The side entrance was part of a 1940’s dogleg addition. That slatted area was a woodshed and the side door and mudroom/hall to kitchen was located in the A-frame roof section to the left. There was also a very narrow staircase to the second floor. The greenhouse, which was dismantled and sold to a neighbor, contained a narrow concrete pool. I initially loved the pool/greenhouse and had visions of growing stuff organically, but the pool itself was tiny, no laps or jumping, kinda creepy and in need of much work. Ultimately it was in the way of moving the house back where we wanted it.
This is the same profile today.
Hallway before the re-do… actually it had alot of rustic charm. We did not reincorporate the staircase, instead putting one in the family room going up to the loft/pool table/bar area. (at the end of this hallway the mancave and family room are on the right – kitchen and main house on the left.)
After
A bathroom was installed to the left here, before you walk down the hall. That’s one of my 100 year old Cast Iron plants, which I just brought in from the front porch. It’s been very happy there all summer. The old barn wood that we have on the family room and mancave walls also wraps around to the hallway here.
Mudroom door…
Bench picked up in an anitque shop whos owner is very generous with his prices. Looks to me like an old pew, maybe? I want to call it a Deacon’s bench, but I don’t truly know what that is, as I am new to paying attention to these things..
Bathroom door.. and this sink is the smartest idea I contributed to the design of the rebuilt house. It’s the DOG SINK. All of my dog supplies are under there, and this sink is where I give them baths when they are filthy from the yard, make their meals and clean up their dishes, leashes, collars, etc.
I used curtains and tension rods to cover the mess underneath.
This is another piece of eco-friendly furniture by my friend Art. If you’ve read this blog in earlier days, you may remember he makes furniture out of old material from dismantled houses and barns.. like windows, doors, barn siding, etc. There are usually atleast three different paint colors involved too….
My awesome really-cheap mirror find….
And since it’s a miserable rainy morning made for lazyness and I’m walking around with the camera doing nothing productive anyway, here’s what we’re doing outside too…
This weekend we bought some plants for around the front walk lantern…
A few evergreen shrubs, some vibernum (favorites of mine) and coral bells.. (also favorites)
I had no idea coral bells came in so many varieties…
At the side door I have begun a perennial garden with lavendar, purple and coral coneflower, catmint…small boxwoods and packasandra (yes I know that’s spelled wrong)
Remember my newly acquired Newport Real estate?
This is it.
The commute is zero and the taxes are virtually nothing! 🙂

What a great transformation on your home. I love that tall window that takes up the whole wall. What a great idea. I am sure light floods that space. Love your bathroom mirror and that cabinet. The yard is looking good.
karen…it is beautiful…the things you have done with your vision are amazing. and i love your decorating…please come and help me decorate mine!!!
Your house is stunning. You have filled it with the beauty and love that every home needs. 🙂
oh karen, i admit that sometimes i don't come b/c i know i'll be filled with envy for your gorgeous home. it's wonderful. i adore it. we've been wanting to do some things to ours but financially cannot so i have to stop myself from house envy. but you are so kind with your comments on my blog i told myself to put on my big girl panties and get up to the north and see what this NEW old house looks like now. and to ask, where is my bedroom?!
It is beautiful, inside AND out.
Even if you do have winter there 🙂
i live in L.A. but I'm a farm girl at heart. You inspire me!! 🙂
Karen, That's it!!! I'm moving in. I will do all the cooking. haha
I think it just occurred to me, you have just lived through your own Extreme Makeover Home Edition, minus the television show, but everything else fits the bill. That sink is beyond inspired… perfect execution on that 🙂
Your house is amazing–and the gardens! I don't know if we can grow coral bells down here–I've never seen them before!
I am going to try making some coconut chicken and I found a great sounding recipe for coconut rice. For some reason (?)I am acquiring quite a taste for coconut lately. I know that many people just can't take the texture, but I love the flavor–and I love curries–especially hot spicy coconut ones!
Wow! Your place is amazing! You've put so much time and love into it and it really shows. Just beautiful.
So much eye candy…the house is beautiful, good bones will tell especially when there's TLC and elbow grease involved. You're right, the swimming pool…somehow that word doesn't ring true -smile-…is a trifle creepy. How did you fill it in? The bench does look like a church pew; if it were taller, it might be a settle. I think, so called, because they would be pulled around a fireplace and people would settle in to warm themselves.
Do you cozy up in that gorgeous house night after night just luxuriating in it? It's so damn lovely!
I am still having yard-envy.
See the leave in your new design? They are all over my deck and driveway. Grr! Ha . . .
What a beautiful renovation you have accomplished! What a beautiful house! I love all the fall decorating you have already managed to do too…including the decorating here on your blog:)
Beautiful, absolutely beautiful!
Love the dog sink too. But am I remembering incorrectly…don't you have a large dog? My dogs would never fit in that sink…I would need a bathtub room for them, lol.
You did the right thing! I shouldn't be saying that since my husband is in the pool business but, that pool did look a little creepy. The window and everything else you've done to the house is spectacular. I love the dog sink, what a brilliant idea. We have a doggy wash down the street right off the beach for those who want a clean dog before going home. But it costs money and the dogs hate it. Much better that sink at home! Your pumpkins in the garden are great and again, your blog looks beautiful. I feel like I really am in New England. Even though I've never been there (YET).
Your home is making my heart go pitter patter. I'm in love with 'old' and am gleaning ideas from your house for mine. Lady, you have a thing of beauty to live in, a real thing of beauty!
I LOOOVE what you've done! Am blown away actually!
You have dove a wonderful job with your home! I love looking at transformations.