I’m sitting in the living room of our rental, alternating typing and watching the street out front and the occasional biker or walker who, unlike us, has decided to get an early start to what has shaped up to be a beautiful, sunny day.
Yesterday we went to the beach, and tomorrow I have an appointment for a massage and facial while I’m sure Fisherman will go, you guessed it, fishing. At night we will most likely go to one of the many area restaurants for Trivia Night. First prize is $25. I told Fisherman it’s high time his extensive knowledge of useless information be put to good use. For today, while I was typing this post we have decided to bike along Rt. A1A and maybe use the GoPro camera. With any luck we might get some good shots of the jaw-droppingly beautiful homes along that road.
Now about our rental…
One of my favorite features are these pillars. Over a hundred years old, they are a majestic site amongst what is otherwise a neighborhood of diminutive, cottage style homes.
While we have grilled several times, we are unable to enjoy the backyard due to Mosquitos. I would definitely consider enclosing this area with screening if this were our home!
This is the view of the home from the front door. The door at the far right in the back is the master bedroom, and on the right is the guest room which is just beyond the frame of the picture. Each room has its own updated bath which I haven’t taken any pictures of. *note to self: get a wide angle lens*. The kitchen, on the left, has direct access to the small deck, as does the master bedroom.
The owner is an avid traveler (currently he is in Saigon) and loves to collect masks from throughout the world. I’ve named this one Harry, and he graces the wall in the master bedroom. After all, who wouldn’t love to wake up to this every morning??
Here’s the second bedroom. In addition to the two bedrooms, there is a spare room which has come in handy as a place to keep our luggage and ironing board (not pictured).
The owner found this fella on the curb, brought him home and named him Gus. He resides in a corner by the front door.
The kitchen has been completely redone and they did a fabulous job. I love the details of the beadboard cabinets and walls, as well as the dental moldings. I also appreciate that they chose not to go with the ubiquitous use of stainless appliances for this home that was built in 1907.
Notice the floors. They’re original to the home and have TONS of character. The owner told me what kind of pine they were, but I can’t recall. Suffice it to say it would be almost impossible to duplicate these today.
A couple of you have asked to see pics, so there you have it. I have lots to tell you about our trip up until now, but we’re too busy having fun and relaxing for me to spend too much time in front of a computer. I’m sure you understand ;).
In other news…
Last week was my birthday. I like to say I’m 41 for the 20th time. My friend came for a couple of days to help us celebrate. She and her hubby are avid RV’ers, and when we head home in February we’re stopping at their place for a night or two and going RV shopping. It will be nice to soak in their vast knowledge. Who knows!? Maybe we’ll drive home with an RV!! LOL (I doubt it, but stranger things have happened).
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Dewena says
I love that kitchen, Doreen! I know where I’d be spending my time! Is the seafood good there this time of year? Has the Fisherman caught your dinner any? I hope you have a good time for all of us here where it’s cold!
And if you happen to drive back through Orlando and have time to meet my sister Jenn, go to Top Drawer Consignments there, a beautiful shop full of great things.
Soiledrotten says
HI Doreen! Loving that pot rack! Enjoy 🙂
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
What a nice rental home, Doreen! I don’t know that I would be a fan of waking up to that mask on the wall (or seeing it in the shadows for a middle of the night trip to the bathroom!). Glad you are relaxing. Enjoy yourself and I hope the weather is wonderful!
Doreen says
Hi Kathy! I wanted to let you know that I’m not able to comment on your blog. I’m sure it’s something at my end that’s wrong and it will fix itself, but it’s frustrating! I wanted to comment, especially about the bathroom cabinet. My gut would tell me to paint it too. 🙂 Have you decided?
Poppy says
Yay! Pics of your little palace away from home! Your rental is fresh and bright and airy and COLOURFUL! These cheerful hues make for some happy vacationers. I’m in love with the tall, iron gate and railings and the unique wood floors. So glad you are enjoying your time there, and your outing tonight sounds like a lot of fun! Thanks for the tour!
xoxo
Poppy
Patti says
Sounds like you are having the best possible time, as well as getting in a little relaxation, too. The cottage is just adorable,
I love the kitchen. Enjoy your trip, and happy birthday to you!
Hugs,
Patti
Vickie says
What a fun colorful home with tons of history you’ve rented! I love the kitchen…..and the weather, too! We have plenty of mosquitoes in the summer, so I could do without those. :o)
Sue says
Hi thanks for all the photos of your really charming rental, I feel like I went on vacation. The floors and kitchen are great and love all the color in the rooms.
Cecilia says
Lovely place minus the masks. I don’t think I’d like to see “Harry” staring at me in the morning. Creepy! Lol. Looks like you are enjoying your vacation. Good luck with the RV shopping! And a very Happy Birthday to you, my friend!
Hugs,
Cecilia
Linda Chapman says
What a beautiful place!!! Too bad about the mosquitoes! Light some of those citronella candles!
Love seeing what YOU see!!! Enjoy every minute!
Jemma says
Doreen!
This is fun, the glorious colors of this sweet vacation rental are happy, happy!
Oh my goodness, but these masks…I just bet they are quite an investment though.
Good luck shopping for the RV!
Hugs,
Jemma
Jane says
This is very nice, Doreen…it’s clean and colorful and it looks like they have indoor/outdoor furniture and that’s a great idea for a rental. We’ve stayed in the good, the bad and the ugly. Yours is quite good but I would take the mask down! lol!
Enjoy!
Jane x
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Hey Lady!
Happy belated bday to you! I hope it was wonderful. xo
I love your rental – so colorful and eclectic. However, those masks might freak me out a little first thing in the morning. Lol. I especially loved the kitchen. Just bright and beautifully done!! That dental molding on the top is gorgeous.
You’ll have to keep us all posted on the RV scoop!! I think you should go for it!! That’s actually the dream for hubster and moi one day….to be total snow birds every year in an RV and go somewhere new each time. Quite an adventure – just sayin’ ((wink wink))
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
It’s a lovely rental. I’d be afraid of the masks, though, I think. Enjoy your time there and don’t forget to show us the houses later!
Betty Baker says
I got a real kick out of your birthday .This was my comment this year. I am celebrating the 29th. anniversary of my 50th. birthday; It gets a new laugh every year. Enjoy your holiday. Looking forward to more pictures.
Pat Cable says
I love what they did with the kitchen. Must be nice to be out biking this time of year. We’ve had 2 rather nice days but the forecast for Feb is snow 🙁
Happy belated birthday to you!!!!
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Happy Birthday, Doreen! Hope you are having a great time in FL. Love the house – it’s bright and cheerful!
Danni@SiloHillFarm says
happy belated birthday! Glad you are having a lovely time and that cottage looks relaxing!
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
Oh my waking up to Harry. LOL sounds like you are having a fun time and it was interesting to see the rental! 🙂
Emily says
Lucky girl, on vacation! I love the rental, must be a really fun house to spend your vacation. Thanks for the tour, it sure makes me want to book a condo at the beach. A little late but wishing you a happy birthday.
You have a lovely blog and I can’t wait to take a tour, I just signed up to follow your blog.
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Oh, have fun in the sun….used to live in South Florida…do not miss the congestion, but do miss the weather. Yes, every home in Florida needs a screened porch to keep out those pesky mosquitos…and a pool too!…have fun, enjoy and Happy Birthday!…41 is a good year!! 🙂
cathy@my1929 Charmer says
I enjoyed seeing inside the rental, and I love the kitchen, the wood floors are beautiful too. The a mask I would have to take down and hide. I think it would give me nightmares. Enjoy your time! Oh mosquitoes always loved biting me, there could be 10 other people but they always bit me!
kelly says
That looks like a very nice rental! I love the kitchen too. If you’re having mosquitoes bother you then it must be warm where you are. I live in the south, but it is very cold here. No mosquitoes here right now, but in the summer they are brutal! I guess that’s why so many southern homes have screened porches. You should buy some repellent and burn a citronella candle and see if that helps.
Southern DayDreams says
Hi Doreen, what a fabulous rental. Looks and sounds like you are having an incredible time. Have fun and enjoy.
Hugs
Julie says
Happy belated birthday Doreen! I hope you had fun whatever you did. Your rental house is so nice. I love the kitchen and too bad about the bugs. Have a fun time! Hugs, Julie
Feral Turtle says
Happy Birthday Doreen! Enjoy your time at that fabulous home! Love the kitchen. PS Hope you had a wonderful massage and facial and fish to eat from Mr. Fisherman!
Vicky Hunt says
Happy Belated Birthday!!! The rental is very charming…love the gate in front! Those floors are really cool and remind me a bit of pecky cypress. Enjoy the remainder of your stay and have fun looking at RV’s!
SharonFromMichigan says
Happy Birthday Late! You chose the right place to be with a Nor’easter getting ready to hit the New England area! Soak up the warmth and sun!! You deserve it!
Doreen says
Thank you Sharon! Looks like ‘Juno’ as all bark and little bite for most areas. Our cabin is under about a foot of snow, but not as bad as expected. Hope you’re warm and snuggly!
Manuela@A Cultivated Nest says
Happy belated birthday!
Those yellow columns are amazing! That kitchen is also gorgeous-love the yellow beadboard. Aaack mosquitos! They definitely should enclose that back porch so that people can enjoy the yard.
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
I hope you had an awesome birthday, Doreen! I love the rental, especially the kitchen. I love white appliances. I never got into the stainless steel obsession. And nowadays there are beautiful white appliances with smooth steel surfaces. I love the farmhouse sink too. Looks like you’re having a blast on your trip. 🙂 xx
andi says
Hi Doreen!! I hope you had a wonderful birthday and I’m sorry I’ve missed so much! Trying to play some catch-up today. 🙂 I love your rental. Makes me ready for a vacation. Wait. I’m always ready for a vacation…
-andi
Doreen says
Awwwwwwww, thanks so much for stopping by Andi. I know things have been a bit topsy turvy for you. xxx