Let the Historic “Fixer Upper” Journey Begin!
Happy Thursday! I sat down to write this blog post title and literally hit a brain block. I couldn’t even think of another short phrase other than “Fixer Upper” to describe our new journey. Most definitely NOT comparing or copying the amazingness of the Gaines empire! Just had to make that clear real quick! SO today I am SOOO excited to share the journey Mark and I have FINALLY officially embarked upon last Thursday. A journey we have dreamed of for some time now. A journey that has been brewing in our minds forever and was just waiting for the right place, the right time and the right situation to bring it all to life. All of which have finally come together. You see, we have flipped quite a few homes over the course of our sixteen year marriage. We have also fixed up and lived in quite a few more homes as well. Basically anytime we have had an “opening” in our schedule and a little extra money, we have found ourselves a “fixer upper”. Fast forward to late last year when a fire ignited in us both to focus all of our extra time and energy into fixing up our beautiful small Georgia town. One historic house at a time. Whatever and whenever we could get our hands on one.
Although we have always loved historic homes, literally almost bought our first one at the age of 20, AND have always loved our beautiful Southern town, it really took us purchasing “Our Historic Wonderland” and living downtown to become so super passionate about this place and this idea. As our town has really started to take shape and make some exciting changes over the last few years, our hearts have slowly led us to this idea of REALLY taking on Monroe. Really taking a chance on the homes that have sooo much potential but also need sooo much work. Turning homes that were once unkept rentals into permanent homes for families that love this small town just as much as we do. Homes that are walking distance to downtown just like ours. Homes that have character for DAAAYS just like ours. And homes that most others see as a project almost too big to tackle just like ours.
So our goal is simple… to restore and bring back to life at least ten homes a year. All historic and all in Monroe. As I said before, I can’t quite think of the correct “term” because we are hoping they won’t all be true flips. We hope to flip some and we also hope to work with homeowners some in finding and creating their dream homes. So here’s where I need your help… Help Mark and I think of what we are going to call our journey. The journey where Addison’s Wonderland takes on Monroe. Leave your ideas in the comments and hopefully we will fall in love with one and use it from here on out!
Now let’s chat about our very first “fixer upper” on this journey. Just one street over from ours on a beautiful street downtown is a home that I pass every single day. A home that I stare straight at from the stop sign as I leave home and take my girls to school each morning. A home that is among so many historic beauties yet has likely seen waaaay better days…
I can honestly say that Mark comes to me with 456,345 ideas per day. Literally. He is the hardest working dreamer I have ever met and he has so much passion and energy that he wants to take on the world. And probably would if given the chance. So he has become rather accustomed to proposing these 456,345 ideas a day to me and getting a quick no to at least 456,344. Yet this time I think he had not even completed his sentence when I said “YES! I want it!” He was kind of shocked to be honest. We both knew we wanted to find the perfect first fixer upper but had not even gotten a chance to go house shopping quite yet. A local real estate agent and friend, Nathan Purvis with ReMax, called and told Mark about this home and he reluctantly brought me the idea. It had been converted to a duplex at some point and rented out for years as far as we know and is in pretty terrible shape. Terrible being the understatement of the century. If you watch my Instastories you may have even seen the day we first toured the home. It is AWFUL y’all. Like gas mask awful. If you could smell through these images you would think we were nuts. But recreating awful is what we love most and tearing down a 100+ year old piece of history is just not an option in our book. So we teamed up with Nathan and officially purchased this home turned duplex last Thursday and we have even already begun demolition! To say that I am SOOOO excited to bring some Addison’s Wonderland to this beauty with so much potential is also the understatement of the century. So here you go! A “BEFORE” tour of our first project…
XOXO, Brittany Hayes
Nicole S says
Revivals in Wonderland. Building Our Wonderland. Future Wonderlands. Manifesting Wonderland. I’m really hung up on Wonderland, lol. Or maybe a Biblical reference to restoring old to new?
Brittany Hayes says
Awe love these! Thank you so much for the ideas! XOXO
Jennifer says
AddieWinn Hayes Restoration Wonderland
Patrick Kelley says
Monroe through the looking glass!
Tammy says
Monroe Makeover One House At A Time…
Emily says
Congratulations, how exciting! Good luck and I can’t wait to see what you create. What I wouldn’t give to have you restore a historic home for me!!
Project Wonderland
Monroe Wonderland
A Polished Monroe
A Polished Home
Wonderland Homes
Lindsey Reed says
Love project Wonderland
Katy says
Monroe Wonderland
Lindsay says
Mending Monroe
Jill says
Restoring Monroe’s Wonderland
Tamara says
Britt!!! I am soooo excited for you guys! No one is better suited or more perfect to take this on! Congratulations my friend!! I have to think of a name but I like something around Making History…you guys rock!!!
Andrea says
Inspiring Monroe
Leanne says
Wonderful Monroe Mannors
Leanne says
Wonderful Monroe Manors* excuse the typo! Trying to wrangle a 6 month old and type at the same time!
Kristi says
My eyes were literally bugging out of my head. I think my favorite part is the dead flies on the fly tape? I can’t wait to see what you do with this place though!
Lindy B says
So exciting! What an awesome thing to do for your city 🙂
Restoring Monroe
Wonderland Renovations
Mission:Monroe
Restore:Monroe
Hayes Historic Homes
Wonderland Historic Homes
Revival Homes
Madalyn Gibb says
Hayes Historic Homes would be BOMB if you guys started a separate business for these reno’s. SO GOOD!
Morgan says
Love Hayes Historic Homes!
Emma says
Wishing you and Mark much success and blessings as you undertake this new “important” venture! This came to mind . . . “Monroe Historic Renewal.”
xoxo Emma
Michelle says
Wonderland “Through the Looking Glass”
“Adventures in Wonderland”
Best of luck to you both on your new adventure!
Hgtv needs to get you a show!!
Kelly says
Amazing!!! I love the names people are coming up with but the one that sticks out to me is “Finding Home”
Debra Wilson says
What a great a adventure for your family. Hayes Revivals. Hayes Rustic Revivals, Saving one gem at a time.
Cathy Daniels says
Monderland Revival
Brooke says
Winnies Wonderland
Summer says
Monroe made new
Rebecca Fletcher says
Small town wonderland
Jessica Musgrove says
Love following your story!
Name ideas- Bringing Back Monroe , Raising Monroe, Taking on Monroe, Revamping Monroe, Making Monroe, Awakening Walton (or Monroe) ❤️
Xoxo Robbin says
This is amazing!! I cannot wait to see what yall do!! I know it will be stunning!! Great names in the previous comments!!
Libby says
Revamping Monroe
Alicia says
This is SO exciting! I’m looking forward to this incredible journey of yours and watching along in awe.
Monroe Wonderland
Monroe Restored
Wonderland’s Dream
Love, Monroe
Kathy says
How much fun this would be! Congrats!!
Athena says
Our Flipping Wonderland..
Jessica says
Love this idea. Love old homes getting new love. Question: I assume this is Monroe, Georgia? Isn’t Katie Bower (from bowerpower blog) fixing up a house there too? I think they mentioned one time their desire to help fix up the small town too. Just curious if I’ve got the same place. My mind was trying to connect some things but I wasn’t sure. If so, glad do many can help!
Kathy says
Renovation & Rescue
Renovation Design
Addison’s Artistry
Addison’s Antebellums, Inc.
Wisteria Wonderland Design
Sherry says
Project Restoration
Project Fix It Up
RestorationTransformation
Trinity says
-Restoring my Hometown
-Monroe Makeover
-Making Monroe Move-In-Ready
-Timeless Historic Renovation
Heather says
“Making History in Monroe”
Mandy Karaganov says
Congrats!! Can’t wait to take a drive down there (here in GVL, SC) to check out your work!! I feel you named this in your post “Addison’s Wonderland takes on Monroe!” Pretty much nails it!!! Or “AW takes on Monroe!!” I feel you guys have such a presence in Monroe that many people know the “AW” so you could use that in the title!! Anyway, good luck and looking forward to the transformations!!
Chasity Clifton says
Wonderland Revivals
Amy says
Love! Can’t wait to see all the beautiful spaces you’ll create!
Making Monroe-ver
At Home in Monroe
JessA says
Wonderlanding Monroe, WoMo!
Sara Brinker says
WOW!!! This was an AWESOME post to read. Incredibly happy for you guys. SO amazing. Whatever you do, it will be awesome. I just know it. I’m sending you a personal email with a question I have pertaining to this if you don’t mind.
There are some really cute names listed above. I’ll have to think on a name!!!!!
Best, Sara
Hillary says
House of history
Rosemary says
~Regarding Monroe
~With Love, Monroe
~Wonderland With Love, Monroe
Rosemary says
~For the love of Monroe
Ashley Piomelli says
Building Wonderland
Building a Wonderland
Courtney B says
To Monroe, With Love
Operation Monroe
Once Upon Monroe
🙂
Stephanie says
Addi’s Adventure
Debi says
This is exciting news, indeed, Brittany!! If anyone can take this extremely neglected house and make it a Monroe shining jewel…it’s you and Mark!!! I cannot wait to watch this beauty unfold!! . #MonroeRFDRevival Let me keep working on this…. BIG congrats, you two!!
Lauran says
Making Monroe Magical
Lisa says
Small Town Wonderland
Lindsey Reed says
Yes
Lori says
This one is my favorite!
Ashlee says
Congrats! This sounds exciting!
“Restoring Our Wonderland”
Beth says
How about
Making Monroe
Hilsha says
Historic wonderland at Monroe
Reviving Monroe
flip & move @ Monroe
living a historic wonderland at Monroe
Congratulations to the Hayes !
The best is yet to come !
Love , Hilsha
@livingmyseasidedream
Misty says
I like alliteration so my vote is Monroe Makeovers. 🙂 Or Hayes Historic Homes. Can’t wait to see progress pictures!
Rhonda says
“Monroe Miracles”
Tiffany Grant says
Congratulations! You guys are amazing.
I have always loved your Wonderland name. In reading this I couldn’t help but think about Alice in Wonderland breaking out of the white rabbit’s house lol
Following the White Rabbit
Winnie’s Wonderland
Hayes Homes
Home Sweet Hayes
Lindsey Reed says
Creating Wonderland
Making it Wonderland
Love everyone else’s suggestions too! I know you’ll pick something great as the name. Love anything with Wonderland in it though. Looks like everyone else does too. Good luck!!!!!
Mara Vaill says
How exciting! I can’t wait for all of your updates. I’m currently updating my “new” 40 year old house. Here’s my idea…
Down the Rabbit Hole: Monroe
Best of luck to you,
Mara
Miriam says
Beau Monroe
Pronounced like “bow” French for charming, beautiful.
Lynne says
How exciting!! Can’t wait to see what you all do with this home!
Wonderland’s Southern Revivals
Southern State of Wonderland
Peach State Revivals
Marianne says
How about Making Over Monroe? Or Monroe Makeover? Or to Monroe with Love?
Pat Asquith @ Perfectly You says
Can’t wait to see the magical transformation! -“Monroe, History meets the Future”
Nancy Hayes Brooks says
I’ve read all of the suggestions posted thus far and Mara’s suggestion of ‘Down the rabbit hole: Monroe’ was very catching. Good luck with your new adventure.
Heather Shipley says
I love Monroe Makeover or Making Over Monroe
I also like Project Wonderland and Hayes Historic Homes.
Or since the blog is named after Addison, it could be Winter Restorations.
Very exciting and as always praying for you guys and for where God will take you!
rosanna says
Addison’s Wonderland…restoring what once was
Wonderland Homes. ..bringing new wonder to old homes
HomeLandWonder Restorations
Whatever you name it, it’l be Wonderful. ..congratulations!
Melissa Blackford says
“Taking on Monroe”
“Reviving Monroe…one home at a time”
Maggie says
Monroe Beautification, HBM , Historically Beautifying Monroe
margie cooper says
You are giving me the chills so, so exciting! “Wonderland Warriors”
Mandy Tyner says
How about The Monroe Movement!
Molly White says
Recovering Monroe! Love this idea!
Wendy says
Journey of Hope
Hope for Monroe
Revitalizing Hope for Monroe
Janea Spades says
Restoring Wonderland : Monroe
That way the idea is that there once was a wonderland that is still there somewhere and you are bringing it back. Then you would be free to go other places and just change the name of the town or project and still have the well known portion of the name there.
Monica @ The Writer Chic says
I think this one is my favorite. Wonderland Homes is already an established entity, so this is my next choice. Love it.
Sarah says
I think someone already mentioned it but you pretty much did too “Taking on Monroe”!
Shauna says
You guys are the BOMB!! Can’t wait to see what you and Mark do! Maybe Tim and I need to come visit 😉
xoxo
Lois Turner says
Heavenly Manor on Highland or Heavenly Manor over Monroe
Kelly Ward says
So glad you’re fixing up this house!
Wonders of Monroe
(1st Wonder of Monroe, 2nd Wonder of Monroe…..)
Debbie Ricks says
Monroe Charm
Heart Of MonroE (aka HOME) -see what I did there?!?
-can’t wait to see what you guys do!! Your work is beautifully done!!!!
Abbey says
Wonderland Monroe
Wonderland of Monroe
Callisto says
Whimsical Wonderlands
Re-mastering Monroe
Putting the magic back in Monroe or “magical Monroe”
Monroe: past, present and future
Candice says
Making a Mark: Monroe ❤️️
I too am married to a project oriented, hard working dreamer!!! Good luck on your endeavors!
Sherry Johnson says
I love the new project house, especially the molding, hardwood floors, & doors!
penelope-jayne says
Healing Monroe?
Sue says
Monroe Wonders
Wonders of Monroe
Making Monroe
Monroe Magnificent
shantyn says
Historic Wonderland
Sue Ghan says
Creating Wonderland
Linda Southworth says
Can’t resist! Here’s one more…Historic Monroe House to Home
Shanna says
This is going to be so fun to watch! You and Mark have such amazing talent!!
OMHW…Our Monroe’s Historic Wonderland
MHW…Monroe’s Historic Wonderland
RMW…Revamping Monroe’s Wonderland
Silvia Rivera says
Mark Britt & Simply Monroe
Julana says
Restoring Wonderland – Monroe Edition
Angela Troxel says
Hgtv will come calling. Again.
Names:
Replenishing Historical Monroe (or whatever future town)
Remaking History: Monroe
Helping Historical Charmers
Charming Wonderlands
We’re Bringing Historical Back…jk
Liz says
Hayes Revival Co.
Tiffany says
I cannot wait to see that porch come to life! Amazing!
BGreen says
Hayes Renovations, Inc.
Coley says
Wonderland in Monroe
Wonder in Mon
Wonder in Roe
Roe’s Wonderland
Roe’s Land
Land of Roe
Angie Angers says
“The Wonder Among Us”
“History at Home”
“History to Homestead”
“Waste to Wonder”
“Making More in Monroe”
Lori says
Congratulations and I can’t wait to follow you guys on this journey. Please, Please, Please blog as much as you can on this one !We want to follow every step! I grew up in Winder and now live in Jefferson so I can relate to your love for your small town. You have some great suggestions for names… my only suggestion would be to think big picture. I would not use the name Monroe in a name. Wonderland – YES! Take notes from the big guys who have gone before you… Chip and Joanna love their little town of Waco and they put it on EVERYTHING, but it’s not the name of their company or adventures. You may quickly buy up every thing in Monroe and reach out to outlying cites/counties and then you have pigeon holed yourself with a Monroe name. Just my little two cents. I think yall have something great here! You will be blessed I am sure!
Allyson says
You are not just flipping houses, you are creating homes for people… how about “Chasing Home Plate”
Laura M. says
Southern Wonderland?
Ariana says
I am so excited to follow along on your new journey. You are so inspiring! Do you and Mark own the home or were you guys just hired to do the reno?
Ranell says
Hayes Hometown
Hometown with the Hayes
Historic Hayes
Hayes Historic Hometown
Tricia says
Restoring wonderlands of Monroe
“ “ In “