Talbots for Spring

New Styles from Tuckernuck

Thursday, June 11, 2015

House Reveal



This post was published June, 2015.  Right now, (May 2016), our flowers don't look nearly as good because I just planted them.  





Hello dear friends.  TGIF!  Yes, I know it's not Friday but the Mister is taking tomorrow off so it's Friday to us. 

I have not done a room reveal in awhile.  I have a very good reason for that.  The year 2014 was dedicated to indoor renovations which you can see on my Massachusetts Home tour.  This year, we concentrated on the exterior of the house.   





Move in day, December 17, 2013.

When we moved into the house, it was in desperate need of a paint job.  The shutters were mismatched and dilapidated.  The roof was on its last legs and the landscaping was overgrown.

This was the Mister's dream.  He has always wanted to renovate an old house.  I did not share that dream, but being the fabulous supermodel trophy wife that I am, I grudgingly hitched my wagon onto his dream.  All I asked is that the house would have two things:  good heating and functional plumbing.  One out of two ain't bad.   



And then January, 2015 arrived with a vengeance.  I learned a new term, "roof dam" and appreciated the value of having a mother lode of buckets on hand for emergency situations.  

Needless to say, the Mister's welcome home from me in the evenings of January and February were anything but warm and cozy.




But then Spring finally arrived and we had the house painted.  It's amazing the difference a coat of paint can do.  We also "treated" ourselves to a new roof.


We had new shutters and window boxes made for the front of the house.


We ripped out almost all of the landscaping and started anew.

Notice Chowdah peeking into this picture.





Can you tell Chowdah's middle name is "ham"?  If he's going to be in the picture, the least he could do is smile.







I think the window boxes add a lot of interest to the front of the house.  Now all I need to do is to remember to water them.




We also invested in new screen/glass doors.






This is my stubborn, non-blooming gardenia.  I try everything to get it to bloom - I fertilize it, water it, talk to it, I even resorted to treat it like my kids - with bribes and threats.  Still nothing.  I am now trying a new strategy by ignoring it.


By the way... I am not telling Chowdah to get in the pictures.  He just sees me point the camera and nonchalantly strolls over to be center stage. 





This is a picture of the house when it was up for sale.



We had the white cedar trees removed to improve the light in the house and on the patio.  It also enables me to keep an eye on the neighbors.  





We naturally kept the rhododendrons and planted a garden where the trees were.


My stylist, Madame Chili, is on the shy side.  Not a ham like her bro.



Another photo of when the house was on the market.



We had no choice but to have the flagstone removed because it was sinking in the middle and very dangerous to walk on in my stilettos.
We both agreed (very rare occurrence) on replacing it with brick.





Mom, when are you gonna play ball with me?






Until next time...







Our Security Detail
Preppy Empty Nester
Preppy Empty Nester

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Feel free to contact me through comments and email. I love to hear from my readers!

64 comments:

  1. Katie,
    Your house is absolutely gorgeous! It looks like something out of New England Living magazine. Everything about is pretty, the house, yard and patio. I know you are going to enjoy the summer.

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  2. Love, love, love everything about it. Makes me miss the New England coast.

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  3. What a beautiful house! The grounds are so picturesque, and I love that brick patio!

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    1. Thank you for your sweet words, Julie. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend!

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  4. Your house is so amazing!! Like something my mother-in-law has in my (wildest) dreams. Cannot wait to see Maggie this weekend although I wish it was at your gorgeous house!

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  5. Looks beautiful Katie! Do you hire out??? Sure could use some help here in Atlanta.

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  6. Just beautiful Katie - love the new landscaping!

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  7. Wowa Wee Wa!!! Your home looks GORGEOUS!!! You two did a fabulous job!!! It looks SO New England! Enjoy your weekend! xoxo

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  8. Gasp, I love it all. Removing those trees was brilliant (I've taken out 5 and have my eye on another one or two.). The patio is lovely for outdoor cocktails and/or dinner in stilettos. Bravo.

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    1. Thank you Carol for today's comment as well as all the other ones that you leave me. Have a great weekend!

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  9. Your house is beautiful! I absolutely love it. And, as always, your dogs are adorable. Happy weekend!

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  10. What a beautiful home and such a difference from when you moved in. Now you can enjoy that gorgeous garden all summer.

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  11. I love living in an older home! Of course, there is always something to fix (or remodel), but it has lots of warmth and character. All of your improvements look wonderful - enjoy!

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  12. Beautiful everything! Just look at the gorgeous grounds and the style of your home, the patio and your puppy dog is a doll!
    xox
    Jemma

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  13. Simply beautiful!! When I think about New England, I picture your wonderful house. Your house should be in a movie with Diane Keaton.

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    1. Susie... I want to BE Diane Keaton!!! Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for your sweet comment.

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  14. Gorgeous!! Love every detail! And your security detail is so cute!

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    1. Gina... thanks for another nice comment and I hope you have a great weekend!!!

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  15. Absolutely stunning! AND do I spy tennis courts on your property??!!

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  16. I saw those tennis courts too!!!!!! Now, you need to show us your lil tennis dresses!!!!!
    and what is the lil house that looks connected behind yours?? a pool house, maybe?
    It is all SO lovely and exactly what I imagine a house on the east coast to look like!
    p.s. I want chowdah and chili to live with me.....!

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  17. the house is so beautiful, and you have done an amazing job, and of course the pups just add to the charm.

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  18. You did a great job! It is beautiful. Congratulations!

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  19. This is the most gorgeous dream house ever! I thought it was beautiful and perfect in the "before" photos, but you've made it even better! I adore brick floors, and I think it's perfect for your outdoor area. And of course, doggie-dogs are precious!

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  20. The Clooney estate is magnifique! The exterior is on par with the interior now; mega curb appeal. Your vibrant flower pots, hanging baskets, planters and window boxes rival those on Beacon Hill. Removing the cedar trees was an excellent idea. Love your eye for detail. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thank you Miss Paige!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend. It's suppose to be a warm one.

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  21. Wow, your home is absolutely beautiful! Everything you and your husband have done is spot on. The vista as you approach your home is lovely,as is the back view! The choice of brick for the patio was a winning one. Love the window boxes and landscaping. I didn't realize (from photos in previous posts) that your home is as large as it appears in these photographs. Last, love the white wicker patio chairs and the way you dressed the table. How inviting!

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    1. Karen.. thanks for the compliment on the table. When I first took the pics with no table set it looked so boring. Glad it made a difference. Have a great weekend!

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  22. You have done a wonderful job with the outdoor improvements. The window boxes are fabulous...our neighbors had window boxes installed, I love the look and so far they plant life is still living. The brick seems a great match for the era of your house...your tablescape is definitiely "Pin-worthy". Have a great weekend.

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  23. Katie, what I see is two people who were able to see what that house could (and would) become! I'm sure other people would not have had the vision or the patience to go forward with this project. The real bonus here is that you (that means the two of you) have good taste and found good craftsman to do the work! That in itself is always a challenge. It is magnificent. Congratulations. Isn't it nice to know that there is one good thing about 'getting older'. Patience, which pays off!

    Warmly, Kathleen

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    1. Thank you so much Kathleen for your sweet comment. I knew there was something good about getting older! Thanks to you, now I know. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  24. Outstanding job Katie! Looks like you had a vision and carried it out beautifully! This is a gorgeous New England estate! You must be over the moon happy and I love that you shared your beautiful home with us! Have a lovely weekend!

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  25. Well done! Your home is beyond lovely. Simply a New England classic!

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  26. It's a knockout! Congrats and enjoy!

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  27. Wow. So classic! Just lovely and thoroughly well done. And here's the ultimate compliment--it looks so good, it's inspiring me to go out and weed my own garden. :) Thanks for sharing your home and life with us. I'm a "newish" follower and have enjoyed getting to know you immensely.
    Sofia in MI

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    1. Hi Sofia! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog and your kind words. Enjoy your weekend.

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  28. Beautiful job!! The hydrangeas will fill in wonderfully, and you will have huge blooms in no time. On the gardenia, pull it out where it gets dappled sunlight...like under a tree, but not direct sun, and see if that helps. That is what my brother does, and his has bloomed very well this year. I love gardenias, but they do not survive the hot summer and cold winters here, and I have enough to bring indoors without adding yet another plant. Good call on removing the trees. It certainly opens up the back, and I will take spying on the neighbors with a video camera over ugly trees any day!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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    1. Lori, thanks for the tip on the gardenia! My job today is to find the perfect spot for it. I'm not going to try to plant it because I'm sure it won't survive the winter. I'm not entirely sure I will either after last winter! Thanks for your sweet words and I hope that you are enjoying your weekend!

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  29. Just fabulous! The best part of the house to me is that it looks so inviting. You have a spot on sense of style. The Mister is a lucky man to have you - ;-)
    Regards, Katie

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    1. I tell him that every day!! Thank you for your kind words!! Enjoy your weekend.

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  30. So pretty!!! What a gorgeous house and setting. Karen

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  31. Wow!!! Katie, you and the husband have done a fabulous job restoring this beauty. I think it is picture perfect, right down to the blooming window boxes and wreaths on your barn doors. Pure charm!!!
    My cat does exactly what your pooch does as far as photos-camera hogs! ;)
    I do hope you will stop by our Lifestyle LinkUp #stylefocus and add a few of your stylish links to our showcase. It's open to all lifestyle bloggers. Love to have you!
    Tgif!
    xx, Heather
    http://stylemindchiclife.com

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  32. As gorgeous as your house is, Katie, and it is gorgeous, Chowdah knows where the real beauty lies LOL
    xo
    Laura

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  33. Hello, Gorgeous! What a stunning and inviting house in a lovely setting! Congrats on such a fabulous restoration!

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    1. Thank you so much. I hope that you are having a great weekend!

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  34. Katie, your home is absolutely picturesque. It is quintessential New England or at least what this Calif. gal thinks of New England homes. I ♥♥♥ it and Chowdah is a perfect model and just belongs in a home like yours. Thanks for sharing. It looks like my little Calif, cottage would fit in the bottom half of your home. LOL

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  35. Stunning, love everything about your house! And, Chowdah needs to rub off on my Henry; Henry turns his head away every single time I pull out my phone or camera.

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  36. So beautiful! It must feel so good to have everything done. Now you can enjoy the summer!

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  37. YOU MUST LOVE IT NOW??!!!PLEASE say YES!

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  38. Spectacular!!! Every single thing! I can envision a gorgeous outdoor wedding in your back yard. Can you share where you purchased the blue pillows on the patio? Love reading your blog...you are so entertaining!

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    1. Thank you for your kind words! I purchased those pillows last year at where else but my beloved Homegoods! Funny you should mention the wedding. The former owners had their daughter's wedding in the yard. After learning that, my girls refer to the house as "The Father of the Bride" house. Enjoy your weekend!

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    2. Thanks for the info. I,too,am a Homegoods lover. I must admit that the pillow selection this year is a bit disappointing :(. That is so funny that your daughters refer to your home as "The Father of the bride house". Well let me tell you...that house is "eh" compared to yours. You have turned it into a "wow" house. BTW, I noticed the time you posted this. Do you ever sleep woman? lol

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  39. Wow! Just now catching up with reading and so happy to see your beautiful home in this post. I love the shutters, window boxes, doggie detail - everything is fabulous! Hope you are having a great weekend!

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  40. What a gorgeous home! Love..love..love all of your changes!!

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  41. Its just so beautiful you should be so proud of it and now you can finally enjoy it after that dasturdly Winter!
    hugs to the pups too! xo Karolyn

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  42. What a big project to take on! It is beautiful and so homey!

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  43. It looks just gorgeous! Your security patrol looks pretty fierce too! Thanks for sharing this amazing inspiration with us on #stylefocus!

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  44. This seriously should be in a magazine! Every detail is perfection. I have a serious thing about window shutters with shutter dogs that work. Is that a carriage house with actual doors? Oh my...the black doors!!! *muah*

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  45. now I understand why you left Texas. this house is beyond gorgeous! hope you share more pics soon!

    xo,
    nancy

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  46. What a fabulous house! My husband shares that dream...but guess what we have lived in our present house so long it now is old! Those two pooches are adorable!!

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  47. Katie, oh girl! In my dreams houses look like yours. I'm sure when you moved from Texas to that little spot of heaven you didn't know what you were getting into with the weather but that house makes it all worth it! Ever inch is stunning!

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  48. Katie,
    Ignoring plants is my style! Your patio with its white wicker furniture looks so inviting. One of the blessings of Massachusetts is you can enjoy the outdoors in the summer.

    Judith

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  49. Your home, gardens and dogs are absolutely gorgeous.

    I live in a little beach cottage in an area where the houses are quite close together. I wouldn't give it up for anything, but I am in awe of the size and beautiful architecture of your home.

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  50. What a gorgeous home and garden. Chowdah is a delight! Thank you for being a lovely flower that joined our garden party.

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