Looking forward to the 2013 summer season

We are still improving the accommodations. A king size bed replaces the double in a downstairs bedroom.

The upper story living area has proved to be quite comfortable.

The new California king bed in the downstairs front bedroom

The spring garden was magnificent with peonies, iris, columbine, and clematis, all just in this small garden.

Elsewhere in the yard were lilacs, roses, and rhododendrons blooming.

The small herb garden provided us with chives, thyme, oregano, mint, and cilantro.

Upside down house

From the upper level the view across Nauset Marsh to the Atlantic is spectacular.

This spring we topped some trees to get an even better look.

 

Upstairs master bedroom. A ceiling fan was installed this year.

The large downstairs bedroom with king bed and desk.

Island landscape

 

This was the ivy-choked island shaded by two Norway maples taken down two years ago. Too much ivy for Roundup, so we covered it all with cardboard and mulch, killing most of it. A stone wall and boulders were uncovered. Perennials were planted in May, and now two years later much improvement.

 Feel free to cut flowers and bring them in. Shasta daisies, catmint, yarrow, yellow Knockout roses, and coreopsis bloom all summer.

Find Bloomerang Lilacs, iris, and peonies in the spring.

This driftwood log washed ashore in the winter
now makes a great seat by the firepit.

Driving on Nauset Beach

The house (center) looks closer to the ocean than it really is due to the telephoto lens. This was taken from the barrier beach where we drove out in our 4WD SUV. Getting the permit to drive on the beach was a major goal for the fall.

Canoe to Nauset Beach

Not far from the house is a good put-in spot at high tide for kayaks and canoes. The barrier beach is just a 15-minute paddle, and the nearby shoreline makes for interesting paddling as well.

Conservation Walk at Ice House Pond

The Orleans Pond Coalition has acquired most of the property around Ice House Pond, the pond you see on the left as you approach Champlain Rd.  The new trails around it are best accessed from Tonset Road. Below is Reuben's Pond within the same property.  Map

Back yard

The yard got a little ratty looking last summer due to the many locust suckers that popped up everywhere, so we treated them, put down seed in September, and watered as much as possible before leaving. By mid October the grass was looking pretty good. Mowing was completed just after this photo. The alyssum was looking great, and I'll plant that again next spring. Montauk daisies in the back island were just finishing up their bloom. Herbs planted along the retaining wall did well also.

Getting closer to the view

Deck furniture we added includes a table with umbrella to seat 8-10, 4 chairs with cushions, 4 folding chairs, 2 chaise lounges and a small table. The grill is on the left out of sight.

Roses along the driveway

Wild roses along the driveway now have climbers planted in between.

Roses

The Fourth of July rose I planted in June.

Living area

With window treatments and new pillows, this is beginning to feel finished - for now.

Downstairs bath

We forget to mention the claw foot tub in the downstairs bathroom which also has a shower stall. Great spot for the kids!

More downstairs

The porch

The new futon covers are a great improvement over the old faded orange ones and really change the look of this room.

Beach plums

These are some of the oldest, largest beach plum trees around. The fruit ripens late in summer, and the kitchen has a cookbook devoted to the tiny plums.

Bunk room

This small second floor bunk room, having no closet, does not officially qualify as a bedroom, but people have slept here on the twin size and full size mattresses. What the room lacks in space, it makes up for in light with three windows. The above photo is shot through the window from outside on the deck.

Laundry

The well-equipped laundry room is cleverly placed in the large upstairs half bath.

Front yard

 A shady place in the front yard beckons.

First floor

This small sitting room downstairs has a TV and bookcase to the left. The passageway on the left leads to the small kitchen and full bathroom. This is the large front bedroom's doorway, and the bedroom with twin beds is to the right.

Downstairs bedroom

This is an oversized bedroom with a deep antique chest of drawers. The room has a great view toward the ocean.