Loblolly Manor House Tour

When I think about how long we’ve actually worked on one of the tiniest houses we’ve ever lived in, I have such mixed emotions. My childhood home, Loblolly Manor was named for the decades old Live Oak trees as well as the rows of Loblolly Pines that dot the landscape. We moved around so many times as a military family and through it all, it was this house that always felt like home.

In September of 2014, my family started the renovation process. The house had to be brought down to the studs after a series of unfortunate events and poor choices made by former renters. Almost everything had to be replaced from floor to ceiling both interior and exterior. Given Loblolly is not my parents primary residence, the budget for the renovations was more in line with a retreat space than a home.

As with any renovation project, big ticket expenses come up and you have to make compromises. In the end we wound up doing the majority of the work ourselves. We sourced furniture and accessories from thrift stores, charity shops and antique malls. My dad built a lot of pieces for the house and we bought items from Pottery Barn too.

It’s been a lot of work. So. Much. Work. There’s still a lot of work to be done too. We’ve yet to start on the laundry room, someday there will be a pergola framing the patio and if my mom has her way there will be white painted cabinets in the kitchen. Through it all we’ve brought our best skills, gifts, time, talent and resources. We encouraged each other every step of the way even on the days we weren’t sure this house would ever be done. But giving up was never an option…not even for a second…

Welcome to Loblolly Manor…

The Dining Room

The room was definitely a team effort. My dad made the table and built the columns, I painted the buffet, my mom and I painted the chairs, my bestie S helped build the bench and I painted the chalk board. The smocked curtains are from Pottery Barn and the chandeliers are from Home Depot.

The Entry

For those of you that have been with me for a while, you may recognize the dresser we’re using as a drink station since it used to be in my breakfast area. The subway inspired poster is from IKEA.

Guest Bedroom One

The bed is a family heirloom. I painted the buffet we’re using as a dresser.  All of the vintage European inspired artwork and accessories were picked up at antique malls and thrift shops.

Guest Bathroom

Guest Bedroom Two

I painted the headboard and the nightstand. The French typography pictures are from IKEA and the duvet is from TJ Maxx.

The Living Room

The accent chairs were painted with Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint. The Loblolly Bay sign was found at Renninger’s in Mount Dora. The white slipcovered couch was purchased from Pottery Barn. We made the coffee table from reclaimed wood found on my grandpa’s property.

The Kitchen

We’re all big coffee drinkers so I couldn’t imagine any of our homes without a coffee bar area. My dad built the kitchen island and painted it in Benjamin Moore Decorators White.

The Master Suite

My mom loves, loves, loves layers of bed linens. The way she makes the bed always makes me want to take a nap. I painted the old footlocker and dresser. My mom surprised my dad with the picture hanging above the desk. It’s the envelope to a letter my dad sent his parents when we was away at Basic Training. You can read our beginner’s guide to chair upholstery here.

So there you have it…2 years in the making. We’ve had a great time putting these spaces together and still laugh at all of the crazy things that have happened along the way!

I hope you guys all have a safe and happy holiday weekend. Team Crowned Goat is taking the next few days off which we’re all super excited about. Whatever you’re doing…beach, pool, lake, cabin, hanging out with friends and family, relaxing at home with a good book sipping something festive or eating apple pie – I hope you have so much fun!

We have a great week coming up next week so we’ll kick it off with our patriotic porch on Monday! Until then, I’ll see you on Facebook, Pinterest and on Instagram over the weekend.

Many blessings,

CoCo