Tis the Season…

On November 28, 2015November 21, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Tis the Season! Charleston is decorated and ready. So many of the storefronts are just beautiful. Every time we come downtown I swear there is a new restaurant, store or other cool place that we have yet to see! So many wonderful things happening in one city. People playing music. Outdoor lounges with heaters and beautiful furniture. Rooftop dining and drinks. This little city is something else!

It’s all dressed up for the Christmas and holiday season. A wonderful way to spend the day!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All in a days work… Whoa!

On November 22, 2015November 21, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Yesterday, Fred, Charlie and I headed downtown to walk around and stop in a few stores. As we drove down Broad Street we passed Saint Michael’s Church and saw it being painted.

No. Easy. Task!

It looked like they were using rollers. Can you imagine?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The walk after the rain…

On November 21, 2015November 17, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Much of the country has seen a lot of rain and wild weather for November. This was a photo taken after another batch of rain that caused flooding in areas here in Charleston. The marsh looks swollen. I love those moody, gray, cloudy skies with the dark outline of the trees that line the marsh up close and in the distance. Beautiful light reflections in the water. It’s amazing how much the marsh can change. We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful area!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan: Sawyer Farmhouse from Yankee Barn Homes!

On November 19, 2015November 19, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

This is the Sawyer Farmhouse by Yankee Barn Homes. Impressive, isn’t it? It looks so stately, especially situated near a wooded area. Absolutely beautiful!

This home is 3,099 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. I think the color choice on this is especially nice. If you haven’t checked out Yankee Barn Homes before, you may want to take a peek!

First Floor

I do like a Master Bedroom downstairs. It’s nice that there is a dedicated mudroom area, so necessary in many parts of the country, especially colder climates! Love the open Great Room/Kitchen/Dining and ample Entry. I wonder if the powder room could be tucked underneath the stairway. I’ve seen it done, and they are tiny rooms, but sufficient. Otherwise where it’s at is just fine! As you can see there is a part of the Great Room that is open to above. That is the one thing I might change (for us).

Second Floor

See the Balcony area on this floor towards the back of the house (upper right of image, next to the part that is “Open to Below”)? I think I would have the room open to below all the way across and just not use that one balcony? I think. Be sure to check out the images on their website!

It’s very nice that there are two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a balcony space that can be used as a sitting area! What a beautiful home!

Read more about the Yankee Barn Homes from their FAQs page!

All images via YankeeBarnHomes.com, used with permission…

Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of the architectural firm.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Photo: John Rutledge House Inn B&B!

On November 13, 2015November 6, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, HOME, PhotographLeave a comment

What a wonderful bed & breakfast! The John Rutledge House Inn B&B located here in Charleston, SC. It’s got history, charm, class and the most wonderful breakfasts ever!

If you ever get a chance to stay, I highly recommend!! Click HERE to check out the history (and see fabulous photos). This is one wonderful place!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

HOME RENOVATION: Cortland Barn Farmhouse by Whitten Architects

On November 12, 2015November 12, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, Renovation3 Comments

Whitten Architects. When I ran across their website, all I could think about was sharing this beautiful home with you. They build new homes as well as create gorgeous renovations. This happens to be a renovation which I haven’t featured before. Just look at what they have done. This is a stunning home in Maine called the Cortland Barn Farmhouse.

They started with a barn then added square footage creating a one of a kind home. The barn is now the garage and bedroom (in the downstairs space), and another bedroom, bathroom, sitting room and plenty of storage (in the upstairs space). Yes! Storage! This home had 905 square feet added on to the barn and 1,458 sf of barn renovations, which brings the total square footage to 2,363. It has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. This home is just exactly the kind of home I would love to live in. It’s both modern and traditional at the same time. It’s clean and built smartly, keeping in mind storage and so many wonderful details. Be sure to check out the photos on their website. Read about the details of this renovation!

This gives you a little glimpse into the interior, there are many wonderful photos, thanks to Jonathan Reece Photography!

What a gorgeous room, and I love the glimpse to the stairway. It adds an element of design all by itself, a beautiful work of art. What you do not see are the wonderful windows in this room… I’m telling you, check out their website to see what I’m talking about!

The kitchen is equally as gorgeous with plentiful cabinets, counter space and everything that makes a functional yet beautiful kitchen.

This photo did me in! The back of the house is just as beautiful as the front. The bedroom windows offer light with privacy, and I love the entryway to the backyard. Every single detail was taken into consideration with this home. Bravo!

Courtland Barn Farmhouse | Whitten Architects

This is the layout of the home to give you an idea. On the front of the home is the garage, with the bedroom behind, that was the existing barn that was renovated. The additional added space is comfortable, beautiful, and most of all, useful!

Upstairs is another bedroom which is more like a guest suite. There is also a bathroom, a sitting room, and just look at all that storage! Very valuable!

To find an architect that can renovate on this level is a wonderful find. If you are looking to renovate, I wouldn’t hesitate to contact Whitten Architects!

I want to give credit where credit is due…

Thank you to Whitten Architects and Jessie Carroll for providing so much information!

Photography:

Jonathan Reece Photography

Collaborators:

Jessie Carroll: Project Architect

General Contractor: Steve Brann Building & Remodeling

Structural Engineer: Albert Putnam Associates

Landscape Design: Tide Walk Designs

Stone Mason: Exterior Hardscape & Stone Walls – George Couture

Images via WhittenArchitects.com, used with permission –

Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of the architectural firm.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Nick’s on King Street – Charleston, SC!

On November 11, 2015November 2, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, FOODLeave a comment

Nick’s on King Street – Charleston, SC

Looking for a cool restaurant that isn’t expensive and is located in downtown Charleston? Well, I have a thought for you… Nick’s on King Street! We have a lot of BBQ restaurants here in Charleston, and I cannot say that I’ve been to many, but we found ourself with a picky eater (ha ha) who was trying to find something that sounded good for dinner. BBQ it was!

The BBQ was very tasty and the prices? Crazy good! Check out their menu! You can also buy it by the pound to take home, or if you have a gathering, etc! Good to know!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The beauty of Charleston…

On November 8, 2015October 27, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph1 Comment

View from a morning walk.

You never know what you will see (or hear),

The turtles sunning themselves,

Church bells chiming on the hour,

Stark white birds having the time of their lives,

Sun on the marsh grass,

This looks so remote, yet it is so near it all.

The beauty of Charleston…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

October Sky – Charleston, SC

On November 7, 2015November 7, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, PhotographLeave a comment

Don’t you just love this time of year?

It starts getting more crisp and less humid. (YAY!)

The mornings are dark, at least for now.

Evening comes quickly. I love that…

The sun sets in the most glorious way.

Enjoy the October skies!

Update: This was written in October, with the intention of being published in October, hmmm, clearly I need to hire help to keep me straight. The October skies are still beautiful in November. That crisp, less humid air… hmmmm, it isn’t happening at the moment, we are warm and humid. I am excited for that to change! The sunrise and sunset each day… exquisite!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan: 54 Wilmington Place by Our Town Plans!

On November 5, 2015October 30, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

The 54 Wilmington Place house plan is 3,016 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. This plan has so many great features! The look of this house appeals to me so much! Be sure to check out the real images of this home, by clicking on the link above!

Click HERE to see a few images of the interior (real photos). A photo of the front of the house, a few of the Great Room, and one of the bedroom… WOW!

Who doesn’t like a porch? With a porch on the front of the house and a Screen Porch on the back of the house you’re covered! Imagine the amount of living that can be done in these two wonderful spaces?

The Kitchen and Keeping Room (which is a space is like a sitting room in the Kitchen, since most of us tend to congregate in the kitchen), think of it as an eat in breakfast area with comfy surroundings, or just as a sitting area. A great place to visit!

I like that their is a Master Bedroom downstairs, nice closet space and that the Great Room doors open onto the Screen Porch. Let the fresh air in!

Upstairs offers two bedrooms with private baths and a sitting room. Perfect to give privacy and people relax and do their thing while you do yours!

Another great plan offered by Our Town Plans!

All images via OurTownPlans.com, used with permission…

Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of the architectural firm.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan: Signature plan 536-2 by Bruce Tolar through Houseplans.com!

On November 3, 2015November 2, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans2 Comments

House Plan 536-2. This is a wonderful small home plan by architect Bruce Tolar for Houseplans.com. I love the front porch and the look of this house! A house built up high is especially appealing after all the flooding we’ve been experiencing. I think this house has a classic low country coastal vibe – very nice!

When you go to Houseplans.com check out this plan and all the photos, you’ll see some images where it sits on a pier and beam type foundation. Then you have the option to enclose the lower portion or have it exposed, using it as a carport. It depends where you are building and what your needs are. The stock plan shows it open, but the photo above (sent to Houseplans.com from a homeowner) shows that they utilized the space for an enclosed garage. It’s nice to have a great plan with so many options!

It seems I usually select a house plan with a porch. Front, back or side. I love to be able to sit outside and take advantage of outdoor living spaces. This compact home has a bedroom and a bunk room, which is perfect for either bunk beds or even a sleeper sofa, if it’s only going to be used on occasion. There is a sweet, efficient, galley kitchen, as well as a dining room. Everything you need to call this place home!

You can scroll down to the end of this link to read more about the architect, Bruce B. Tolar!

All images via Houseplans.com, used with permission…

Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of the architectural firm.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A morning walk that you just can’t beat!

On November 1, 2015October 15, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, SCLeave a comment

Snapped a photo while we were out walking the other day… look at the cloud reflections in the marsh. Tide was quite high and it was a beautiful day!

Enjoy your Sunday! Did you turn your clocks back one hour last night? If not, you may want to do it now ;)

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan: The TNH B 08C plan by Moser Design Group!

On October 29, 2015October 20, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans2 Comments

This is the TNH B 08C plan by Moser Design Group. How can they possibly pack so much living into one fairly small space? This plan is 1,157 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. I love the charming porch, the windows, the transom over the door…

With an open Living/Kitchen/Dining area this plan fits nicely into today’s living. If you’re looking for a smaller plan and don’t need a formal dining room, this may appeal to you! With the Master Bedroom/Bathroom located at the back of the house, that leaves a nice space for a guest or other family member. You could always make it into a sitting room maybe with a pull out sofa if you have infrequent guests and could use that space for other things. I also like the side stoop and Utility Room, so many great features!

All images via www.moserdesigngroup.com, used with permission…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan: Noah’s Cottage by Allison Ramsey Architect!

On October 22, 2015October 8, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

Noah’s Cottage (C0613) by Allison Ramsey Architect

I love cottage plans, and this is no exception! This is Noah’s Cottage (C0613) by Allison Ramsey Architect. This plan is 1,806 square feet (not including loft) with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The exterior is as wonderful as the interior. Be sure to click on the link below to see actual images.

This plan has the Master suite located at the front of the house, which is very private. Behind the Master Suite is the Kitchen and Living Room. The entry brings you into a Foyer, where you see through to the Dining Room and Screened Porch. That could be so beautiful! Two Bedrooms are situated on the opposite side of the house with a Bathroom and Laundry Room between them.

It’s nice to have a Foyer area, especially one that offers such a wonderful view. The kitchen has a side door, and there is also a door off the back Screen Porch. Nice ventilation when the weather allows opening of windows!

Click to view real-life images of this plan!

This is the upstairs loft (which is not counted in the square footage). When you look at the “real-life” photos, you see different ideas of how people utilize this space. I think I would make mine a reading loft :) Love the idea of a Kids Loft for young guests, that could be fun!

All images via AllisonRamseyArchitect.com, used with permission…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Check out a bistro & pub located inside Whole Foods Market – Mount Pleasant!

On October 20, 2015October 14, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, FOOD4 Comments

The Ashley & Cooper Southern Bistro and Pub is the long name… it’s referred to as “The Grill”, which I like! Are you in the Mount Pleasant, SC area? Looking for something fresh and different to eat? Well, you can shop and eat, have a glass of wine or beer, relax… all at Whole Foods Market – Mount Pleasant!

Recently we were invited to taste the new menu, and what a menu it is! We tried (nice size portions!) of almost everything on the menu. Each was more splendid that the next! The biggest problem I can foresee is trying to decide what to order!

A few things that I wouldn’t think that I would like, I LOVED, like the Grilled Romaine & Kale Salad – WOW! Well, with the freshest of ingredients, I can say all the salads were wow! The BOWLS were all wonderful as well. We tried the Black Bean Burger, which was better than ever! The BBQ at Whole Foods is fabulous, and they have a hamburger called the DIVINE SWINE BURGER (ground beef, pulled pork, cheddar, bacon, collard slaw)… OHMYGOSH! There is so much food on that one burger it’s unbelievable! They served it more like a cheeseburger with a side of pork so we could taste it. Too hard to cut a big burger, piled high with toppings, into portions! Also tasted their homemade fries, very good…

Although sinful, the Pimento Macaroni and Cheese knocks it out of the park! AND IT IS SERVED AS A SIDE!! Take some to go, it’s a meal for the next day!