choices. . .

So one morning recently I grabbed my camera and began my morning walk. . .taking photos along the way for a sampling of offerings. . .

I love the quaint signage throughout the town. . .No big billboards to block the uniqueness of each building. . .You'll find most of the signs on the windows. . .which only adds to a nostalgic ambience found in every block. . .

Take a look and see for yourself. . .

Here are a few. . .in no certain order. . .

A lot to do in a historic setting. . .

and. . .I am living right in the middle of it!!