The Robbins Family: Finding Home and Happiness in Longview, Texas

For the Robbins family, the journey back to Longview, Texas, was more than just a return to their roots; it was a quest for a place where they could build a brighter future for their family. Steve and Machelle Robbins, along with their two girls, have made Longview their home.

Steve Robbins recalls their life's journey, which included 14 or 15 moves across Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and even overseas. "We've lived all around, from the East Coast to Silicon Valley," he reflects. "But we keep coming back to Longview.”

Their most recent move brought them back to Longview in June 2021 after living in Shanghai. But it was an important change in their family that solidified their decision to return to their East Texas roots. In September of the same year, they became the guardians of Abigail and Gabriella, they immediately started designing their dream house to now accommodate the two young girls.

"We worked with The Hamilton Group, a local company," Machelle adds. "We discovered this neighborhood back in 2011 or 2012 and loved it. We bought a lot in December 2020 and started the design process as soon as we got back stateside. We've been here every week during construction, and now it truly feels like home."

But what made Longview the ideal place for this family to call home? Steve and Machelle enthusiastically share their reasons.

"We came to Longview to settle in for family," Machelle says. "Longview is an important place to land because of the educational opportunities it offers. We have school options, whether private or public, and even surrounding smaller communities with good school districts. It was essential for us to have choices in where our kids go to school and what's best for them. I love it."

Steve emphasizes the quality of life in Longview. "Longview strikes a perfect balance between being big enough to offer plenty of amenities and small enough to retain a warm and friendly atmosphere. Families here enjoy a high quality of life, thanks to the city's commitment to providing recreational facilities, parks, and community events. The affordability of the region allows families to stretch their budgets further, making it easier to enjoy life's pleasures without financial strain."

East Texas is known for its strong sense of community. "The friendly people, the tight-knit neighborhoods, and the welcoming atmosphere make it easy for newcomers to find their place and build lasting connections," Machelle notes. "For young families, this sense of belonging can be especially reassuring as they navigate the challenges of parenthood."

As someone who has lived all over, Steve points out, "Longview's location offers the best of both worlds. It's close enough to major cities like Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio that residents can enjoy the cultural and recreational opportunities they provide. Weekend getaways or day trips to these vibrant cities are easily accessible, allowing families to expand their horizons while still calling Longview home."

As the Robbins family settles into their new home, they embody the spirit of family, community, and the pursuit of a dream. Their story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of love, resilience, and the profound impact a welcoming community can have on a family's life journey.

In Longview, the Robbins family found not only a place to build their dream home but also a welcoming and nurturing community that has embraced them as one of their own. Their story is a heartwarming reminder that sometimes, the place you call home is where you truly belong, and that the bonds of family and community are the most important foundations in life.

Becky Swearingen, a talented interior designer with Swearingen Design, embarked on a creative journey with the Robbins family and the Hamilton Group to transform their house into a home that truly reflected their unique personality and style. For Becky, her work goes far beyond mere aesthetics; it's about understanding the people behind the project.

"Working with the Robbins, I strived to get to know them as people as well as clients," Becky explains. "Gathering this knowledge helps me make my advance selections. My goal is to design a true reflection of the Robbins' personality and style, plus make the experience enjoyable."

Each room and area in the Robbins' new home was meticulously tailored to serve specific needs and functions. Becky's expertise ensured that the design not only looked stunning but also seamlessly integrated with the family's lifestyle.

Collaborating with the Hamilton Group, Becky, the Robbins, and the builders formed a formidable team. From the conceptual stages to the final completion, they worked together to bring the Robbins' vision to life, leaving no detail untouched. The result was a home that elevated their living experience in East Texas, capturing the essence of their family and creating a haven they could truly call their own.

In the end, Becky's dedication and the collective effort of the team made the Robbins' dream home a reality, a testament to the power of collaboration and the art of interior design.