Our Dream House Wish List

During our sixteen-year nomadic journey from one home to the next, we have lived in everything from a cookie-cutter three-bedroom two bath, to a 100-year-old apartment, to a sprawling Spanish villa. The highs and lows of each house have given us a clearer picture of what we would like in our “someday house.” From big-ticket items like a basement to small things like plenty of outlets in strategic places, we have begun to determine what matters to us and what just doesn’t. 

We typically live in military housing, which isn’t always known for its innovation or frills like sitting rooms and basements. Contrast that to the past three years where we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have an overseas housing allowance that has afforded us things we’ve never had in our houses in the states – a spacious backyard, swimming pool, a collection of fruit trees, five bedrooms, and garage that could fit six cars if you parked them just right. It even has a stone tower worthy of Rapunzel. We would love to incorporate the basics of this floor plan, a five-bedroom, one-level house on a basement, into our future home with some American updates, like central air. 

In preparation for our return to the US this summer, we recently put a contract on a new construction house in South Carolina (sight unseen, which is a bit scary!). Since military housing wasn’t an option, we had the opportunity to look at many floor plans in new construction neighborhoods in this growing area.  Floor plans, 3D models, and virtual walk-throughs gave us a crash course in what appeals to buyers in our demographic.  

We noticed one thing repeatedly in each house we looked at: the square footage spent on the master suite. When did master closets become the size of football fields? Why exactly are master bedrooms so enormous compared to other bedrooms? I totally get that the people paying the bills should not get shafted in the deal, but why have so much square footage in a bedroom? 

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All of this comparing and contrasting over the last few months have cemented in our mind our Dream House Wish List.  

1. Basement – this is our biggest dream to have a basement complete with a kids’ hang-out area, dedicated schoolroom, and home gym. 
2. Open Floor Plan – you don’t have to have a huge house for it to be functional. We value square footage in open living spaces. Instead of a master bedroom big enough for three king-size beds, we would use the square footage for a loft or office. 
3. Custom Closets – I know walk-in closets are all the rage, but we have built-in custom closets in our current house, and we never want to go back! Closets with built-in drawers and functional storage areas reduce the wasted floor space of walk-in closets and can completely eliminate the need for dressers. I know this is a far-fetched dream for an American house, but check out my Instagram story for a detailed look, and I promise you will want to abandon team walk-in closet! 
4. Kitchen – this is the hub of our home. I would prioritize money for the kitchen over anything else. Plenty of storage, functionality, a garbage disposal, gas range, double ovens, a refrigerator with water and ice (a luxury we’ve rarely had), and a walk-in pantry are all must-haves. 
5. Outdoor space – area for a trampoline, green space, outdoor kitchen and dining, and a pool all make the dream list for outdoor space. We have been incredibly spoiled with our outdoor space and the climate to enjoy it here in Spain. I was hesitant about the pool at first, but with proper safety measures and a pool maintenance man, it has been amazing! Living in a climate where we can spend a lot of time outside has become a big priority. With stone terraces, fruit trees, and walkways wrapping around most of our house, the green space in the back leaves just enough to enjoy without owning a tractor to manage it all. 
6. Central Heating and Air – when you have lived without it, it makes the list.
7. Bathrooms with a separate door for the shower and toilet.  When kids are sharing a bathroom, this is such a game-changer! 
8. Mud Room – I love this area to organize shoes, snow gear, backpacks, and sports equipment. 
9. Carpet in the bedrooms – We have lived in several houses with hardwoods throughout. While I love hardwoods, I enjoy having carpet between my toes in my bedroom. 
10. Storage – at least one large closet is important for things like luggage. A walk-up attic or space in the garage for shelving for seasonal items. 

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Our list is constantly changing as our priorities shift and our family needs change. Only the Lord knows if we will ever get to incorporate any of these into that elusive someday house, but for now, it is fun to dream. What is on your dream list?