The perfect homestead is elusive. We have been searching for some acreage in the Portland Metro area for a few years now. The list of must-haves isn't huge: 5-20 acres, a mix of wooded and cleared land, within an hour commute of downtown Portland, suitable for growing fruit and nut trees and possibly some grazing animals. There are matches out there. Matches that also have highly questionable aesthetic choices, driveways with a 45% grade, neighbors housing a farm machinery graveyard, or they just don't FEEL right.
There has been one exception - the witches' house. we lovingly refer to this property as the witches' house because it is tucked back on its own private twenty acre plot, surrounded by funky outbuildings (including Das Goat Haus) and a mature forest, and seriously, occupied by witches. It has its quirks. I've wondered if it is too secluded, but it has been the only property that excited us. The price was not as exciting, however a year after we first looked at it, the price was reduced significantly. The dream could become a reality. We looked at it again, along with a crowd of other people. We considered selling our home in North Portland. A realtor came out and told us what we would need to do to prep our house for sale. And then I panicked.
We have a LOT to do to get our house in saleable condition. What if the witches' house needs work we're not aware of that may or may not be revealed in an inspection? What of it takes us more time and money than we ever imagined to get the new place how we want it? What if it turns out one of us actually doesn't want to live so far out of town? What of we have to buy a second car to make it work? The list of worries kept getting longer.
So, taking a huge step backwards, we have decided to stay in the city (for now) and love our crazy, old 1902 house, our bustling neighborhood that is occasionally plagued by gang shootings, and our chance to help build a resilient and beautiful community.
