Just found out that the house has been sold...totally sad, but not really surprised. It has such potential it was only a matter of time. It's been a race between my learning curves and other people discovering what a gem this is for the price. The only thing I can hope for is that they aren't going to tear down this beauty, but fix it up like we were planning to do! I wonder how to find out who bought it??
Anyway, now I'm going to have to find another that I'm totally in love with that has awesome potential AND the perfect location, probably not an easy task. In the meantime it gives me some more time to sock away some cash and keep planning...might have to get a new blog?!
My journey to opening an inn on the deepest lake in Wisconsin. (A dream or reality? Well, we'll see!)
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Brand Identity...
Back in February I was inspired by this beautiful house on the lake. One of the true believers who continually supports this idea is my colleague Mariel. She's one of my favorite designers at the agency where I work and was my first choice to play around with my Brand ID. Lucky for me she was excited and inspired. Here's where we are today:
While we may make slight adjustments as we get further into this, I really love this shape, which brings a more traditional feel to a B&B Inn while being able to work really well with a more modern/contemporary interior and graphic design. The color and the type also help to make it more contemporary. The hint of tree branches in the background will show up where it makes sense, otherwise just the eggplant background.
As you're checking this out, you may be wondering 'why not green, for Green Lake?' My answer is that its too expected. I'd like it to stand out from everything else GREEN on/around Green Lake. I want the house to have the identity, not the lake. (although I reserve the right to revisit this question as we get closer to the reality of this project)
I think this actual logo will make a beautiful sign in front of the property. I plan to continue to extend this look and apply it to the web site, brochures, ads, etc...as soon as it becomes more real. (aka, I have the house) In the meantime, this logo has inspired the color palette for the interior of the house:
Continuing the descriptions from an earlier post, the rooms will each have a dominant color theme. The lighter values of the second floor bedroom colors are meant to be soothing, relaxing and calming in a contemporary/ecclectic setting. The main floor is meant to convey warmth and energy.
So, that's a quick snapshot of where I am today. Thanks again Mariel and I hope you're still in when we get moving for the real thing. Next on the design list will be to rough out the website...
Before that fun, I better get back on that appraiser search first!
Stay tuned...
While we may make slight adjustments as we get further into this, I really love this shape, which brings a more traditional feel to a B&B Inn while being able to work really well with a more modern/contemporary interior and graphic design. The color and the type also help to make it more contemporary. The hint of tree branches in the background will show up where it makes sense, otherwise just the eggplant background.
As you're checking this out, you may be wondering 'why not green, for Green Lake?' My answer is that its too expected. I'd like it to stand out from everything else GREEN on/around Green Lake. I want the house to have the identity, not the lake. (although I reserve the right to revisit this question as we get closer to the reality of this project)
I think this actual logo will make a beautiful sign in front of the property. I plan to continue to extend this look and apply it to the web site, brochures, ads, etc...as soon as it becomes more real. (aka, I have the house) In the meantime, this logo has inspired the color palette for the interior of the house:
Continuing the descriptions from an earlier post, the rooms will each have a dominant color theme. The lighter values of the second floor bedroom colors are meant to be soothing, relaxing and calming in a contemporary/ecclectic setting. The main floor is meant to convey warmth and energy.
So, that's a quick snapshot of where I am today. Thanks again Mariel and I hope you're still in when we get moving for the real thing. Next on the design list will be to rough out the website...
Before that fun, I better get back on that appraiser search first!
Stay tuned...
Appraiser? What appraiser?
Am now on the hunt for a new appraiser. My only question about this one is: Who wouldn't follow through on a job these days? Well, I'm sure this won't be the last less-than-awesome contractor type person I'll use in the future...one more check on the 'lesson learned' column. (Learning is great!)
Off to find someone new...in the meantime, enjoy the visuals in the next post!
Off to find someone new...in the meantime, enjoy the visuals in the next post!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
More Right Brain stuff...while I wait!
The entire indoor space will reflect an open, airy, coastal feel, which fits nicely since this property is right on the lake. The rooms are named after trees indigenous to Wisconsin and the decor of each pulls from photography of those trees.
The look/feel of the inside has been particularly fun to imagine...I can only dream of what it will be like to finally get out and start actually finding/touching objects to bring into the house!
Tomorrow I'll upload some Brand Identity...if I'm still waiting for appraisals, that is.
Man I want to stay at this place!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Two Weeks for an appraisal? Oh. Sorry. Now its Three??
I know I'm not the most patient person in the world, but if you tell me I'll have the information 'for sure the week after Thanksgiving' I can live with that...EVEN if its the last day of that week! But not answering my calls regarding the progress when it is clearly after the last day of that week makes me crazy...and unsure of your qualifications Mr. Appraiser. Just sayin'.
Maybe I need to jump to the RIGHT BRAIN for awhile, you know, while I wait?
(Insert decorations for the house as a calming device - how about the anthro chairs and some rooms?)
Aaaahhhhh, much better.
The two sides of my brain have been battling while planning to open the House on Green Lake:
LEFT BRAIN - Money. Figures. Charts. Lots of pages on the Target Audience. Answering all sorts of questions very specifically for business plan. Gathering tax papers, check stubs, assets. At this point my eyes start to roll back in my head and I absolutely need to put that aside and go to my
RIGHT BRAIN - Coastal colors and textures for the decor. Specific pieces of furniture for the main living area. Lovely garden ideas and sitting areas. Aaaahhhh, this is the life. Enjoy it while you can RIGHTY, the LEFT is sure to sneak up soon...
This is how it's been for the last 8 months. Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth between each side...I sure hope it all comes together in the end, seems kind of unconventional this way. All that waiting time on the LEFT BRAIN stuff has to be put to some kind of positive, still-moving-the-house-forward kind of use, right? I think I have twice as much done as someone that can only focus on one side...at least I sure hope I do.
Back to the present time, still no answer from appraiser after another full day. I'll give him 'til Friday, but then that's it.................
Maybe I need to jump to the RIGHT BRAIN for awhile, you know, while I wait?
(Insert decorations for the house as a calming device - how about the anthro chairs and some rooms?)
Aaaahhhhh, much better.
The two sides of my brain have been battling while planning to open the House on Green Lake:
LEFT BRAIN - Money. Figures. Charts. Lots of pages on the Target Audience. Answering all sorts of questions very specifically for business plan. Gathering tax papers, check stubs, assets. At this point my eyes start to roll back in my head and I absolutely need to put that aside and go to my
RIGHT BRAIN - Coastal colors and textures for the decor. Specific pieces of furniture for the main living area. Lovely garden ideas and sitting areas. Aaaahhhh, this is the life. Enjoy it while you can RIGHTY, the LEFT is sure to sneak up soon...
This is how it's been for the last 8 months. Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth between each side...I sure hope it all comes together in the end, seems kind of unconventional this way. All that waiting time on the LEFT BRAIN stuff has to be put to some kind of positive, still-moving-the-house-forward kind of use, right? I think I have twice as much done as someone that can only focus on one side...at least I sure hope I do.
Back to the present time, still no answer from appraiser after another full day. I'll give him 'til Friday, but then that's it.................
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thanksgiving 2012 – Save the Date!
Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but its good to have a goal, don't you think?
First, let me say thanks to my mom & dad who have hosted our family Thanksgiving's now for about 20 years, and with this crowd, that's not easy. The turkey and all the fixin's were fantastic. (thanks also to all bringing the fixin's!) Everyone seemed to have a great time and even the boys didn't leave IMMEDIATELY for the cabin...which I translate to success. So, another great job mom & dad!
Not that I'm trying to horn in on the fun, but any takers for trying a new location next year? Say, a big old newly renovated awesome house on a lake? My hope is to give you two a year off of hosting mom & dad, just to try it and see how you like it? (I will, however, need some serious help making the turkey, gravy, ham, potatoes and coordinating it all so that everything's ready together. Wow, just thinking about it is exciting/scary all at the same time!)
Let me try and convince you all how/why the House on Green Lake would be an excellent Thanksgiving gathering place:
First of all, there will be multiple ovens in these two kitchens. Two on the main floor and at least one downstairs in the owners quarters. The main floor kitchen will be big, wide open with a lot of countertop work space AND moving around space. (similar downstairs) I know mom, that if there's one more thing you'd LOVE right now would be one more oven somewhere on your property...imagine how easy coordinating could be with this luxury?!
The second point is that the dining area will be perfect for 20 people totally comfortably, even more can easily fit for the main dinner. We wouldn't have to bring up and take down tables and chairs, we could all mix and mingle easily and restoring the area after dinner will be a snap!
Third, and probably my favorite, is there is SO much space for hanging and relaxing after dinner. (besides the fact that its an inn, and whoever wants to stay overnight has that option as well!) The main floor will have plenty of spaces for everyone to hang around together yet separate:
• Multiple TV viewing areas for football and one for something else fun (fun like The Wizard of Oz or Meet Me In St. Louis??)
• A pool table/bar area for those after dinner drinks and a game
• Dining tables perfect for any age for games, drawing, cards, etc
• Little cozy corners for reading or being alone for a just bit (maybe a quick nap or a magazine!)
Best of all of the third point, everyone is basically in the same room doing what makes each of them happy after a big dinner. It's the only thing that I believe can really be improved upon from our current gatherings.
So, this is my pitch, I hope you're convinced. I'll send out the invitation as we get closer to Thanksgiving 2012, but you might want to save that date right now, the House is sure to be filling up fast!
First, let me say thanks to my mom & dad who have hosted our family Thanksgiving's now for about 20 years, and with this crowd, that's not easy. The turkey and all the fixin's were fantastic. (thanks also to all bringing the fixin's!) Everyone seemed to have a great time and even the boys didn't leave IMMEDIATELY for the cabin...which I translate to success. So, another great job mom & dad!
Not that I'm trying to horn in on the fun, but any takers for trying a new location next year? Say, a big old newly renovated awesome house on a lake? My hope is to give you two a year off of hosting mom & dad, just to try it and see how you like it? (I will, however, need some serious help making the turkey, gravy, ham, potatoes and coordinating it all so that everything's ready together. Wow, just thinking about it is exciting/scary all at the same time!)
Let me try and convince you all how/why the House on Green Lake would be an excellent Thanksgiving gathering place:
First of all, there will be multiple ovens in these two kitchens. Two on the main floor and at least one downstairs in the owners quarters. The main floor kitchen will be big, wide open with a lot of countertop work space AND moving around space. (similar downstairs) I know mom, that if there's one more thing you'd LOVE right now would be one more oven somewhere on your property...imagine how easy coordinating could be with this luxury?!
The second point is that the dining area will be perfect for 20 people totally comfortably, even more can easily fit for the main dinner. We wouldn't have to bring up and take down tables and chairs, we could all mix and mingle easily and restoring the area after dinner will be a snap!
Third, and probably my favorite, is there is SO much space for hanging and relaxing after dinner. (besides the fact that its an inn, and whoever wants to stay overnight has that option as well!) The main floor will have plenty of spaces for everyone to hang around together yet separate:
• Multiple TV viewing areas for football and one for something else fun (fun like The Wizard of Oz or Meet Me In St. Louis??)
• A pool table/bar area for those after dinner drinks and a game
• Dining tables perfect for any age for games, drawing, cards, etc
• Little cozy corners for reading or being alone for a just bit (maybe a quick nap or a magazine!)
Best of all of the third point, everyone is basically in the same room doing what makes each of them happy after a big dinner. It's the only thing that I believe can really be improved upon from our current gatherings.
So, this is my pitch, I hope you're convinced. I'll send out the invitation as we get closer to Thanksgiving 2012, but you might want to save that date right now, the House is sure to be filling up fast!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
I MUST be crazy.
The latest idea, the one which is sparking this blog, happened on a cold winter day in early February 2011. I decided to take a week off of work and go hang with my mom & dad. Since my dad is retired, he also had the week off, so we decided to take a little road trip to my brothers house in Berlin, WI. (I should note here that I had also recently been thinking of starting a business, running an inn, so my brothers started surfing the net for properties in nearby Green Lake) We found two places that might be interesting, the one that scares everyone the most has been my inspiration ever since.
• DO NOT fall in love with a property!
• It'll kill you if you can't get it!
• Janet, you have to be realistic, this is WAY out of your league!
• Do you know how much work you'll need to do to get this thing going?
• Why on earth would you want to take this on?
The first thing I say about all of the above is THANK YOU EVERYONE!!! I now know there is nothing that gets me going more than a challenge. (or a sha-llange, for you Pink Panther fans) I relish every learning opportunity, new obstacle, interesting side note as I go through this very new process for me...if you're interested in seeing how this evolves, come back to visit every few days. It's been an interesting ride so far!
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