Catherine’s House (My Bungalow in the Ghetto)

The Bungalow in the Ghetto that I affectionately call home.

Ah, the bungalow. It was built in 1926 and has had a long and varied life. It’s located in the Ghetto of Salt Lake City, in an area that boasts the highest crime rate per capita for the entire state. We also have the greatest pedestrian population, minority populations, and commercial property. It’s all very charming.

In 2005 Rachael, my roommate, and I bought the bungalow as an escape from renting. We had been apartment hopping and were tired of moving every single Memorial day. The housing bubble was beginning to rise and housing prices were beginning to soar, but we snagged this deal. When we finally found this house we didn’t hesitate, it fit all our criteria: large yard for me, large kitchen for her, and some classic charm (stuff not put into new construction, things like beautiful wood details). Five years later I think that I should have had better criteria, like a little less “charm” and a little more function, but that’s what 20/20 hindsight offers.

For the first two years, or so, we were content to make the mortgage. We tore down wallpaper in the living room, we painted a bedroom, we rearranged furniture. But then, over time, we picked up a few tools, addressed some issues, and now we’re christened Do-It-Yourself-ers.

In 2008 we got a camera, a dog, and new bathroom. Since then the projects don’t seem to quit. The money’s still tight but we’re making progress on this little house that we call home.