From Beloved Deck to Dreamy Covered Porch: A House Addition Before & After Story

Today, we’re embarking on a captivating journey through a remarkable house addition makeover, a transformation that I believe will truly inspire you. This isn’t just any renovation; it’s a testament to how a home evolves, adapting to new families and modern desires, creating an truly amazing outdoor space that blends comfort with elegance.

The “Before” phase of this incredible project was crafted by my husband, Ed, and me, a labor of love that served our family for many years. The “After” chapter, however, was beautifully penned by the wonderful buyers who purchased our previous home in Pennsylvania, bringing a fresh vision to life and culminating in an outdoor living area that is nothing short of spectacular.

Lake side of 1970 era home that got a new coat of paint — The exterior of our current home, showcasing a welcoming color palette.

For those new to my blog, it’s worth noting that my current residence, where Ed and I have happily lived for five years, overlooks the serene waters of Lake Murray in beautiful South Carolina. It’s a place we cherish, filled with new memories and ongoing projects.

house selling tips — A glimpse into the life of a homeowner.

However, if you’ve been a loyal reader since the early days of my blog, you’ll recall that for its inaugural six years, the majority of the DIY projects, home improvements, and design insights I shared with you unfolded within the walls of our previous home in Pennsylvania. That house holds a special place in our hearts, a canvas for countless creative endeavors and family moments.

A Blast from the Past: The Unexpected Connection

Just last week, an unexpected email arrived, reigniting fond memories. It was from the wife of the couple who had purchased our Pennsylvania home. She shared a delightful anecdote: after five years of living in the house, Ed received a check in the mail. Lacking our current South Carolina address, she reached out to us to ensure the check could be forwarded appropriately. This simple act of kindness bridged years and miles, reminding us of the wonderful people who now call our former house home.

During our brief email exchange, she attached a few photos, explaining that they had undertaken numerous updates and changes to the property. She mentioned they had just completed their most significant project yet and thought I would truly enjoy seeing it. Little did I know, these photos were about to take me on a powerful trip down memory lane.

As I opened the images, a moment of delightful confusion washed over me. “Where is this?” I wondered, marveling at the beautifully transformed landscape. Then, a wave of recognition hit me with full force – these were images of the backyard of my previous home, utterly reimagined! The transformation was so profound, it momentarily disguised the familiar.

The Original Canvas: Building a Backyard Retreat

Building-a-backyard-wood-deck — Ed and I in our younger days, diligently building our original deck.

When Ed and I first moved into that house 27 years ago, our daughters were just three and six years old. Today, they are 30 and 33, a testament to the passage of time and the many cherished years spent in that home. We settled into the house in mid-December 1993, amidst a memorable, wicked snowstorm that made moving an adventure in itself.

The following spring, with the snow melted and the ground thawed, we embarked on our first major outdoor project: building a large wooden deck that extended gracefully from the back of our family room. That photo of a younger Ed and me captures a moment of hard work, partnership, and the excitement of creating a space for our growing family. It was more than just a deck; it was the foundation for countless future memories, outdoor meals, and joyful gatherings.

Arranging-Deck-and-patio-furniture-ideas — Our deck, ready for entertaining with thoughtfully arranged furniture.

Over the years, that deck became the heart of our outdoor living. I meticulously re-stained it a few times, ensuring its beauty and longevity. It was a beloved platform for alfresco dining, morning coffee amidst nature, and lively evening gatherings with friends and family. It truly served us exceptionally well for all our entertaining needs, becoming an extension of our indoor living space and a stage for many happy moments.

Vintage string lights — Magical evenings under vintage string lights on our old deck.

The ambiance created on that deck, especially when adorned with charming string lights, made every outdoor dining experience feel like a mini-vacation. It was a setting for cherished conversations, laughter, and the simple joy of being outdoors.

Vintage bulb string lights on a deck — The warm glow of vintage bulb string lights illuminating our deck for festive occasions.

This sturdy deck, which had stood strong for nearly 27 years, has now been retired. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible new structure that has taken its place, ushering in a new era of outdoor sophistication and comfort. The transformation is truly breathtaking.

The Stunning “After”: A Covered Porch with a Stone Fireplace

Outdoor fireplace and covered porch — The magnificent new covered porch featuring a grand outdoor fireplace.

Hello, updated and utterly new! The moment I first opened the email containing these incredible photos, it took me a few precious seconds to fully process what I was seeing. The view, while deeply familiar in its essence, was also strikingly different. It was a beautiful paradox of recognition and surprise.

Then, the realization struck me with delightful clarity. As my eyes settled on the sparkling pool and the elegant white fence ingeniously hiding the pool equipment, it became undeniable – I was looking at a current, glorious image of the backyard of my previous house! The transformation was so comprehensive, so thoughtfully executed, it spoke volumes about the new owners’ vision and dedication.

Wow! The sheer scale and quality of this update are truly impressive. It’s more than just an addition; it’s a complete reimagining of the outdoor living experience. I always harbored a dream of covering our deck, but I confess I hesitated, concerned that it might cast too much shade and make the adjoining family room inside the house feel too dark. Seeing this magnificent creation, however, has certainly quelled those old worries, demonstrating how beautifully it can be done.

Home addition of a covered porch and fireplace — A closer look at the stunning home addition, integrating seamlessly with the brick colonial.

Imagine the luxury of being able to sit outside, completely sheltered, even when it’s raining. Or, as the crisp autumn weeks approach, envision cozy evenings by a roaring fire – a fire that ignites and extinguishes with the simple touch of a button! This covered porch addition, complete with its majestic stone fireplace, offers unparalleled comfort and extends the outdoor season considerably. It transforms the backyard into a year-round haven, perfect for relaxation and entertaining, regardless of the weather.

View of new back porch addition to a brick colonial — A panoramic view highlighting the architectural beauty of the new back porch addition, harmonizing with the existing brick colonial.

Oh yeah… sign me up for that kind of outdoor luxury! This kind of sophisticated outdoor living space truly elevates the home’s appeal and functionality. The blend of the classic brick colonial with this modern, yet timeless, addition is executed flawlessly, demonstrating a keen eye for design and a commitment to quality. It’s a testament to how a house can evolve, enhancing its original character while embracing contemporary comforts.

Memories Cherished: The Enduring Spirit of Home

Backyard-decorating-ideas — Our vibrant backyard, a hub of activity and joyful gatherings.

While I am utterly captivated by this incredible transformation, my own memories of the backyard and the many fun times we shared there will forever retain the vivid imagery of how it looked when we called it home. I recall the delightful day when the high school girls’ Cross Country team attempted to set a “World Record” to see just how many of them could fit into the hot tub, which was seamlessly connected to the swimming pool. It was a staggering 31 girls, and yes, I have the photos to prove that unforgettable moment! These are the kinds of joyous, slightly chaotic memories that truly define a home, imbuing it with warmth and personality.

DIY-Basket-Party-Cooler — Creative outdoor entertaining ideas from our time in the house.

It brings me immense joy to see these photos, showcasing such a magnificent addition to a truly wonderful house nestled in a fantastic neighborhood. It warms my heart to know that the home is not only being beautifully updated but is also continuing to serve a new family, perfectly fitting their life and aspirations. They are undoubtedly creating their own cherished memories with their two daughters, just as we did, ensuring the house remains a vibrant hub of family life and happiness for generations to come.

A Delightful Postscript: The Unexpected Refund

And speaking of delightful surprises… the check that was so kindly forwarded to us turned out to be an overpayment from a physical therapist Ed visited six years ago for his knee! We can only speculate if they recently conducted an audit of their books and stumbled upon the discrepancy. It was a truly unexpected and welcome refund, a small but pleasant bonus.

Receiving that unexpected check, coupled with the incredible visual tour of the updates to a house I proudly called home for 22 years, created a wonderful blend of nostalgia and fresh appreciation. It underscored the enduring connections we form, not just with people, but with the places that shape our lives.

Wishing you all a happy weekend – and always remember to try and live it in your own unique style, both inside your home and out!

Adding On to My Old Place