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Our dream....
2002:
In November, 2002 Carey and I drive up to the Penn Valley & Grass Valley area to look at the property she has owned in since 1973. We decide to ask a real estate agent to show us other properties in the area. She points us to two lots for sale in a community of sixteen homes in Grass Valley, called Foxwood Estates. There are several lots for sale, and we immediately fall in love with Lot 2. It is too expensive for us, so we continue to pursue building in Penn Valley.
2003:
In April 2003, we do a well test, meet with Andy Cassano a land surveyor, talk with landscape architects. In June we get an easement report from the title company. After talking to all of these people and reviewing the reports we come to the conclusion that the Penn Valley Property will not meet our needs. In February of 2004, we sell Penn Valley to a horse-riding enthusiast. This link shows that this property is well-suited for the new owner’s purpose.
Later that summer, we return to Foxwood Estates, to remind ourselves of what the property there looked like and see if it was still for sale. We make an offer and a few days later come to an agreement to purchase it.
2004:
On October 1, 2004 escrow closes and we visit the property again, this time to walk around it with a potential builder, Bob Holderbein. He has built several other homes in the neighborhood and comes highly recommended. One neighbor, who enjoyed the entire building process and loves his home, let on that he didn’t even interview any other builders. After speaking with Bob, he knew he found his man.
2004-2005:
Carey designs the floor plan and shows Bob some sketches, they first plans are drawn up in December of 2004. At this time we start designing the look of the house including elevations. After a few revisions of the floor plan we meet Bob again at the property to discuss building sites (April 1, 2005).
2006:
In October of 2006, after much wrangling over the plans, specifications, permits, funding, vacations and tractor availability ground is broken! Our neighbor Deane and Bob both send us pictures.
On December 8, 2006, our fourth wedding anniversary, the foundation is poured. We get pictures emailed to us by our neighbor.
Carey and I visit the now-poured/forms-removed foundation and Bob at the construction site