Shiplap and Shells

Home and Garden in the PNW

  • My Blog
    • Home Decor
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
        • Winter Holiday & Christmas Inspiration
      • Our 100-Year-Old Beach House
      • Entertaining
    • Garden
      • Growing a Cut Flower Garden Series
      • Tips and Tutorials
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
    • Saltwater Sounds Wrap-Up
    • All Things Vintage
    • Projects
    • The Pacific Northwest – PNW
      • Boating
    • Stories
      • Travel
  • Shop My Favorites
    • Winter Shopping Favorites
    • Shop for Your Garden
    • Shop My Amazon Store
    • Shop My Home
  • Meet Kim
  • Tour My Home
  • Contact Me

in Garden· Home Decor· Our 100-Year-Old Beach House· Stories

Why We Fell in Love With Our 100-Year-Old Beach House

  • Facebook
  • Email

Welcome to my new blog series, “Celebrating Our 100-Year-Old Beach House”. Here is my first post, you can find out more about what first attracted us to this sweet, old home, and why we call it our “forever” home.

dahlias in front of 1920 beach house

Since starting my blog two years ago, I really haven’t shared much about how we found our home, or how incredibly different it looks from the day we bought it. I’ve done my fair share of seasonal house tours and tablescapes, and a DIY here and there.

Now I’m ready to share our many, many renovations and the “before” pictures we’ve gathered over the years.

Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.

Older picture of our 100 year old home
This was one of the pictures of our home in the early days, left for us by the previous owner.

The Day We First Saw Our 100 Year Old Forever Home

I remember the day my husband, our 2 dogs Charlie and Lucy, and I first saw our “forever home”. It was a beautiful day in May, almost 10 years ago.

Country road with puget Sound view
view of the Puget Sound

I can still visualize driving down the road to the house and seeing the Puget Sound to our right. The water was so blue! After witnessing this gorgeous view, I was already excited about living here, and we hadn’t even seen the house yet.

Front view of the 100 year old beach house
the 100 year old beach house

We pulled into the driveway. And there it was!


100 year old beach house
Before picture of the exterior of the house

Potential Inside and Out

The Front Yard

I saw potential. A LOT OF POTENTIAL! The exterior was cute enough, but the yard was seriously overgrown. If we were going to live here, we were going to need to cut back the plants that were blocking the front windows for more light and to enjoy the Puget Sound view.

exterior of 1920 beach house

One of the very first things we did after moving into our 100-year-old home was to add a deck onto the front of the house to better enjoy the water views from the Puget Sound.

the original view of the front yard
Before picture of the front yard

We didn’t know it at the time, but this would be the perfect spot to build my greenhouse.

greenhouse with daisies
Original yard of the 100 year old beach house
“Before” picture of the front yard

I’ll be honest, I didn’t picture a greenhouse and picket fence flower garden in this area when I saw this view pictured above.

late summer greenhouse and water view

It almost looks like this greenhouse and cottage garden has been here all along.

yard overlooking the Puget Sound
The white picket fence garden is now just in front of the tree in the center of the yard.
cut flower garden in the sunset

Many people ask me why we chose to build our greenhouse and garden beds in the front yard. Mainly because we only had these features available in the front, and not the backyard.

  • Full sun
  • More level ground
  • Quality soil
  • A view of the Puget Sound
  • Abundant gardening space

before picture of the 100 year old beach house living room
Before picture of the living room

Inside the 100-Year-Old Beach House

Here’s the first thing we saw when we opened the door to the 100-year-old beach house for the first time.

I knew we could add some character back to this house with cosmetic renovations. I was more concerned about how terrible the house smelt. It was very musty and the wood-burning stove had definitely contributed to the odor. But my husband assured me that we could get rid of the smell.

100 year old beach house living room

And he was right. After taking the carpet out, adding shiplap to the walls, painting the ceiling, and taking out the wood-burning stove, it was as if we had moved into a completely different house, with a clean and fresh scent.

100 year old beach house living room

In addition to those renovations, we put in hardwood flooring, new windows, crown molding, and faux wood ceiling beams. We even removed a door in order to gain more wall space and more privacy in our bedroom.

before picture of the 100 year old beach house
Before picture in the living room looking toward the kitchen
view of cottage style beach house kitchen from the living room

Taking the wall out between the kitchen and living room was one of the biggest changes made to not only the appearance of the home but how we actually live. The open concept makes entertaining so much easier and the space feels much bigger than it really is.

original cabinet in the 100 year old beach house
Cabinet was built at the same time as the house in 1920

Here’s a fun fact! The cabinet you see above was built at the same time the house was, in 1920. Each previous owner left the cabinet with the house when selling it. Lucky for us! We really didn’t have much room for the cabinet but I loved the history behind it.

100 year old cabinet built in

And then the light bulb went off! When we were adding a tub to the bathroom, on the other side of the wall, we thought the cabinet would make a perfect built-in for our bedroom. This room is so small, so having a built-in solved so many of our storage issues. Doesn’t it look amazing there?


beach along the Puget Sound
Our beach still has the pilings from a community center, which burnt down in the ’60s.

Location, Location, Location

I’ll have to admit, we were more smitten with the location of our 100-year-old home than the actual house itself. Don’t get me wrong. My husband and I both wanted an older home with character and charm. but older houses are significantly smaller, and almost always have significant work needing to be done.

Puget Sound view at sunset

And this house was no different. It most certainly would have been easier to buy something newer, with more space. But we would have never found a place that was on the water (technically across the road, but we do own the water rights) at the price we paid for it. Not only that, but the timing was right, We were empty nesters and didn’t need the same sized home we once did.


kayak ride in front of old barn

Kayaking, Boating and Swimming in the Bay

There is so much to do on the beach and in the bay. You’ll find us kayaking on many summer afternoons and evenings.

kayaks riding in the Puget Sound

The water in the bay is quite warm, especially when the tide is coming back in, so swimming is always a fun treat on a hot day. And the dogs get their daily swim and time to run on the beach as well.

in the kayak with pups

The dogs like their kayak ride with their mom.


original view of the 100 year old yard
Before picture without the deck and plants that are so overgrown, they are blocking the water view.
100 year old beach house with new deck

Enjoying the View

A deck addition was one of the first projects we took on.

tablescape on the deck

When we first looked at the house, and there wasn’t a place where we could enjoy the stunning water view, we pictured a deck off the front of the house where we would eat our summer meals, entertain and relax.

snacks on the deck

The deck gave us an additional living space that we are able to use from May through October, weather permitting. When you have a house as small as ours, this is REALLY a big deal!

community event

Sense of Community

We had heard from some of our soon-to-be neighbors that the community we would be moving into was right out of a Hallmark movie. Here are some of the events we enjoy every year (when we aren’t in the middle of a pandemic)…

  • 4th of July Parade, literally coming down the road in front of our house, followed by a pancake breakfast at the end of the street.
  • Opening Day at the marina
  • Neighborhood Apple Cider Press
  • Trunk or Treat for the elementary school students
  • Neighborhood Wreath Making Party and Bonfire
  • Community Lighted Boat parade and Chili Cook-off
  • Lighted Car Parade down our road
  • Christmas caroling
  • Community Outdoor Concerts
  • Bands marching down our road every so often
4th of July parade down the street
4th of July parade
4th of July parade down the street
Band in the 4th of July parade
party on the deck at 4th of July

We host a 4th of July brunch every year where we can enjoy the parade from our deck. Say hello to my husband and my sweet friend Rebecca.

daisies on the table

These are just a few of the reasons why we knew this would be the home of our dreams. It only took 9 years to make this 100-year-old beach house our forever home. And we’ve never been happier.

Thank you so much for being here. Don’t forget to leave a comment below.

Until next time,


PIN AND SAVE ON PINTEREST

If you’ve enjoyed this blog post, please pin and share this on Pinterest.


More Posts For You...

Making Our 100-Year-Old Cabinet Into the Perfect Bedroom Built-in

How To Make a Faux Fireplace Mantel Surround

Exploring the Puget Sound by Boat

An Enchanted Evening Stroll Through the Garden

Last Year's Home Renovations

10 Ways to Create a Charming Cottage-Style Kitchen


Let’s Connect on Social Media

  • Follow me @shiplapandshells on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook
  • Join my Facebook Gardening Tips & Tricks Group.

  • Facebook
  • Email

Filed Under: Garden, Home Decor, Our 100-Year-Old Beach House, Stories

Stay Connected and Get all the Latest

Previous Post: « Neutral Home Decor to Make Your Home Cozy
Next Post: Shiplap and Shells – Weekly Wrap Up »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cathy says

    05/11/2022 at 12:28 pm

    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

    Reply
  2. Jan says

    02/06/2022 at 9:42 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Kim says

      02/06/2022 at 5:05 pm

      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.

      Reply
  3. Sharon says

    12/05/2021 at 4:55 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Kim says

      02/06/2022 at 5:02 pm

      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.

      Reply
  4. Catherine says

    09/23/2021 at 1:04 pm

    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!!!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Kim says

      10/01/2021 at 6:52 pm

      It’s Van Geldern Cove.

      Reply
  5. Niky says

    02/20/2021 at 9:43 am

    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

    Reply
  6. Rachel Harper says

    02/19/2021 at 10:02 am

    Kim.
    This is a favorite of mine. Love all the before pictures. I’m going to share a link on Sunday Dirt road Adventures.

    Reply
  7. jeanne cummings says

    02/13/2021 at 8:28 am

    ohhhh… I so love your home… makes me long to be back in the PNW… ENjoy your many blessings… 🤗

    Reply
    • Kim says

      02/14/2021 at 3:13 pm

      Thank you so much for reaching out and commenting. There’s something very special about the PNW!

      Reply
  8. Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says

    02/11/2021 at 5:53 pm

    Your 100 year old beach houe, garden and view are fabulous!

    Reply
    • Kim says

      02/14/2021 at 3:12 pm

      Thank you for that! I really appreciate it!

      Reply
  9. Heather says

    02/09/2021 at 4:13 am

    Wow! What a transformation and that beautiful view from your now beautiful home is the cherry on top!

    Reply
    • Kim says

      02/14/2021 at 3:11 pm

      Thank you! Yes, that view is the cherry on top for sure! There are so many more pictures to share. I can’t wait!

      Reply
  10. Lisa M McCarthy says

    02/08/2021 at 1:17 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Kim says

      02/14/2021 at 3:11 pm

      Thank you Lisa! That is such a sweet thing for you to say, and definitely put a smile on my face.

      Reply
  11. Molly says

    02/08/2021 at 9:40 am

    Hi Kim! Loved seeing the before photos! What a special home you have created!

    Reply
    • Kim says

      02/14/2021 at 3:10 pm

      Thank you so much Molly!

      Reply
  12. Pam Kamerer says

    02/07/2021 at 11:24 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Kim says

      02/14/2021 at 3:10 pm

      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!

      Reply
  13. Maria says

    02/07/2021 at 10:49 am

    Your home looks like such a special place and I love how you have it decorated!!!!
    Thanks for sharing:)

    Reply
    • Kim says

      02/14/2021 at 3:08 pm

      Thank you for the kind words Maria. I really appreciate it.

      Reply
  14. Monique says

    02/06/2021 at 2:30 pm

    I love your home and stories! Where did you re locate from? I am always dreaming up where to move next…

    Reply
    • Kim says

      02/14/2021 at 3:08 pm

      Hi Monique,
      We lived in Gig Harbor for years before this and then in Bellevue and Issaquah WA.

      Reply
  15. Stacy says

    02/06/2021 at 2:17 pm

    It’s so amazing how much your gardens have grown!!! Love this look back!

    Reply
    • Kim says

      02/14/2021 at 3:06 pm

      I know. I especially love how much the garden has changed. It’s been a lot of hard work but so rewarding!

      Reply
  16. Jim says

    02/06/2021 at 10:53 am

    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

    Reply
    • Kim says

      02/14/2021 at 3:06 pm

      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.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Meet Kim

Hi! I'm Kim. Welcome to my home & garden blog, Shiplap and Shells. We live in a small 1920 beach cottage in the Pacific Northwest and have spent the last 10 years renovating, reinventing, and adding character to our forever home. Read More…

Up to 40% Off cozy scents for Christmas

Find what you’re looking for

Let's Connect

Stay up to Date

shop my home

  • My Blog
  • Shop My Favorites
  • Tour My Home
  • Meet Kim
  • Contact Me

Footer

Find What You’re Looking For

Follow Along

Disclaimer and Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Market Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress ·