A place to reflect

We are quite fortunate to have 2 wide open porch spaces for relaxing, entertaining or dining attached to our house here in Saluda. The weather in western north carolina is pleasant enough almost all year to enjoy either the bright afternoon sun to warm us in December on the front porch or early mornings with coffee right outside the kitchen on the back porch. The cool mountain breezes provide just the right amount of comfort to diffuse the afternoon sun in the summer. Over the years we replicated the original railing piece by piece by planing, sanding, priming and painting each individual stile on both porches. We wanted to stay in keeping with the craftsman style the way it was built in the 20's. For some time, we had this expansive 30 foot front porch without a rail which was quite intimidating for our guests. Even though it was only 10 feet or so down to the ground it was sort of scary not having a railing there, but we were not going to compromise the integrity of the house and buy some "random" pre-built railing system that "just didn't go with the house". So piece by piece it became reality and the final results are amazing. The pine floor on the front porch is original to the house although it took some "beefing" up of the floor joices underneath to create additional stability, and some blood, sweat and tears to sand, prime and paint to seal it against the elements. Looks great now and some of that original character comes through loud and clear adding the vintage look that we love.