We are moving!

Larry bought this home in 2002. I moved here in 2013. At one level we never thought we’d ever move. We have been happy here. The space, the home, our shop all work very well for us. Several years ago we redecorated the home, updated the windows, floors, and countertops. We added a new fireplace mantel and facade as well as added beams to our living room and bedroom. We were set for many years to come.

But, underneath it all, we always had a dream. It was a cabin in the woods. Each November we travel to Hochatown, Oklahoma for a weekend at a cabin in the woods. It was a three day dream and then we returned to our comfortable home on the Texas prairie. Walking out of the cabin, we’d often stop and take in a deep breath, look at the trees and receive a healthy dose of nature. We’d mention how much we would love to have this every day.

We had been watching the real estate values skyrocket in our area. In January of 2022, we heard that the 100 acres across the road from our home had sold. We were told that the new owner had planned a subdivision of nearly 100 homes. After this news, we looked at each other and said, “It’s time to move.” So we asked each other where we would move if we did.

Several years ago some friends moved from Memphis to Hot Springs, AR. We visited them and immediately said, “Wow, we sure wish we could live here, in these wooded lots.” So, our answer to the big question was, Hot Springs, Arkansas.

We began researching home prices and area features. It became clear to us that the values were similar to our local area in Lamar County, Texas. As we added up a simple budget of a move, we realized that this dream could become our reality.

In order to make the move, we’d have to fit within the value of our current home in order to move with the least amount of financial strain. In order to do that we needed some acreage to have a home, and shop for our business and car hobby. We realized this would be possible if we found a fixer-upper or if we’d buy a manufactured home.

Looking for 1+ acres, we soon saw that the real estate market was very limited and a sellers advantage. After a daily search for land, we were notified by our real estate agent that he found a lot that was about to hit the market and we should take a look. It was 4.5 acres and wooded.

When we drove to the land, we liked the roads out of Hot Springs to get there. Easy to travel and the land was only a short distance off of a main road. Those were good signs. We got to the land, got out of our car and began to walk on the land. Immediately, we both took in the breath, sighed, and said, this is beautiful!!! The dream just became more of a reality. Pay no attention to the “deer bomb tent.” I guess someone recognized the deer in the area and decided to do some hunting.

There are so many details to moving forward from this day I’ll have to spare you the time to read through them. But after a LOT of ups, downs, crashes, dreaming and losing the dreams, we’ve finally got a signed contract on 4.5 acres of wooded dreams.

J and L Creative Design will continue! We will be building a new shop and will continue to build and create!

Now, to figure out just how we’re going to live there.