'New' paso farm coming soon... ;-) (Pix p. 3)

[SandyMM]

We finally have our mini dream farm - 6 acres and a house, mostly fenced, a couple of portable buildings that may already have assigned 'duties'.... It's about 4 miles NE of Callaway Gardens in west central GA. Big, big dressage country so the town of Pine Mountain, GA, (pop. 1200+/-) has something like _8-10_ full time vets!

It's all done but the final signing! :-)

[CarolU]

Congratulations Greg and Sandy!

:rearing :rearing :rearing :rearing :rearing

I know how long you two have been waiting and looking for horse property. I certainly hope your dream comes true.

Congratulations....

(and you KNOW we need PICTURES!)

[JennLM]

woohooo and congrats on such a nice find! I bet you will just love it.

[Serendipity]

Congrat's Let me know if you need help with anything!

Congrats on the new farm and don't forget you can now post pictures of Tequila's progress for Lori and also my horses.

See you at Asheville!

[SandyMM]

(Pssssst - there are guest rooms... :-) Come on down! Well - after the closing... by July 11 latest! Moving 2 horses into one of the pastures this week.

[appyday]

Whewhooo....thats great...post pics..

[SandyMM]

LOL - the house is a 4/3.5 - sounds great, but needs _so_ much work! The front is brick, but the back is cedar. The 2-car carport isn't actually attached to the house, so that's on the to-do list.... It will be country farm decor... I was thinking about hotbranding the wood paneled living room walls (oak floors in the LR and heart pine in the bathroom and our bedroom...) ;-) Our two current couches will get a major re-do with some 'plumping up' and leather upholstery... some other leather-based furniture, too, I think.... Homemade quilts/hand-crocheted rugs... Snagged my mom's oak table and 6 chairs for the dining room and a twin bed set w/dresser, etc. for one of the guestrooms!

OMG - I can _finally_ put out my greatgrandmother's cowhorn stool!!!!!! Bwahahahhahhhahaa!

But best of all, we already have one good size fenced pasture and a couple smaller ones we can use now. Only one major fencing run to do up from the road, some cross-fencing, and some of our current corral panels/gates can be re-asigned to pasture/paddock use........ then we'll add some run-in sheds...

[baileyholc]

Sandy that is great. You sound so exited. I will make sure I come to visit. :lol: I got to see what all the fuss is about. LOL Still have have that box if you want it. :lol:

[pnalley]

Sandy,
You'll be my neighbor (almost). Pine Mountain isn't too far from us. I look forward to riding with you again.

A huge CONGRATULATIONS on your new farm!

[SandyMM]

LOL - hey, Paula - you're right - not too far! Have you ridden at FDR?

[Barbwire]

That's great, Sandy! You must be walking on air. :D

[Linda Y]

That sounds like a wonderful place! Nothing like re-doing to make it your own.
Congrats!
Where are the pictures? Hmmm?

[Brigitte]

Congrats! Sounds like a great place!

[pasofantasy]

Congratulations, Sandy! You haven't looked that long, have you? You haven't closed and you're moving horses there already? Don't you just love that Southern hospitality? When we moved south, it was quite a surprise to move into the house before the closing. I'm so happy for you! Are we going to have a Paso Farm Warming? :D You know how this group feels about pictures!

[SandyMM]

ooooooooo - a 'farm warming'... I like it! Plenty of room unless you need really fancy!

Pictures... I have some somewhere... ;-)

[Moniece Dickerson]

Oh Sandy that is WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!My friend I could not be happier for you!!!!!!!!!!CONGRADS!!!!!!!!Pictures!!Pictures!!Y our friend,Moniece

[ErinC]

:jumpy

congrats!

[Monty]

:hug Fantastic - OF course :PICS

[Trudy]

Congratulations Sandy and Greg. I know how much you are going to enjoy having your horses at your own place! We are very happy for you that you find something you will enjoy!

[lisa l aka marci]

We finally have our mini dream farm - 6 acres and a house, mostly fenced, a couple of portable buildings that may already have assigned 'duties'.... It's about 4 miles NE of Callaway Gardens in west central GA. Big, big dressage country so the town of Pine Mountain, GA, (pop. 1200+/-) has something like _8-10_ full time vets!

It's all done but the final signing! :-)

CONGRATS!!!!! See, I WAS able to keep quiet! :D :D :D

[lisa l aka marci]

(Pssssst - there are guest rooms... :-) Come on down! Well - after the closing... by July 11 latest! Moving 2 horses into one of the pastures this week.

Woo hoo! Means I have a place to stay when I come to get Marci! Hay- if it times right, I could help you move too.....

[Mellifluous]

Allright!

So this is the new place that you mentioned this weekend. That part of Georgia is really nice and is unusual because it is a little climate pocket of zone 7b in the middle of zone 8. You will have cooler weather than your surrounding communities. I am very very happy for you guys!

[pnalley]

Sandy,
I have ridden at FDR. My advice DON"T DO IT! Unless you are fit, and your horse is fit. The cowboy trail is horrible. Big (6 to 9 inch) boulders that shift under your horses feet. Very hilly not well marked. My horse was so sore, I will not do that to to mine again.
I haven't ridden the lake trail, I understand it's ok as far as level & not a lot of shfting boulders, but it is rocky.

[SandyMM]

So this is the new place that you mentioned this weekend. That part of Georgia is really nice and is unusual because it is a little climate pocket of zone 7b in the middle of zone 8. You will have cooler weather than your surrounding communities. I am very very happy for you guys!
So _that's_ why it is so pleasant there!?!

We are backed up to 26 acres owned by the Primrose's, so we have a great start on a Paso community... By the time all of their personal and in-training horses and our horses arrive - we should have about 30 Pasos on the two properties. And with Callaway Gardens only minutes away and a strong antiqueing community established - Pine Mountain may just be _perfect_ ! ;-)

Well, nearly perfect - only one grocery store and it closes at 6 pm, but there are at least _8_ full-time vets! :-)

[PFRydr]

Congratulations Sandy!! That is a real nice area! Now you will be way closer, maybe we can go riding.
Rikki

[Mellifluous]

If you need landscaping materials, I can get wholesale prices at Lazy K nursery - they supply azaleas to Callaway gardens. You should be able to grow some really nice ones there!

In fact, I need to go to Lazy K this fall and get some plants for my yard.

[pnalley]

Which county are you in? Meriwether?

[SandyMM]

Actually, we are in _two_ counties and just a few hundred yards from another... :-) Most of the property is in Troup, a little bit is in Meriwether, and we're just east of Harris.

The azaleas sound great - right now we have three _huge_ gardenia bushes that bloomed with _thousands_ of flowers - which we are allergic to... :roll:

[Bonnie M]

Congrats on your new place!

They have a County named Meriwether?!? :shock:

And it is spelled exactly like my last name! Interesting.

[moonrize]

Congrats Sandy and Greg. Pine Mtn. is a great little place and of course Callaway Gardens at Christmas time is worth the sight. And all the trails around FDR state park. What fun. :D

[sporthorse]

Finally!!!! I know you will love having your critters with you. And I know the area is nice. I have some friends here in Lake City that get together once a year and trailer to Pine Mtn. for a "girls' week out" camping and riding their horses all over the area. They have been after me to go along. Maybe I will now since I could see you and Greg and your place. Have fun fixing it up and enjoy being able to saddle up and ride out your front drive :D Lindsay

[Privatetreaty]

Congratulations!

I wish a smooth closing and please don't forget to file for Agricultural and Homestead Exemption. Check with your County Property Appraiser's Office for applicable laws in your State.

[baileyholc]

When's the party?

[greyhorsewoman]

Congrats Sandy!

[SandyMM]

Front of the house
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PPRantares/frontofhouse.jpg
2nd front
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PPRantares/fronthouse-left.jpg
Back
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PPRantares/backofhouse.jpg
East side add-on bedroom/leather/t-shirt/workroom....
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PPRantares/backroomadd-on.jpg
Yes, it says 'Fishing'... actually the pump house, but apparently the former owner had a stocked pond at one time...
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PPRantares/fishinghut.jpg
They also raised goats and assorted critters...
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PPRantares/kennels-pens.jpg
Here's the floor plan...see if you can spot the 'discrepancies'...
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PPRantares/floorplan.jpg
And here's a partial map showing a little bit of I-185 after it branches SW of Atlanta. The shaded areas are FDR State Park and Calloway Gardens
Our property is the red 'flag'....
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PPRantares/map.jpg

[stella]

Just got back online, and I'm so very happy for you! I really enjoyed reading your remodelling plans......I could just feel your elation! Nothing does a heart more good than owning your own...and having the critters out the back door!(or, front!) :D

[DSDECKERT]

YEAH SANDY & GREG!!! Nothing like having your horses in your back yard.

When is the party? I'll schedule a visit to Duluth and rent a car and head down!!! How far from Atlanta???

[SandyMM]

We're 1 hour SW of the Atlanta airport down I-85 S and I-185 S - Pine Mountain (US 27 S) exit and yes - a party sounds good! We _have_ to close by July 11, but I'll feel a _lot_ better if we can get it done before then! I've got the paperwork in the hopper now... :-)

[CarolU]

Nice house! Interesting floor plan...having the patio off the dressing area, and a guest bedroom off the master. Very handy when you're fighting. LOL

Looks very nice Sandy. I'm sure you'll love it! You won't have to wonder where your horse trailer is parked anymore. ;-)

Nothing compares to having the horses so close - especially at foaling time. I'm just tickeld pink for you guys.

[appyday]

Great...when do you know for sure or is it a done deal..you'll be so happy

[SandyMM]

Nice house! Interesting floor plan..
LOLOL - you have no idea! ;-)
The description 'cobbled together' came up a number of times.... I look at it as a 'farm house' at heart... It's about 2200 square feet of weird floor plan.... Did I mention the ...oh, never mind - those who visit will get to see this house's 'oddities' in person... :lol:

[SandyMM]

Great...when do you know for sure or is it a done deal.....you'll be so happy

Working on turning in all the paperwork for the financing now..... and when it's signed, sealed, and delivered..... I'm sitting down to a big honkin' whiskey sour! :yay :rearing :yay :rearing :yay

[SandyMM]

One really nice feature is that there is a way to pull trailers straight in to the front pasture if we have a some need for 'event parking'... Pine Muntain has a lot of things going on all through out the year - festivals/fairs/etc. including a Christmas Parade.

Pine Mountain may only have 1200 full-time residents, but there's an awful lot of activity!

[motorgypsy]

Congratulations Sandy! I know you'll love it!

[JennLM]

Great chatting with you last night Sandy, will post some close-up pics of those dreaded evil tumbleweeds lol

Lots of interesting things on that property and I like the brick they did to the front of the house.

What a pain to go through that auction, but I am sure it was worth it and you really enjoy all the special things (hehe) the house and property have to offer.

[Donelle]

Sandy, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! The place looks like it has some great possibilities & it will be yours. There is nothing better than having your horses right there with you. A couple of times during bad weather, I was tempted to bring them inside or at least on the front porch! You could use your patios!

[Donelle]

Sandy, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! The place looks like it has some great possibilities & it will be yours. There is nothing better than having your horses right there with you. A couple of times during bad weather, I was tempted to bring them inside or at least on the front porch! You could use your patios!

[Brigitte]

It looks great!

[Privatetreaty]

Hey Sandy,

I noticed the Appraiser mentions hallways in two different sections, but not in the area of the two bedrooms to the right.

Must you enter the first bedroom, to get to the back bedroom?

By the way, did you get my email? I found some information for you.

[SandyMM]

Must you enter the first bedroom, to get to the back bedroom?
Exactly! Which is a joke, but we're thinking we may move some walls eventually... In the meantime, we'll use the 'sitting room' for the treadmill and Air-Dyne...

[Privatetreaty]

Hey Sandy,

It's called "functional obsolescence".
There's good new: in your case, it appears curable.

The structure is 20 feet wide, according to the Appraiser's sketch.
If you create a 3 foot wide hallway, you'll reduce the size of the front bedroom to 16 feet, 8 inches (4 inch wall width). You're still left with a good size room. Stud/drywall/paint work is inexpensive.

Is the living, dining and kitchen area open or partitioned? If partitioned, you may wish to create a "great room" scenario. There are tear out and ceiling refinishing (where the walls were) costs associated with this idea. Again, not too expensive.

If you don't need the "office", you could open that area and use it as a family room. The dining room and office appear to have a lighting problem. When you open up a space and you have the right lighting, the area will appear bigger.

The kitchen is right by the front door. The ceilings in this home are probably around eight feet high. To create a higher ceiling effect, you can shorten the kitchen wall to the height of the cabinetry and decorate with (fake out) silk flowers.

I highly recommend one floor cover to enhance the look and the area will appear larger.

Did you receive my email the other day?

[Privatetreaty]

Ooops, forgot something. If you wish to change the appearance of the back of the structure, you can apply stucco. The stucco is not applied directly to the wood. A wire mesh is tacked on to the structure and the stucco is applied to the mesh.

We had a 4,000 SF frame home we wanted to sell here in Miami and the stucco estimates varied between $4,500 and $10,000. We contracted the $4,500 crew and found them on new construction job site. They did the whole house in two weekends as a "side" job.

Please remember to use the Kilz product for "hot" stucco surface. I think it's Kilz 2. The regular Kilz is used on surfaces that have cured (over 30 days). Then apply paint.


I STRONGLY suggest you do not use that sprayed on paint/mush finish. It flakes off with time, it does not enhance the value/appeal and it is hard to remove.

[Privatetreaty]

I need to correct a statement please.

I just made a phone call and found out that Kilz 2 is for cured stucco.
The other kilz is for "hot" stucco.

Sorry about that. :oops:

[SandyMM]

Great suggestions.... thanks...

[CarolU]

I like those ideas! I would also enlarge those back windows and change the door to a big sliding glass door. Get some light in there, be able to see the horses, maybe even screen in the back porch so you have a flyless area to enjoy being outside.

My mother would insist on painting all those outside sheds, but I love the character of old wood. Maybe just some oil to extend it's life. They're awesome.

One other question, are you in riding distance to the State Park there? If not, it's too bad you couldn't get comparable No. 2 - what a great location.
Not too far - anyway.

[SandyMM]

Finally - maybe - we have a tentative closing date - July 11 - 2:30 pm... This has been the real estate deal from both heaven - it's the perfect place - facilities, location, neighbors, value - and ...well - that other place that will toast you beyond recognition! :twisted:

In the past 20 days, I have driven 5+ hours roundtrip to the mortgage office and spent another 20-30 hours in person, on the phone and through email with mortgage people, banks, lawyer, lawyer's paralegal, auction company, our accountant and bank, and others trying to get all the extremely loose ends on this deal pulled together. Last time we bought a house, Greg said he hated it, but he wasn't moving again... This time - I'm the one who isn't going to want to ever move again... too much hassle!

Hassle or no....... I can't wait to get the keys and actually start moving the rest of the horses down there - It will be so great for Pete, Emi, and Bronce to have their very own turnouts!

[Pasogirlz]

Sorry it is a nightmare for you Sandy. But truthfully, it's a standard mortgage nightmare. As a rule of thumb....anything that can go wrong will go wrong. I made a terrible loan officer b/c I was so honest about all the pit falls. I could never just shut my mouth and say...Yeah, we can close you. :roll: My part is more behind the scenes and I hardly have to speak w/the customer. Just the Title/Atty, Loan officer/Processors, and the banks. 8-)

[SandyMM]

Lol - I start every phone call and email with an apology for being such a pest - but it just wouldn't have gotten done without some major squeaking wheels... unfortunately - even harder when the Seller and auction company have somebody else waiting in the wings with a slightly bigger offer - just waiting for the deal _not_ to close on time so they can suck up the defaulted downpayment AND sell at a higher price... seems like a major conflict of interest to me in getting the deal closed per the contract.... :roll:

[Moniece Dickerson]

Oh Sandy you all are going to be SOOO happy once you're in and have the horses there!!!I'm SOOO happy for you :D :D !!!Your friend,Moniece

[Linda Y]

I am no real estate mogul, but have bought 4 houses and sold 3. Every one has been a nightmare. I told my husband I wasn't leaving this one, but he wants out of hurricane country. Every time he talks about moving, I just grunt a little! :roll: Between the actual work to buy, then the packing and moving, I don't know if I could do it again.

[qltrlori]

LOL! :lol:

I tell people the only way I am leaving this place is on a stretcher!!!

We bought our property a year and a half ago. It is on ten acres in CA. The only way we could afford this property is because this house is funky weird. The previous owner built it himself using leftovers from other job sites. He never painted parts of this side of the house. There are whole rooms in the house that are unfinished. Lots of window and door frames aren't done. Here is a shot from before we bought the house:

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h92/qltrlori/chouse.jpg

I am glad I went back and looked through these pictures. It seems like even the smallest project we take on takes forever. We do the work ourselves because that is what we can afford. And, the previous owner left lots of building supplies, so we try and work with what we've got. So take heart! Things do eventually get done, even if it is at a snail's pace.

BUT the views are fabulous. And we have lots of room for horse facilities!

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h92/qltrlori/bhouse.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h92/qltrlori/ahouse.jpg

And there is an RV pad with full hook ups, so let me know when you are in town! So, yes, the purchasing of a house is a nightmare, and the house may not be all you dreamed of. ;-) But if you have lots of room to work with, it makes it all worth it in the end! When I get frustrated with the house I just look out the window or go for a walk to remind myself why we got ourselves into this mess, oops, I mean why we bought this cool property.

Good luck with finalizing your escrow! It is a tough time, but it will be over soon!

Lori

[Trudy]

Congratulations Sandy. It looks beautiful! Trudy and Dennis

[Minouri]

Congrats!

[Linda Y]

Lori, that is a GREAT house!

[Dianne]

Oh Sandy! It is beautiful! I hope the closing goes just fine and CONGRATS to you both!

[SandyMM]

Hoorah! The paralegal for the closing attorney called late this afternoon and said all paperwork on the Seller's side has been signed and is on its way back to the law office via FedEx. Our closing appt. is set for 2:30 pm Tuesday, but I may get there early and try to get them to 'git-r-done' early. With the adjacent Paso farm, we will have a great start on a Paso-only community just 4 miles from Callaway Gardens...

Just give us a bit of time to get the A/C working properly and the guestrooms ready, then ya'll are welcome to stop by to visit us and our little piece of Paso Heaven! _Then_ you can get the grand tour and see the quirky house in person! ;-) :lol:

[CarolU]

ahhhhhhhhhhhh, Sandy and Greg. I am SOOO happy for you both...and the horses. It's high time you made your dream come true!

Congratulations!!!

[JennLM]

Yeahhhhhhh!!! Congrats! Glad it's finally going through for you.

Lucky you to have more Paso people close>

[CarolU]

BTW Lori...with the right color siding and roof, that could be a dream house! You ought to look at some siding catalogs and pick the look you want. I remember seeing a condo with light brown siding, white trim and gun metal grey roof that was very much like your house. Awesome.

[SandyMM]

It's a done deal! Greg and I now own a 6 acre farm-ette! Our new neighbors will be Don and Jackie Primrose on their 26 acres and Jackie's mom in her own new house and 2 acres!

" It's OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOver!"
:rearing

Now if I can just get into the house - the auction company overnighted the wrong $%#^$%#^$% keys!

[Bella-Vista]

Congrats Sandy I'm So HAPPY for you and Greg. Enjoy your new HOME and may God Bless :D :D :D

[qltrlori]

Wow! Do I know that feeling of relief! Congratulations!!!! Now the fun begins. . .

:yay :D :jumpy

Lori

[pnalley]

congratulations!!!!

You posted

" It's OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOver!"


You are SO wrong. It's only just begun! ;-)

Happy to have you as a neighbor.

Now you need to join our horse club, we are trying to get a trail ride together at least 1 time per month, as well as promote the horse in Central Georgia

[Privatetreaty]

Congrats Sandy !!!!

[JennLM]

Woohoooooooo Sandy, our virtual toast via the phone is getting closer, CONGRATSS!!!!!

[TrueStepPaso]

CONGRATS, Sandy!!!!!! ...enjoy...

[SandyMM]

You are SO wrong. It's only just begun!
we can't complain too much on beginnings like this
Happy to have you as a neighbor.
We are _thrilled_ to have Paso neighbors!
Now you need to join our horse club, we are trying to get a trail ride together at least 1 time per month, as well as promote the horse in Central Georgia
We can't wait! We belong to the local saddle club here mainly to have parking access to ride at Berry College, but also so others can see what great all-around horses Pasos can be. We have been able to give a number of people their first gaited ride and dispel a lot of myths about 'crazy' Pasos.

[pasofantasy]

LOL! :lol:

I tell people the only way I am leaving this place is on a stretcher!!!...It is on ten acres in CA. The only way we could afford this property is because this house is funky weird.

WHAT A VIEW! The house looks cool to me, too! It makes me think of a modern chalet. You certainly love it and that's what matters!

[pasofantasy]

Congratulations, Sandy and Greg! I'm so happy for you! It's great, that you have your own place! I know, that you will continue to promote the breed in this area. Best Wishes for a wonderful life there!

[Privatetreaty]

I wish we had a Miami Paso Club.

[Pasogirlz]

Yee HAAAW! :rearing
Woop Woop! :yay

Congrats Sandy. Told ya it would close....it would just be a nail bitter like all closings. ;-)

[reuben T]

looks like a nice place, (I'm thinking, "ahhhh!!!!! another place to stop and visit next time i get down that way, [trouble is, that's likely to be when yer gone to the show i wanna go to]) oh well, I'm aiming to get fixxied up to go travlin an ridin afor long, so maybe i can travel around without having something really special to go to that all my friends are gonna be gone to too.

[SandyMM]

We'll be having some guestrooms available - at some point - just lots of work to be done before we officially move in... :shock: But - the sooner we get moved in down there, the sooner I can put our current house on the market! Don't need _two_ mortgage payments!

[SandyMM]

Told ya it would close....it would just be a nail bitter like all closings.
>>sigh<< ...but when's the last time you went to a closing and nobody thought to bring the keys to the property!?! :shock: