Charleston, SC Photo: Rockville, SC Road

On June 23, 2013January 8, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME3 Comments

Several weeks ago, my sister was in town. We hit all the galleries, many restaurants, then headed to Charleston Tea Plantation and Rockville to snap some photos. I’ve written about the tea plantation before… the landscape… STUNNING. Like Rockville, there are huge, very old live oak trees. The setting seems like it’s way back when…

Rockville, SC retains that captured in time feel. There isn’t a store or a restaurant or really anywhere to go in Rockville (unless you belong to the yacht club), but it is a great place to snap photos (especially if you’re into photography, or if you’re an artist… whoa!). Subject matter galore! So… if you’re ever heading out that way… BRING YOUR CAMERA (bring spare batteries as well… I speak from experience)!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan Thursday: Whisper Creek – a perfect mountain getaway!

On June 20, 2013January 9, 2025 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans5 Comments

Whisper Creek – Southern Living House Plan SL-1653 – Allison Ramsey Architects

Can you imagine this fabulous mountain getaway? Can you imagine how much time would be spent on these wonderful porches overlooking the mountains/woods/stream… what a place to have as a retreat or better yet to live in all year? This is a modest size home at 1,555 sq feet. This home has 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Which makes it perfect for a small family or a retired couple. As I’ve said before I’m a fan of the open floor plan concept… and this is a great efficient plan…

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House Plan Thursday: Block Island Cottage – SL 1059

On June 13, 2013December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans, THOUGHTS6 Comments

Block Island Cottage by Coastal Living – SL 1059, 1820 square feet – Image: CoastalLivingHousePlans.com

An Exclusive Design for Coastal Living by Allison Ramsey Architects, Inc.

Yet another house plan that we’ve had on our radar… even if you don’t plan on building a house it sure is fun to look at plans and dream what you would do differently, how you would arrange things, etc.

Things to change… I would paint the lattice underneath the house the same color as the house so it blends in… and unless I had kids or small dogs to contain on the porch I would go without spindles or use wire… I like that look, and that little window upstairs… I would have it open out. I LOVE THAT! The house has a nice porch (a requirement!) and is more than plenty big enough for us with just the downstairs…

This is a sweet plan that allows the master bedroom to be off on a wing by itself, which is nice for guests. I also like the laundry room nearby… right now it’s in our bathroom which is very convenient, but ahhh, the dust! I cannot complain… it could not be more convenient! Fred and I both really like the more open plans. It’s probably because we have a home with rooms… and the grass is always greener so to speak…

The upstairs is a simple loft design with the rest of the room open to the living space below… might be good for painting, or the treadmill… storage of Christmas decorations, etc. Whew, i’m glad I don’t have to be making a decision any time soon! What would you do?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan Thursday: The Sugarberry Cottage, Southern Living Plan SL-1648

On June 6, 2013January 11, 2025 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans14 Comments

HousePlan Sugarberry SL front, beautiful white house with black shutters, pretty green landscaping

Sugarberry SL-1648 -An Exclusive Design for Southern Living by MK Design Group

This Southern Living house plan, SL 1648 “Sugarberry” was built on an empty lot in our neighborhood. It blends nicely with the older homes. It is absolutely the most adorable cottage ever! We had the pleasure of watching it being built and the result was nothing short of spectacular. It has great presence for a somewhat smaller house (1714 sq. ft.).

See the plan link below:

House plan, by Moser Design Group, Now called MKDG.com, open floor plan — Sugarberry SL-1648 -An Exclusive Design for *Southern Living* by MK Design Group

One thing different (that I love) about the house in our neighborhood… the extended the porch. See how this porch begins at the point where you walk in the door? They extended the porch to fill in that area to the left, so it goes all the way back to the kitchen sink. It’s nice, they have a porch swing on that side and it’s more private. Very sweet. The house here locally also has a fireplace on the side porch on the right, how nice would that be??!

And the upstairs…

house plan, Sugarberry, MKDG.com southern living, upstairs of plan — Sugarberry SL-1648 -An Exclusive Design for *Southern Living* by MK Design Group

Check this plan out via these links:

WEBSITE | THIS PLAN | SOUTHERN LIVING

This house a beautiful addition to the neighborhood, nestled amongst the grand live oak trees, with ferns planted in the front yard, it’s like something from days gone by… such charm!

Images via MKDGA.com, used with permission.

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Link updated January 11, 2024

Charleston Photo: Rooftops of Charleston…

On June 3, 2013May 28, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME2 Comments

A moody photo, don’t you think? I took this photo almost a year ago with my phone, not the greatest, but it shows the Charleston, SC rooftops quite nicely. It looks like a Jennifer Smith Rogers painting! This was taken from the parking garage near Husk Restaurant.

I have my sister in town today, so I’m going to cut this short… back to normal posting on Thursday! Have a great day!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Photo… A walk downtown…

On June 1, 2013January 8, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME1 Comment

Some of the homes in Charleston, SC are so beautifully maintained. I’ve noticed several instances of this orangey color, I love it!

Nice man we met watering his window boxes… stunning color on this house!

Now this is a bright and bold door… this was taken on Easter. Everyone had beautiful window boxes… it was a joy to walk around! Enjoy your weekend!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Island Cottage House Plan (SL 358) by Historical Concepts/Our Town Plans for Southern Living!

On May 30, 2013August 6, 2021 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans, THOUGHTS3 Comments

Island Cottage (SL358)House Plan by Our Town Plans for Southern Living

Unique, isn’t it? Like a home built long ago and added on to in the very best of ways. This is actually three different units – perfect for a family living together while maintaining a sense of privacy and having their own space. I can see something like this becoming more and more popular! You’re alone when you want your space and together when you don’t. #winwin

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Charleston Photo: The sky’s the limit!

On May 26, 2013January 8, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME1 Comment

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church… it looks like the sky is the limit, doesn’t it? This is one impressive church, located in downtown Charleston, SC. It is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.

Read a blip about St. Matthew’s from their website:

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, founded in 1840 by a group of Germans who wished to worship in their native language, quickly outgrew its original building at Hasell and Anson Streets in Charleston.

The congregation moved into its current building in 1872. The small congregation could never have envisioned its growth to become South Carolina’s largest Lutheran church at the beginning of the 21st century.

From the beginning until today, St. Matthew’s has reached out to meet and serve the needs of others in our local community and throughout the world, as ordained by God.

Visit St. Matthew’s Wikipedia page to learn more about our rich history.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Happy Saturday! A gallery opening and a very special birthday wish!!

On May 25, 2013May 20, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, HOME, THOUGHTS1 Comment

Well today is the day! The day of the opening of the Lupine Gallery on Monhegan Island, here’s an image and a blip from their Facebook page “Lupine Gallery” – oh how I wish we were there visiting!

Here at the Lupine, we’re looking forward to seeing familiar faces and new, so if you’re on island, stop in and say hello and see what exciting new art we have on the walls! And then join us for our annual opening party on Saturday, May 25 from 5-7, to welcome the 2013 season.

I would also like to wish a very special someone… a very Happy Birthday! Bobbie Stroud, Fred’s mom… one of the sweetest people on earth! We wish her the happiest of all birthdays!! xoxo us

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan Thursday: St. Simons Retreat SL-256 (Southern Living) – Fabulous house!

On May 23, 2013August 6, 2021 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans1 Comment

St. Simons Retreat – An Exclusive Design for Southern Living by Ken Tate Architect

Of all the house plans we’ve looked at (and have tucked safely in a big bag in the closet), this is one of our favorites. It’s a nice coastal design, great near water or marsh… To me, it resembles those neat older beach cottages like we see on Sullivan’s Island… so very cool. So Charleston. What I especially love is the openness of this plan… I like that the master is downstairs and guests are upstairs, affording them their privacy.

Continue reading “House Plan Thursday: St. Simons Retreat SL-256 (Southern Living) – Fabulous house!” →

Tideland Haven House Plan (SL1375) by Our Town Plans for Southern Living!

On May 16, 2013January 28, 2025 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans28 Comments

Now, THIS is one of the most popular house plans on artfoodhome.com – This plan appeals to so many. It offers wonderful indoor space as well as outdoor (i.e. fireplace on side porch – what a dream!) – and if you have a good view this plan has a lot of wonderful windows so you can take advantage. A great design by Historical Concepts!

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Beach at Botany Bay…

On May 14, 2013May 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME4 Comments

Fred and I headed to Botany Bay (Edisto, SC).For those of you who haven’t been… I would add it to my list of places to see… it is preserved land that is full of wildlife, beautiful birds, deer, (snakes, spiders and alligators as well)… It’s like going back in time. I cannot believe we just made our first trip there… it certainly won’t be our last! We opened the back of my car, sat on the bumper and ate sandwiches, listening to the sounds… the birds, the wind blowing the trees… it was heaven!

A peaceful photo from the beach. I could have stayed there all day…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan Thursday: Moser Design Plan TNH-B-11B…

On May 9, 2013August 6, 2021 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans4 Comments

An image of Moser Design plan TNH-B-11B via Moser Design Facebook

Welcome to House Plan Thursday! Today’s plan is a small house, 1,286 square feet. Compact but efficient, which is the most important element when choosing a small house plan. This plan gives you options for flexible space, which is important! Above is the TNH-B-11B plan from a side view. SWEET, isn’t it? I love the front porch. You can sit out and drink your iced tea, chat with the neighbors, or you can sit quietly in the screened porch area with a good book! This way you have the best of both worlds!

Whitehaus36InchNoahCollectionFreestandingUtilitySink VintageTub.com

Click HERE for the pdf of the house plan – sweet! Nothing like dreaming about a house you might build one day… this house has impressive 10′ ceilings. So even though the overall heated space is 1,286 it’s a classy design. There are a few changes I would make for us (as I would with any house plan), and this is where the big fun is… Neither of us is big on caddied or slanted walls, such as in the den, I would make it smaller and square it off… If it’s a three person household, there is plenty of room with a master bedroom, and the den/bedroom area. Then if you need an occasional guest room aside from that you could put a daybed in the library… a thought! Then say your child goes off to school and then onto his or her own life… you aren’t left with a house too big for the two of you… and you can still have plenty of room! A big island in the kitchen gives you plenty of workspace, which is so nice. Another change we would make is in the Utility area, it shows a sink on one side, and washer/dryer area on the other. Instead of a regular sink and counter. I would have this cool sink, with counters on both sides. Perfect for big jobs as well as for bathing the dog!

White Haus 36″ – Noah Collection Freestyle Utility Sink – Vintagetub.com

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images via Moser Design, used with permission…

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

Why are these snakes on the boat??

On April 28, 2013January 8, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME3 Comments

We were at Shem Creek, walking around the docks when I spotted this sailboat that had snakes that appeared to be sunbathing… I counted four or five. Eyeeew! One was red, one was blue, the other seemed more realistic. I assume they were fake… why? Keep people away? Keep birds away? Who knows why you put snakes on the boat? Please let us know!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival, TOMORROW (Sunday), April 28, 2013!

On April 27, 2013January 8, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME2 Comments

The Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival is happening this coming Sunday (April 28, 2013), so if you’re in the area, you may want to check it out! Admission and parking is free (can’t beat that!), so pop on over. It’s located at the Memorial Waterfront Park at the base of the bridge!

Read about the Blessing of the Fleet from the Town of Mount Pleasant website:

2013 Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival

Sunday, April 28

The Annual Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival began in 1987 to support and honor local shrimpers. Overlooking beautiful Charleston Harbor in the picturesque Memorial Waterfront Park, the festival has evolved into one of the most highly anticipated events of the year for seafood lovers. Participants are treated to a boat parade and ceremonial blessing of the shrimp/fishing fleet, savory seafood samplings sold by some of Mount Pleasant’s favorite restaurants, live music, an arts/crafts show, shag dancing and shrimp-eating contests, and family-friendly activities. Free admission & parking! Food and event memorabilia is available for purchase. Fleet Week includes a host of other events that occur in the week leading up to the Blessing.

Catch you back here tomorrow!