Monday, July 1, 2013

OUTSIDE PICTURES OF THE LAKEHOUSE

Happy Monday, everyone!  We are having gorgeous weather here in the Midwest, 70 degrees and sunny.  It's supposed to stay like this all week...I am SO happy!  I want to take this time to thank all of you that visited my home tour at Marty's.  Everyone left just the sweetest comments and my heart was swelling.  And thank you, Marty, for having me.  If you missed it, you can see it here.

In the post I did before the last one, some of you asked what the lakehouse looked like from the outside.  Some of you were also confused as to what the Summerhouse is.  So I took some pictures over the weekend.  I didn't realize it had been so long since I've done this...so here they are (and another little tour).  This is the Summerhouse which is just a little 12 X 14 cottage separated from the main lakehouse.  It's built on the same patio slab, maybe about 30  feet from the house.  We didn't have room for a screened in porch and didn't want to close up our covered patio, so this is what we did.  The windows pop off, as you can see that in the one on the right.  It's just a great place to kick back and relax, watch TV, read, nap...The ceiling fan also radiates heat if you are in there on a chilly day.  Two twin beds pull out from behind shuttered closets, so it sleeps guests as well.  You can go to the post before this to see the inside.

I got so much done here this weekend.  We had cool temps but storms would blow in out of nowhere and we'd run inside.  One big project was thinning out the milkweed on the side of the house, just around the corner from the above picture.  I had to untangle and snip the wisteria off everything and then I came upon some plants they I just couldn't identify.  My friend, Barb, down the street stopped over and had a look.  "Well, Blondie, here you have black raspberries...".  Yay!!!  With so many birds, I get a lot of  'volunteer' plants.  "...and here you have some poison ivy.".  What????  I totally freaked out as I had been crawling through the mess to get to the wisteria attached to one of our power lines.  By the grace of God, The Husband had called me in after I was done with this for lunch and I had washed up really well.  I guess if I had caught it I would know by now!  So I am making progress there.

I also started a new flower bed in the English Garden.  As you know, The Husband and I are super territorial about our gardening projects, so I was determined not to ask him for help.  I dug out a section of sod in a 3 X 6 area in a half circle in front of the boxwood.  I already had some daylilys and lady slippers growing there.  I went to our little farm/nursery and came back and planted some spiderwort and plumbago.  I need to neaten it up and add some shredded bark, so I'll share pictures later.   I was so sore...what a workout with all of the shoveling, bending, twisting, flinging the sod.  I feel it in my hips and knees, but I feel GREAT about getting this done on my own.  I think The Husband is a little envious! :)

 So, we are home and we will be heading back on Wednesday night for the big 4th of July celebration.  Family and friends will be visiting right through Sunday.  We really do have a ball and even with the house jam packed, it all runs so smoothly.  Everyone brings coolers of beverages, meats to grill, side dishes, appetizers and dips and desserts.  The tables outdoors are just laden with great things to snack on all day, as everyone brings out their prized dishes.  I'm actually treated like a queen with all the women in my family saying, "Jane, just sit, we'll do it"!  I will be sure to get a lot of pics.

Everyone have a great holiday! :)

XO,
Jane



63 comments:

Anonymous said...

it sounds and looks amazing!!!!!

Stacey said...

I don't remember ever seeing the outside pictures. Love the railing on the balcony and the sweet blue color. I bet you have a wonderful time there.

Vel Criste said...

It's beautiful!!! Can't imagine leaving a house a like that, but I know what your other one looks like, so i understand that too! thanks for sharing!

podso said...

A wonderful getaway! I love the color too. I hope you have a great 4th celebration! Sounds like that's a given.

Shabby Brocante, Karen said...

What a wonderful place to escape! I'd love having a place like this! Great photos!
Karen

Leslie said...

Beautiful property and home Jane! Sounds like a great week ahead:) happy 4tg!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh my word, this is gorgeous, what a fabulous lakeside house. Thanks for the tour. Hugs, Marty

Barbara F. said...

I love your lakehouse, Jane. It is like a dream house for sure. Enjoy the 4th and have a wonderful weekend. xo

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

It's beautiful Jane! We have a little cottage in Maine & I can totally relate to the memories! Happy 4th of July!

Carolyn@Sweet Chaos Home said...

So pretty! Life looks better at the lake :) Happy 4th!

emily barlocker scott said...

It looks like a little piece of heaven!
It makes me feel better that you have been doing work on it for 22 years, it gives me hope that all my little projects will be worth it someday!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

oh, I just love it. What an awesome place to retreat to on weekends. Love the design, even the color!! and I also really love Wisteria.. it's on my list of things I still want to plant here...

Sarah said...

Jane, this looks like a wonderful place to kick back and relax. It's nice that your children have grown up enjoying this special home. I know that you've made lots of memories though the years. Happy 4th of July! ~ Sarah

Balisha said...

Now I can visualize what you are telling in your posts... about the lake house. What a cute little building...a little place for you to enjoy.
Have a great holiday.
Balisha

Primitive Stars said...

Oh Jane, want to be the with you, looks amazing....enjoy, Francine.

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane... love seeing your outside of your lakehouse and Summer house... I want to live in your Summer house, 'k?... your OWN garden sounds wonderful!... I think you are much more garden savvy than you let on... it is 101 degrees here right now, but you know what, I am lovin' it!... busy week here too... lots going on in our little town for the 4th, so I did my 4th of July post today as well... have a wonderful time at the lake... and how lucky you are to have black raspberries!... I just walked up to our friends where I get them from her every year and got ours... dessert for dinner tonight!... Happy 4th of July to you!!!... much love, xoxo Julie Marie PS My RH has not come yet...

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Absolutely lovely!!!!!!!!
-Debraxxx
Capers of the vintage vixens

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
You are so fortunate to have such a lovely place to share with family and friends. Thanks for sharing the pretty pictures.

hugs
Sissie

It's me said...

What a lovely place,...sounds good...enjoy summer darling...love Ria...x !

MT Blog said...

Hello! Your place looks so beautiful!!! It's so wonderful to be able to share snippets of or lives this way. It's so enriching. Thank you!

Our Neck of the Woods said...

Oh my gosh, so pretty! The color is lovely and just perfect. Glad to hear you've been having good weather. We've been having some nicer weather lately, too! But I doubt it'll stick around for long.

You mentioned in my granola post that you are allergic to seeds - I'd just leave them out of the recipe. I love granola with just fruit on top as well (like strawberries or blueberries), it's delicious! If you want to see more of my recipes, you can click the "Food" tab under my header :)

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

You have a beautiful place and the summer house is a great idea to be close to the water. Isn't Michigan the best ? :-)

Town and Country Gals said...

Jane,
what a wonderful place to escape to! It's lovely, I'd never want to leave!
Rebecca

Babs said...

Jane, Thanks for showing the lake house. I don't remember seeing it before. It looks like the perfect place to relax..and/or party! Hope you have a great 4th. Save a hot dog for me. :)

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Your lake house is very charming Jane. I am envious...

Claudia said...

I envy you your lake house. It's beautiful and brings back memories of my family's cottage on a lake. It is now long gone, but I loved, loved being there.

xo
Claudia

Ricki Treleaven said...

I love the outside of your lake cottage! The street side is so cute with the charming balcony. I wasn't confuses about the summer house....just the pet sitting on the window seat! :/

I enjoyed the tour of your home, by the way.

And I hope you enjoy the delicious feasts this week. :D

I'm planning our menu tonight. We're leaving for the lake tomorrow!

Have a great Independence Day, Sweet Jane!

xo,
RJ

Theresa said...

I LOVE it:) I enjoyed visiting with you! Have a blessed week dear friend, HUGS!

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Your summer spot is lovely, Jane.
I love this cooler weather, too and lots of sunshine.

So glad you escaped the poison ivy.


Fondly,
Glenda

June said...

I love your darling little summerhouse! The exterior is as lovely as the interior Jane. I also loved seeing the lakehouse too. It looks like such a wonderful place to spend lazy days.
I hope you have a wonderful week and that you get to get some napping done on the porch.
hugs from here...

Melanie said...

Thank you for showing us and explaining how the lake house is the main house and the summer house is the little guest cottage! Both houses are so beautiful and charming. I love that balcony off your bedroom. I can see why you love going there every weekend...I'd want to live there year-round! I think your head is going to be in a whirl with just getting back to your "regular" home and now going back again to the lake house and having all those people there all weekend! Busy, busy! I hope the weather cooperates for you and that you have a wonderful time. I will write you a personal email tomorrow, OK? Had a busy weekend and was out of town today. xoxo

Pondside said...

What a beautiful place! I'm going to back and look at the previous posts. No wonder you love your Lake House so much!

Daydream Living said...

Hi Jane,
Loved seeing and reading this post and the one before, your two houses really have a feel of Home, well done! Hope you have plenty more sunny days, take care hon,
Maureen xx

Deborah said...

Jane what a gorgeous place you have! Love it!
No wonder you cant wait to get there....what a beautiful way to spend your summers!
Have a lovely weekend my friend!!!

All my heart,
Deborah xoxoxooxox

JoAnne said...

Jane ~ Your lake house and summer house look so pretty and charming. So nice that you and hubby have a place to escape and relax. Sounds like a wonderful place for family and friends to gather too. Being such a warm, sweet, and fun person, I know you make everyone feel comfortable and right at home!

Traci said...

I'm so glad you shared all the pics. The lake house is gorgeous! What a wonderful place to getaway. Have a great 4th!

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Your lakehouse (and summerhouse) are gorgeous!! I love the paint colors. I have some plumbago too. It's super easy to grow and a prolific bloomer. Y'all have a safe and fun weekend and take lots of pics for us!

Judi said...

It's so nice Jane and you and your family are so fortunate to have this charming place to escape and relax ~ Enjoy the days spent ...

The Charm of Home said...

What a beautiful property. You are so lucky to have this lovely place to escape to.
Sherry

Olive said...

Jane.it's beautiful. I am scared of that wisteria for you though. xo, olive

FrenchGardenHouse said...

Jane, I love the whole thing. Just the IDEA of a Lake House is so wonderful. You are truly blessed, and it is so sweet that you so love and appreciate it. I hope you have many lovely times here this summer with those you love. xoxo Lidy

Desire Empire said...

They both look great from the outside. I would so love a Summer house to foof around in. Happy 4th of July for tomorrow. We will be celebrating my mum's 80th birthday here in Australia.
Carolyn

NanaDiana said...

Jane- I left to go see your house at Marty's and left you a comment there. Love your cottage (home) AND your lakehouse. What a blessing to be able to have such a wonderful getaway. Hope you have a blessed 4th of July- xo Diana

Laura said...

Jane, I just love your lake house and summerhouse and the whole property! just green with envy!! Your garden looks amazing too! I love that the more work you put in, the more rewards you reap! Your wisteria is going to be so pretty over the little balcony! hope it doesnt take too long for you!Happy 4th of july!

Vee said...

What a wonderful place to relax (well when you're not working very hard on it) and enjoy. Oh I shuddered over the thought of poison ivy as a volunteer. I've been working hard to eradicate a patch of it adjoining my property and the neighbor's. Now I'm off to see the house tour, which I missed. Thanks for mentioning it again.

Kelly said...

That looks like a nice big lake house! Spending the 4th of July there sounds ideal. I hope you have a great time with all your friends.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

I love your lake house!
And I feel honored that I got to stay there too.
You and Al are so cute with your gardens. I know what you mean Jane, when you are digging like that it does get very tiring.
Ask Al about the week-end of the 24th of August. That is my b-day (the 24th) and that would be a fun get away.
Happy 4th at the lake...wish we were visiting!
Hugs,
Cindy

Donna said...

Your summer house sounds amazing, Jane! I bet you spend alot of time there! Lucky you! I missed your home tour, I'll have to head over there right now:)

Anonymous said...

Your summer home is so beautiful!!
Your so lucky to have a summer home.That must be so wonderful.Have a great 4th.

Kathy

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

You have such a gorgeous Lakehouse! Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful photos. So inspiring! Thanks also for stopping by with your wonderful comment. You are such an inspiration to me. Happy 4th!!

Hugs,
Jody

bj said...

HOOOLY COW, WOMAN...this is a dream home. It looks so wonderful and I am just EAT UP WITH ENVY....I think it should be a law that EVERYone have a retreat to get away from the stress of life.
This is just beautiful and to have a SUMMERHOUSE too. WOW...DOUBLE WOW...
Happy 4th, you lucky girl, you.
O, and I might add that to throw in a handsome hunk like your hubs...well, girlfriend, ya got it made !! :))

Always Nesting said...

I'm seriously drooling here. GORGEOUS!! And so welcoming.

Life at Still Woods said...

Just stopping by to wish you a Happy 4th of July!
Blessings from Still Woods Farmhouse

Ivy and Elephants said...

What a gorgeous home you have, I never want to leave! Happy 4th of July!
Hugs,
Patti

Susan Shull said...

Your lakehouse is just adorable and your summerhouse is the perfect solution for overflow. Enjoy your family this weekend and share some of those yummy recipes, please!

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Charming, inside and out! Have so enjoyed seeing your place!!!
Cindy

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

How lovely Jane! No wonder your family loves to escape here in the summers and weekends. I love the little summerhouse off to the side, and I adore your master balcony. Good luck with the wisteria.

And huge CONGRATULATIONS for your blog being in the August issue of Romantic Homes! I just got my issue the other day and was so happy to see your blog listed. Woo hoo!

Sonia said...

Hi Jane,
Love both of your homes! I just saw the post on Marty's blog...so nice...your home is so warm and I love all the personal touches! I finally got to see that island you purchased! Love it!! Wondered if you ever got it or not! Your lakehouse is such a pretty blue and what a great place to relax. Enjoyed your posts!
Miss Bloomers

Debbiedoos said...

Oh how nice to see Jane. I love it, so charming and cozy looking. Hope you enjoyed your 4th!

Maria Elena said...

What a beautiful place to relax and enjoy life! I hope you guys had a great time!

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

I absolutely adore your lake house. You are so blessed and lucky.

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

Just lovely Jane! I love your little guest house and the balcony off your bedroom. Your garden is so pretty too. You must love it there!

We got to spend a long weekend at our cabin too for the holiday. It's very relaxing, even though I'm always doing something around the house ;).

Stephanie said...

Wow, what a beautiful lake house! It's looks so peaceful and relaxing :) I was visiting Liz when I clicked on your icon and it brought my to your lovely blog. I am now following along and I look forward to visiting again.
Have a wonderful day!

Hugs,
Stephanie
theenchantingrose.blogspot.com