a day in the life of a latvian mom

Chestnut Manor (built in 1880) – our first house. In huge renovation now. Take up all our time and also all our money.

When we first walked into the garden of the old house in year 2008 (we lived in Riga, and had no plans to move to country side 200 km away from capital city), we had no idea how much that moment would change our lives. The house stood silently, tucked away next to Jānis parents property, surrounded by 7 hectares of land. Despite being empty for over 30 years, it felt like it was still full of life, just waiting for someone to notice its potential. The house is buit on 1880 and is built in typical Latvia style a combination of barn, shed, and living area all under one roof.

In 2014 we moved to country side, just for summer and can’t leave, we stayed ever since. We lived next to the Janis parents (all three properties makes a treangle and the land join. Since we were so close the house, we couldn’t get this place out of our minds. But it wasn’t until 2018 that we finally reached out to the owners to ask about buying it. A year later, in 2019, we became the proud owners of this 1880s farmhouse built from handmade cut stones and bricks, complete with original wooden beams and floors—though they were in desperate need of repair.

At first glance, many would have thought we were crazy for wanting to take on such a project (still think we are!). But for us, it was love at first sight. The house hadn’t been lived in for decades, and it showed. The wooden parts were beyond saving. The foundation needed to be rebuilt. The roof had been replaced in 2005 and it’s still good. There was so much more work needed to breathe new life into this forgotten gem.

What truly made this house special were the original materials—the handmade bricks, the stones, each one carefully shaped by hand. There’s something about knowing the home was built with such care and craftsmanship over a century ago that makes all the challenges feel worth it. Yes, we knew it would be hard work (!!!), but we also knew that once it was done, this would be more than just a house—it would be a part of us, a place where our family could grow and create memories.

Now, as I reflect on the journey we’ve taken and the work still ahead, I’m filled with a blend of excitement and exhaustion. But in moments of doubt, I remind myself of that first day we stepped into the garden and felt, deep in our hearts, that this place was destined to be ours.

Kindly,

Ilze