As you read this, I’m probably somewhere between jet lag and a coffee-fueled attempt to pretend I have my life together. We’re wrapping up our Scotland trip, my mom is heading home, and I’m off to Atlanta to catch up with a couple of friends—who, in some bizarre twist of fate, both moved to Lake Hartwell, GA, without really knowing each other. Then it’s on to Las Vegas to meet up with my brother for Keller Williams’ biggest event of the year: Family Reunion. But before I dive into all that, let’s talk Scotland!
Scotland: Land of Castles, Scones, and Slightly Terrifying Roads
Scotland has been absolutely fabulous. The flight over was a breeze—seriously, after surviving multiple 12-hour flights in the past couple of years, a 6-hour hop feels like child’s play. We landed, grabbed our rental car, and I had my first go at driving on the left side of the road. I was convinced I’d be a disaster, but after a few (okay, more than a few) ditch encounters and some white-knuckle moments for my mom, I got the hang of it.
Our first stop? A proper pub meal with fish and chips and beef pie—because when in Scotland, right? The next day, we explored Stirling Castle, enjoyed tea and scones, and wandered through the charming town. Then it was off to Edinburgh for an Outlander tour, complete with visits to Doune Castle (a.k.a. Monty Python’s Holy Grail castle), the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, and those giant horse-head statues (whose name still escapes me). We ate incredible food, topped off with an amazing dessert, because vacation calories don’t count.
The highlight of the trip, though, was taking my mom to the Isle of Bute to see where she was born. We found the very building listed on her birth certificate, the Arthurlie, and—small world moment—ran into a man who was also born there in 1941. His son had just bought a building across the street, and they were taking celebratory selfies with the keys. (I relate deeply to this brand of excitement.) We visited the museum, chatted with locals who helped us piece together my mom’s history, and left feeling incredibly fulfilled. Mission accomplished!
Meanwhile, in the World of Real Estate…
While I’ve been gallivanting around Scotland, things have been moving back home! My Swiss Road listing went under contract right as I landed, which is always a great way to start a trip. The inspection happened Tuesday, and fingers crossed, all goes smoothly. We’ve got an open house at 68 Turkey Trail this Sunday from 11-2, and I’ve got intel on four off-market properties in Conifer and Pine that are absolute gems—ranging from $675K to $950K. If you’re in the market, let’s chat!
On the Florida front, our listing has been getting a ton of attention, and there’s an interested cash buyer. The only hiccup? She might not want to go quite as high as we’re asking—but hey, negotiations are half the fun.
I’ve been working here and there during the trip, but I’m excited to dive back in full force once I’m back. If there’s anything I can do to help you with your real estate needs in Colorado (or beyond), you know where to find me. Until next week—cheers!
