Introducing my next big project! This house and its massive shop have stood here since the early 50s. It was home to the Bunn family for over 50 years. Mr. Bunn was a deacon and a minister and performed in a gospel band all across Northeast Louisiana and South Arkansas. He loved West Monroe High School football and had a room in his shop, just for collecting memorabilia. He was a woodworker and so much of this home was constructed thoughtfully by him.

His wife, Patricia (Pat) Bunn, just happened to have grown up in the same small town as me! Before I decided to purchase the house, she and I sat in rocking chairs for over an hour, chatting about all sorts of things. She was a quilter and the shop has a room in the back, complete with a wood burning fireplace, that she used just for sewing. The were always kids coming and going and their grand kids will tell you their memories of perching on those kitchen counters and stirring up cakes and cookies. One of the things I love about this house is that the former owners spent so much time making it a special home. It feels warm and cozy, just as home should feel.

I have big plans for this one, beginning with brightening things up a bit. I’m going to paint the exterior white, keeping the brown brick and a few dark brown accents. I’ll install a new front window to maximize the view there and the interior will get a bright, new coat of paint as well. I’ve already updated the cabinetry and began picking out new light fixtures. I’m going to move the laundry room back inside the house (It’s currently in the shop.) so that the next owner will be able to choose between stackable units inside or the current exterior setup. I’ll be installing new light and plumbing fixtures throughout and doing several behind the scenes updates like fixing splices, replacing the water heater, and adding extra insulation. Once everything is painted and new floors are laid, this will look like an entirely new place!

With the exterior paint, a new front door, and some landscaping, the curb appeal is going to be taken up several notches! I can see the front of this house so clearly with a pretty wreath hanging on its cheerfully-colored door. That vision itself is what caused me to buy the place. It’s going to be so beautiful!

I’ve had the place for a few months now and its progress took a backseat because of #wfwhitehouse. Work is underway now and this gem should be ready for a new owner by the holiday season. If you know of someone looking to be in the West Monroe area, under $150,000, shoot me an email! I’ll be preparing a list of people who can have a first-look when it’s finished. The shop with TONS of storage space is a nice bonus for this one and it’ll qualify for a Rural Development loan, meaning no money down. (If you need a good lender to talk to about a mortgage, I can connect you to someone.)

Stay tuned for updates! It’s going to be an adorable place when it’s all finished.