First off, let me just say that if you’re expecting a designery porch with all white furniture and fluffy down cushions, you won’t find it here. Not that I don’t love that look. I do. But practicality and frugality win out here at the cottage. We get a lot of wind and rain that blows directly across the porch. Practicality. Nothing on the porch cost more than $25.00. Frugality.
Our porch wraps itself around two sides of the house. You can see the picket fence gate that I added to the entrance. It keeps the dogs from straying off the porch and it looks pretty. Note Scout barking behind the front door. I was taking photos. She wanted me to start making dinner so that she could scarf up whatever crumbs fell to the floor. The nerve of me.
More of the porch as it wraps around the front of the house. That’s the den behind that window.
You see this bench as you step onto the porch. I found that sign at an antique store about 5 years ago. I keep tools and other necessary things in wooden boxes under the bench. My mom gave me the smaller of the two pots.
This bench is to the left of the entrance. You’ll see lots of impatiens in pots around the porch. They work well there and require very little care. And they keep blooming into the fall.
This is where we hang out. That very chippy glider came to the cottage all the way from San Diego. Don found it for $25.00. The cushions were all bought over the years for a pittance. My favorite is the large one that is covered in very faded barkcloth. I found it when I was living in Boston many years ago.
All of the teak furniture you see on the porch? Two benches, a picnic table and 3 picnic table benches? We bought it all from our neighbors for $25.00.
The porch floor is bluestone. When Don and I first saw this house and walked onto the porch, I stood there and swooned. I do believe that clinched the sale for me.
My favorite step ladder. It came in these colors. Obviously, I had to have it.
I have two of these hanging plants –Scaevola Whirlwind Blue. I’d love more because this porch has 5 perfect openings in which to hang plants. But they aren’t cheap. So two it is. I love hanging plants, don’t you?
The picnic table with my wrought iron thingy (my official name for it) filled with a pot of impatiens and sweet potato vine.
I spend a lot of time on the porch. Mockingbird Hill Cottage is small and having another room at this time of year is such a gift. Yesterday my allergies were making me sluggish and tired. I took a little nap on the glider. Heaven.
I hope you enjoyed my tour. If you were here in person, we’d have some lemonade and a nice chat.
Happy 66th wedding anniversary to my parents, Gordon and Shirley. I love you.
Happy Friday.
Claudia, I absolutely know what you mean by the wind and rain..our porch is batted about at times also. I love the bench with the sign. too cute. I have little potted things on the porch . Had to make chicken wire cloches for them…the squirells we digging into the soil of the pots. Smiles, Susie
Your porch is just lovely! The perfect spot to spend many summer days crocheting, blog writing and reading!
Your porch is very inviting. I would love to have a lemonade with you. Have a nice weekend.
I love, love, love it ALL. That floor is too beautiful, Claudia.
The porch is the perfect depth too. Can you tell me how deep it is? I just love it.
S
xo
Claudia,
I can see what you mean about the stone floor of the porch; it is gorgeous. As for sixty-six years of marriage, that is true commitment. I know your parents have their own struggles and I hope each of them enjoys some little bit of peace today.
-Karen
Claudia, I love your porch! Very thrifty but so homey and welcoming. Love love the stepladder! Happy weekend to you and Don and the kids.
Claudia, I love your porch! Very thrifty but so homey and welcoming. Love love the stepladder! Happy weekend to you and Don and the kids.
You have the perfect cottage porch! The homey details remind me of Kim Jacobs, and her Cobblestone Way illustrations.
I love your porch photos. We have similar porch experiences. When I first saw our stone porch, I knew I loved this house. I love the look of a porch with comfy cushions and lots of decorations, but I have always been perplexed by how one deals with wind and blowing rain. And we built gates for our porch entry to deal with our big dogs who want to sneak up and sleep on our porch glider (can’t blame them, it’s my favorite piece of furniture too). It’s nice to see that you enjoy your porch. It has lots of charm.
~cathy
Your porch floor is lovely. That would have cinched the deal for me, too. I don’t have a porch, just a huge patio. I think I’d like a porch though to get out of the sun and while away the time. I’ve said a little prayer for your parents. Imagine 66 years, how wonderful. Bless their hearts. Enjoy your weekend with Don and the kids.
I’m so jealous of your flagstone floor! I have concrete and would love to have a prettier surface. Your porch is truly inviting! ~ Maureen
I’ll take your sweet porch any day. It’s so inviting. Those fancy dancy one actually scare me. I don’t want to even sit down. Glad to see you are home and enjoying your garden this year.
Claudia, I am a true lover of porches, and your porch is one to love. That stone flooring is gorgeous. And,your porch feel is relaxing and welcoming. I wish I could come over for a lemonade and chat, too.
Happy Anniversary to your parents.♥
I love your cozy porch. Happy Anniversary to your parents. Not many make it that many years. My parents made it to 59…….Have a wonderful week-end.
I have Porch Envy!
Congratulations to your parents, Claudia. That number of years is a rare accomplishment these days.
Love your porch and all the stories behind each item. That glider makes ME swoon along with the porch floor. The picture of Scout at the door is too funny! How dare you hold up dinner!
Ann
Claudia I hope you KNOW how much I absolutely adore your darling porch. AND I’m so delighted to tell you my Daddy’s name is Gordon. I don’t hear that name very often, actually only two other times I think. Happy Anniversary to your precious parents.
Your porch is lovely- I would love to have a glider. We have a swing but I would like a glider-I grew up with a gliders owned by two different gliders.
Happy Anniversary to you parents. What a blessing to have them in your life- xo Diana
~~sigh~~~
I always wanted a wrap around porch Claudia. The bluestone is such a beautiful surprise. I think a nap would be a must out here on a warm day. Don’t you love finding little treasures for your porch? That is what I love to look for most at yard sales..things for the porch.
hugs from here…
That Scout runs the show, just like Abi! I adore that porch. You can barely turn around on my front porch. And the floor is swoon-worthy.
Brenda
Lovely front porch. I think it might have made me want that house when looking also. Love you frugal furnishings and plants!
Would love some lemonade and a nice chat on your adorable porch… totally my style too. Simple cottage sweetness. Nothing fancy. I actually need to make some pillows for my front porch. Haven’t gotten to it in years…. Maybe this summer………yeah, probably not. :-)
Huggies to you!!!
S
What a romantic porch..Love hanging baskets..expensive ,Yes..even if you make your own unless you buy flats and use the same flowers… Then there’s the watering…:)
What a romantic porch..Love hanging baskets..expensive ,Yes..even if you make your own unless you buy flats and use the same flowers… Then there’s the watering…:)
La primavera en todo su esplendor Claudia!
Un abrazo
Claudia! I love, love, love your porch!! If I had a feature party you would win for Wow us Wednesdays, Feature Friday, Thrifty Tuesday (or whatever party is out there) Nifty Thrifty etc., etc.
Please forgive me for my sarcasm. I had a rough day at work today.
I’ve joined up with a few parties and frankly am not into all the awards and features. I tried it and it doesn’t work for me. It kinda feels competitive. I love doing projects for the sheer joy of it! I do love meeting fellow bloggers and I have to admit their are some mighty talented people out there.
I love your porch and I adore your home. I love and adore my home too. Nothing fancy. My porch gets wet too if the wind blows the rain around. That blue stone would sell me on your home immediately! I’m sure this comment will probably get deleted because it’s so negative.
Thank you for allowing me to visit with you on your wonderful porch. It is cozy and homey and comfortable. I like it very much. I can totally understand how much you and Don enjoy being on your porch and relaxing. Blissful…
Important stuff first – Happy Anniversary to your beloved parents. Now, about that porch – {swoon} – It is absolutely perfect in my eyes! Impatiens are made to order for a shady porch aren’t they? Why don’t you hang them? I love the color combinations that are possible and the bright green sweet potato trailing down would be perfect. That should be cheaper even than ferns.
Your porch is wonderful– and the view from the porch is beautiful! It’s so green and lush. I think I could spend many an hour there. It really is wonderful to have a cozy outdoor space to relax in, isn’t it?
Hugs,
Jill
PS: Wishing your dear parents a lovely anniversary~
Claudia – your porch is very homey and inviting. A little nap on the glider seems like a perfect afternoon. I used to have a big old covered front porch at the house I rented. I really miss it – it does feel like an extra room. J
What an amazing anniversary your parents are celebrating dear – and although you can’t with with them right now I know they feel your love for them.
Yes, the stone porch floor would have sold me too – it’s really beautiful! Wonder if I could put stone down on top of my plain concrete – will think about that – well at least add it to the wish list!
Your porch, and everything on it, is delightful – wish I could stop by (if you’d have me!) and sit a spell for a real chat with you.
Hugs – Mary
Claudia,
I forgot to add a big congratulations on your mom and dad’s 66th anniversary!! That is amazing! Sadly, these days you don’t see that level of commitment with couples. I hope your mom and dad are well enough to enjoy a celebration. I would love to sit on your porch with a glass of lemonade!
Oh, how I love your front porch, Claudia! I’ve been wanting one for years– but still not in the budget. But if I ever do get one, mine will be a frugal accessorized one too. I love going to second hand shops and being frugal. I think it adds to the simplicity and warmth of a porch.
Love your porch! Perfect place for a glass of lemonade and a nap! I love, love hanging baskets on a prch (especially ferns) but I can’t seem to keep then alive on my porch here. I’m already on my third set this year. I’m about ready to give up and switch to wind chimes!
The best thing about your porch is that it is practical AND beautiful! I love your frugal finds, and what a great idea, that little picket gate. When something is pet friendly, in my book that makes it perfect! Any place I can share with my Chili is where I wanna be; I’m filing that idea for future reference.
I didn’t realize I’d missed so much, I’m all the way back to May catching up on my reading.