The Boulder, The Better?!

West Park Drive

Nov 7

Did I mention how much I love the footprint of our groovy house on West Park Drive? The layout consists of three bedrooms and two baths on one side of the house with a master including a jack and jill bathroom that connects two of the bedrooms. There is a fourth bedroom and small bath on the other side of the home, making it a good place for our college daughter when she is home and for guests when she is away. Thankfully we did not have to add any additional square footage as the bones and layout were ideal for our family of five. This groovy “girl” just needed updates.

However, being built in the 1970’s, the house was divided into tiny living areas walled off from one another. The small dining room was encased in walls from the entry and the kitchen. The kitchen was divided by a wall to the living room. Additionally, the living room flooring was dual level and the ceiling was so low it felt like it would close in on you.

But, the best part was the view when you stepped in the front door (sarcastic sigh). A giant floor-to-ceiling chimney covered in monstrous boulders!! Nothing says “welcome” like a giant rock wall, right? Who thought the boulders would be better?!

At this point, I did not have a clear plan but I knew the boulder chimney and the many walls had to go. After exploring the attic, I discovered that the chimney was brick underneath the large rock covering. This news gave me hope and a plan moving forward! With a little help from my favorite guys, my husband Keith and my son Mitchell, we had some fun with a sledgehammer and an ax.

I do not recommend you try this at home but it got the job done!