Welcome to “From the HartLand”

Welcome Home.

Home.  Not only does that sound wonderful, but it feels wonderful.  And feeling is what it’s all about. We’re inviting you in, dear readers, and we want to share our home with you.   So kick off your shoes, put up your feet, and stay awhile. 

How HartLand Came to Be

HartLand, aptly named for us (the Harts, our land, and a fun play on words) came about quite unexpectedly.  We had recently moved to Gettysburg from a nearby town in Pennsylvania in search of a smaller town, a slower pace, and a little peace and quiet.  But something was missing.  We soon realized that we needed room to breathe, to spread out, and just be.  I decided to explore the area a little to see what land was available, and at what cost.  I could feel an adventure coming on, but I could also hear my husband’s voice in my mind saying, “What the heck?  We just moved!”  Undeterred, I spent countless hours on real estate websites looking for land.  Maybe, I thought, we could have a small getaway house on some land.  

We decided to explore the nearby towns of Orrtanna, Fairfield, and Cashtown.  For several weekends we looked, and we looked, and we looked some more.  Nothing appealed to us.  Nothing was quite right.  This wasn’t going to work.  As we were heading home, disappointed, my phone rang.  It was the real estate agent I had enlisted to see if there was something I was missing.  He said to me, “Did you see that property near the battlefield?  It’s right on your way.”  We were tired of looking, tired of being excited about a listing, only to find a lovely plot of land between high voltage wires, or a sweet piece of land in a floodplain.  We figured this would be more of the same.  My son, who was out looking with us, asked me what we had to lose by looking.  It was on the way, after all.  Last stop.  What the heck, right?  

We drove through a field, thinking, “OK, this is pretty.  This is nice and open.”  We went down a small valley and the land opened up before us.  It was majestic.  Breathtaking.  I looked over at my husband and my son, and I could tell by the looks on their faces that this was it.  The one.  Could it get any better than this?  Why yes, yes it could.  Down a rather steep ravine was a beautiful river!  This sealed the deal.  Not only do we have a glorious plot of land, but we have a fishing hole to boot!  

The Houses of HartLand

Monica’s House: Four Gables

The farmhouse that dreams are made of…classic, timeless, and oh so white!  A modified Four Gables from Southern Living House Plans, the Four Gables gives a nod to yesteryear, yet respects the need for modern conveniences with an open floor plan.  Designer:  Mitchell Ginn.  Plan number:  SL 1832.  Builder:  Knight Builders, Gettysburg, PA.  Designer:  Tracey Rapisardi of Tracey Rapisardi Design, Sarasota, FL.  Custom cabinetry and millwork:  Misty Meadows CabineTree, Littlestown, PA.

Cheyenne’s House: Architectural Designs 14679RK

This farmhouse beauty is soon-to-be built by Knight Builders of Gettysburg, PA. The house plan is the Architectural Designs house plan 14679RK. Interior design and decor by From the HartLand.  Custom cabinetry by Misty Meadows CabineTree of Littlestown, PA. This plan is the perfect place for a young family to grow. It has ample space for all, while maintaining that welcoming, homey feel.

Brittany’s House: Dawson

Nestled in apple country just outside of Gettysburg, this adorable home is truly a gem!  Brittany and her husband, Corey, were incredibly fortunate to stumble upon their home, which had been on the market for one day when they put in the offer.  After a sweet letter to the seller, Brittany and Corey’s offer was accepted, and the young couple were officially homeowners.  Together with their families, they are tackling projects as time and resources allow. Stay tuned for some amazing before-and-after photos.  A refreshed kitchen is in the works!

From the HartLand:  Our Mission

We are marketers, educators, lifestyle creators, and home enthusiasts.  As the iconic Audrey Hepburn once said, “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands.  One for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”  We look forward to helping you make your world a more beautiful place.

Look for More on Monica’s House in our Next Post

From the HartLand with love,

Monica, Brittany & Cheyenne