Exterior Before & After - All the Big Changes Aren't on the Inside!

Front door before

While there is still a lot of work to be done inside the house, we've also focused on the exterior.   Tasks that could probably wait awhile in warmer climates, need to be completed before it gets too cold here in Maine.

First up - freshening up the exterior.  We started with a power wash and then got the painting done.  All the trim got a fresh coat of paint and our new doors are now sporting a lovely green.  The shutters have been painted a glossy black and give the house a classic colonial style.

And the custom whale house number from Maine Country Home in Rockland is fantastic!

Before

We started tackling the overgrown landscape early!  

After

The biggest challenge on this property is creating a yard with outdoor space for living and entertaining.  This is a long, narrow corner lot with over 220 feet of road frontage.  The current 'con' is there isn't a lot of privacy or relaxing spot to enjoy the yard.  But the huge 'pro' is it has a fantastic view of the Rams Head Lighthouse - that really needs to be enjoyed!

So, we set out to focus on those areas!  

First, we added the new door off of the living room.  This provides great access to the yard and feels like an extension of the living space inside.  But we needed a place relax and entertain, so we installed a big interlocking paver patio.   This was a big job, but the guys got it done quickly and suddenly it created a quiet spot for a cup of coffee in the morning or an al fresco dinner.

And we didn't stop there - we wanted to make sure there was a spot to enjoy the lighthouse view, so we installed this  circular patio as well.  With a couple of adirondack chairs, it's the perfect spot to sit savor the view.

Before

Next, we wanted to create a sense of space and privacy.  We started by installing a cedar picket fence around the yard.  This is a quintessential New England style and really enhances the property.  And the new owners can decide if they want to leave it natural (it will weather to a soft gray) or stain it white next spring, once it's had a chance to weather a bit (cedar is one of those woods that shouldn't be painted immediately).

After

Before

That created a backdrop for landscaping!  We cleared a lot of underbrush and trimmed back some dead wood - suddenly the yard seems so much bigger!  Thanks to the mature trees around the yard, we have lots of shade.  So we focused on plants that like morning sun and afternoon shade.  Rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas are the foundation plants.  And then we added hostas and coral bells for pops of perennial color.  Finally, we planted a climbing hydrangea on the new privacy fence, next to the patio.  This will provide beautiful big white blossoms next summer.

We're trying to get some grass to grow, before the snow flies.  But it's a pretty big change, don't you think??

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