Two miles from the highway, and still PEACEFUL AND PRIVATE

After looking at a dozen homes on the market during our search, we were getting pretty discouraged and wondering if we'd have to compromise more than we had originally planned.

I didn't even have to get out of the car to see that this home was my new top choice! From the home's aesthetic to the mature trees and yard landscaping, I knew this was a place we could grow and be proud to call "home." The backyard was the perfect size for our 14-year-old puppy, fenced in so she could safely roam and get to know her new neighbors. With a shed large enough to fit all our lawn equipment and entertainment supplies, the lot itself made us even more excited to see inside.

In the first moments of walking through the front door, we were charmed by its layout and all the space! The tray ceilings in the living room, dining room, and master really make the space feel lavish and inviting. The number and size of bedrooms and bathrooms were perfect for entertaining our large groups of friends and family, but what really delighted us was the HUGE finished basement! The basement has an additional room you can turn into anything, whether it be another bedroom or, as we did, a home gym, and that was spot on what we were looking for! The basement square footage matched the upstairs, with its own bathroom and even a kitchenette, making it an independent living option.

When we moved to Springfield from Chicago, our first priority was to find our new friend group here (because what is a home without a community?). Starting with a few good folks, we hosted holiday parties, birthday parties, puppy playdates, and neighborhood block parties that eventually grew in size and love. So many memories of laughter until your belly hurt, meaningful talks around the fire pit, and being entertained by what the puppies will chase and bark at next will be some of our favorite memories.

My elderly father, who lives in Florida and does not travel, flew on his very first flight ever to come see his daughter and her husband in their very first home together. It was Christmas time, so having Dad there with us for our first Christmas together in our first home together was so special. We shared recipes and ate way too much around the dinner table, watched movies cuddled up on the couch in the living room, and even did a daily family workout routine every morning in our home gym downstairs. It was the best time spent together, and a memory we will always have.

This house is more than that. This is a home where you can comfortably, safely, and proudly take everything life gives you. We were only the second family to ever live here, and we loved every minute of home improvements and DIY projects that helped us make it our own. This home has so much beauty and charm, and we hope you see that same charm, along with all the opportunities this space gives you to make it your own!

We will miss most waking up to the sunrise and the birds singing in the trees outside on quiet mornings. These quiet mornings are perfect for getting in a walk with your neighbors, who will likely become your friends, as they did for us! We're going to miss the peacefulness of the neighborhood, and all the caring, responsible neighbors/homeowners who make this location perfect for anyone. We hosted so many neighborhood and family gatherings in the backyard. With the grill on the brand-new deck and a new fire pit to sit around, we are going to miss all the beloved memories we made with loved ones here.