We're talkin' curb appeal, baby. The ability for your home to say, "Welcome, leave your worries at the door, friendly folks live here" just by a glance at the front porch. Now, that's what I'm talkin' about, people. Just look at the top picture of that charming front porch, what with it's quaint screen door, American flag and the fabulous cone basket of flowers. Aah, I just know someone sweet lives here.
How about this stone cottage with the amazing stone fence, huh? My cottage has some stone work on the front of it, but it's not nearly so grand. It goes about two and a half feet up from the ground.(picture your knee cap height.) Someday, when my ship comes in, I'm going to add to it, and create a bit more ambiance, maybe even add a charming low stone fence like the one pictured here, with a sweet little gate to welcome one and all to the jewel of Norman Drive. *sigh* I think I just might start a coin jar for this very purpose.
Another great close up shot from Romantic Homes a few years back, showcasing the charm of shutters, along with a fairy door. (Anyway that's what I think it is, don't you?) It makes me want to add a fairy door to my cottage in some charming spot.
Lastly, how about this charming cottage look? So perfect. (Very Susan Branch, no?) The rose bushes, (which I now adore with all my heart since moving to my dear cottage) the white picket fence, the shutters, the pergola, the window boxes. Oh, just the warm, fuzzy feel of it all.
*sigh* Total inspiration for a summer weekend.