Hi friends. We’re excited to share that we recently purchased a couple of properties and we’ve got some exciting renovations coming up this year! As you know, Emma is based in Springfield, Missouri and Elsie lives in Nashville, Tennessee. We knew we wanted to invest in some properties we could Airbnb, but also live in ourselves when we come to visit each other’s cities (which is a lot).
So first, up—Nashville! Above is a photo of the duplex we just closed on in Nashville. We each purchased one side of the duplex. It’s a brand new build with a pretty basic design, so we’re doing a (tiny) bit of renovation and furnishing our side in our own style! It’s been really fun so far. I (Elsie) am almost wrapped up on my side and I’m coordinating a lot of Emma’s now since she isn’t always in town.
We’re both so excited because this home will give Emma and Trey a place to stay for longer periods of time. Emma comes often for both work projects and to visit, and although she’s always been welcome to stay with me, I know she’s excited to have a little house of her own with a fenced backyard so they can bring their dogs too. Trey has a sister who also lives in the Nashville area and she and her husband have two (adopted) little kiddos as well. So, Emma wanted to be able to come visit more to spend time with their nieces and nephews in addition to all the work trips she does out here.
Also, our grandmother (Norma) and her sister (Ina) live next door to each other and always did when we were growing up. So we had dreamed of having houses next to each other one day and even though this little duplex isn’t exactly the same thing, it definitely is making our grandma dreams come true early. 🙂
Once it’s available to rent, it will also be cool because larger groups could potentially rent both sides for a bigger space.
I believe this is the first time we’ve renovated a contractor-grade new build, so we’re excited to share the room before and afters with you as the months go on! It’s amazing what even small changes to a space can do to personalize the feeling.
Here we are in my mostly completed kitchen, minus that light fixture behind my head. I’ve decorated my side a little more of a farmhouse vibe with a lot of texture. I’m trying to make it as cozy as possible. And I did a cooler color scheme with greens and blues (yes, you read that right, some BLUE!).
On Emma’s side, she chose more modern finishes with a warm color scheme.
We are really excited to share the full reveal with you in the next few months!
In our hometown of Springfield, Missouri, we purchased an adorable historic home in the Rountree area (our favorite neighborhood in our hometown, if you’re not familiar). It’s a very sweet neighborhood. And just around the corner from this house there is a pizza place, a coffee/wine bar, and a small brewery. It’s the perfect neighborhood to take long walks on summer nights. And it’s just a few minutes from our downtown, so it’s super conveniently located to do just about anything.
We are especially excited because this neighborhood is also known for being the best place to trick or treat on Halloween (MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY!). We plan to participate in that in a BIG way this year … hint hint. Stay tuned this October. 😉
I (Elsie) am so excited because one of our personal goals was to spend more time in Missouri with our family. We are planning to spend Halloween and Christmas in this home, starting this year. It’s extra special because I’m imagining us waking up there on Christmas morning (it will be Marigold’s first holiday season with us!). It feels SO magical to me to have this home where we can make memories with our children in our hometown. I’m imagining cousin sleepovers and gingerbread houses, plus there is a fireplace so Santa can visit … all that good stuff! I nicknamed this one “holiday house” since we’ll be spending so many holidays there!
This photo is from last Thanksgiving right after we closed. It was my first time to see the home and I was instantly in love!
Emma and I have designed this home together and we have worked to choose things that go well with the age of the home (it was built in the 1920s). We’ve already done quite a bit of work since then, including a full kitchen renovation, which is nearly complete. Emma has been documenting a LOT of the progress, so be watching our IG stories to see all the behind the scenes. We will for sure we sharing LOTS of room tours and how we updated things with you soon.
Nova loves the house! But don’t all kiddos love running around empty houses? She has to hide in every single closet and try to scare us. Haha!
Just like with the Nashville homes, we’re planning to rent this home out as a short-term rental (like Airbnb) when we’re not using it. So if you’re ever passing through Springfield, Missouri, look us up! We’ll be sure to have links to our properties once they are available.
Before I go, just a quick note! We realize how lucky we are to be able to invest in these properties. Please don’t think it’s something that came overnight for us or something we take lightly. It’s an opportunity we worked and planned for years to be able to achieve and we’re so excited to share our journey with you!
Thanks so much for your love and support. xx – Elsie + Emma
Just getting caught up and delighted to see this post, I would be very interested in hearing about the recent law changes and how it affects the market. You girls do good work, and I had to chuckle while reading comments from previous posters that want an essay on your contributions. You handled it well.
I really enjoyed reading these comments.
I’m not American but Air BNB is impacting communities around the world (including my hometown in South Africa) so the debate is very interesting to me.
In addition, someone wrote that they’d be keen to hear more about the business side of ABM. I’d like to second that! Would love to read periodic updates on this too!
selfishly excited for all the fun content this will create! I can’t wait to follow along. Congrats you guys!!! ????
It’s a shame you have to apologise or explain your success in some ways. I loved seeing you in your new homes, it reminds me of what I could achieve if I work hard. ????
Hi Ladies!
Apologies if this has already been mentioned/ posted something like this and I missed it, but it would be amazing if you guys could post about some of the strategies you use to help save for a home. My husband and I are having trouble finding a balance between “put every penny away for the future” and still being able to enjoy the here and now.
Any advice or resources would be amazing.
Thank you for the kick ass blog. I’ve been along for the ride since almost the beginning and am continually inspired by you all 🙂
xoxo
I loved your post right up until the following paragraph:
“Before I go, just a quick note! We realize how lucky we are to be able to invest in these properties. Please don’t think it’s something that came overnight for us or something we take lightly. It’s an opportunity we worked and planned for years to be able to achieve and we’re so excited to share our journey with you!”
I hate that there are so many trolls on the internet you and your sister have to constantly have to explain yourself or validate your choices to them. You both are clearly amazing and warm individuals and anyone who reads this blog can see that.
I am also especially upset that some people also have to troll the comments, eg. with regards to charitable giving.
All these people should be ashamed of themselves.
We should be celebrating with you, this is an amazing bit of news. So sad that people feel the need to pull other people down to feel better about themselves.
You do you Elsie and Emma. Can’t wait to see the posts.
#screwthetrolls
Looking forward to your renovation and design posts on these properties. Halloween is my favorite time of the year as well. Cannot wait to see your decorating inspiration for the holidays. I love that you support each other as sisters in your various projects and investments.
Don’t apologize, you deserve this. You two are working hard and inspiring so many people to achieve their dreams (-:
To me, it goes without saying that you guys are incredibly thoughtful and generous people. It is so obvious in every way through this blog! I saw someone say this, and it would be cool to hear about how you decide to donate to what causes-truly because I value your guys’ opinions so much 🙂 either way, you have NOTHING to explain to anyone!!
I dream of renovating an older home someday! Wishing you luck with both projects!
Ah I love that you guys bought the duplexes next to each other…such a sweet sister dream! And really how wonderful for you guys to have places to land when you want to go visit your family AND that you’re sharing those places with others. 🙂 🙂 I can’t wait to see all three properties finished!
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you both and your families. You’re clearly both people who think deeply about the ramifications of your actions, and I trust you to do research and make good choices for your communities. I love the point someone made above about how it’s great to have more women represented in the short term rental business. All the best
Wow, you guys are so flipping inspiring! I LOVE hearing these updates and seeing how well you’re doing. I’ve been a long time follower, so this makes my heart sing!
As per someone else’s comment, I would love to read more about the business side of things too! Always cool to get tips from successful people like you guys and how you got to where you are today 🙂
Can’t wait to stay in one of your Airbnb’s when I’m over your way next!
Sending love from New Zealand xx
I’m so looking forward to seeing how you will transform the places, I’m so excited!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
Don’t apologize for what you all have accomplished. I’ve been a watcher since your scrapbooking days, and I can see all the work and effort you have put in to your business. You are doing honest work, not scamming anyone, so you should be allowed to enjoy the rewards. Ignore the haters, and enjoy your holiday house and more family time. 🙂
(Maybe if some of these people spent less time on the interwebs criticizing people that do not deserve it and more time accomplishing things, they might have nice things of their own.)
This is super cool. I love seeing you succeed.
Never begrudge the successes of others, let them inspire you!
Wow! Congratulations! You gals work so hard and keep me amazed by how much you accomplish. Kudos to you both as well as your team. I cannot wait to see what you make of these spaces!
I LOVE Rountree area! We come in from Kansas City for weekend getaways and always stay by Pickwick & Cherry and it’s fabulous corner of local places ????
My husband is currently getting his real estate license and we want to invest in both long term and a few thoughtfully selected short term rentals. This is very inspiring! I agree with the comment about how impressive you both are at hearing the naysayera reapectfully and answering true to your own research and opinions. Younguys could offer a Master Class in that skill! Lol.
This is really exciting news! Congratulations to you both!
I know, it’s to each his own, but I would never think of asking a friend if they contribute to charities. And for someone to bring that up here with “internet friends” is very bold. It’s none of our business how you ladies disperse your funds. Have a beautiful day Elsie and Emma!