Late afternoon

The setting sun lights up the barrier beach - as seen from the deck. 

The beach is just a 15-minute paddle away.

Kitchen dining area

Here's another area that could use some work. A rug, perhaps? A valance? But it's bright and sunny, and the drop-leaf table gives it some versatility.

Back bedroom

My favorite bedroom is this back bedroom downstairs, probably because it went together so easily with readymade quilts and valances. Also, it gets much more winter sunlight now that the huge Norway maples are gone from the back yard.

Downstairs living area

Two futons on the porch plus a sleep sofa in the sitting room provide extra space for relaxing.

The upstairs living area

The wood-burning stove was wonderful on some of the colder nights. The central heat works fine, to be sure, but when it was just two of us and no need to heat the lower floor, the stove warmed up the living area wonderfully for the evening with just three logs.

We're ready!

Slipcovers are ordered and window treatments will be considered, but as far as I'm concerned, the house is just about ready for prime time! A group will be renting the house the first weekend in November.

I need to perfect this picture. Note how the view appears as a reflection in the framed photos above the sofa.

Bittersweet in the house

Here's how I wanted to use the bittersweet found in the conservation land next door.