Why We Fell in Love With Our 100-Year-Old Beach House
There’s nothing better than falling in love with an old home. Maybe it’s the charm, the quirks, or the history that seems to whisper from every corner. It was all of that for us, and even a little more.
We didn’t set out to find a 100-year-old house. But the moment we saw this sweet beach cottage, we knew it had the potential to be our forever home.
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The Day We First Saw Our 100-Year-Old Forever Home
It was a beautiful day in May, nearly 13 years ago. My husband, our two dogs, Charlie and Lucy, and I were driving down a quiet road near the water.
As we turned a corner, Puget Sound came into view. The water was a stunning shade of blue, and I remember thinking, “I could live here,” before we’d even pulled into the driveway.
And then we saw the house.
Potential Inside and Out
The cottage had good bones and undeniable charm, but it needed love—and a lot of it. The front yard was overgrown, with plants blocking the windows and views, but I saw potential everywhere I looked.
One of our first projects was building a front deck to enjoy those incredible Puget Sound views.
What we didn’t realize at the time was that this same space would eventually become the perfect home for my greenhouse and a charming picket fence flower garden.
It almost looks like the greenhouse and cottage garden have always been there.
Why the Greenhouse and Garden Ended Up in the Front Yard
We get asked this question all the time! The backyard just didn’t have what we needed for a garden:
The front yard checked every box.
Inside the 100-Year-Old Beach House
The moment we stepped inside, we were hit with that unmistakable musty smell that only a well-lived-in house can have, plus the lingering scent of a well-used wood stove. But we weren’t discouraged.
We pulled out the carpet, added shiplap, painted the ceilings, and removed the stove. The transformation was incredible. With new hardwood floors, crown molding, faux wood ceiling beams, and fresh paint, it felt like an entirely new space.
We even opened up the wall between the kitchen and living room, which completely changed how we use the space. The open concept made it feel larger and so much better for entertaining.
A Little Piece of History
One of my favorite features is this cabinet, which was built at the same time as the house in 1920. Each owner had left it behind for the next family.
We were renovating the bathroom and adding a tub, and on the other side of that wall was our tiny bedroom. That’s when it hit us.
This antique cabinet made the perfect built-in for extra storage. It fit like it was meant to be there all along.
Location, Location, Location
I have to admit, we were first smitten by the location. We always dreamed of living near the water, and while this home was smaller and needed more work than others, we couldn’t beat the view or the price.
As empty nesters, we didn’t need a big house anymore. What we really wanted was a place that felt peaceful and full of character.
We may not be directly on the water, but we own the beach rights across the road, and that makes all the difference.
Life on the Bay
Living here means we get to kayak, boat, and swim right in our own backyard (or front yard, depending on how you look at it!).
The water in the bay is surprisingly warm in summer, especially when the tide is coming in. On hot days, you’ll find us and the dogs enjoying a swim.
Or taking a kayak ride with their mama.
A Deck With a View
That front deck we added? It’s become our favorite “room” in the house.
From May to October, we use it for meals, entertaining friends, or just relaxing and soaking in the view.
With a smaller home like ours, having that extra outdoor living space is a game-changer.
A Hallmark Movie Kind of Community
One of the best surprises of all has been the community. Before we moved in, several neighbors told us it was like living in a Hallmark movie—and they were right.
From the 4th of July parade that passes by our deck (yes, we host brunch!) to the friendly faces we see daily, it’s the kind of neighborhood you don’t want to leave.
Final Thoughts
It’s taken over a decade of hard work and love, but we’ve turned our 100-year-old beach house into the home of our dreams. It’s not perfect, but it’s perfectly us. From the creaky floors to the garden blooms, every inch of this space tells our story.
Thanks so much for being here and following along. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning an old home, or you already do, I’d love to hear your story in the comments below.
Until next time,
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Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and journey. I loved all of the pictures and reading the story. Someday I hope to make it there ☺️
Thanks Chas! I hope you do come visit me one of these days. Think of all the fun we will have!!!
I hadn’t read this blog post. It is a sweet reminder of all the work we’ve done over the years. Your the most talented woman I’ve ever known. Thank you for being you!
Forever,
Your Husband
It has been a very long road but in the end every renovation was more than worth it. It’s so mice to be able to enjoy our beach cottage now!
Love all your pictures… I just dream away… you are very blessed… 🍂
Thank you so much for your thoughtful message Linda. I am very blessed and so grateful.
We lived on the water for many, many years, and made a change to NC 10 years ago. We miss the water so very much, but enjoy looking at your warm and welcoming home. I look forward to your updates – this one was so special, since I can relate completely! Thanks always for your wonderful descriptions and posts!.
Michelle
Thank you so much for reaching out Michelle. I appreciate your kind words and am so happy to hear that you enjoy my blog. This was a very special post for me to write about. It seems like forever since we first saw our forever home. We love it more and more every day.
Hi Kim! I am just a few miles away from you In Longbranch. I loved reading about how you transformed your charming old house into an even more charming and welcoming place. I bought my 90 year old house on the water a few years ago and took on similar projects. I must come to some of the annual Home events and meet you! Cathy
Hi Kim,
Just love your flower garden and greenhouse. You have done a terrific job. It looks beautiful. I wish my garden were half as nice as yours.
Do you order all of your seeds from Floret or do you use other companies?
Thanks for your help.
Hi Jan. Thank you so much for the sweet words. I do use Floret Flowers but may go to Johnny’s and Renee’s if I need more flower seeds.
Being a real estate agent AND an avid mountain gardener allows me intimate insight into both worlds. The home and location were beautiful before your purchase, but your love of gardening has made the property absolutely stunning. And the interior transformation…well it, too, is amazing. You have great talent & a true obvious love for the space! What a blessing it must be to wake up there everyday ~ Wow!
Thank you for the kind words, Sharon. Your compliment made my day. I didn’t know anything about gardening before moving here. Our home was a true inspiration for me. Thank you for being here. Hugs.
What bay is this? I can’t figure it out and it’s driving me batty! I want to drop anchor and stay there for a weekend!!!! 🙂
It’s Van Geldern Cove.
OH, I so love the story of your beautiful home. You’ve done such a lovely job making it a showstopper! I’ll be featuring it tomorrow on Sundays on Silverado!
Niky @ The House on Silverado
Kim.
This is a favorite of mine. Love all the before pictures. I’m going to share a link on Sunday Dirt road Adventures.
ohhhh… I so love your home… makes me long to be back in the PNW… ENjoy your many blessings… ?
Thank you so much for reaching out and commenting. There’s something very special about the PNW!
Your 100 year old beach houe, garden and view are fabulous!
Thank you for that! I really appreciate it!
Wow! What a transformation and that beautiful view from your now beautiful home is the cherry on top!
Thank you! Yes, that view is the cherry on top for sure! There are so many more pictures to share. I can’t wait!
You are SUCH an Inspiration to me!!
Thank you for all the Delightful pictures as well…
Blessings Kim from your Friend in Texas!
Lisa M McCarthy
Thank you Lisa! That is such a sweet thing for you to say, and definitely put a smile on my face.
Hi Kim! Loved seeing the before photos! What a special home you have created!
Thank you so much Molly!
Kim, I so enjoyed reading about your house. You and Jeff have done an amazing transformation. But knowing you, I wouldn’t expect anything but amazing!
Thank you Pam! It’s been a lot of work, but so worth it. We are so happy here. And so excited for our garden to be featured in a magazine in March and another in May! Truly a dream!
Your home looks like such a special place and I love how you have it decorated!!!!
Thanks for sharing:)
Thank you for the kind words Maria. I really appreciate it.
I love your home and stories! Where did you re locate from? I am always dreaming up where to move next…
Hi Monique,
We lived in Gig Harbor for years before this and then in Bellevue and Issaquah WA.
It’s so amazing how much your gardens have grown!!! Love this look back!
I know. I especially love how much the garden has changed. It’s been a lot of hard work but so rewarding!
Hi Kim, Enjoyed reading this. I’m your neighbor down the street. My wife and I own the small cottage on the corner of A street and 9th. It’s been fun watching what you and your husband have been doing to your house! You are right Home is a wonderful magical place… we always say “there is no place like home”. Keep up all the great work and writing
Hi Jim,
Just catching up on responding to my comments and so sorry I didn’t get over here sooner. I love that you found my blog and live just down the street. Are you the white cottage? I do love living here in this amazing community. Especially in the summer. Hopefully we’ll talk in person soon.