A Busy Day? Take A Deep Breath…

This was an unexpected surprise as we headed over the bridge to Mount Pleasant, SC. We were out early the other morning while running errands. There was such a beautiful color across the horizon and then *poof* the sun appeared and quickly rose. In the span of the bridge we saw it rise considerably. What an awesome way to put things into perspective. Busy days and times are among many of us – take a moment to absorb the quiet and any peaceful scene you may encounter.

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Old Oyster House Plan by Allison Ramsey Architects!

Old Oyster Retreat 15363 by Allison Ramsey Architects

Drop dead gorgeous, don’t you think? When I look at this house, it feels as if I’m in an older, very grand neighborhood. You know the kind with the towering oaks, wild palms and HISTORY. It’s hard to believe this plan wasn’t built long, long ago! There is a special grandness to this plan. I love the stunning porches, etc. – they are what dreams are made of.

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Cottage Revival House Plan by David Ranglack for Southern Living!

Cottage Revival House Plan (SL-1946) by David Ranglack for Southern Living

Now, this is a different sort of front entry. The front door isn’t at the front, but like some of the older homes in downtown Charleston, SC you’ll see the entry, then you walk along the side porch to the entry door. I love how this doorway is framed with shutters which lets you know to “walk this way” to the entrance while looking so charming and like it’s been in existence for a very long time. Beautiful!

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These Views Are Never Taken For Granted

Out on walk the other morning 🙄 – I’m walking to my “fast walking” station on Spotify. I was zipping along until I stumbled (literally) upon this view. I thought I would let my heart catch up with my head after almost going *splat* so I stopped and did what any sane person would do – I took a photo….

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Koi Pond in Charleston, SC + a Reminder…

Aren’t these bright orange Koi against the green of the lily pads absolutely stunning? I took this photo at a garden shop in the Charleston area (info below) – gorgeous plants, trees, fountains, outdoor planters, accessories, etc. They also can create a vignette such as this for you. So serene!

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The Lakedale House Plan by C3 Studio!

The Lakedale House Plan by C3 Studio

Gorgeous, right? I love the covered porch on the front. This plan has spectacular windows which can make a house. The doors suit this house perfectly (as does the gorgeous oversized light fixture in front of the door!) – This plan an optional basement so there are even more possibilities! Let’s talk about the layout of this plan…

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My Husband, Top 10 U.S. National Champion 1994!

Thirty years ago (!!) this week, my husband was awarded a top ten US National Champion ribbon and plaque. He was one of the only riders who served as their own trainer. Of course, he didn’t do it alone, SGF Cimarron worked impeccably as he followed the given commands beautifully. This is one of the official photographs (taken by a real photographer – I have tried to find him to add a link but am unsure of the spelling as I have tried every possible configuration I can think of).

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Preservation IS Progress in Charleston

Preserving the beauty of some of the older Charleston, SC neighborhoods is of paramount importance. Many neighborhoods have expressed interest in maintaining the character, flow, height/mass/scale of their area and hope for help avoiding demolition for the sake of “biggie-sizing”. We’re thankful the City of Charleston is working with us on a solution…

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Ooh, La, La! Isn’t this a beauty?

We were in Summerville, SC the other day and on the way back to the car I noticed these STUNNING pink blooms. I had to make a quick detour to check them out and to admire the beauty (and of course to take a few photos!) – This is so beautiful. The flowers were large and various colors of pink, do you know what this is?

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Fall Is Upon Us…

Fall hit and the temps in Charleston rose. Hmmm. I think they’re supposed to drop a few degrees over the coming days, here’s hoping! Whether it’s a tad warm or not, you can still feel the fall vibe in the air. The sun has shifted dramatically. Sun that used to pour into the kitchen windows while making dinner now doesn’t come close. I love the subtle changes and I notice each one.

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The Longleaf Cottage House Plan by Lake and Land Studio!

Longleaf Cottage by Lake & Land Studio

Can you imagine this gorgeous home (especially if you were situated on the water or any other heavenly place with a view!) – This house packs so much punch for its square footage. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t small (matter of fact, to us, it’s large, we live in a smaller older home). I love the lines of this house, the porches, windows, etc. How dreamy to have a fireplace (indoor/outdoor) outside! To me, that would be the ultimate.

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The Griffin House Plan by Allison Ramsey Architects!

The Griffin House Plan by Allison Ramsey Architects | Image: Allison Ramsey Architects Facebook

There is something so special about the ability for a plan to fit in its surroundings and blend harmoniously. This plan is a striking example! I live in an older neighborhood, and we are working with the city to maintain as much character as is possible while still making this a friendly place to live. I have nothing against modern plans, in fact I love them, but for infill in a neighborhood with older architecture I think it’s so important to blend (not look exactly the same, there is a difference). It’s nice when you can find a house plan that check that important box…

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