We Bought Our First House And It’s In The Mountains!

Many of you read yesterday’s blog post. It was the relaunch of Planning Pretty’s blog, which was dormant for the past couple of years. We’ve had a long journey, but I’m happy to say life is headed in a better direction. I announced this house yesterday too and many of you couldn’t wait to hear the details!

I never really knew what buying a home would feel like. We spent years searching, exploring Redfin or Zillow, and researching the process. We now know, that it’s chaos. All the parties involved, and endless signature requirements, length documents. It really does feel like selling your soul, unless you have plenty of cash. We tried to buy a home in and around Long Beach, CA for the past three years, however it just never worked out. We had to deal with some really crappy people and it made us miserable. We grew tired of fighting a battle that we couldn’t win and came up with an alternative plan, a pivot.

We love the mountains and have made many trips over the past few years. Spending weekends in cozy cabins became a tradition to escape all the stress of Milo’s treatment. There were many day trips to visit shops, restaurants and learn about the community. Everyone is extremely friendly, which we were a bit surprised to experience but also relieved. The atmosphere, surrounded by nature, is quite soothing. The air is cleaner, and feels like you can think clearer. It’s a wonderful place to explore, especially for a child. We knew we could easily afford homes in Lake Arrowhead and the surrounding towns. We considered moving full-time, but decided to find a property we could live in part-time and then rent out on Airbnb for short term stays.

So this past fall we found a crazy magical cottage tucked in the trees in Crestline, CA. It’s about a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles. Not your typical modern A-frame, but something more whimsical and magical. It’s a storybook house, part Tudor and part Craftsman. Built in 1922 with years of renovations and blended styles layered onto one another. Our friends and family’s first impression is to compare it to Disneyland. If you know us, that is a huge compliment! I love destinations all over the world, but Disneyland is so nostalgic for me and my family. I’m also a lover of fairy tales and children’s stories. One of my favorite classes at Harvard was Children’s Literature where we re-read favorites from Hans Christian Andersen, Grimmes Brothers and British favorites like Winnie the Pooh.

Milo the Mountaineer, outfit from Shop Sweet Threads

Childhood is such a magical time and we want Milo to enjoy adventures in a magical place. We’re nick-naming the house the “Fairytale Cottage”. I plan to pull inspiration from storybooks, castles, and little homes tucked in the forest. I have ordered many many swatches and have started pulling design inspiration on Pinterest. Whimsical and organic is the direction we’re heading. A blend of design styles I’ve come to love over the years and now can finally execute in my own home.

I have a pretty elaborate idea of turning the home into an experience where you descend deeper and deeper into the forest as you literally descend deeper in the home. The top floor entrance is the children’s floor, where Milo will sleep and play. I’m thinking of the tops of trees and maybe the moon and stars as themes. There’s a tiny balcony that overlooks the garden and trees below. There’s a little nook to read and take a nap when it’s warmer outside. The tile is beautiful and we are hoping to preserve all the little Morocaan details with a fresh twist.

Next you descend through hand-painted chinoiserie flowers to the main living space. This area feels the most like a cabin, with high ceilings and exposed beams, plus wood cabinetry. It’s a little modern yet the stone floors make it feel like an old chalet. The master suite is on the main level as well. There is a beautiful deck that wraps around the entire living room with beautiful views of surrounding trees. At this level you feel the most immersed in the forest.

There’s a large staircase that I’m excited to transform that heads down to the lower level. A built-in bookcase lies at the base of the stairs and I can’t wait to fill it with classics and fairytales. A guest room awaits that will need a little bit of work but can be quite cozy and welcoming to overnight guests. This would be the forest ground level, filled with flowers blooming and towering over you. I have found so many beautiful floral wallpapers! I am excited to use wallpaper throughout the home but especially on this staircase and in the guest room.

Outside is an open plot of land, no fences in this mountain neighborhood. There is an enchanting courtyard garden where all the little animals come to play and eat. Yes, very Snow White & The Seven Dwarves. Down below, the past owner built a mosaic tile dragon surrounding a hot tub. I think that’s Sleeping Beauty on it’s back! It is pretty spectacular in person, but definitely needs a little restoration. There are no shortage of projects on this home but we look forward to renovating and adding our special touch.

Courtyard garden + stain glass kitchen door

My favorite elements are the stained glass windows, the stone fireplace and all the doors that open to the mountain air. I can’t wait to be here in the snow. And I can’t wait to paint! I have lots of ideas to refresh the space and make it ours. The previous owner was an artist and did a lot of the remodeling himself. There are going to be a few renovation projects that need to take place. I’m definitely nervous to be a homeowner. It is a lot of responsibility that I never took lightly. However, we’re getting started this month with making sure the exterior of the home is ready for winter. That shows how much this LA girl, terrified of 60 degree weather, has changed!

We plan to spend the holidays in the home and end 2020 on a much calmer and brighter note. We will still keep our current Long Beach apartment since it is more convenient to our everyday needs. Joe is working remote due to COVID-19 but eventually he will have to go back to the office. This house will be our refuge. To unwind, create, and reconnect with nature and each other.

What do you think of the house? I am deep in designing this space and welcome renovating tricks. Leave a comment below! Remember to follow along on Instagram for house updates and follow my Into the Woods board on Pinterest.

About Camille Iman Simmons