Curb Appeal & Second Looks

Do you ever see a house while driving that has so much curb appeal that you either turn around or circle the block to take a second look?  

Well I do!!  We were visiting Solvang, California last month and as we drove towards Alisal Ranch this darling bungalow caught my eye!  I asked Mr. Bloomers to please turn around and park across the street so I could snap a few pictures as I knew I  would want to share!

The house is actually a spa and was closed the day we were there. ( Sad face)  I couldn't help but admire the sweet cottage garden in the front yard.  

The blue trim on this charming little bungalow was so eye-catching and really frames 

this darling home.  I love the porch!

The sidewalk is edged with flowers and leads to a decorated front porch with rocking chairs  and pretty garden items.

I imagine customers really enjoy spending time 

in those rocking chairs. 

The garden was accented with arbors, potted plants and garden art.

Love this bicycle plant holder and the fountain in the background!

What an adorable place to have a spa day...Enchante Cottage Spa....even the name is charming!  I would

have loved to spend some time there being pampered with my best girlfriends!

This year I am freshening up my home's curb appeal  and love getting ideas while traveling or driving through my favorite neighborhoods. 

 When our fence and gate needing replacing a few summers ago I chose a cottage style scalloped topped picket fence with a rose arbor gate.  It was instant curb appeal and we immediately got compliments from our neighbors.  (our old fence was looking pretty worn so anything would have been an improvement)  I am still tweaking the landscaping.  My roses are almost to the top of the arbor and hopefully  this year they will make it to the top.  I planted  blue hydrangeas but they are still small and I may have to add a few more to get the full look I want in front of the fence. 

These climbers are a knockout variety 

and are rebloomers all season.  

(Our backyard a few summers ago)

I spent the afternoon out in my garden today, cleaning out flower beds and planting a few hardy perennials...so therapeutic for me.   Early spring is a great time to take a second look at your home's exterior and  garden areas and add some charm or curb appeal.   We recently replaced our windows and patio and one of our neighbors offered to buy our home... and it's not even up for sale!  Never underestimate the value of a little curb appeal. 

Adding curb appeal doesn't have to be expensive.   A new coat of paint on the front door, potted plants on the porch or a fresh door mat make a welcoming statement and will make you fall in love with your home all over again! 

I am hoping to add a few rockers to my front porch this year...maybe for Mother's Day.  Hopefully Mr. Bloomers is reading this post!

   

My favorite spot in the garden is next to my 

blue hydrangeas.

Nikko Blue Hydrangeas

I'm linking with 

Smiling Sally's Blue Monday

Susan's Outdoor Wednesdays

Tootsie Flaunt your Flowers

and 

Tablescaper's Seasonal Sundays