In typical fashion, M is full steam ahead with the cottage renovation. This week is all about the backyard and deck. There was a deck stretched out over the water, not attached to the house, that looked more like a play pen than a water structure. We removed it as it was pretty intrusive on the landscape and gave the next door neighbors NO privacy in their own yard. Instead, we’re installing a blue stone patio up higher in the yard. A rock wall was built to raise the ground level so we have even ground there. The stones were taken from our farm, so a little bit of This Old House is present. The second step down will be a garden next Spring.
The little island you see below out there in the cove has an occupant, a house sits on the rocks – a very tranquil setting but they need a small boat to come and go. That’s a nuisance if you run out of milk or toilet paper or want to go get the Sunday paper, don’t ya think? Especially if it’s raining.
We will need to install a railing once the patio is complete. Still tossing around what kind. Each cottage owner seems to have a different preference, so there are a jumble of different railing looks out there. Should we try to match either of the abutting neighbors so there is some uniformity or do our own thing.
The decks looked sturdy enough, but upon further investigation there was rot and sagging supports, so M opted to replace them. We can’t expand on the size but we can fortify it and make the railing a little less imposing. The lattice under the porches and house frame will be white to match the trim on the house, square design. The deck will match the light grey stained cedar shingle siding. I’m looking for a beautiful deep rich blue for the doors. If you’re bored, google Benjamin Moore exterior paints and go through the blue hues… there are a zillion to choose from, but I’m looking for a dark but not too dark, rich vibrant blue….. tell me what you suggest. Each color has a name, some of them comical.
I drove down there this morning to check on progress and take some pics. I cannot express accurately the calm that washes over us all when we approach the community and drive along its small one lane road among the trees and water views and small cottages, each with it’s own personality. I love the pots of flowers, the little handmade signs, the buoys hanging from garages, the seashells that adorn window ledges, clam rakes leaning on shed walls. This place does not put on the airs that a wealthy waterfront community does. You don’t feel any NO TRESPASSING vibes…. you feel like you’ve transcended time, back to the days when the average working family could afford a little seaside retreat. 1935 to be exact.
I stood in front of this tiny house and said a Thank You to the Universe. I put my hand on her doorknob and let her know we will be very good to her and hope to share many memories under her eaves and out on her landscape. I promised to honor her quirks as we fortify her very being.
Once upon a tide.. there was a young girl who dreamed of a little cottage by the sea……
