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If you haven’t heard yet… we’re moving! And, I’m sharing photos of our new house HERE FIRST with all of you! 

Our garden this summer

Terreeia and I have been thinking about building for years but haven’t done much about it other than look for real estate. 

And, we still haven’t been in a big hurry to move because we so love this rancher. It has so many memories and has held so much joy!  I love that it looks EXACTLY like I want. And my garden, especially this summer, has never been more beautiful. Our Lucy loo has never been more beautiful either 🙂

We’ve decided to keep this place and put it up for rent for November 1. If you know anyone who wants to live in Yarrow, contact us! 

Why are we moving?

Both Terreeia and I have NEVER lived anywhere more than four years, and three times I’ve had to move from rentals that I’ve lived in (way before I was ready to move) because the homeowner decided to sell it.

When I was having this conversation with my business coach, and also sharing how I not only over-renovated the interior, but ripped out the landscaping and starting again outside.

“He said wow, you had to move 3 times? That alone, is very traumatizing to your system because as a woman, security is very important, so basically with this house, you peed in every corner, THIS HOUSE IS MINE!! he stated. I laughed, that is 100% true.

I think I’ve also been blocked in some way. The house we’re in now is too small for us and has been for a few years.  Also, since I’ve become obsessed with dressing with colour since the beginning of the pandemic, my closet is also waaaaaay too small. 

And I also realized one reason why I often had nothing to wear was because I’m a big purger. If I don’t think I need something, out the door it goes to whoever is nearby.  

I realized the advice that fashion stylists often give “If you haven’t worn something for a year, get rid of it” is wrong. Consider you don’t have anything to go with it. 

I had this problem constantly, the minute I’d get a bunch of new clothes, I would purge an equal amount. At the time, I had no idea that I was shipping off to the Sally Ann, burgundy pants that might have been perfect with the new orange blouse I had just purchased (for example). 

Dressing with a commitment to wearing colour also means you need selection. Bottom line, we were busting at the seams.

One day I shared this with my coach and he said “Maria, get a storage space–lack of space creates repulsion” Wow, you’re right I said, I immediately rented a storage room last year and BONUS, last fall when Abbotsford had that bad flood that almost came to Yarrow, our crawl space flooded. But most of the stuff I had been storing down there had already been moved to the storage room, meaning, I didn’t lose anything but a few empty boxes that were left down there.

Anyway, one day my coach called me and said “I’ve been meditating on you and I’ve decided you cannot build, you need to find a house you can treat as a project which you need for your business, start looking with intention!”. A week later my sister sent me this listing and I immediately KNEW, this was our house! It’s 4 minutes away from where we live now!

And, it’s a MIRACLE that there are so many things I like about it ALREADY.

Are you ready? Keep in mind it looks a lot bigger just like all listings do because of the wide angled lens all real estate agents use. Also these are the same photos from when the house sold 4 years ago. It was rented out then and now the trees in front and back of the house are overgrown and need to be removed immediately. 

Also the gardens are untouched, they will need a similar overhaul to what we did to this house.

Read more: The Problem with Wide Angle Realtor Photos 

Yes it has a pool. And yes it was built 11 years ago in the Tuscan trend. It needs a lot of paint!

This house was built by a couple who had 23 grandchildren. It has 2 playhouses in the backyard along with a full size playground.

Inside there’s a huge entertainment room with another full size kitchen on the second floor.  (Yarrow doesn’t have basements because we are on the bottom of a lake). We can hold a colour workshop for 20 people up there. Terreeia can hold her own cooking class as well.

We are so excited!

First look at our new home

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It does not have 3 garages (above). The one on the right is about half the size of a garage, it’s a storage room.

I love the windows (below). And the staircase isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty simple and would be way at the bottom of the list of replacements. 

I do not love the taupe tile but it would be a project for down the road. Not an emergency either.

 

I like the cast stone fireplace. 

Too many cheese lights of course but I will have to ignore those.

Read more: One more reason to Skip Recessed Lighting Altogether

And look at this kitchen! So pretty! Timeless marble backsplash with white quartz countertops on the island. 

The countertops on the perimeter are a violet grey quartz. They will need to be replaced, as well as the lighting of course. The cabinets will be painted.

There’s a butlers pantry straight ahead.

Here’s a sunroom off the kitchen.

Here’s the bedroom. Kind of cavernous feeling. It needs a canopy bed. I like the moulding, I don’t like the shutters at all. They block out the MOST amount of light than any other window covering. Good for hot climates, period. 

The bathrooms are all Tuscan. I actually don’t understand how the primary bathroom could be this modern and, well bad, given how pretty the kitchen is, but it will be a project too:

This trend continuing from the 80s I will NEVER understand. Who wants doors that don’t close in the BATHROOM. 

This means, you get out of the shower, the room is COLD. Same for when you’re in the tub. And look at the placement of this tub??? What the heck? Anyway, this room will need a complete overhaul as well as DOORS. 

This is a workout room that is off the very small closet. This will be turned into a proper closet for me! Woo hoo. 

This will be Terreeia’s office. It’s right beside the front door.

Again do not be deceived by all the wide angled photography. This laundry room is a lot smaller in person.

This room above the garage will be my office.

There’s an overdose of taupe in this house. As was typical in the Tuscan trend.

A Jack and Jill bathroom in between two of the bedrooms. 

And here’s the large entertainment room upstairs. Those three openings will be drywalled over immediately. 

The fireplace will also need work. The TV will need to be moved into millwork on the right side. 

This is the view from this room:

Here’s the upstairs kitchen. It will need paint and I think those uppers on the left should come down. And the window only on one side bothers me too. 

This is the pool house.

This is a playhouse, could be a chicken coop.

We will need to hire a full time gardener/handyman/painter.

And here’s the cute red barn along with a greenhouse! Terreeia is very excited!

The playground is in the middle of this photo, kind of hard to see.

This is a playhouse as well at the very back of the 2.2 acres. It has an outhouse.

So there’s the tour. And yes, I’m leaving my stunning garden, but now that you’ve seen the photos, you might understand why. We are so happy and grateful to have found this house!

Can’t wait to hear your comments! Did I mention I was completely out of projects in this house! Now I’ll have endless projects to share with you!

I’m currently in Vernon for a few days with my Sisters and Mom! 

We snapped a pic because we matched the table and each other!

PS. Still looking for a Junior Colour Designer for our eDesign department, see the job posting here.

Related posts:

500 White Tulips for Mother’s Day

New Video; My Colourful Home Tour

My Living Room Makeover with Ballard Designs

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138 Comments

  • Ryan says:

    Although I love your little rancher, this is exciting! It looks like a beautiful property, congratulations to you two!

    4
  • Lesley S. says:

    Stunning already! Can’t wait to see where you’ll take it!

    1
  • Vee says:

    Gorgeous! That land is what my dreams are made of.

    7
  • Ellie says:

    Congratulations, it is a stunning property although I can’t fathom needing that much space for two of us (disclaimer though: I’m more into a simple living lifestyle😁). I love the statement pendant lights over the kitchen island. My favourite room is the sunroom – I think I’d spend most of my time in there 😍
    I can’t wait to see what you do with your new home.

    2
    • Gloria says:

      I agree, Ellie! I have downsized from 3100 sq ft to 1765 sq ft and my very favorite room is the sunroom. I bought very comfy furniture for that space and haven’t done much yet to the rest of the house!

      Maria, why do the kitchen cabinets need painting? They look white/cream to me. Lovely space and how fun to have some new projects and more needed space. :). Congratulations!

      12
      • coco says:

        I was thinking the same thing! I know Maria loves color but she speaks so often about using a neutral, timeless backdrop and decorating with color. The kitchen seems the perfect canvas for that. But if anyone can improve on that gorgeous kitchen it’s Maria. Can’t wait to see what she does.

        3
      • Susan says:

        Maybe after 11 years they need “freshening”? And for sure, that island needs to be painted!

        2
  • Koel says:

    Wow the ranch looks lovely but will miss seeing your lovely cottage and garden as well! Would love to get tips on handling maintenance of the place as you go about your projects as well

    3
  • Tina Meyer says:

    It will be somewhat sad to leave the house you have just finished so beautifully, but, I must say, the one you intend buying is also just lovely. I know for sure that you will make a great job of the changes you plan on and I wish you well in your endeavours. The house looks just great as it is but taking it out of the Tuscan trend, I know will look even better. I look with anticipation on seeing all the changes you will make and cannot wait to see your beautiful newly decorated home.

    I wish both you and Terreeia good luck with your endeavour. Well done to you both.

    2
  • Crysta says:

    Wow, wow, wow. I am going to miss your house now but I can see what you have purchased this beauty and cannot wait to see the changes you make. It’s lovely Maria.

    1
  • Crystal says:

    Wow, wow, wow. I am going to miss your house now but I can see what you have purchased this beauty and cannot wait to see the changes you make. It’s lovely Maria.

  • Lea Reardon says:

    Hi Maria.

    I’m so happy for you! What a gorgeous place!!!

    3
  • Karen says:

    I am thrilled for both of you. It is a beautiful place with enough changes and work required to keep you busy, and we readers entertained, for a long time. Another journey we can share with you.

    3
    • Kathleen Richardson says:

      Now that you’re not in a ranch, and this will be your beautiful forever home, I strongly advise you find a spot to install an elevator
      ( large enough to also have space for a walker).
      Now is the time to do it. It will be such a great convenience taking things up and down, for guests that have mobility issues, and in case you sprain an ankle, or heaven forbid need a knee replacement, etc..

      20
      • Kathleen, You make a very valid suggestion about making the place mobile for the future and guests that may need it today.

        Maria, Color Wheel sales must be great! This new place is fabulous and a smart investment. As it will function for both business and personal needs. (You could stay in the ranch and rent this as a conference center and event venue.)

        This will be an excellent case study for your followers. A real life lesson in design. I look forward to learning from you how to establish priorities, design selections, budgets, contractor selections, quality control and make compromises. It will be a fun and beautiful journey!

        7
      • Cyndia says:

        Great suggestion. After 50 we all need to start thinking about ways we can continue to age well in our homes, or if we can’t, look for somewhere more accessible. I’ve had two knee replacements, and live up two flights of steps. At 63, I can still get up and down the steps easily, but I can anticipate a time when either I or my husband can’t. Already several of our friends with health issues can’t do the stairs. We are looking at installing a tube style elevator to accommodate us all so we won’t have to sell the house we’ve loved for so many years.

        3
      • Elizabeth Schilling says:

        I do not think this can be said loud enough!! Our joints can be very unforgiving as we age!

        2
  • Kim Johnstone says:

    Congratulations- it looks gorgeous. How fun!

    1
  • Sharon Abel says:

    Congratulations to you both! When you’re so excited about what you are moving to it is easier to leave behind a home that you have loved. The memories go with you and wow….what a stunning property you are going to! Breathlessly beautiful! Love the expansive yard, pool and pool house! Really looking forward to watching you add your personality to this next adventure.

    1
  • Tracy Wagner says:

    I love it!!! Lucky you the kitchen isn’t heavily Tuscan! I can’t wait to see what you do with it.

    1
  • Sarah says:

    That is a magnificent house and property! I’m soooo happy for you both!

    I’m a little nervous about the long-term rental idea bc you love your existing house so much, and it would take a very unique tenant to care for it like it deserves. I have both long-term and short-term rentals that I manage myself, and I wonder if your existing house would do well as an STR instead. The biggest benefit is the frequent turnovers (getting eyes on it often) but the income is better too. I’d be happy to chat if it helps. My IG handle is @sarcamada

    5
    • Robin Williams says:

      I think this is a good point. If your original home is kept as a short term rental your lucky Color With Confidence attendees might have the privilege of staying in a Maria-decorated space! What a great way to reinforce the lessons! Will you offer the classes more frequently if you are using your own space?

      5
      • m in HI says:

        I agree. Many people that travel to see Ree from Pioneer Woman stay at places she has fixed up in town. Or those that travel to see the silos for Magnolia, aka Joanna Gaines do likewise. You could have both properties. If I hadn’t moved to my dream place, I’d volunteer to be your pool girl and live in the barn (as long as there’s a full bathroom there, wink). Definitely have a primary room on the first floor with a master bathroom that has wheel chair accessible door widths and perhaps a wheel in shower or walk in shower. I had a small episode of sciatica nerve this last January and was so grateful I didn’t have to do any stairs while recovering and doing physical therapy for the month.

  • Mayra T. says:

    Maria, what a fabulous find! The new house is lovely and will look amazing as you update and make it your own. It has great architectural details and plenty of room. Your current garden is pretty and I have no doubt that the new garden and backyard will be stunning. I swooned over the sun room. Gorgeous! Congrats to you both.

    1
  • Shelly says:

    What a beautiful home and property! Something for all of you including lots of running space for
    Lucy. I’m looking forward to all the updates.

    2
  • Carol M says:

    Wow! Can’t wait to see all the changes you make on your new home. Congratulations and I look forward to following the progress!

    1
  • Tara Hughes says:

    Oh my!! Absolutely lovely! I can’t wait to see what you do with color to make it even more spectacular! Congratulations!

  • Bonita O'Neill says:

    I can hardly wait to see the changes you make to your beautiful, new home. Congratulations on your new purchase. Wonderful new adventures in decorating.

  • Holly says:

    I’m so happy for you and Terreeia! Having plenty of space to work from home is a dream come true and very smart! Cudos to your “coach” for calling that one out!

    Loving the beamed ceilings and can’t wait to see what you do with the renovating. Congratulations!

    1
  • Amy Birdsall says:

    Congratulations! Such an exciting project! I bet your family will love coming over to swim!

  • Linda says:

    I can’t wait to see how you transform this home. I love the kitchen and sunroom! How exciting!

  • Linda says:

    Congratulations on the purchase of your new house! It looks amazing! How does the square footage of the new house compare to the square footage of your old house?

  • Maureen says:

    Congratulations! What a beautiful home you two have found. And what a gift to your blog readers all your projects will be. (Although It is already spectacular even if you don’t do a thing.)

  • Penny Smith says:

    Fabulous property for you both! Look forward to seeing the transformation. The timing seems just right for you and Terreeia. I also moved too many times. Finally made my new house my own, thanks to your e-design team!

  • Kelly says:

    So happy for you and Terreeia on your new journey together! I know you are happy that it is close by also. Love the little red barn- how cool is that! Lots of land for your nephews to run and play. Perfect. Best of luck to you, you deserve it! xoxo

  • Carol says:

    We have only 1 acre, and lately I’ve been thinking I could replace our full time gardener, me. The new home is beautiful.

  • Alison says:

    Goodness, I did not see this coming but none the less how exciting for you both. I love your energy Maria. Whilst many of us are downsizing you are brave enough to do the opposite. Looking forward to seeing what you do with this house.

    1
  • Kate says:

    Congratulations, Maria and Terreeia! Beautiful home and property. It will be so fun to follow along.

  • Candice Hill says:

    Oh, Maria and Terreeia….it is gorgeous!!! I’m so excited for you!!!! A perfect fit!!! It looks like it was meant for you!!!! I love it!!! You are going to have so much fun, fixing it up!!! Congratulations!!! Love, Candy ❤️❤️❤️

  • Yippee I’m thrilled for you to move!! Life is a book with many different chapters – as a new one starts for you, may you find joy, laughter and peace!!!

  • SharonJ says:

    Wow! Just wow! Congratulations! It certainly has all the makings of a ‘forever’ home. I can’t wait to see what you do with it!

  • Marcia says:

    Congratulations! It is a stunning property! I can’t wait to see how you transform it with your unique style.

  • Cheryl says:

    POOL SAFETY ADVICE: Lucy needs to always get out of the pool, using the steps.
    Never lift her out of the water from anywhere other than the steps.
    She MUST know that the only way out is using the steps. If she remembers that you lifted her out of the deep end, she will swim there to be lifted out, whether or not you are standing poolside. She will love having a pool!

    The home is spectacular! Anxious to see it become “Timeless and Classic”

    17
    • Ana Maria Suarez says:

      Good info Cheryl. My guess is she would be supervised most of the time but God forbid she jump or fall in the pool unsupervised. Her breed mix is def a water loving dog so yes Maria may want to consider dog friendly life preservers etc.

      3
      • Cheryl says:

        We had a 4-pound poodle who we always monitored when she was outside. But once, I opened the back door to let her out before leaving for I had to leave for a few hours. I put my shoes on, then went back to the door to let her back in. She had actually fallen in, but knew to swim to the steps and she was fine. Scared me, but she knew where to go to get herself out.

        5
  • Lauren says:

    This is so exciting! I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you do with this already beautiful home! And I predict goats in your future!!!!!

    1
  • Jane B says:

    What a great series of projects to look forward to — for you, to plan and execute, and for us to learn from. Congrats!

  • Betsy Suposs says:

    Love, love, love it!! What an amazing property and house for your both! It has all the good basics in place, perfect, so you can personalize it just like you want. It’s a good move! Congratulations!!

  • Kristin says:

    Just curious what it is about the stairs and kitchen cabinets that you don’t like?
    The kitchen is gorgeous!

    4
  • Jan Taliercio says:

    Congratulations on your new project and home, Maria and Terreeia. We are all so very happy for you both❣️ The dream that you have been building is yours!

  • Penny says:

    Congratulations! A beautiful property with great bones. Looks like a “forever home”! I can already see your Mum in that sunroom. I really hope you find good tenants for your current home. Just a word of caution . . . I am sure the two of you treated your rentals as if they were your own but in my almost 20 years of having three rentals, 90% of the tenants do not. Looking forward to following the changes you make!

    4
  • Amber says:

    Congratulations! This house seems like it well-built and has so much potential. I can’t wait to see what you do with it.

  • Maggie S says:

    Congratulations!! You have worked very hard and it is wonderful to see you stepping into your success!
    I know you will make it even more lovely than it is

  • Samantha Ley says:

    Beautiful house and property! Much congratulations! Very exciting

  • kathleen says:

    “Peed in every corner”! Exactly right! This is our 3rd real house, & in our sixties, we designed & built it to be our last, thanks to your blog. We built our 1st in 1977, sold in 1997, bought another home in 97 & sold in 2020 after a full renovation. Built our current home in 2021, gonna stay here 4ever, I hope! Your new place looks perfectly sized & laid out for what you need in your lives right now. Congratulations on finding it, & looking forward to following your journey.

    1
  • ashley says:

    Love your new home!!!!! I bet your nephews will love the pool, too. I see a sauna in your future with one of those buildings on the property. Most of all, I can’t wait to see how you change the styling to your fresher and more colorful palette. Congratulations again!!

  • Rory Vanlandingham says:

    How beautiful! I can’t wait to see what you do with it. That kitchen is lovely. Are you just painting the island cabinets or are the white cabinets not the right white? And you will love the pool. We just bought and moved into a new house and it’s the little upgrades that make my heart sing – bigger closets, yay!

  • Arlene Shields says:

    When you mentioned a new house I wondered about you moving away from
    your Mom and sister. Perfect you still live close to them. Enjoy you extra space. 😘

    2
  • Diane says:

    Just moved last week. It has NOT been fun. Unforeseen issues took months & $$$$$ to rectify. Bought at the peak of the RE market, last March. Maybe should have downsized more, but the view is beautiful and I’m near my sons & 5 grands. (23 Grands!!!! Yikes).
    Must focus on prepping & selling other house. Ugh.

    This is already fabulous and will get even better with your talent and knowledge of all the right people for the jobs.

    BTW…I SO agree with not throwing out timeless pieces. It’s bad advice. My home is seriously lacking in adequate, usable closet space. And the long hall has so many lights it’s like an airport runway! Need a great electrician/handyman!

    Congrats to you & T! To find a magnificent place so close is a stroke of luck!

    3
  • Maria what a fun project, enjoy making your new house a home you will love. Back before we bought our first house, when renting, I use to move every year, saying it was because the rent went up. It really was that I needed a new place to decorate, lol. Enjoy!! Can’t wait to see the after pictures.

  • Kimberly says:

    So exciting!!! It looks beautiful and can’t wait for all of your projects to come!!!

  • Jen Holt says:

    This is SO exciting! It’s beautiful and perfect and I am looking forward to all the amazing updates you and Terreeia will make♥️ Congratulations! I love it when great things come together for hard working people. You both have EARNED this.

    I want to be in the inaugural Color Class at the ranch! 😉😉

    All the best- xoxo

  • Nancy M says:

    I’d move for the view alone. Can’t wait to see what you make of this! Congratulations.

    And if you ever tire of being landlords, do for sale with owner financing and keep your passive income stream flowing.

    2
  • Jane says:

    Congratulations, Maria! You’ve worked hard and deserve it and as a longtime and dedicated fan of your blog, I’ve loved watching your business grow and your life expand!!

  • Susan Fisher says:

    It’s amazing and I can see we will love seeing progress on all of the projects coming up! I am a new follower and love your rancher, but this new place looks to be a perfect fit for you!

  • Debra (Deb) Landy says:

    Oh my I’m delighted for you both!!
    You’ll have projects galore for content and we will all watch with interest. The greenhouse and barn will be a treat. YES to getting gardening help, if not, the space you have will only become a frustration to you both.

    Thanks for keeping us all updated on the changes.

    P.S. Is the e-design job remote? I had an assistant when I staged who went on the become a designer… I forwarded the information on to her. She’s currently in TN

  • Shannon Nembach says:

    The new house is beautiful and I know you will make the yard and inside even more gorgeous! Congratulations!

  • Rachel Olsen says:

    Yay – congrats! The whole thing is already pretty if you want “Tuscan” but has so much Maria-potential to become a “timeless beauty.” Adding a sunroom, greenhouse and pool to your life will be fun. Can’t wait to see this garden in 5 years.

    Agreed that master bath is a bit odd – LOL. But if anyone can turn it pretty, it’s you.

    I also cannot wait to see a pic of your new, proper walk-in-closet filled with colorful clothes! I dress that way too and more so since the pandemic. I call it “dopamine dressing.” 🙂

    Props to your business manager for giving you such sound advice. You have a new home to enjoy & new content-material with which to teach and illustrate. Looking forward to future posts.

  • Marita Heberling says:

    The new house has GREAT BONES. I can hardly wait to see how you Maria-ize it!

  • Stacy says:

    That looks like a lot of house and land! I chime in with others who talked about downsizing–a house can become a chore when it’s too big, but on the other hand, a house that is too small is stressful when spaces have to be multifunctional. I went from too big to too small, and I finally moved last year to about right. I am quite surprised to see a pool in your area because you’ll need a heater for the water! Even here in SC, people with pools will use the heater in the spring and fall. I love the barn and a part of me would love some land.

    1
  • Lisa says:

    Wow, Maria! All of those amazing inside rooms PLUS the outdoor space which is incredible! It seems so perfect for you guys!! I look forward to seeing what you do with this house.

  • Robin Mansfield says:

    Absolute perfect fit for your family. And now Maryann can have another project to take on and make stunning. Dreams do come true! And when you know you know. That’s the way it was with our current home on one and a half acres.

  • Kj says:

    I remember when you bought your first home https://mariakillam.com/the-before-photos-of-my-new-house/. Hard to believe it’s been over ten years already. Congratulations on the new home – exciting times ahead.

  • I really love this house mostly as it is!!! I would leave the three windows in the hall upstairs as it gives that entertainment room some more light from the windows across from them. I would change some of the Tuscan stuff to more modern, but I like the neutral colors of the home. I personally only like to put colors in accent things as I like to change the look of rooms seasonally, and I tire of seeing the same colors all year. I love the white kitchen cabinets and agree that the counter top should be changed to maybe white and black marble looking quartz. I especially love the yard and all the buildings in it. I’m jealous of that beautiful yard. This house seems to have everything that anyone could ever want. Enjoy this as this looks like a happy, sunny, fun house!!! I have a degree in home staging.

    1
  • Jenna says:

    Wow it’s amazing! Just curious why don’t you like the gray kitchen counter?

    1
  • Pam Park says:

    It’s gorgeous! Congratulations! 🥂

  • Maureen says:

    Congratulations! Your new place looks perfect for you- the house and yard have good bones and are ready for you to design new spaces. How lucky are we to come along and learn from what you do! Another commenter mentioned this, and I am curious as well- what is the reason for painting the kitchen cabinets? See, we’re learning already😘

    1
  • coco says:

    What a gorgeous home! Seems almost perfect now; can’t wait to see how you improve on it and make it your own. Congrats!

  • Jessy says:

    Lovely home w so many opportunities. Congratulations! Get busy Maria…you will need lots more lamps! 🤣

    1
  • Kathy Barrett says:

    I love your new home! Consider finding a place to install an attic lift to move things from the first floor to the second. Think groceries for the kitchen or supplies from the office to the car and a million other things. I absolutely love mine!

    2
  • Monique says:

    Congratulations Terreeia and Maria! I’m so looking forward to reading about your projects and adventures in and around your beautiful new home. (I’m also selfishly delighted, because “updating Tuscan” is my challenge —albeit on a much smaller scale.)

  • Lorri says:

    Wow! What a property and view!!! You hit the jackpot with the kitchen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I don’t mind the grey counters with those cabinets.

    1
  • Jaclyn says:

    Maria, what an incredible property. We are all going to have so much fun seeing what you do to make it your own. The wonderful thing is that there are so many stunning elements that will require little work, if any. The surrounding land is absolutely awesome. I will say, however, I am going to miss your sweet and stunning garden.

  • Jennifer Hassey says:

    Simply Wow! Congratulations! It truly is beautiful-the wood floors, the beams, the land and even the stair railings are not BAD at all. (At least all walls are not painted Tuscan gold accented with rust colored curly-q wrought iron). I cannot wait to see the changes you will make-it will become even more spectacular! And, I think upsizing will be a blast; we recently did that and have enjoyed every minute of it! Again, congratulations on this much deserved new chapter in your lives!

  • Diane says:

    It is already amazing, and you will make it even more so! The sunroom alone made the house worth buying. Can’t wait to see the changes you make.

  • Kim m says:

    So very happy for you! Lovely place and sooo many possibilities and adore the pool!

  • Rhonda Sampson says:

    I love the windows, I’m a sucker for a good view and yours is stunning. I hope you breathe it all in.

  • Vicki says:

    1–congratulations on how successful you have come with your innovative business!
    2–how lucky to have a sister who knows you so well!
    3–inAmerica using that large a portion of your home for business purpose would be great tax benefit… I think it is very smart to talk with your finance man about how to structure for best benefit
    4. Great bones…you can work your magic/ miracles with the bath and other areas but it is perfectly livable right now. Plus the money spent can likely be tax expense as business project
    5. Itisa large house but you have a large personality… you can fill it with family, friends, and function

  • Susan Tew says:

    This home is stunning and so perfect for you and Terreeia. I can’t wait to see the changes you introduce to both the home and your acreage. I truly couldn’t be happier for the two of you and so appreciate your hard work to document and share this journey. All the best!

  • Mary Anne says:

    It’s beautiful! So happy you are still close to your mom/sisters! You will have lots of fun with this and I can’t wait to see what you do!

  • Carla says:

    Wow, very nice! Can’t wait to see the metamorphosis!

  • Oh that property, swoon! I can only imagine how many courses that you both are going to be hosting there along with family gatherings and the first thing I thought of was your lovely nephews how much they are going to love that playground and Playhouse!

    Can’t wait to see the magic you perform!

  • Kim says:

    Wow, what a beautiful new home and property for you and Terreeia! I can’t wait to see how you “Maria-fy” it. I am curious about the kitchen cabinets. I’d simply paint the island a pretty color and leave the perimeter cabinets as is, since they appear to be off white or cream. Glad you’re going to drywall over the 3 upstairs windows as that just looks really odd to me. I know y’all are excited but I’m excited to see all your new projects. Congratulations!

  • Connie says:

    Can my wife and I come to visit?
    Lol

  • I love it!!! Everything is perfect for you all. Love the sunroom and the fact that you’ll have a pool for our new summer heatwaves, yikes. Congratulations, this is very exciting and we’ll all have so much fun watching your projects in the new house. And that space for workshops upstairs- wow!

    I remember back when you found your rancher and renovated! Glad you’re hanging on to it.

    xoxo, Jill

  • TESSA HENRY says:

    Congratulations! Your new home is stunning. The large windows and ample natural lighting are amazing. I can’t wait to follow along as you make this home yours.

  • Terry McLaughlin says:

    WOW!!! Congratulations! Can hardly wait to follow your new-house projects!

  • Katherine says:

    Congratulations Maria!!! Thanks to you my husband and I built with timeless finishes from corner to corner, and hired a landscape consultant for our gardens. We absolutely love it. I’ve been a follower since your first blog post. Thanks for making my dream house come alive.

  • Amy says:

    It’s so beautiful already, I can’t wait to see how even more spectacular you will make it. Congratulations!!! You have given us all so much to look forward to!

  • Barbara says:

    First up for your gorgeous new house should be swivel chairs for that sunroom. Why would anyone want their backs to that view? Have fun!

  • Liz says:

    Wow!! Exciting!!! U’ll love jumping into the pool the next heat wave 😉
    Will miss ur beautiful garden but look forward to seeing what u do room by room! 👌🏻

  • Ange says:

    Congratulations! And how exciting to move into such a beautiful home. The property is amazing. Looking forward to see what “Maria Magic” you will incorporate into your new surroundings. Have fun! ❤️❤️❤️

  • Nancy says:

    Congratulations! So happy for you and Terreeia.

  • Ad says:

    Congratulations! What a great find in a house. It is lovely and you will make it even more so as you work your magic on it. The property is superb, too. Will be eagerly awaiting posts of your projects. Again, so glad you find this house.

  • Kelly says:

    We are so excited for you guys. You work so hard, you deserve a beautiful retreat like this! Can’t wait to follow along with your projects making this home fill you with joy! XOXO

  • Cari says:

    Gorgeous as is despite the old Tuscan look. Even without a crystal ball I see COLOR coming to this the home… LOL!

  • Terri Lewis says:

    What a beautiful space! I’m really hoping you will do a post about how you treat the paneling in the bedroom. I am dealing with paneling right now and would love to hear your thoughts.

  • PursuitofPerfect says:

    What an amazing property. Well done. Rather than a “full time gardener, handyman, painter type” I think you will want a property manager with a stable of skilled tradespeople to look after both properties, especially if you are considering using your current home as an AirBnB or STR. You and Terreia have better things to do than spend your time and suffer the stress of searching for a reliable plumber or other trades-person when an urgent need arises. Looking forward to all the before and after pics!

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  • Trisha says:

    I’m dead! It’s SO good! And I am so excited to see you put your touch on every space. It’s going to be GORGEOUS!

  • Sue says:

    OH WOW! I knew it was going to be good…but this is 100% STUNNING! It’s a very lucky house! You will shower so much love on your new home and I cannot wait to see the magic you make!

    This is top level manifesting. Well done both of you! I may need the contact info for your coach.

    PS, if I wake up tomorrow morning deciding I need to move from White Rock to Yarrow, your lovely cottage is the reason!

  • Valerie says:

    WOW!! Gorgeous home!!! I do love your current home though…. You have *amazing energy* to tackle ALL the projects you shared with us…. I was admiring your beautiful floor in the kitchen and imagining little Lucy z-o-o-m-i-n-g around on that….haha….. She will love her pool…lucky pup! Lived in Tsawwassen (another gorgeous area) and drove to Yarrow, Abbotsford MANY times looking for a new place….

  • Liz says:

    Congrats! So happy for you both and looking forward to following along as you fill your new space with color! Gardens too… I’m looking forward to your gardens! 😊

  • Adelaide says:

    Wow! This is going to be an exciting journey not just for you, Terreeia and your family, but for all your blog followers too. Couldn’t be happier for you two though. It’s so good that you will still be close to your family – the boys will love that yard. Oh Maria, your generosity in sharing so much is coming back to you and I’m thrilled for you. Your brain is in overdrive already, this is going to be a ride. Best wishes for the move.

  • Ellen says:

    I’m overjoyed for you both! Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures of your lovely home.

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  • Adele says:

    I am jumping in not to talk about the house, but to recommend Carla Rockmore’s Over Fifty Fashion videos on YouTube. Your styles are very different, but she loves color and combines colors, patterns, and shapes in such unexpected and creative ways and gives great explanations for why it works. She has a huge closet, which she needs because she will pull out jewelry or clothes she has had for decades to put together with more recent buys. I think you will enjoy her exuberant style, her color lessons, and her closet organization.

    She also has a few videos showing her home, which I think you will also enjoy. Nothing boring there! Completely fearless and fabulous.

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  • BillP says:

    Maria- Congratulations to you both for the new house! I sensed you had outgrown your current house once you started redoing rooms that you had redone “not that long ago”. You have so many beautiful features to work with in your new house you will have a head start. It’s not what I’d call Tuscan- no arched windows, arched doorways or Tuscan gold or red rooms) but at 11 years old it will be refreshed and brought up-to-date with your talents. If I may offer one bit of advice, three years ago I moved in to a home that is twice the size of my previous home and at times it can seem overwhelming. It will be harder to take control of every corner of the house and grounds. There may be a time in the future when you say to Terreeia “we don’t need this much space” but cherish it every moment in the meantime. We are happy for your good fortune and thank you for sharing the journey with us.

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  • Mimi Goldberg Shulman says:

    Congratulations! It looks wonderful. I’ll miss your cottage/rancher. I can’t wait to see what you’ll do with this new home!

  • Gari W says:

    OMG!!! Not only are you excited but we’re excited to follow you along on your new renovation. Yay!

  • Janet Kelly says:

    The new house will be so much fun for you! Inside and out. Maybe you could turn the playhouse into a She Shed for when you want to work outside.

  • Sandy says:

    Congratulations Maria and Terreeia. The home and property looks amazing! Thank you for always including us on these adventures of yours.

  • Dadre Garrsi says:

    This is beautiful! Congratulations! I am curious as to why you said the bedroom needs a canopy bed. What in particular makes a room “need” a canopy bed?

    Looking forward to all the transformation updates.

  • Carol Ann says:

    Friends and family always ask us why it is that as soon as we finish renovating a house to make it exactly what we want, we get up and move. So I totally understand that you’ve run out of projects and it’s time to move to the next challenge. Your new home is stunning and it’ll give you a wonderful canvas to take your artistic talent to.

  • cindy says:

    Good Luck to you two on your new journey! I can’t wait to see what color you paint the outside!

  • Congratulations on your Stunning new home! Looking forward to your blogs on “nesting” into it.

  • Mary says:

    Maria, it’s beautiful! The potential is amazing, and with your genius, it will be fantastic. I get it! I’ve been buying and fixing up homes since I was 18, and I’ll be 60 this year. First one was while I was working and attending college at night. Creating colorful beautiful spaces inside and out is what I do. My children, my grandchildren, my tenants, my buyers all appreciate the love, care and color I put into the design of the interior, exterior and gardens of each home.
    Last summer I purchased my 32nd property online, site unseen, and have spent the past year making plans to make it amazing. I’m so excited, I can hardly wait. As each home is finished, and only when it’s finished, inside and out, do I move on. I’ve done as many as 8 at once. I may take 2 years, or 7, it just depends on when it’s finished in my minds’ eye. I would never leave before it’s finished. Nor do I stay long after it’s done. Friends and family for 40 years have been most surprised by this. They can’t believe I’m not more attached to stay on. I can’t explain it, I just don’t. The process being completed is my reward, and not the profit, although it’s been financially rewarding as well, but enjoying the smiles, and awe as people see the completed finished home. Often, as I’m getting toward the end, my spare time is spent perusing ads for the next one. I love dreaming of the possibilities, the planning, the choosing, the execution of the plan, and mostly that it get done completely, perfectly. Usually, but not always, I sell the property. Happy to sell each one to buyers who appreciate the beauty I had the pleasure to facilitate for them to enjoy, and each has blessed me immensely. I just love the process from start to finish.
    Doing what you love, do so well, why not? You’ve not only got a gift for color, but the insight and passion to share the wisdom you discovered in how and why colors work well together; and by sharing what you’ve discovered, you make the world a more beautiful colorful place. I look forward to seeing what you do with your new home, and what a blessing it will be fore the ones who will occupy the home you’re leaving.
    Thank you for all you’ve shared with us, your students with a passion for color.
    Best wishes,
    Mary

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  • Lilly Miller says:

    What a beautiful home, Maria, and the most amazing yard! You’ll have endless projects😀. Congratulations!!

  • Madi Lafleur says:

    Wow! Beautiful! Paint the outbuildings green, our little shed/barn blends in perfectly with nature. I got the idea from Disney World where every utility shed, fixture, is painted green.

  • Gena says:

    Oh Maria, your new home is gorgeous! And the views are unbelievable! Congrats to you and Terreeia. I know you’re going to have so much fun making it just what you love!

  • Laura Rollman says:

    That’s so exciting! What an amazing view and setting. I can’t wait to see you work your magic on it. And that will be one heck of a closet.

  • Marie In AZ says:

    Oh my goodness! What a perfect house for you and Tereeia. I simply cannot wait to see the changes you make (and the process, I hope). And double kudos to you for accepting the advice from your business coach. Congratulations and enjoy! PS: And by the way, I feel exactly as you do about that fashion advice, “If you haven’t worn something for a year, get rid of it.” That advice might work for some, but not for me. I still have many pieces that are over 25 years old and are still classic, beautiful, versatile, and adaptable. You go, girl, and fill that closet!

  • Kimberly Wright says:

    Maria! I’m so happy for you and Terreeia! This house is gorgeous, with such good bones. I’m really looking forward to all the content of you bringing color and life to this place! Best wishes for many, many happy years there.

  • Arlene says:

    You will also need a housekeeper along with the gardener as this house is huge. Look forward to watch the Reno’s. It will be beautiful😘

  • M says:

    Congrats on your beautiful new home! I will miss your rancher and gorgeous garden, but I am excited to see what you do with your new home; those are always my favorite posts!

    When do we all move in? 🙂

  • Erin McGinnis says:

    What a gorgeous new house! You deserve it with all your years of innovating in your business and hard work. So excited to see how you freshen it up, I know it will be inspiring.

  • diana says:

    Congratulations on a soon-to-be beautiful home in your style. It is already lovely but the touch of your magical and educated mind will turn it into a showpiece. If you rent out the barn, let me know, I love it too.

  • Ralna D Cunningham says:

    Yes to chickens! (coop possibility was mentioned). There’s nothing like slipping your hand under a hen then putting a warm fresh egg to your cheek. They are very entertaining and will even catch mice. They need excellent ventilation however, so don’t button them up too tight.

  • Linda Veldman says:

    Congratulations to you both. Maria it will be more than fabulous when you wave your colour magic over the taupe and Tuscan. Will look forward to seeing progress pics and I’m sure it will be a favourite place for family gatherings in the future.
    Your coach is very insightful about what drives you. Glad you realize to not throw out your timeless clothing. I’ve been amazed at how I can breathe new life into old classic outfits by spending an hour doing a mix and match try on session with what I already own and new clothes and even better if you have enough storage space that you can easily see what you own. Best of luck with your forthcoming move.

  • gary says:

    Nice! looking forward to seeing your personal touches and transformation to your estate.

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