Friday, June 1, 2012

Seaside Shelter Featured in "The Bay" Digital Magazine!

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A huge thank you to local writer and author of The Newport Stylephile, Andrea McHugh, for including our Renfrew Park home in the June edition of The Bay. Check out her article and photos at The Bay Magazine - Labor of Love. 


I think it's safe to say that I'm not afraid of taking a risk, but I never did see much margin for error in buying this home. It was walking distance one of the country's best beaches, has a view of the Breaker's mansion and was a stone's throw from Rhode Island's best clam shack. What more could you ask for? Plumbing, drywall? electricity? Over rated. 

If you want to really test the mettle of your marriage, I suggest moving into your living room and washing your dishes in the bathroom sink for six months. With a baby. If you didn't have a sense of humor before, you'll find one. I guarantee it.

I remember a day before we took ownership that we took my father for a tour of the house. 
My mother had recently passed away and he was my new "go to" parent. This was unchartered territory for both of us.  As a veteran custom home builder all he wanted to do was level the house and start from scratch. I will always remember what he said to me in his thick Canadian accent.  

"Dee Dee. I am 70 years old. It would take the rest of my life and this house would never be finished." 

I responded, "That's ok Dad. I'm only 31. It won't take the rest of mine."

Fast forward seven years and I just delivered his iced tea to him. In his bedroom with the ocean view. 

Sweet dreams Papa.






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6 comments:

  1. Very Sweet!If only more people could look at the big picture and see the beauty in these pieces of history!

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    1. Thank you! I love making old things new! There is so much satisfaction in it!

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  2. Wow girl you must be jumping on cloud 9. So cool how you tranformed this home. We live in an old neighborhood, and it hurts so bad when they tear down old homes! Thanks for bringing yours back to life. Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration over at Sunday's Best!

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  3. PS - your were featured at Sunday's Best - how could I not!

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  4. Thank you Cathy! If you haven't seen the "before," check it out under "my home." The house has definitely been a labor of love and an enormous learning experience for us!

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