Colonial

Confessions of a Curious Driver

by Susan on October 20, 2009

in Chit Chat

For the past year or two I’ve taken notice of a blue colonial on my street that I pass daily. I’m not sure if it was the house itself, or the perpetual renovation action around it. Dumpsters out front, various contractor trucks coming and going.

And seriously, this wonderment went on for a long time.   In some places it may have been acceptable to knock on the door, introduce yourself as a nosey neighbor. But not here in Connecticut (lol). So I just let my imagination run wild.

Well, I finally found out what was going on.  They just put it on the market, and I LOVE it!   And not just because it matches my favorite vintage beach blue fan I gushed about in an earlier post (although that may have something to do with it). Not only does that house have history (our street was named after the family that lived here in the 1800′s), but it’s beautifully renovated with modern amenities while retaining it’s character.

First, here’s the outside. Very colonial, yet the color makes it a bit playful.

beachbluehouse

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Cape Cod Homes 101

by Susan on September 3, 2009

in Chit Chat

Summer came and went quickly this year!  But we were able to squeak in a week at Cape Cod before school started.  As it was our first trip to the Cape, I was very excited to view the lovely homes on Cape Cod.  Especially since I grew up in one during my early years.  I was not disappointed.

While the homes ranged in size and complexity, there were commonalities that inspired me to learn a bit more about this popular style and its history. The original Cape Cod style was originated by early settlers’ need for efficient and affordable housing that could withstand harsh the New England weather.

Early Cape Cod homes were typically one story cottages with steep roofs with side gables and small roof overhang, a central fireplace and little ornamentation. They tended to be symmetrical in appearance with the door in the center.  More of a cottage, really.

early cape

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