The Art of Cozy: January Home of the Month
The San Diego Country Estates Association is excited to showcase Mike and Darla Long's stunning home. Here's to a cozy start to the new year, one home at a time.
Mike and Darla Long, who celebrate their 43rd wedding anniversary this May, have lived in SDCE for 39 years, moving into their home after it was constructed in 1985. They were drawn to Ramona after Mike's parents relocated to the area from Spring Valley. Darla is originally from La Mesa and worked in banking and grocery. She is now retired and enjoys singing in the church choir. The couple have two children: one son and one daughter, who both went to Barnett Elementary School and then to a private school for junior high and high school.
Their 1572-square-foot, 3-bedroom home is self-built, meaning they selected the house plan from a plan book, and Darla chose the design. Mike works in construction and was raised in a construction family, so he was able to make some changes to the building plans. "I redrew the plans with modifications to our liking, modified the pitch of the roof, and added the detached garage," says Mike. The plans didn't include a garage, and he likes the addition. It's oversized and isolated for sound, compared to the house. He has done projects in the garage throughout the years and restored a 1955 Chevy car that has since been sold. "It's my getaway spot," says Mike.
They remodeled the kitchen a few years ago, adding granite counters and cherry wood cabinets. They also remodeled the master bedroom three years ago. The windows have been replaced, and the exterior has been painted. They had some front landscaping done about a year ago, and the backyard is also nicely landscaped. Additional features include solar panels on the roof and a well. They also have an in-ground gunite play pool and a nine-jet jacuzzi.
The home is small but comfortable and cozy. "Darla likes everything about the house she selected, although it could have been larger," says Mike. He adds that it seemed large enough when they moved in from a 1-bedroom apartment in 1985. Mike enjoys the country atmosphere and the peaceful, slower pace of life. He can travel in any direction to North, South, East, and West Counties within 20-30 minutes.
This January gem proves that a house becomes a home when it blends comfort, style, and heart. May it inspire you to create your own sanctuary this season.
Photo courtesy of Michael Long.
