Blogger Home Tour – Dorothy

I’m happy to be part of the ARWB Home Tour feature today. After I show you around, I think you’ll understand why I named my blog Reflections from Dorothy’s Ridge. Although I love my house, it’s the setting that inspires my writing. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

DREAMING

Early in our marriage, Terry and I we used to drive along a ridge in the Walton Heights neighborhood of Little Rock and dream of living there. When the opportunity opened up, we didn’t hesitate to make an offer on a house even though it needed lots of work. Thanks to my husband’s handiness and lots of sweat equity, we’ve made it our own.

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The style of the house didn’t wow me, but I would have moved into a box to get up on the ridge.

Bederoom1

It was this view of the Arkansas River Valley from the master bedroom that sealed the deal for us.

LOTS OF HARD WORK

Living & Dining Collage

11260 Rivercrest is laid out like many houses built in the 1960s: an entry hall between a living room and dining room. Originally, the living room was twice this size and would have been wasted space. Terry and my dad added a wall to create an office that opens up to the back hall.

Den3

The den is where we spend most of our time. Terry built the fireplace, cabinet and bookcases. (Yes, I do know how fortunate I am. He’s one in a million.)

Remodal Collage

Originally, a huge red brick fireplace flanked by two ordinary windows took up most of the den wall facing the river. As soon as we were able, we extended the room outward, moved the fireplace and added lots to windows to embrace the view.

Kit to Den Collage

Terry took down a row of cabinets to open up the space between the den and kitchen. He built new ones on two walls of the breakfast room that provide plenty of storage. Last fall, we gave up more cabinet space on each side of the sink to accommodate the large window. I’m happy to say it was worth it. I don’t even mind doing dishes, and I sit at the island opposite that window, drink coffee and write nearly every morning.

Master Bed Collage

The people we bought the house from had already extended the master bedroom and added these large windows—the major selling point. When we expanded the den, we also doubled the size of the master bath.

Bedroom Collage

Terry’s grandmother’s oak furniture grace the front bedroom while my Aunt Mary’s suite lends a girly touch to the middle one. When you come to visit, you can have your choice. This will be your bathroom.

Even after 28 years, the view never gets old. I thank God every day for the privilege of waking up to his glorious handiwork. Just call me grateful.

What that other Dorothy said is really true. There is no place like home.

9 comments

  2. Carolyn Black Allen says:

    We would LOVE to find a view of water. We do have a subdivision of sixties, seventies and eighties vintage ranches that overlook Lake Springfield. We keep watching. I MUCH prefer homes that are older to the new homes. Then, you can go in and knock out walls, raise the ceiling and open the house up and personalize it. You will then have a house with character and charm. Maybe it’s because I’ve sold real estate for so many years but my advice to buyers is……if you can only afford $100,000…..buy an older home in a good, well established neighborhood and “fix it up”. If your budget is half a million dollars…..or anywhere in between $100k and $500k……buy an older home in a good, well established neighborhood and “update it”. And that’s my advice for today! I love your home and all you’ve done to it. Terry is a very skilled craftsman and you’re a wonderful decorator with a vision!

  3. Barbara Tate says:

    Your house is beautiful, and I love that great view of the river. Love the large windows.

  4. Katharine says:

    Gorgeous, Dorothy!
    You have done a marvelous job of turning an average house into a showcase home. I am happy for you that you have the chance to live there! <3

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