In the past I shown you a few pictures of the pool and patio area of our home. I have also shown you some of the interior pictures of what the house looked like when we bought it.
However, I have never shown you pictures of what the outside of the house looked like when we bought it. I thought I would share those with you today.
Remember, the pictures that I am going to show you are pictures of pictures so the quality is not that great.
This is the back yard and what was left of the screen enclosure the first time we looked at the house.
This picture was taken inside the pool enclosure, or I should say, what was left of the pool enclosure. Most of the screening was gone and the "landscaping" was grown into what was left of the screening.
(and, yes, that is the landscaping that you see on the back side of the pool!)
(and, yes, that is the landscaping that you see on the back side of the pool!)
This was what the side of the house looked like. I have not included pictures of the front of the house - I'll save those for another post.
This picture was actually taken my the neighbor the winter BEFORE we bought the house. We bought the house eight months later - so all of this had grown even more!
This picture was actually taken my the neighbor the winter BEFORE we bought the house. We bought the house eight months later - so all of this had grown even more!
Another shot of the side yard - taken from the street.
I'll save pictures of the front of the house for another post, but I think you get the general idea. The place was a disaster.
Some people might even wonder WHY we even bought this house. The only thing I can say is we thought it had "good bones".
Before we closed on the house the bank came in and had all the shrubbery cut back. The company that came in just cut everything to a waist high height and called it a day.
The only thing I can say about this stage was - at least we could see out.
After we moved in we had all the shrubbery taken out - and I do mean everything!
Then we had the pool cage re-screened, and the pool deck painted.
The next step was to buy some furniture for the patio.
The first stage of decorating was pretty minimal, but it was a beginning. Also, it was so much better than what we had started with.
Then we moved to stage two.
We added a couple of things and moved a few things around.
Much better.
But it still needed some help.
Today we changed things up again.
It was time to do a little summer decorating since the temperature here has been in the high 80's and low 90's. So, while the calendar says it is still spring the weather is saying that summer has arrived!
So, take a look of the patio now.
Don't you love my doxie? It has traveled all over the U.S. with us.
Mountain Man gave me "Mac" for my birthday about five years ago and I took her with us when we were traveling full-time.
Now that I have overloaded you with pictures AGAIN I'll close this post.
I'll just leave you with two last pictures.
Remember --
We went from this ----
To this ------
So much better!
Hugs -
Carol
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Wow, you did wonders to that place, so much prettier! I bet the neighbors love you for doing that too ;o).
ReplyDeleteIf it's getting to hot, you can push some up North. My daffodils are just coming out.
Sue
Thanks so much Sue for the sweet comment! I wish I could send some of this heat up to you - I'm afraid we are in for a very hot summer! (BTW, two years ago this week Mountain Man and I were in Canada - on the Alaskan Highway - heading to our summer job in Juneau Alaska. We absolutely LOVED the weather and we had tulips in Juneau in July!)
Deletehugs -
Carol
What an amazing job you did! I just want to hop right in and take a swim!
ReplyDeleteHi Theresa - Thanks so much! Come on over - the pool is always available!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
Wow, what a beautiful transformation! Great Job! Hugs
ReplyDeleteHi Loretta -
DeleteThanks so much - I need to take pictures again today - Mountain Man has done a little more planting! Things just NEVER stay the same around here! LOL!!!
Hugs -
Carol
Are you sure this is the same place?! You have done a fablous job. Everything looks so inviting - and love the pops red on your table.
ReplyDeleteI am visiting from Sherry's OHP and am a new follower. Looking forward to seeing what you are up to.
Hi Toni - I will admit that there were times that I didn't think this place would ever get "in shape" and there is still so much more we need to do, but it has come a long way from where it was. Sometimes you just have to look at the old pictures to be reminded how far you have come. So happy that you have decided to follow - I hope I won't disappoint!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
Wow! And boy do I mean "WOW". I am so jealous. You guys did an outstanding job. That pool area is just gorgeous. Just dropping by to let you know I just started a blog hop and would love for you to link up this post.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Evelyn - would love to join the blog hop!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
looks fabulous now. What a transformation. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! We are enjoying the pool area and hope to spend a lot of time out in this area this summer!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
Wow, the before pictures look like it was something out of a jungle! I can't believe how overgrown everything was. You were smart to buy the house, it looks gorgeous now, and I bet your neighbors are thrilled too.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I have never seen a pool screen before! Is it like a screen, like patio screen door material? I imagine you have it living in the south because of bugs? What a neat idea! Thanks for sharing. -K
Actually the local property appraiser called our house the "Jungle House". When he came out to do an inspection after all the outside work was done (the new screening and the side patio) he was astounded at the difference!
DeleteReally? You have never seen a pool screen before? WOW! I guess being born and raised in Florida I am so used to them I don't even think about it - yes, they are to keep the bugs out and dirt (things like leaves and grass). So, where do you live?
Hugs-
Carol
You are so brave to have taken this on but the results are astounding! What a beautiful setting on the canal and every update just has your lanai looking better and better. The red touches just make the place look like a magazine. Thanks so much for sharing. I have a pool and cage too so I love to see how other people decorate theirs.
ReplyDeleteRobin
Robin Flies South
Thanks so much Robin - we are enjoying the area (and have already made some other updates - more plants and lanterns with candles. I'll have to post some updated pictures (just what we have done this week)! I just can't leave well enough alone! Ha!Ha!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
Beautiful changes! You are going to have a great summer enjoying that pool area
ReplyDeleteThanks Cyndi - We are looking forward to hosting some family get togethers this summer out by the pool this year! Hope you are having a great week!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
This is gorgeous and I'm sure you're loving it.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
shelia ;)
Thanks Shelia - IF we could find the time we would love to spend more time in the pool, it just seems like there is always coming up lately - oh well! Things will slow down some soon!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
It's beautiful! I'm always amazed at how much improvement you can get from just taking out overgrown shrubbery.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shiloh - wait until you see the front of the house!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
What an amazing transformation!! Thanx for sharing at THT!
ReplyDeletethanks Pamela - and thank you for hosting!
DeleteHugs-
Carol
OW- that transformation is outstanding!
ReplyDeleteWELL DONE!!!
And that pool looks SO inviting!!!!
Thanks so much Michele - appreciate it so much!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
I am still so jealous of your awesome pool room:) Thank you for linking up to Freedom Friday and so hope to see you this next Friday!
ReplyDeletethanks Evelyn - I'll be there this week! Thank you for hosting!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
Unbelievable transformation! It turned out gorgeous. Thank you so much for sharing this at Project Queen's Link Party.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mandy for the sweet comment!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
What a gorgeos redo very nice!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Comeca!
DeleteHugs-
Carol
what an amazing transformation, I love seeing ugly ducklings become swans!
ReplyDeleteThanks Deanne - it has turned into a swam hasn't it?
DeleteHugs -
Carol
U r living in Paradise how lovely!!
ReplyDeleteRaNae
Well, not exactly paradise when the temperatures are 98 and the humidity level is at 90% - then it so uncomfortable the pool doesn't even feel good - all you can do is stay inside with the A/C running! However, we are enjoying the "new" area - thanks for the sweet comment!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
Beautiful! I'm missing when I lived in Jacksonville now! Great transformation Carol!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Julie!
DeleteHugs-
Carol
You've done a great job on the makeover Carol. The before would have totally overwhelmed me, so you were quite brave to take this house on. Everything you've done to it has only made it look better. It looks great with all the color and I bet this is a wonderful place to entertain. As someone who has 2 doxies (and a chihuahua and a poodle) I really like your little statue too. How cute! Thanks for joining us at Your Cozy Home Party!
ReplyDeleteHi Shannon - To be honest, there were times that I thought we had bitten on more than we could chew on this house - but I think we are starting to see that the end is in sight. We also have two doxies that I don't know how we lived without - they are our four legged babies - just had to have to statue too!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
Yes I do like your little doxie but I am wowwed (if that is a word) by your transformation of your yard. Fantastic job.
ReplyDeleteTraci
Thanks so much Traci!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
This is a CRAZY transformation!! My goodness!!! It went from jungle to AMAZING!!! I've never seen a pool inside a screen area.. what a great idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!!
Thanks so much Christine - I guess I don't think about people never having seen a pool within a screened room - growing up in Florida everyone has one!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
What a transformation. You made me drool of the pool. Stunning with your changes there too.
ReplyDeleteMuch much better compare to the old one.
Job well done and worth it.
Happy mid-week.
Greetings from a chilly Stockholm,
/CC
Hello - WOW Stockholm! Such a honor to have you visit my little corner of the blogosphere (is that a word?)! Thank you for your sweet comments - they are much appreciated - wait till you see the front of the house - the back was nothing!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
Gorgeous! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
ReplyDeleteSherry
Thanks so much Sherry! Thank you for hosting!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
So lovely~ what a fantastic transformation! Thanks for linking up at Feathered Nest Friday!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Courtney!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
I love it and I'm so jealous! I featured this today! ♥
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks so much Lesley - I am so surprised and happy! You just made my day!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
Seriously? Is that really the same house? You've done an amazing job! Thanks for sharing at Terrific Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteRachel
adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com
thanks so much Rachel!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
What an unreal difference. I can't believe how fantastic everything looks. Great job and super vision. Thanks tons for sharing at TTT. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeletethanks Marty - there is a "little" difference, isn't there? LOL! There is still things to be done, but it sure does look better than it did!
DeleteHugs-
Carol
WHOA! That looks amazing!! I'll be over in just a minute, ok?
ReplyDeleteCome on over! The water's fine!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
My goodness it is beautiful! I know you guys worked so hard and it really paid off! Thanks so much for showing off this amazing transformation at our party this week!
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Trish
Thanks so much Bonnie and Trish - We did work hard and it will be used a lot this summer - but with the new baby coming it might not be used that much this summer - we will have to wait and see!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
Wow, Carol! What an awesome transformation and how fun to have a resort in your own home! I'd never leave! ;) Beautiful job!
ReplyDeleteThanks - it is nice to have. I appreciate the kind comments - I'm not sure it is a "resort" but it is a big improvement over what we started with!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
I'll be right over with about ten of my friends. :D What a great space. I would never leave. Thanks for sharing this week at BeColorful
ReplyDeletepam
Thanks Pam - come on over anytime - The more the merrier!
DeleteHugs -
Carol
Such a beautiful space. What time should we arrive for poolside cocktails?
ReplyDelete:)
Linda
Come on by anytime! The water's cool (sorta!)
DeleteHugs -
Carol