Sunday, July 11, 2010

Bungalow at the Beach

I’m back from the beach where thankfully there was no oil. We were able to enjoy beautiful white beaches and mostly gorgeous weather. For years we have rented a three bedroom condo on the beach---a bedroom for us, and girls’ bedroom and boys’ bedroom to accommodate our children and the friends they took. With the addition of a son in law to the family and the need for more room, we tried something new this year. We move several miles down the beach to a quaint community called Seaside, Florida..

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Seaside is an idyllic community designed in 1979 with easy walking and bicycle access to diverse shopping, restaurants, and cultural events. We felt more like guests than tourists! To top it off, we rented a totally unexpected treasure that was perfect for our needs.

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We found this craftsman bungalow amid all the pastel “beachy” architecture. All on one level it was a perfect fit for our crew which included me, Beloved, three children, a husband, a girlfriend, and a boyfriend. We had three regular bedrooms and one bunk-style room.

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The kitchen was a dream! Concrete countertops, heart pine floors, top of the line appliances, and well-equipped open shelves. We are a family of cookers and eaters, so this gave us lots of room.

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The kitchen was open to a large dining area and a breakfast bar. The tall ceilings and open rafters are just so unexpected in a beach house! We ate several meals and played lots of board games at this table with great wicker chairs.

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Look at this gorgeous fireplace. We’ve already decided it would be a great place to spend Thanksgiving!

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Now, take a look to the left and you’ll see one of my favorite parts of the house. These doors open completely to almost double the living space.

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This was everyone’s favorite spot. If I were building a house, I would certainly incorporate this into the plan. The living area opens into this covered loggia—the perfect place for morning coffee or waiting out a rain shower.

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The loggia was two steps up from this beautiful salt water pool, deck and grill area. My job was to rescue the small frogs I found swimming every morning.

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Now this porch off the master bedroom was my private oasis. I have a tendency to wake up very early and this is where I had my tea and read every morning. I watched the sun come up and begin peaking through the shutters. It was a perfect vacation in a perfect house for us!

***We found this home on VRBO and I do not know the owner or property manager. I just thought you might enjoy the tour :). I’ll be back later in the week to give you a walking tour of Seaside and some of the other homes and architecture!

I missed you and I’m glad to be back home! Thanks for stopping by—leave me a note :)!

18 comments:

  1. Hi Susan! You'll love Seaside! We go to Seagrove just next door every year! Please tell me that you went just down the road and ate at The Red Bar in Grayton Beach...such a fun spot and such good food! We go there twice...once at lunch and once at dinner! Two different menus! Yum! I'm usually there in November and it is lovely...hardly anyone but us! I am anxious to hear your report on the condition of the beaches! Enjoy!...hugs...Debbie

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  2. Looks like the perfect vacation spot, Susan. I'm hoping and praying the oil stays away from any more beaches! Glad you had fun...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  3. This looks so beach perfect!! We are looking for someplace new to try for a vacation. This might be it! Thanks for posting the photos both inside and out.

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  4. I think this place should fold up and be portable-it would look fantastic at the beach AND the mountains! Glad you enjoyed your stay!

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  5. What a wonderful place to vacation. Never been to Seaside, but have heard a lot about it and seen pictures. Glad to hear the beach was ok where you were. Looking forward to hearing more and seeing more pictures.
    Have a great week!

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  6. The house is wonderful. What a great find. Sounds like you had the perfect vacation. Hugs, Marty

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  7. What a lovely home, Susan ... obviously you had a marvelous time.
    Have a beautiful Monday.
    TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

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  8. Hi Susan,

    Looks like the perfect home for your family to enjoy the holiday.
    Thanks for showing us this beautiful place and so glad that the oil has not washed up on the beach.

    Isn't it always great to be back home after a holiday.
    Have a happy week
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  9. Susan, Looks like a wonderful place to stuff full of loved ones and have a relaxing beachy vacation! I love the pool. That is where you would find me... that is after I was in the kitchen!
    I'm so happy you had a fun family filled time!
    Yvonne

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  10. This looks like such a sweet place to vacation! I think the lady that makes Vera Bradley bags lives in Seaside, Fla. So adorable! Glad you had fun!

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  11. It's so nice to find a rental house like that one! i've been interested in going to Seaside and I think we will look into it now! Glad to hear that the beaches are okay. Linda

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  12. I'm crazy about it. You had me from the first shot of that white sandy walkway! I think that little nook is my favorite part.

    You found a delight!

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  13. Oh Susan, it's so charming! I'm so glad you found the perfect rental-that kitchen looked wonderful! When we remodeled this house, I told the builder that I wanted to be able to slide open doors to connect the back porch with the inside of the house (I showed him a pic I had torn from a magazine). He said that pic must be in California or some place like that and that the dirt and mosquitos would never allow me to leave the doors open. I gave up my dream. How wonderful to rent a place in FL with that available. I've seen pictures of Seaside and though it looked like such a beautiful place. I loved getting the tour of your cottage, and I'm glad you and family had such a great trip. laurie

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  14. You actually came home from that place - I think I would have moved in permanenly! Looks so peaceful, I can see why you enjoyed it!
    I get emails from VRBO all the time - that have some great rentals!

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  15. What a charming place! So glad you had a good time.
    Brenda

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  16. That looks wonderful! Sounds like you had a good time. It certainly looks comfortable!
    I will have to check out Seaside Fla. Not for summer as we are at the beach here, but it would be nice to get away in winter!

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  17. I am totally envious!! I would love to vacation there!!

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