I Bought My Parents A $650000 Ocean Cottage Until My Mother Called Me Sobbing

as though they are permanently auditioning for money.

When I started looking for the house, I told no one but my attorney and my agent.

I wanted it to be a gift, not a family debate.

The place I found was on Cypress Point, small by the standards of that coastline and therefore absurd by every rational measure. Weathered cedar siding. Slate roof. Two bedrooms.continue reading …