We live a little over a mile from the ocean. Living in our neighborhood is a blessing…and a curse.
It’s close enough, but just far enough away from all the hustle. Being able to ride our bikes to the beach or walk to the water park is awesome. Plus we really love our close-knit community.
But to own a home here, we’ve had to settle on a few things. Our lot is teeny tiny and we can almost reach out and touch our neighbors. (Good thing our neighbors are awesome!) Our street backs right up to a 55 mph roadway. That means it can be really loud.
Want to know where we go when we want to get away from it all? We take a short 20 minute ride to Mamama and Papapa’s house! (That’s my in-laws.)
And this is their house:
They built this house when my husband was in high school.
I love this big porch that spans the entire length of the front of the house. Can’t you just see yourself sitting on the swing with a big ole glass of ice cold sweet tea?!
Or maybe you could grab the paper and take a seat over here:
I love all the planters! It is so charming.
This is what you’d be looking at:
So quiet. So tranquil. (Remember cars are going 55mph outside my back door and you practically have to shout to have a conversation.)
Do you remember the sign I made them for Christmas out of an old gate?
I made it for their horse barn. My mother-in-law wanted me to add a personal message to the bottom to help memorialize a special person in her life who is now in heaven (and had helped to build the barn).
I was more than happy to oblige.
This is the main reason I brought my camera, to take a picture of the sign in it’s new home.
It fits perfectly above the entrance:
I dragged this gate out of my neighbors trash pile when she was having a new fence built. (Thanks, Cindy:) You can read more about it here.
A closer look:
Here is a closer look at one of her beautiful horses:
This is from the barn looking at the back of the house:
Hello! Isn’t this one beautiful?? I have to admit, I’m a bit of a fraidy cat when it comes to horses, but they are very sweet.
These were taken last weekend at my father-in-laws birthday cookout.
I’m so glad I brought my camera so I could capture shots like this:
They are really breakin it down!
Cousins hanging out…that’s my pride and joy in the middle!
My little munchkin. Oh how I want to kiss all over that sweet little neck!
Happy Birthday Papapa!!!
From the back porch:
So serene. It really is so lovely. Everything is so tasteful and beautifully kept.
We had a bit of a dreary day for our get together, but it didn’t take away from the peaceful feeling you get when you stand in this spot.
Thanks to my wonderful in-laws for allowing me to share these pictures. (They had no idea I’d be bringing my camera along!)
Hope you enjoyed this little outdoor tour 🙂
XO,
Vicki says
Lovely, looks like a horse farm here in KY …… it is so picturesque. Looks serene and peaceful there. I cannot imagine this type of home in FL, much less that close to where you live and the beach!!! I would say you have the best of both worlds!
Christy K. James says
I really do have the best of both worlds and they always make it a pleasure for us to visit:)
Luisa says
Oh my gosh…that place is gorgeous. So many nice things to say about it. The perfect little farmhouse 🙂 I especially love that bell hanging from the ceiling. You did an amazing job on that sign! It is perfect on that barn! Take care!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Luisa! So glad you liked it! They really take pride in their home and it shows:)
Cristina@remodelandolacasa says
It’s so beautiful! My dream home has a porch like that, and I haven’t think about horses, oh boy, so dreamy! The sign you made fits in perfectly, you’re an artist!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Cristina!
Traci says
I can see why you can relax here, what a beautiful place. I love the sign even more in its place on the barn. Thanks for sharing.
Traci
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much for coming to check it out, Traci!
Kim says
Great house, looks like the Hamptons~ this is Florida? Too bad it’s not a bed and breakfast…I would love to stay there! Lucky you! 🙂
Christy K. James says
This is Virginia:)
Maxine says
Thanks for sharing your get away. It is truly beautiful and calming. I can see how you enjoy it. You did a beautiful job on the sign.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Maxine! I’m so glad you enjoyed it:)
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
What a fabulous place! Looks very similar to where my husband’s cousin lives out in Hickory! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing on Project Inspired.
Oh and sign is fabulous!!! I love it ! (I have a thing for signs 😉 )
Nancy
Christy K. James says
We really do have the best of both worlds here:)
Thistlewood Farms says
What a great porch, such a beautiful view!
Have a great weekend!
Christy K. James says
Thanks for coming to check it out! Hope you have a great weekend, too!
Kelly @ The Moon and Me says
The perfect get-away-from-it-all place! I could sit on that porch with a book for hours!
Thanks for the mini vacation. 🙂
Kelly
Christy K. James says
Thanks for checking it out, Kelly! I feel relaxed just looking at the pictures:)
Christina at I Gotta Create! says
Looks like the best place ever! Love the sign you made them.
Thank you for partying with the Wildly Original Crowd.
<3 Christina at I Gotta Create!
Christy K. James says
I feel more rested just looking at the pictures! Thanks so much for taking the time to check out what I’ve linked up week after week! I know a lot of time goes into checking out everyone’s projects!! Have a great week 🙂
Kathryn says
O my a little piece of heaven…what a great place…my son and family love coming to our house..we do not have the property…they do. We have the lake…and fishing and ski and as they grow will be fun….your in laws…bless their Barn,and all they give back to their family with this special place