Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Pool and Patio Area


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!)



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!


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




                                    

I'm Linking up to some of these great parties:



Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Meet Me Monday at You Are Talking Too Much
Your Cozy Home Party on Monday at Cozy Home Scenes
Motivated Monday at Be Colorful
Beautify It Monday at http://bringingbeauty.blogspot.com/
Show it Off Mondays at http://www.getouttamyheadplease.com/
Make it Great Monday at http://etcetorize.blogspot.com/
Just a Party with my Peeps on Monday at http://howtonestforless.com/
Monday Marketplace at http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/
What's in the Gunny Sack on Monday at http://www.thegunnysack.com/
Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
Tip Me Tuesday at Tip Junkie
Tutorials and Tips Tuesday at Home Stories A to Z
Terrific Tuesday at http://adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com/
Swing into Spring on Tuesday at http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/
Tuesday To Do at http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/
From Dream to Reality on Tuesday at http://thediydreamer.blogspot.com/
Uncommonly Yours on Tuesday at http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/
Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style
DIY by Design on Wednesday
Uncommonly Yours on Wednesday at Uncommon Designs
Show and Share on Wednesday at Southern Lovely
It's a Party on Wednesday at http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/
Hooking up with HoH on Wednesday at http://www.houseofhepworths.com/
Catch as Catch Can at http://www.myrepurposedlife.net/
Open House Party on Thursday at http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/
Thursdays Favorite Things Blog Hop at http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
Link It Up Thursday at http://kadie-sevenalive.blogspot.com/
Show Me Extroidinary on Thursday at The 36th Avenue
Grace at Home on Thursday at Imparting Grace
It's A Party on Thursday at A Creative Princess
Open House Party Thursday at No Minimalist Here
Share Your Creations on Thursday at Kristen's Creations
Grace at Home on Thursday at http://www.impartinggrace.com/
Transformation Thursday at http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/
Time Travel Thursdays at http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
Tickled Pink Fridays at 504 Main
Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring Decorating
Feature Friday Free for All at Five Days...5 Ways
Addicts (not so) Anonymous on Friday at Addicted 2 Decorating
Inspiration Friday at At the Picket Fence
Feathered Nest Friday at http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
Friday's Unfolded at http://www.stuff-and-nonsense.net/
Friday's Features at http://www.redouxinteriors.com/
Weekly Top Shot on Saturday at The View From Right Here
Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors
A Pinteresting Party on Saturday at http://herestohandyandy.blogspot.com/
Say G'Day on Saturday at http://www.natashainoz.com/
Overflowing with Creativity on Sunday at It's Overflowing
Sew Darn Crafty Sunday at Sew Many Ways
Sunday Showcase Party at Under the Table and Dreaming
Simply Klassic Sunday at A Simply Klassic Home
Sunday Round Up at http://www.arosiesweethome.com/
It's Party Time on Sunday at http://itssoverycheri.com/
Nifty Thrifty Sunday at http://www.niftythriftythings.com/















66 comments:

  1. Wow, you did wonders to that place, so much prettier! I bet the neighbors love you for doing that too ;o).
    If it's getting to hot, you can push some up North. My daffodils are just coming out.
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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!)
      hugs -
      Carol

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  2. What an amazing job you did! I just want to hop right in and take a swim!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Theresa - Thanks so much! Come on over - the pool is always available!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  3. Wow, what a beautiful transformation! Great Job! Hugs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Loretta -
      Thanks 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

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  4. 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.

    I am visiting from Sherry's OHP and am a new follower. Looking forward to seeing what you are up to.

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    Replies
    1. 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!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  5. 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.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Evelyn - would love to join the blog hop!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  6. looks fabulous now. What a transformation. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! We are enjoying the pool area and hope to spend a lot of time out in this area this summer!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  7. 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.

    I 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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!

      Really? 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

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  8. 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.

    Robin
    Robin Flies South

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  9. Beautiful changes! You are going to have a great summer enjoying that pool area

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    Replies
    1. Thanks 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!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  10. This is gorgeous and I'm sure you're loving it.
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  11. It's beautiful! I'm always amazed at how much improvement you can get from just taking out overgrown shrubbery.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Shiloh - wait until you see the front of the house!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  12. What an amazing transformation!! Thanx for sharing at THT!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks Pamela - and thank you for hosting!
      Hugs-
      Carol

      Delete
  13. OW- that transformation is outstanding!

    WELL DONE!!!

    And that pool looks SO inviting!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Michele - appreciate it so much!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  14. 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks Evelyn - I'll be there this week! Thank you for hosting!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  15. Unbelievable transformation! It turned out gorgeous. Thank you so much for sharing this at Project Queen's Link Party.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Mandy for the sweet comment!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  16. what an amazing transformation, I love seeing ugly ducklings become swans!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Deanne - it has turned into a swam hasn't it?
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  17. U r living in Paradise how lovely!!
    RaNae

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  18. Beautiful! I'm missing when I lived in Jacksonville now! Great transformation Carol!

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  19. 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi 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!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  20. Yes I do like your little doxie but I am wowwed (if that is a word) by your transformation of your yard. Fantastic job.
    Traci

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  21. 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!

    Thanks so much for sharing at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!!

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    Replies
    1. 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!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  22. What a transformation. You made me drool of the pool. Stunning with your changes there too.

    Much much better compare to the old one.

    Job well done and worth it.

    Happy mid-week.

    Greetings from a chilly Stockholm,
    /CC

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    Replies
    1. 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!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  23. Gorgeous! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Sherry! Thank you for hosting!
      Hugs -
      Carol

      Delete
  24. So lovely~ what a fantastic transformation! Thanks for linking up at Feathered Nest Friday!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love it and I'm so jealous! I featured this today! ♥

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    Replies
    1. Wow! Thanks so much Lesley - I am so surprised and happy! You just made my day!
      Hugs -
      Carol

      Delete
  26. Seriously? Is that really the same house? You've done an amazing job! Thanks for sharing at Terrific Tuesday.
    Rachel
    adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com

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  27. 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks 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!
      Hugs-
      Carol

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  28. WHOA! That looks amazing!! I'll be over in just a minute, ok?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Come on over! The water's fine!
      Hugs -
      Carol

      Delete
  29. 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!

    Take care,

    Trish

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    Replies
    1. 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!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  30. Wow, Carol! What an awesome transformation and how fun to have a resort in your own home! I'd never leave! ;) Beautiful job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks - 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!
      Hugs -
      Carol

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  31. 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
    pam

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Pam - come on over anytime - The more the merrier!
      Hugs -
      Carol

      Delete
  32. Such a beautiful space. What time should we arrive for poolside cocktails?

    :)

    Linda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Come on by anytime! The water's cool (sorta!)
      Hugs -
      Carol

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