Sometimes I get asked to explain the series of steps that ended with me actually owning the Mansion. So, here we go.

When the Mansion originally went on the market, I scheduled a walk through with a realtor (Kelly Kennedy - she’s great!) just to see inside. I didn’t let myself dream about actually buying it- there were too many unknowns:

• What shape was the third floor?

• Was the foundation in decent shape?

• Did any of the original woodwork survive?

• Any mold or rot?

My family and I were just so tickled to be able to finally see inside!

As we walked through, we were shocked at how well it had weathered years of abandonment and vandalism. I was waiting to find a design flaw that would make renovations even harder (what if it was just a series of tiny rooms?). Neither of us found the major issues we were expecting… it was bursting with potential.

So we talked about it. It had been on the market for mere hours and we knew it would go fast. We talked about it. And talked some more. It’s just such a huge project and I wanted everyone on board. And we decided to go for it.

I had dreamed about it since I was a little girl. I didn’t want to be the person who had the chance and the means, but was too scared to make it a reality.

So we submitted an offer. I sat down and wrote a letter to the seller about my dreams for the home, introducing ourselves.

The seller countered.

We accepted.