The Marvelous Beach Cottage:
- 111 years old {built in 1900}
- walking distance to the beach
- 1300 square feet
- wide plank hardwood floors original to the house are hidden under carpet-depending on the condition of the wood once the carpet is removed, the floors will likely be painted a “barely blue” paint color.
- 2 stories-most of the house is on the first floor, two bedrooms are at the top of a staircase
- 3 bedrooms total-one will be an office.
- 1 bathroom
- Exterior is white with black trim
- Our plan {as time and money allow} is for a white exterior with a coastal blue trim, like this Wythe Blue by Benjamin Moore, and maybe someday a cupola like this one from Home Depot.
- Living room and bedroom walls are covered in wood paneling {egads!} that is going to get a big dose of bright white, high gloss paint as first order of business!
- The design plan is white walls with bright pops of color via painted furniture and fun fabrics and other accents
- an extra large kitchen circa 1950 that will be lovely with a cosmetic makeover- the lower kitchen cabinets will be getting a few coats of soft blue paint, the upper cabinets will be open shelving {as time and money allow}.
- A detached garage sits in the backyard which will someday {5 year plan?} make a perfect guest quarters or outdoor living area:
3 weeks til moving day . . . so glad that you are coming along with me!
Disclaimer: the photos above are inspirational and in no way representative of the current condition of the beach cottage! 🙂 if your current house is far from picture “perfect”, please let these photos and ideas encourage and not discourage you! My best decoration tip: one step at a time and American Express is never invited to the party!
Dear Erin,
The last house that you owned started with a dream and I know that you will make this dream a reality.
I’m so looking forward to this journey.
Best Wishes,
Coastal Blue Ocean
Can I just say…I’m jealous in a good way. How wonderful and amazing to find an old house that you can afford and make memories fixing it up. All the best to you. Glad I get to come along.
xo jana
Erin,
I am so happy for you both, and little Wynn. I cannot wait to see what you have up your sleeves! Thanks for sharing this entire journey with us.
So exciting and I love the one step at a time and NO CREDIT CARDS! They are never on our guest list! ;)Alyssa of Boston Bee
Very, very exciting. Your ideas are already making it into the perfect beach cottage.
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
I have a New, very fashionable Giveaway on my site! Come and see!
I can’t wait to see the progress! You help me dream too.
3 weeks?? so you’ll be there in August? hmmm I might have to pop up and say hi 🙂
lol I like your rules! =)
Pictures of the new place please!! Fantastic tips!
What an exciting adventure this will be! I can’t wait to see pictures of the cottage and how you will transform it. 🙂
Exciting! You should put some before pictures of your cottage.
Congratulations. We just purchased our first fixer upper, a fixer upper with a vision that nobody by my husband and I could see. And while it’s been stressful, it was been our dream and as you stated, American Express was never invited to the party! We are now broke, but we still have no bills! Can’t wait to see your progress.
Gorgeous!!! Simply beautiful! Enjoy!
Megan
http://cottagebluedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/06/kids-and-books.html
Your dreamy beach cottage is actually my husband’s grandparents old house. It’s very exciting to see what you have planned….good luck….can’t wait to see the changes!