Love, whimsey, wonder, fun and doggos. These are all packed into Jennifer and Michael’s house and tied up with a neat little bow of copper string lights.
I first met Jennifer and Michael at an open house not to far away from their first home. They were set on finding a fixer upper and putting their own spin on it. As they should be, because their spin is good, and they have very capable hands and a supportive family of closely located, knowledgeable property owners and fixers. These two were working with an agent, who didn’t really get them, and also proved in writing that he didn’t know their names. Because I fall in love with people fast and hard, I quickly grabbed these two future real estate moguls by the hands and ushered them on a wild ride through a lot of crazy properties, many without ceilings in a decorative way, some smelly and damp, and some just weird. All the while they kept us laughing because they’re really funny folks. Just when it seemed like it was never going to happen, I said, hey, you know what, I just left some friends of mine with some signed paperwork, and you are probably going to like their house. This house, ladies and gentleman, is magical. It’s truly unique, and a dream. While it didn’t need the spin Jen and Mike were looking to put on something, they seized the day, and had themselves a gem, on day one of the rest of their lives. After about 18 months they called me to sneak attack another listing that they got to rehab with their own two hands and are renting it out at a nice little profit. The moral of the story, when you’re wonderful and lovely people, who treat others well, you’ll get everything you want and then some, although maybe not all in one basket.
Here are some things Jennifer and Michael love about their home:
Jennifer:
All the secret hideaways, especially the ones under the windows on the first floor.
We aren't a corner property, so it feels more private than a corner house, but we still have lighting on 2 sides.
The front of the house is AMAZING for indoor plants, there is so much light and I've never had trouble bringing my summer outdoor herbs indoors for the winter because of the light.
Mike:
I mean, seriously, the whole front of the house is incredible for our plants.
Jennifer:
We have incredible neighbors. Our alleyway neighbor, Nieves, is so helpful and kind. We treasure sharing a walkway with her.
We can watch the Kensington Kinetic Derby from our front door. The bikes ride up Frankford Ave so we have had prime viewing the past few years.
Mike:
Adding the nest thermostat was borderline life changing for us. Our house has been our getaway.
Jennifer:
Since buying the house we've added 2 more dogs and 1 cat (we're insane), changed jobs at least 5 times between the 2 of us, renovated another house from top to bottom, dealt with a significant surgery, and got engaged and married.
Mike:
We actually got engaged in the house.
We've hosted neighborhood meetings, surprise birthday parties and have become more ingrained with our Kenzo community.
Our house has been our sanity.
Jennifer:
We've never had to deal with any significant problems outside of my obsession to change our bedroom color.
Mike:
We've been able to have a comfortable home that has welcomed us to explore old hobbies, like music and cooking, while taking up new hobbies like gardening
Jennifer:
And sewing
Mike:
and most recently furniture rehab.
We will surely miss our home at 2113 E Cumberland Street!