To keep things exciting, I do have this major announcement: Tom and I have sold our DC home – YES! For almost a year, the decision to sell was deliberated. I wrote about it here and here. When we purchased, renovated, and expanded our home, we never thought we’d have a second place. Then came Castine, Maine. After spending more time there, it no longer made sense for us to keep this large house with such an extensive garden; especially since we couldn’t personally care for it at the height of the season.
Let’s back up a bit. Our plan was only to put the house on the market when another spoke to us. And we weren’t actively looking. Then on a slow August day at Tone on Tone, a client visited and mentioned wanting to move into the city, but having no luck finding the right move-in-ready or fixer-upper property. I suggested she come over to see our place with her husband. “Maybe you’ll want to buy it or, at least, get renovation ideas,” I continued. After drinks 🙂 plus additional visits in the fall, we all shook hands on a private sales agreement. So that’s how our house was sold; it just happened organically.
The new owners are lovely. Their sophisticated collection of French antiques really shines throughout the house, particularly with all the European elements we incorporated during the renovation – French doors with cremone bolts, Belgian lighting, Italian limestone, etc.
Tom and I have moved to a 700 sq ft apartment while we house hunt. Now I have a favor to ask. If you know of a charming house coming on the market, please let me know asap. An older, unrenovated small Cape or Tudor with a first floor den or bedroom would be perfect. Nothing vertical, please. Panda and Mocha, our Tibetan Terriers, would like a small yard 🙂 We’re interested in Northwest DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Kensington, Silver Spring, and Arlington. Please help!
Until next time, enjoy these photos. Some were taken right before we moved out. Others are from Photographer Helen Norman that didn’t make it into the Martha article – so beautiful I have to share.
Cheers,
Loi
PS – Next post I’ll share more “on the move” news….up in Maine.
A very warm thanks to Addison Ripley Gallery for lending us this stunning vintage Wolf Kahn abstract painting. I still fantasize about it!! (If only we won that Powerball…)
We gifted the vintage GE factory pendants to the new owners – they just belonged in the kitchen.
I purposely kept the dining room sparse because the dinner table filled with family, friends, and food should always be the focus.
Hello Loi, We are all going to be sad that you sold your old house, which we came to know so well. The new buyers sound like the perfect ones to take it over, and who will appreciate your efforts over the years to improve it.
On the other hand, it will be an adventure to acquire and transform a new house, a project that I am sure will inspire you to many projects and posts in the future. Good luck with all to you and Tom,
Jim
Exciting news! Congratulations on the sale, move, and new adventure. We are still considering a move, but it would have to be the right house. You are brave to make a move before finding another home, but then with the home in Castine it makes sense. Good luck with the search. I'm confident the perfect fit will find you. Loved seeing more of your former home. Exquisite!
Perfect photos. Good luck with searching for another place. I will enjoy your new renovation project on this blog.
It must have been hard to leave I am sure. Hope you find the perfect fixer-upper!
Your home is a DREAM!! But first congratulations…got caught up in all the beauty:) This is very exciting news! And what a wonderful story…our last home sold kind of that way, when its meant to be…it just happens.
Best of luck in your adventure, I am all about change and like to keep things exciting too, we will surely be waiting in the wings for your next chapter Loi!
I'm sad that I never got to see the house in person! But I will be excited to see your next place. I will definitely keep my eyes and ears open! Where did you put all of your furniture?? Best of luck and hope to see you soon.
Michael
Congratulations!!! It will be exciting to see what you do with your next home here. It all makes perfect sense w/your larger home up in Castine. I'll keep my eye out for something in N. Arlington.
Hi Loi and Tom, your beautiful home sold, and why would it not? I am not sure where to begin or end but, your home is breathtaking, stately elegant and so tastefully design it's no wonder your clients took one look and bought it.
Again I loved the feature in M.S Living and the photos that were left out would have been nice if they extended the pages for your feature.
That master fireplace surround, Gasp!! It's what I have wanted for years now, rustic,,yet every bit elegant.
700. Sq feet, apartment? Boy this is giving you new meaning to closeness, a real test here in living grand in a small space, I would love to see how you make your 700 sq foot apartment feel like home while you are on the hunt for a new place to call home. I hope you share what you have done to the small space, or perhaps all is stored and you are just camping out so to say ?
Looking forward to the news of Maine and what's your plan.
Love, love your topiaries, so wished I could have bought one way back when you were selling some of them…I would like to know do you maintain the pruning, or do you have a full time artistic gardener keeping them in perfect form 🙂
Yes, the vintage canvas on loan was an exlent choice bringing in just a bit of colour tying in the tones used in the accent of the pillows.
Thank you for sharing
Looking forward to the next home you grace.
Xx
Dore
Dear Loi, my first thought was, who would not love your home with all of the beautiful details you and Tom added to make it so very special! Change is good though and your next project will be even better and a great adventure. I look forward to hearing all about your latest news! Warm wishes always!!PS Adore the Wolf Kahn Painting, a dream!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Dreams of Spring!
so glad your beautiful home found an appreciative buyer!!! Would love to see it now that it has new owners and beautiful furniture! Next blog post perhaps?
CONGRATULATIONS OVER AND OVER!!!!!
It's so exciting.
MC and I are in a 700 sq ft apartment waiting for our unit at Shell Point!!! I should say we are sharing a 700 sq ft apartment with boxes and all of our possessions. It sure is FUN!!!!
Can't wait to see what you find and how you add your magic!
xo
Patty
What happy news! We have a reno to look forward to. Congratulations on the article in MSL. I'm sure your new home will be featured as well.
So excited for you both!! What beautiful last hurrah photos!! That painting is to die for but I just love that master!!! Ahhhhhhh:). Beautiful work, as always. I know you will find the right spot to land! Xoxo, K
Loi
Congratulations. What a great way to sell your lovely home. It is always such a pleasure to see more photographs. I am hoping to convince my husband to move toward selling this home in the near future, as we have too much house. I will be interested to hear more about Maine. Is a shop in order?
Loi,
Love the blog and the idea of your Maine house.
Here is the link to my house, in Bethesda, which is on the market. It has a fenced back yard, and a large (equal to two garage spots) storage room in the lower level for your goodies! Renovated kitchen and baths, with great bones. three working wood fireplaces with the best draw in the city! It is move in ready, as I have moved to Annapolis with my family. The house could be yours tomorrow! great price!!! 7701 Groton Rd Bethesda 20817
http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/North-Bethesda-MD-20817/37257441_zpid/66648_rid/pricea_sort/39.046385,-77.089863,38.959542,-77.230111_rect/12_zm/0_mmm/
i hear frederick county is just lovely and has loads of charming homes. 😉
Oh wow, isn't it amazing how things just happen like that (although I happen to believe that nothing "just" happens). Your house was so lovely and oh, the garden. I'll miss that more than anything. Best of luck finding your next home.
Congratulations to you both. The new owners will be so happy with your stunning home. It's exciting to move on to a new project, not that you are short of one with your lovely home in Maine. Looking forward to updates and following on with your new adventures. Hope you find something perfect soon.
How wonderful that you found someone who will love your home as much as you have over the years. We will keep our ears and eyes open for a new home for you since we know 700 square feet is tiny. You must have a bunch of things in storage!
xxoo
C + C
That is wonderful news that you and Tom have sold your lovely home – I am sure the new owners will love it as much as you both did and appreciate all the special touches that you have given it both inside and out.
congratulations to you! + new owners sound perfect xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Awwww….I luv'd your house/home…I just get "attached" to things…on to new possibilities…good wishes!! franki
Loi (and Tom),
Congratulations on selling your home. I'm sure the new residents are thrilled with their good fortune. I always enjoy seeing pictures of the magic you do when furnishing and styling a room.
It will be fun to see what charming cottage you end up with in DC.
xo,
Karen
How exciting!! I am so grateful for that Sunday brunch at your beautiful home and being able to visit and see it in person. I really loved the home you had prior to this one, as well, but perhaps it is not available, and may not have the living space on the first floor that you are looking for. Everything you do is superb and I know you will find the perfect home – downsizing is the thing these days – I am thinking of downsizing from my 2000 square foot bungalow to something smaller – only thing in my way is my 7 foot grand piano. Next time I visit you I hope to see our new home!!! Good luck!
Darling Loi, YOU DID IT! YOu and Tom are ON THE MOVE! I just know you will be gifted with a perfect home. My goodness, this is great news and the photos of your home really shine all the love and creativity you both have shared in this home. The new owners have a real treat coming to them! I wish you the best as you put out your wish list; you have many people who love you and will be on the look out! I am in the midwest so I can't be of any help, but my thoughts and prayers are with you as you embark on a new adventure.
MUCH LOVE and I can't wait to see the next home you purchase! Love, Anita
I am so excited for you and Tom and just know this was meant to be! Lucky buyers to get such a perfect home! As you know, we adore your home, and have shared it many times on our blog, but understand the need for change. Can't wait to follow on your next venture! Happy hunting!!
You and Tom have certainly been busy. No wonder I was missing your posts. Congratulations!! Blessing on your new home adventure. xoxoxo Mary
Hello Loi,
Well done and what a seamless way to sell you home. It seems like all components were in allignment. I am sure you will find a perfect new home. I am afraid I am no help to you, as I do not know your area at all. Now had you said you were moving to Ireland or the Gulf Coast of Florida I would be reaming off places.
You must have mixed emotions about leaving your beautiful lovingly created home. I wish you success in your next venture and look forward to reading and seeing it.
Helen xx
Congratulations Loi and Tom on the private sale!!! Amazing. The new owners must be thrilled. I would be! My only regret is I didn't get to see it for myself!! I'm excited for your next steps and know youll create a besutiful small home in a new location. It will be stunning as always!! Good luck with the search and the process and Castine is the dream come true at the end of the journey so all your changes are worth the reward of eventual retirement in a beautiful place. Hugs and Xox Terri
lucky you, the new owners and us! another opportunity to see your magic on your new home. the former is oh so serene & purely magical.
i do have lovely homes available near me 🙂
xo
debra
. . . . and I was just about to write a post on your magazine article!
Well dear Loi I know you and Tom were planning to move on eventually and it sounds like the buyers will care for, and love, that beautiful house just as you – and all of us – did! How lovely you left those great kitchen pendants – they do make that space so special. If there was ever a dream house for me it would be that house because I know how much of yourselves you poured into it, and I loved everything about it.
Hope you find another great place to work your magic – we'll all be waiting to see what's coming next! Hope the pups have settled in the apt., it must seem so different for all four of you. Sorry, no longer know anyone in those areas so can't help with properties, but I'm hoping you find something soon.
Take care – Bob joins me in wishing you well as you go through this big and exciting change.
I'll still write a post!
Hugs – Mary
Loi you are certainly "on the move". Congrats to you and Tom on your sale. Loi you are gifted beyond belief with your style and beautifully grace any space you dwell in. 700 square feet, I hope you find the perfect next home soon. Thanks for sharing the additional photos that weren't included in MSL.
xo,
Vera
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Congratiolations with the article!!!! Love all the design! You are so very talented!
xoxo
Greet
Well I feel in two minds about your announcement Loi – on the one hand, congratulation on the sale, and I'm excited to see your next adventure unfold. On the other hand, your old house is so beautiful I feel sad we'll not see photos again. Especially of your beautiful garden. But, a new stage in life awaits. Congratulations again on the Martha spread – the house really does look so beautiful in the photos, no doubt you've felt a few pangs on leaving, even if it's in such capable new hands.
Congratulations Loi and Tom! Lucky buyers. I like your ability to be able to part with your gorgeous home and simplify. It will be so fun to watch you find a new place! Please share all of the steps. As your devoted readers, we always get excited when we see a Tone on Tone post show up in our feeds!
This is bittersweet news for me Loi. Sadness that there won't be any new posts on the old house but excited anticipation of your new project. Your posts in Maine will be a great inspiration as my own house is on the coast and "New England' is my favourite style! Health, happiness and all you wish for yourselves in your new home. xx
Dear Loi, I'm happy with the news!Hope the buyers will appreciate all things you have done in this particularly beautiful space. A new chapter ahead now, this is exciting!
Olympia
Such good news Loi. Congratulations! Such an honour too, to have photo's of your home published in Martha Stewart Living.
Have a good weekend!
Madelief x
Congratulations, and thanks for the tour of your former home.
Congratulations on the sale of your gorgeous home. Lucky ones who bought such a fine house in such good condition. Good luck in your search for a new home in the DC area. We can't wait to follow along once you purchase and being the reno process!
Claudia
P.S. I just learned I know someone in the DC area who knows a friend of yours. Small world.
Sounds exciting…I'm sure the new owners were so happy to find such a beautiful home!
What a perfect way to sell a house: organically and to friends. We had a terrible, terrible experience selling our last house five years ago and hope never to repeat that experience. It's exciting, but must be so very difficult now to live in such cramped quarters. Yes, it's temporary, but still…difficult. My daughter lives up on Davenport so I'll have her keep an eye out for you! Of course, we are all looking forward to seeing a new home and how you decorate/renovate!
What a great story of finding the perfect new owners for your home. I look forward to following along on your next home and garden adventure.
Exciting news, Loi! Can't wait to see what you do with your next home. It will be lovely, for sure.
Xo,
Deborah
Boxwood Terrace
Wow, that is so exciting! I truly love your home, but I know that you will do amazing things wherever you end up. And I have to say, if I lived near you I would be plucking up that stunning trumeau mirror that was in the living room in two seconds flat! It has alway been a favorite of mine:)
How lucky for those new owners to be buying a house that has been restored and remodeled so meticulously, and to top it off, you left them the adorable pendant lights! It was meant to be:)
Best of luck to you and Tom, wherever you land! Can't wait to see what you do next!
Best,
Sheila
http://www.maisondecinq.blogspot.com
Hi Toi, What a stunning home! Congratulations and all the best in your next adventure! I'm with you on that vintage Wolf Kahn – it's utter perfection:)
Oh Loi,
This is all so bitter-sweet, because what you did with your home is so extraordinary, but the great news is that we get to see you work your magic on a new place! I will pray that you find it soon so that you can get started and that Panda and Mocha have a little yard to romp around in!
I can't wait to see more of your Castine home as well!
I'm so glad that you found the perfect owners to grace this gorgeous space you and Tom have created!
xoxo, Laurel
Dear Loi, I feel very lucky to have visited this beautiful house in person and know the photos will continue to inspire for years to come! I am sure your next project will turn up soon; personally, I can't wait to see it!
xoxo
Phyllis
Soooo exciting friend! That's wonderful news! I just know you'll find the perfect new spot and make it uniquely yours:)
Oh Loi, I'm so excited for you and Tom! My son is getting ready to sign a lease on an apartment in Arlington/Alexandria…they're not at the house buying stage…yet. I hope you find just what you're looking for, and it's always so nice when you sell your home to someone who will love it and care for it the way you both lovingly did!
xo Kat
Good Afternoon Loi, I have just discovered your marvellous blog and popped over to enjoy your house tour…. your home is stunning and I hope you don't mind but I pinned quite a few of your photographs because I fell in love with your kitchen and garden.
I wish both you and Tom great success in finding your new home and now that I have found you, I will return again and again and again.
With warmest wishes.
Daphne
Loi – today I wrote a little post on 'the house' – and your plans for the future – I'm so going to miss this one!
Happy hunting – hope some possibilities arise in the near future – meanwhile you'll have to keep on rearranging the lovely shop!!!
Love, Mary
Your home is so lovely, I can see why is sold so quickly. I am looking forward to seeing what you purchase next!
Hi Loi, I am just catching up on reading my favorite blogs!! Congratulations–what a beautiful feature!! xo leslie Sinclair
So lovely…and another fun project to watch someday…hopefully soon.
What I wouldn't give to have moved into your house! Those are very lucky new homeowners Loi! Wishing you good luck on your house hunt – I know you'll find the perfect house that you'll turn into a beauty!
I can't believe you've already moved!!! Wow you have been busy! Congratulations on a great new buyer and we wish you the best finding a new home! Hope the pups are transitioning well. Xo Nancy
Wow!!… firstly let me say how utterly beautiful your house is looking … Such style, stillness and grace Loi!.. I shall miss your wonderful garden but completely understand your need to change. I love a new challenge and project and here's holding thumbs that the perfect property will turn up. Huge congratulations on the Martha Stewart article!… your home would have been the stand-out feature for that month!! Jenny
Loi, just checking in to see if you have had any luck finding a new place? I hope that you are having a wonderful week and am looking forward to seeing all of your news about Maine, the store and whatever else you have been up too.
Loi,
The MS story was so lovely. I'm glad you found the perfect new owners and can't wait to see what hidden gem you find for your next DC area home. Meantime keep us up to date on Maine.
OMG, you have an original Wolf Kahn?! Wow! I love his artwork. I ended up copying one of his paintings for a college art project. I love his work! Loi, your home was so beautiful and your decor is impeccable! I'm so excited to see your new digs!
Congratulations on the sale! But of course, who wouldn't want your lovely home. Can't wait to see what you find next.
Loi – Congratulations! Can't wait to see what you move into and watch you reno it!!! change is good, right?
Congrats!!! I am so very happy for you….a little bittersweet though as I wanted to visit you in your gorgeous home!….but I will visit you in your shop (again)…..and there is always Maine!!….The new owners must be thrilled on every count….getting a beautiful home inside and out and so impeccably cared for!….So glad that Martha Stewwart Living was there to photograph your amazing home before you moved. Happy that the sale was organic and you did not have to deal with the ups and downs of showing the house!…Good luck to you and Tom in finding a great place that is "vertical" xoxo's
Oops…meant, "not vertical"…. and what a lucky home it will be when you and Tom work your magic on it!
Congratulations, Loi! I know Tom and you will find a beautiful space to make your own. I can't wait to see what you do!
What a great way to sell your home – it really sold itself from what I can see!
I am so excited we know the new owners of your amazing home so I can finally see it and all it's glory in person! It was so nice finally meeting you at the design center the other day, maybe you guys will find a place in Silver Spring and we can be neighbors 😉
I pinned every picture! Simply breathtaking…..
It's bittersweet Loi, but change is inevitable for everyone and though I will miss your DC home terrible (sniff, sniff), I'm excited to follow along your new adventure!
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