Lifestyle Change - Boy, Is It Ever!
Lounge By ckkerber Updated 30 Jun 2007 , 5:00am by STLdecoratingfool
Well, the move is complete and we're living on-site at our new business:
www.castlewoodstables.com
My DH and his brother are co-owners, neither of whom quit their day jobs so in a sense, it's a "side" business. My father-in-law is the manager (was retired, now runs the day-to-day aspects of the stables). My DH, two boys (ages 4 and 2 1/2) and I just sold our house and two weeks ago and MOVED ON SITE. Our house is smack between two stall wings (each housing 32 stalls). The basement level of our home is really the office and recreation area, so it's public access for our boarders and lesson clientele (has two full bathrooms, a big open recreation area with big screen TV and couches, pool and air hockey tables, kitchenette area, and full exercise room and then the actual office itself). So we are living above that.
The land that we built on borders a huge state park with equestrian friendly trails so the location is perfect for an equestrian facility. We also have a mile long trail on-site, in addition to the indoor and outdoor riding arenas.
This is a total lifestyle change for me - and it's totally weird. We used to live just half a mile up the road so in a lot of ways, it wasn't a "big" move but I am NOT an animal person let alone a HORSE person and it's such a change living on-site where your business (even if it's a "side" business) is because it tends to become a bit all consuming.
But, given the nature of the business, someone really had to live on-site as people don't want to board their horses unless they know someone is always around in case of emergency. And so, here we are! And we've got two little boys who are loving the experience already. DH has already had them out cleaning stalls!
Wish us luck on this new adventure . . . the hard part is really just beginning (filling all of those empty stalls and booking our trainer solid with lessons!)
Carol ... Congratulations on getting all moved in! What a big change for you!!! I'm glad to hear that your boys are loving their new house and environment! Your new home is beautiful ... I really like the design, and I love the green metal roof!!! 
The area looks beautiful, too ... what gorgeous countryside!!! I'll bet that you'll be a horse lover before you know it, and you'll be out there riding those trails!!! 
I wish you and your family lots of luck with your new adventure ... I just know everything will work out for you!! 
Jess, Thanks! It's been a whirlwind between getting the old house sold and getting the new one built. But, we're here. There are still a lot of things that need to be finished with the new house, but nothing major. Just a lot of finish work. We're still only about half unpacked and I need to get my butt into gear and finish with that. I'm in that awful stage where everything that I "need" is out so I'm not motivated to open the rest of the boxes and try to find a place for everything. The past month has been so unbelievably busy and hectic - I'm just waiting for life to settle back into a routine and to return to normalcy! But, I'm hugely relieved to be moved as it really felt like we were on hold for so long.
Thanks for the kind words and well wishes! The pressure is really on now to fill the stalls and make the business profitable. We've got so much on the line! But I'm confident that it will all come in time.
I'll catch up with you soon!
Carol
Oh man, ck - if I lived closer I'd be there right now with my two TWH's.
It's my dream, when my DH retires to move near a national park with riding trails......
And I'd rather muck stalls anytime than vacuum. 
I'm sure with all the amenities the facility offers, you'll be full up with boarders in no time. 
My eldest daughter would be JEALOUS..THat is her DREAM..CONGRATULATIONS on your new endevor and GOOD LUCK...deb
Wow, what a great life to give your kids... they'll learn so much about caring for the animals, running a business, freedom to play outdoors, etc... Congratulations and good luck with everything, the place looks great!
I'm not much of a country girl, but the place looks lovely! Enjoy!
WOW...Congrats on the accomplished move! Im glad to hear that its all done! Now, we can slowly get on with our St. Louis Round-Up...(haha, get it...lol) Ok, its late what can I say...lol
Everything is just gorgeous! I just looked at all the updated photos & man, what a place yall have! It seems so peacefull looking!
Anyways....give me a hollar whenever you get time, & we'll see what we can come up with, ok?
Enjoy the new place & your new EXTENDED family! You should be very proud!
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